Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 74: Compromise, Entering the Arena of Fame and Fortune

A hand swiftly and expertly grasped the hilt of a sword, lunging towards Lac, as Darn, while mounting his horse, drew the Horgani Sword.

As Darn executed all his movements instinctively honed through months of combat, Karl and all the royal guards displayed vigilant expressions. However, compared to Darn's actions, despite their superior martial skills, the guards, accustomed to a life of peace and comfort, were a beat too slow.

Yet even so, it was sufficient to prepare everyone for the impending danger. Thus, when a group of figures emerged from the darkness, they were met by a cadre of elite warriors ready for battle.

"Brother, let's charge!" Darn quickly scanned the surroundings and realized that although hostile figures appeared both in front and behind, there was still an opportunity for the entire group to break through.

However, Darn's suggestion was not accepted by Karl. Instead, after carefully observing the approaching intruders, the officer sheathed his gleaming sword.

Uh, could it be that they are not enemies? Glancing at the guards who were following Karl and sheathing their weapons, Darn felt a bit confused. Yet, his sharpened instincts from countless battles warned him that the group approaching with torches, now close enough to be seen clearly, were certainly not friends!

In the next moment, Darn learned the identity of the rapidly approaching figures as Karl suddenly raised his arm to his chest, slightly bowing, and spoke in a respectful tone.

"Royal Guard Major Karl Spencer pays his respects to Your Highness, the Prince. It is an honor to meet you under the beautiful night sky outside Beneto!"

Ah! A prince! Which one? Goodness, I am actually meeting a prince! Stunned, Darn was then overwhelmed with excitement, and in his exhilaration, he quietly sheathed the Horgani Sword.

Kexili Medici, the second son of King Frederick of Bylins, a prince renowned for inheriting his father's nobility and his mother's beauty, and famed throughout the human kingdoms for his striking good looks, had arrived before Darn in the dead of night, accompanied by a large retinue of guards.

He is truly handsome! No wonder people say Prince Kexili is the Prince of Roses. Tsk, tsk, tsk, with such delicate skin, his complexion is even more refined than that of the Aionians. Well, with such a pretty boy prince in the capital, the young ladies of Beneto are in for a tough time!

After bowing to Prince Kexili along with the royal guards, Darn lifted his head and immediately took in the prince's appearance. Upon confirming that Prince Kexili's looks were indeed extraordinary, Darn couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.

However, Darn quickly shook off his trivial concerns about the women of the capital, for in the glow of the many torches and the crackling bonfire, the newly arrived Prince Kexili revealed a side that was utterly incongruous with his appearance.

"Major Karl, do you know why I have come to this desolate wilderness at such a late hour?" Ignoring Darn and the royal guards beside him, Prince Kexili fixed his icy gaze on Karl and spoke coldly.

"I do not know, Your Highness," Karl replied, standing tall and composed, seemingly oblivious to the prince's tone.

"You do not know! You have captured my guards! You have taken my people! And you dare say you do not know!"

Prince Kexili's voice rose several octaves, echoing loudly in the night, and as Darn stole a glance at the prince's face, twisted with anger, he suddenly realized the source of his unease.

This prince must be the one supported by the governor of Maryland! Moreover, it seems that this prince is definitely at odds with my brother! With this thought, the respect and fear he had just begun to feel for the prince evaporated instantly.