Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 77: Provocation

"Hehehe! Your Highness, did you see that? This is the young son of the Spencer family, a private who has been honored by His Majesty, who has undergone two knightly ceremonies and has been personally knighted by the King... and he has been sparring with a guard all morning without a clear victor. Truly, such a person is a genuine warrior!"

Just as he was about to swing his heavy sword again, it halted mid-air, gracefully folding back down. However, the effortless motion of sheathing his sword did not bring joy to Darn; instead, the young man who turned to look was momentarily taken aback, his expression quickly turning cold.

On the edge of the training ground, a group of several individuals watched Darn and Marcel with disdainful smirks. Among them was a man clad in luxurious silks, chin raised and arms crossed, the very one who had just spoken. Beside this long-faced, haughty figure stood none other than Prince Kexley, whom Darn had encountered once before.

The sight of Prince Kexley, adorned in opulent attire and wielding a fine ceremonial sword, stirred memories in Darn of their first meeting on that fateful night. Recalling the prince's arrogant demeanor then, Darn could not help but think of his father's words.

"Prince Kexley is exceptionally intelligent and quick-witted, yet his temperament is capricious and elusive. Interacting with His Highness may lead to some discomfort, but it is far easier than dealing with the worldly-wise Marshal Bakasi."

As Darn pondered his father's private counsel, he pursed his lips and lowered his gaze slightly.

"Good day, Your Highness." Ignoring those beside the prince, Darn bowed respectfully to Prince Kexley, taking a step back before turning to leave.

Yet, before he could take two steps, the prince's voice rang out, compelling Darn to return.

"Wait a moment, please come back, Sir Knight!"

"Your Highness, is there something you require?" Darn inquired cautiously, a mix of confusion and wariness in his tone.

"Oh, it is simply that my knightly guards have heard of your brave deeds, particularly your courageous exploits on the Naglan Prairie, where you fought against the orcs and pressed on into their homeland. They hold you in great esteem and wish to spar with you to express their admiration!"

What? What!? Nonsense!!! If they admire me, do they expect to fight me? A flicker of disdain crossed Darn's eyes as he slowly shook his head.

"Respectful Your Highness, I must decline your request. I sustained injuries during my battles with the orcs, and the pain still lingers, so..."

Without a hint of embarrassment or hesitation, Darn smoothly rejected Prince Kexley's request, which felt like a mere performance.

"Surely not... Were you not just sparring with your guard? How can you suddenly claim this... Are you perhaps afraid to face my knightly guards?" The prince's eyes widened, his tone laced with challenge and mockery.

However, Darn paid no heed to Prince Kexley's tone, standing his ground with an expression of indifference and innocence.

"Your Highness, you may inquire with General Sklick of the White Falcon Cavalry about my injuries. I nearly lost my life, and even after this time, my wounds have not fully healed. Otherwise, as your companion has stated, how could I have sparred all morning without a victor?"

This... Prince Kexley glanced at the flamboyant man beside him, hesitating slightly.

"Your Highness, Mr. Darn has been sparring for quite some time. It seems that although this warrior is injured, he could still manage to spar a bit longer with your knightly guards. After all, your guards cannot be so inept as to fail to determine a victor after such a long time!"