Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 87: A Proposal

Dressed in white as pure as snow, elegant as clouds, moving like a gentle breeze, and exuding the demeanor of the most noble angel-ah! Jesseta, I see you again, clad in your white priestess robe, seemingly even more sacred and beautiful than when we parted!

A flicker of nostalgia, a flash of memories, a surge of ardent admiration-Dahn's gaze could not tear itself away from the beautiful figure of the female priest, a vision that had appeared countless times in his dreams.

As his eyes followed the priestess dancing by the bonfire, Dahn realized that the brief separation had not diminished his affection in the slightest; rather, the suppressed fervor within him erupted upon seeing Jesseta in her white attire, like a long-dormant volcano now more violently restless.

Caught off guard by this sudden encounter, Dahn found himself utterly captivated by the priestess's presence, momentarily forgetting what he was supposed to do. Especially when his gaze occasionally passed through the crimson liquid of his drink, revealing Jesseta, now even more alluring with a hint of wine's blush, rendering him breathless and unable to think.

In a state of emotional turmoil, the lovestruck youth soon caught the attention of his companions, who, upon observing Dahn's unusual demeanor and following his gaze into the distance, quickly discerned the reason behind his infatuation.

"Ha, that girl is quite beautiful; no wonder Dahn is acting like this! But this lad has never seen much of the world. What can you expect? My cousin grew up in the backwoods of Ruttania, after all. Anyone who hasn't encountered many beauties would likely behave like him!"

Ome Spencer laughed loudly at his cousin, dismissing Dahn's infatuation with a beautiful girl, for to Ome and the other noble youths raised in the capital, Beneto, while Jesseta was indeed a rare beauty, she was not an unattainable enchantress.

However, seeing his cousin and friend reveal such a budding affection, Ome, Langiro, and the others were more than willing to play matchmaker. With a snap of his fingers, the old steward responsible for receiving guests was hastily summoned.

"Dahn? Dahn? Dahn!" Called three times, the voice broke through Dahn's reverie, causing him to turn his head slightly. When Ome leaned in and whispered a few words in Dahn's ear, his eyes suddenly lit up.

His cousin was right! If he liked a girl, he needed to quickly ascertain her background, family address, and interests. Then, armed with this knowledge, he could strike with confidence, ensuring victory. Yes, Jesseta, do you remember what I said? I will surely make you my bride!

With this thought, Dahn reluctantly set down his wine glass, diverting his gaze from the girl who had captivated his every thought, and turned his attention to the steward, who was now prepared.

"Steward, quickly tell me, where is Jesseta, that girl, that priestess, from? Who are her parents?"

"Yes, young master Dahn, Miss Jesseta's surname is Anvor, and her father is a viscount of the kingdom..."

In no time, Dahn had gathered all the information about his beloved. The daughter of a fallen viscount, her family was on the brink of bankruptcy, which had led her to join the Church of Light, hoping to aid her family through this path. Ha ha ha, my Jesseta is indeed a kind-hearted girl!

With this thought in mind, Dahn turned back, his eyes eagerly searching for that familiar slender figure. As expected, by the roaring bonfire, he spotted the female priestess. However, just as a smile began to bloom on his face, it suddenly froze!

Next to the beautiful priestess stood another figure-tall and robust, with golden hair billowing in the wind, illuminated by the flickering flames, resembling a descending deity. Around this figure, several noblewomen were already captivated, casting him adoring glances. Yet...