"Happy Birthday!" As Darn entered the banquet hall and approached his parents, he immediately heard Eoria's blessing, though her voice was so soft that he almost mistook it for the hum of a mosquito.
What struck Darn as even more peculiar was the faint blush on the beautiful girl's face, her apparent discomfort, and the satisfied smiles exchanged between Antonio and Kliya.
How strange! This is utterly bizarre! Isn't Eoria usually so composed? It's rare to see her looking so foolish! Just look at her-where has that girl gone who wouldn't even squeal when I waved a mouse tail in front of her? Is this truly the Eoria I know?
Moreover, today Eoria was wearing a white dress, which was so elegant and pure! It was as if she were, hmm, a bride...
Gazing at the seemingly more radiant and innocent girl today, Darn found himself momentarily entranced. This brief lapse in attention did not escape Eoria's notice, causing her already rosy cheeks to flush even deeper. Just as a hint of delight began to blossom within her shyness, Darn suddenly shuddered...
Ah! Could it be that Eoria knows about that painting I did? That old coot, Larry Maney, wouldn't dare to tell his granddaughter about such things, would he!?
In an instant, Darn contemplated the possible implications, and just as he was about to reach out for his birthday gift, he stealthily withdrew his hand. For Darn believed that if Eoria were to discover that she had once been the subject of a certain passionate artwork, then not giving him a good thrashing would be the best birthday gift he could hope for!
With a tinge of embarrassment and guilt in his heart, Darn casually greeted Eoria before retreating behind his parents. Thus, the birthday boy failed to notice that the girl who had made him feel so timid did not step back into the crowd after delivering her blessing; instead, she stood beside Darn's mother, while Larry Maney, Darn's teacher, stood alongside Antonio.
Ding, ding, ding! The clear sound of a bell rang out as a servant announced the official commencement of the banquet, and the hall gradually fell silent. Antonio then stepped forward, under the gaze of all the guests.
"Esteemed gentlemen, ladies, and distinguished guests, I thank you all for attending my son Darn's birthday celebration, which also marks his coming of age. Your presence is an honor for the Spencer family and a glory for Darn..."
The guests listened attentively, absorbing the speech delivered by the Governor of Rutania on behalf of his son. In his address, Antonio showcased the eloquence and capability of a high-ranking official, discussing the relationship between the kingdom's prosperity and its future, the importance of quality education, and the continuation of noble virtues, all in a lengthy and flowing discourse...
As the audience, the guests in the banquet hall, focused intently on the Governor's words, they expressed their affirmation and support for Antonio's speech, which also served as a testament to their respect for him.
However, Darn, the very reason for this speech and its central figure, found himself unable to show the same respect and support for his father as the nobles and officials did. Instead, the birthday boy stood beside his father, increasingly bewildered and dazed...
"Darn!" A low, sharp reprimand pulled Darn from his reverie, and he bid farewell to the approaching dream goddess. Feeling the piercing gaze of Antonio, who was clearly disappointed, Darn jolted back to reality.
"Step forward!" Antonio commanded, his tone steady and cold.
Uh, what is this about!? Confused, Darn obediently stepped away from his father.
"Kneel!" Antonio continued.
Huh!? What is happening!!! I haven't done anything wrong today!!!! Darn's heart skipped a beat as he turned to glance at his mother, who wore a similarly helpless expression.
"Kneel! Kneel before me! Like a man! Reveal your heart!" Antonio's voice rose, nearly bursting into a shout!
Oh, I see, today is my coming-of-age ceremony; my father is conducting an enfeoffment ritual! Suddenly recalling some noble traditions, Darn promptly knelt on one knee, his previous confusion and grievance vanishing, replaced by determination and composure...
With a sharp sound, a gleaming knight's sword was drawn, slowly resting upon Darn's shoulder. Then, the deep and resonant voice of the Governor of Rutania echoed throughout the spacious banquet hall.
"Darn Spencer, are you willing to devote your utmost efforts, your all, even your life, for your homeland?"
"I am!"
"Darn Spencer, are you prepared to fight bravely for your home and people, unafraid of sacrifice?"
"I am!"
"Darn Spencer, will you uphold your promises throughout your life, assist the weak, and foster friendship with others?"
"I am!"
"Very well, then, Darn Spencer, by the authority granted to me by His Majesty King Frederick Medici of the esteemed Bylins Kingdom, I hereby officially enfeoff you as a knight. May you forever engrave today's promises upon your soul, fighting for the king and the kingdom, for glory and justice!"
The sharp knight's sword radiated a chilling aura, raised three times and lowered thrice. When Antonio finally sheathed the sword, two attendants approached, each bearing a tray containing a white robe symbolizing purity and a red cloak representing courage.
Rising slowly, Darn donned the white robe under the watchful eyes of all present. As the red cloak draped over his shoulders, a low chorus of blessings filled the banquet hall.
"May the supreme deity forever protect him, may the glory of His Majesty the King shine upon him eternally!"
Amidst the solemn and seemingly devout blessings, Darn suddenly felt an indescribable sense of pride and greatness swell within him. The youthful countenance that had once been marked by carelessness and arrogance now radiated a newfound purity and fearlessness.
For the supreme deity, for His Majesty the King, for the people-yes, I am a knight now, and it feels splendid to be one!
Lost in the ephemeral glow of glory, Darn, for the first time in his life, intertwined his fate and honor with the Bylins Kingdom and the radiant deity illuminating Elyssia.
However, this intoxication lasted only a brief moment, precisely until Darn's father spoke again.
Perhaps having enfeoffed too many knights or perhaps too familiar with the ceremonial proceedings, Antonio displayed little excitement during his son's enfeoffment. Instead, the Governor seemed more focused on the upcoming ritual.
The clear sound of the bell rang out once more, and the banquet hall gradually quieted. After signaling Darn to stand beside him, Antonio's voice resonated through the hall again, this time devoid of the previous gravity and weight, now light and cheerful.
"Esteemed guests, thank you for your blessings for our new knight, my son Darn. However, you may need to bless him once more, for I am about to announce the commencement of another ceremony... Master Larry Maney, please step forward and stand with me."
Huh, another blessing for me? Is my father going to enfeoff me twice!? The first was to grant me knighthood, so what could this one be? A formal title? Surprised and delighted, Darn looked at his father with a glimmer of anticipation, unaware that his teacher, Larry Maney, was standing beside Antonio, holding Eoria's hand.
"As you all know, Master Larry Maney Purdue is one of the greatest scholars in the Bylins Kingdom. His ancestor, Ogil Purdue, was the immortal sage who established the timeless Codex of the Empire of Cesaria. The laws of our Bylins Kingdom also stem from the great and immortal Cesarian Codex!"
"Purdue, a name synonymous with wisdom and nobility. In honor of this name and its lineage, I have taken the liberty of proposing to Master Larry Maney on behalf of my son Darn. It is with great honor that I announce that Master Larry Maney has accepted my request, and today, esteemed guests, you shall witness the glorious union of the Spencer and Purdue families!"
YOU ARE READING
Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I
FantasyIn the Kingdom of Bylins, the noble youth Darn Spencer finds his sheltered life shattered as political intrigue and magical manipulation tighten their grip on the realm. As he faces the wrath of Gruman, the king of the orc kingdoms, and grapples wit...