Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 67: Wanted and Defamed

As various thoughts swirled in his mind, the fear of parental punishment caused Darn's expression to fluctuate between gloom and brightness. To the eyes of the thief Lilith, however, it appeared as a manifestation of the boy's guilt and timidity. Strangely, the animosity Lilith once harbored towards Darn suddenly dissipated, replaced by a profound concern and deep worry.

If it weren't for me, he wouldn't have returned, nor would he have clashed with that nobleman. In this light, it seems that everything has unfolded because of me, and this boy has landed himself in such grave trouble!

With this realization, Lilith's expression softened considerably, and a wave of sympathy emanated from her gaze. Simultaneously, a sense of moral responsibility and obligation began to blossom within her heart.

No, I cannot simply walk away. I must help him, assist him in evading the retribution of Baron Obia. At the very least, I should ensure he receives some advance warning!

With this thought in mind, Lilith turned around, determined to aid the very boy who had just moments ago left her feeling humiliated and on the brink of madness. However, before she could step out of Darn's room, a commotion erupted outside the inn, accompanied by the clanging of armor.

Darn, too, heard the sound that signified the arrival of a large contingent of soldiers. In an instant, both Darn and Lilith dashed towards the balcony, cautiously peering out.

Outside the inn, a group of soldiers had surrounded the establishment, while several knights brandished two pieces of parchment, speaking to the innkeeper, who had just emerged, trembling with fear.

Ignoring the innkeeper's words, Darn's attention was immediately drawn to the parchment in the knights' hands. Despite the distance of several meters, he could discern that one of the figures depicted on the parchment bore a vague resemblance to himself, while the other...

"You ended up beating that bastard too!?" Darn asked Lilith, bewildered.

"No!" Lilith replied softly yet firmly.

"Then why are you wanted as well... Oh, I see! That guy is the real scoundrel! And here I am, wrongfully accused, heh! I'm nowhere near the level of a rogue!"

With a sigh of exasperation, Darn withdrew his head, while Lilith's face suddenly flushed, and in a fit of indignation, she mimicked Darn's tone and muttered three words-"Bastard!"

Three years of good behavior undone in mere days, or perhaps even less; tsk, tsk, tsk, and just like that, this girl has learned to curse!

Reflecting on the playful insult she had just uttered, Darn retreated into the room, closing the balcony door and windows, his mind already made up.

"Lilith, find a chance to slip away... Here, take this, and hurry!" Quickly donning his battered armor and grasping the Sword of Horgani, Darn hesitated for a moment before reaching into his pocket and pulling out the magic crystal card he had pilfered from Baron Obia.

"What is this? Why are you giving me this?" Lilith asked, furrowing her brow, her frustration and anger over being wanted still evident.

"It's a magic crystal card. This is your reward. Thank you for coming all this way to warn me! Can't you turn invisible? You should leave through the balcony!"

Hearing the heavy footsteps outside, the creaking of the stairs, and the occasional clash of weapons, Darn no longer looked at Lilith. Instead, he extended his arm, forcefully placing the magic crystal card into her hand before bursting out the door.

Watching Darn's silhouette vanish at the doorway, and glancing at the magic crystal card still clutched in her hand, a complex expression flickered across Lilith's face. Then, her form gradually twisted and blurred, ultimately disappearing into the air of the room.