Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 79: The Emergence of Reputation

The situation did not unfold as people had anticipated, transforming into a life-or-death duel, for Prince Kexili and several noble attendants wisely shifted their attitudes. Additionally, Darn accepted the unspoken concessions offered by His Highness at the opportune moment.

"We were wrong. We sincerely apologize to you, to General Matteus, and to all the valiant warriors of the Wild Lion Legion who sacrificed their lives for the country. Please accept our apologies, and with the magnanimity of a knight, have mercy on us and forgive us!" Under the negotiation of Prince Kexili, several nobles bowed their heads and knelt before Darn on one knee.

"...Are you truly sincere? Do you genuinely apologize to the spirits of the Wild Lion Legion?" Observing the subservient expressions of the nobles, Darn fell silent for a moment before softly inquiring.

"In the name of the omnipresent light of the Supreme God, our apology is absolutely sincere!" the nobles replied, and Prince Kexili immediately vouched for them.

"Very well! I withdraw my challenge for a duel, and I forgive you for your disrespect towards my comrades... Your reputations are preserved... Your Highness, please excuse me as I take my leave!"

With his sword sheathed, Darn's departure was remarkably smooth this time; Prince Kexili did not voice any objections. However, Darn's mood did not lighten; he felt no joy from the nobles' and Prince Kexili's concessions.

Not having thoroughly punished those scoundrels left him feeling quite unsatisfied!

Contemplating the resentment reflected in the eyes of the nobles who had narrowly escaped punishment, and the helpless yet vengeful expression of Prince Kexili, who could command the nobles to apologize before the increasingly curious crowd, Darn felt a sense of frustration for not having vented his anger and taught those disrespectful, slanderous nobles a proper lesson.

What a loss! To have a falling out with a prince and not even manage to pluck a single hair from those sycophants was truly regrettable! With such thoughts, Darn's figure gradually faded into the depths of the Bailins Magic Martial Academy.

Wherever there are people, there are rumors; where there are people, there are whispers. For a kingdom, gossip and rumors about the royal family are naturally the most abundant, as the royal family holds the greatest power and highest status in a nation. This is undoubtedly the most noteworthy aspect for all those with ambition and desire.

In the seemingly pure ivory tower of Bailins Magic Martial Academy, although most students still possessed hearts untainted by worldly fame and fortune, many eyes remained fixed on the most noteworthy individual within the academy-His Highness Prince Kexili, the second heir to the throne of the Bailins Kingdom.

Although this prince should have graduated from the academy long ago, and despite his less-than-stellar reputation, many people, for various reasons, kept a close watch on every event surrounding Prince Kexili, spreading the news with remarkable speed. Thus, when another night fell, the tale of Prince Kexili and Darn, who had just entered the academy and was personally knighted for the second time by King Bailins, spread throughout the entire institution.

He was a daring individual, yet undeniably a true warrior!

During the night, students, servants, and soldiers guarding the academy quietly discussed the events of the day in every corner. As for the protagonist, Private Darn, who had bravely refused Prince Kexili's demands multiple times but ultimately initiated a duel out of honor for the Wild Lion Legion, he received high praise from all.

Of course, not everyone viewed him solely as a fearless warrior; many saw him as a reckless youth. Although the actions of this youth compelled everyone to acknowledge their correctness, legitimacy, and righteousness, the thought of his complete enmity with a prince sent shivers down the spines of those who pondered deeply.