Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 8: The Engagement

What!? What does this mean, Father? Am I getting married today? No one told me!!! In the unmistakably enthusiastic tone of Antonio, Darn was utterly stunned. It was only at this moment that he began to understand why everyone had looked at him so strangely, why he had received so many precious gifts at his birthday banquet, why Larry Maney had smiled at him, and why Eoria had blushed upon seeing him...

"Darn, Eoria, step forward!" As Darn remained in a daze, feeling increasingly awkward while glancing at Eoria, trying to comprehend what his future might hold, he was once again called to the forefront, this time facing the regional bishop of the Church of Light stationed in Rutania-Ingel Reisendela.

As a servant of the supreme deity, Ingel had witnessed countless engagements, bestowing radiant blessings upon numerous couples in love, and this occasion was no exception. However, to express his respect for Governor Antonio, the bishop, skilled in light magic, cast an eighth-level spell-Divine Purification-before concluding the wedding witness.

Unlike ordinary low-level purification spells, the mid-level Divine Purification not only cleansed the recipient of all curses and toxins but also awakened all the beauty within their soul, elevating their spirit and nurturing genuine emotions.

Thus, when a radiant light infused with both light and mental magic enveloped Darn, he immediately became solemn and dignified. The young man, now shrouded in the spell's brilliance, appeared pure and innocent, as if he had returned to the moment he first entered the world.

Eoria, clad in a pristine white gown, appeared even more immaculate beside him. Standing together as they faced the witness of their engagement, the lovely girl's face radiated a noble glow, and her occasional glances at the young man beside her were filled with sincerity and emotion.

"My children, do you sincerely accept the opposite sex beside you as your closest friend and truest partner in this world?" Ingel, satisfied with the elevated spirits of the two young people, inquired.

"I do!" In unison, Darn and Eoria solemnly replied.

"Excellent! Then, in the omnipresent light of the supreme deity, I declare that Darn Spencer and Eoria Purdue are now engaged, wishing you happiness and joy in the light of the divine, forevermore!"

As Ingel's words echoed, the hall erupted in enthusiastic applause, and the musicians, who had been preparing, began to play, filling the banquet hall with joyful and lively music.

"Wishing you happiness and joy in the light of the divine, forevermore..." As Ingel's blessing resonated, the guests echoed in unison, while the two young people, showered with countless blessings, gazed at each other with happiness and sweetness.

Ah! He is my fiancé now; from this day forward, my future is secured, and my happiness rests entirely upon this... mischievous boy who always loves to tease me...

Shyly yet joyfully gazing at Darn, Eoria's eyes brimmed with affection. From this moment on, a shadow of a person took root in her heart, never to depart.

Darn, too, looked at Eoria with joy and excitement, though amidst his exhilaration, a hint of dissatisfaction lingered-hmm, why is it just an engagement? Not a wedding!? Eoria is quite lovely; marrying such a wife would be wonderful. I wonder when I will be able to do what adults do...

Clearly, as Darn pondered this, the power of the Divine Purification spell began to wane. Once he regained his senses from the shock and excitement of the engagement, the young man, in the throes of youthful hormones, began to entertain thoughts of things he had only heard of or seen but never experienced.

Amidst the fervent blessings of the crowd, the raucous celebrations of the nobles, and the envious, jealous gazes of his friends Bab and Cassius, Darn stared intently at Eoria, his gaze wandering, his eyes dreamy, his mind racing, his hands and feet...

"D-D-Darn, what are you doing?" Eoria took a small step back, her voice tinged with nervousness, yet a hint of joy flickered within her.

"Ah! Well, I..." Darn, dazed, looked at his raised arm, suddenly realizing that he was merely engaged to Eoria, not...

According to the customs of the Elyssian continent and the Bylins Kingdom, once Darn and Eoria were engaged, the couple would soon part ways, and until their wedding day, they were to avoid any private contact.

"An engagement blessed by the divine should be pure, and this purity must be protected to prevent infatuated couples from making any rash decisions!" Amidst the noble guests' congratulations, Governor Antonio quietly remarked to his wife, his gaze shifting from his son's reluctantly withdrawn hands.

"Indeed. While I look forward to the offspring of Eoria and Darn, it is wise to take precautions for the honor of the Spencer family!" Kliya nodded in agreement with her husband's sentiment, gracefully departing from Antonio to approach her soon-to-be daughter-in-law.

Gently and intimately taking Eoria's hands, the Governor's wife naturally led the girl away from her fiancé, joining a group of noblewomen, leaving behind a dissatisfied Darn and his friends.

"Hey, Darn, that's impressive! Without a word, you've snagged the Flower of Rutania! A silent dog doesn't bark, and a thief doesn't shout!" A few noble youths, who also admired Eoria, clapped Darn on the back, their tone a mix of jealousy and frustration.

"Stop talking nonsense! Today is my engagement day; can't you say something nice?"

Having been slapped on the back, Darn snapped back, dodging the fists that were undoubtedly filled with jealousy and revenge, angrily shouting. As a noble scion, the son of a provincial governor, and a pampered young lord, it was absolutely unacceptable for him to be attacked without retaliating. Thus, amidst low growls, Darn, unbothered by the occasion, launched a counterattack against his friends.

"You're right! You're right! Darn, we were wrong; don't hit us! This is your engagement banquet, and everyone is watching!" Not expecting Darn to be so unruly at his own engagement feast, the boys who thought they could take advantage of the situation immediately regretted it.

After a brief scuffle, Darn and his friends finally settled down, and their playful antics were perceived by the guests as an alternative form of congratulatory gesture among friends.

"Wishing you happiness, Darn! I hope you marry soon so that Eoria can keep you in check. Just look at Eoria! What a demure and elegant flower! How did she end up with a pile of..." Dusting off nonexistent dust from his clothes, Langiro offered his blessing in a normal tone, but his words faltered halfway through, twisted by intense jealousy. However, to prevent the newly engaged youth from erupting again, Langiro quickly halted his speech.

Though Langiro did not finish, he successfully sparked another curiosity among the young men.

"Hey, Darn, when are you and Eoria getting married?" The round-faced Bab gazed longingly at Eoria, who was accompanying the Governor's wife, and asked with a tone of wistfulness. Meanwhile, in the distance, the girl who had already secured her future resumed her usual elegance, gracefully mingling with a group of noblewomen alongside her future mother-in-law.

She is truly beautiful! No wonder she is the unparalleled talent known as the Flower of Rutania! What a pity that such a stunning flower has to be wasted on Darn, a pile of dung... All the young men couldn't help but think as they gazed dreamily at Eoria, whose every gesture exuded an intoxicating charm.