Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 58: Honor and Love

In this conflict between the orc tribes and humanity on the plains, both sides paid a heavy price. For humans, the losses primarily included crops, livestock, money, and numerous homes and possessions destroyed by the orcs. In contrast, the orcs suffered significant casualties due to drought, hunger, and the toll of battle.

"All three provinces bordering the Nagrand plains are safe and sound. Although there were casualties, they were not severe!" Jieseta said, genuinely pleased that the people of the Kingdom of Bylins had not suffered extensive losses.

Darn, however, found joy in another implication of Jieseta's words. If all three provinces were unharmed, then Ruthtania must have escaped damage, and my parents are safe! With this thought, a sincere smile spread across Darn's face.

What delighted Darn even more was the news he learned through his conversations with the priestess. General Matteus had returned to Ditlan. Though severely injured, he had survived thanks to the dedicated treatment of a cardinal from the Church of Light.

Not only had General Matteus returned to Bylins, but also Lieutenant Gerald, Sergeant Kowel, and Corporal Kahi had unexpectedly made it back to the human kingdom alive. Though each of them was battered and bruised, they had indeed survived.

"General Matteus is a great soldier, able to cast aside all disputes over interests, disregarding any gains or losses, and resolutely leading you into the Nagrand plains to fight for humanity's future. Though ultimately defeated, such a soldier deserves the respect of the people!"

As Jieseta spoke, her expression brimmed with admiration and reverence, akin to all the cavalry of the Lionheart Legion. From Jieseta's subsequent words, Darn learned that the Lionheart Legion was the only army to charge into the Nagrand plains during the war between all human nations and the orcs, fighting against the orc sanctuaries for the sake of tomorrow's safety.

"Every survivor of the Lionheart Legion is a hero of Bylins, a hero of humanity. Therefore, to awaken our heroes and ensure your recovery, I am willing to pay any price, even at the cost of my own magical power!"

With that declaration, Jieseta exited Darn's tent, leaving him with her respect and gratitude for himself, General Matteus, and the Lionheart Legion.

Uh, in truth, Corporal Kahi, Sergeant Kowel, and I never really thought about all this. It seems we were more driven by honor and military merit when we charged into the orc sanctuary of Asusus...

Watching the priestess's retreating figure, Darn felt a twinge of embarrassment. However, out of a fondness for the title of hero and the vanity that resides in most hearts, he did not explain himself to Jieseta but instead proudly embraced his identity as a hero.

With the affirmation of his identity, Darn soon received further honors, the first of which came from the human army that had rescued him and brought him back to Bylins.

"Excellent young man! To withstand the attack of the orc hero, the ferocious bear Namsa, you truly deserve to be called a warrior who followed General Matteus into the orc sanctuary. For this, young man, I am delighted to bestow upon you the badge of the White Falcon Legion, recognizing you as an honorary knight of the White Falcon Legion!"

The speaker was an old soldier, no younger than General Matteus, yet this commander of the White Falcon Legion, one of the three royal cavalry regiments directly under the king's command stationed in the capital of Bylins, lacked the straightforwardness and boldness commonly found in General Matteus, leaving Darn with an indescribable impression.

Does it seem pretentious? As if he were acting? Why am I thinking this? What reason does General Sklick have to perform for a mere soldier? I must be...