Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 90: The Art of Courtship

Alcohol is the elixir of forgetfulness; the more one drinks, the more one can resemble a ghost journeying to the land of the dead, consuming the waters of oblivion to forget past lives and escape all troubles.

Yet, before the effects of alcohol take hold, pain still lingers, and the stimulation of the alcohol only sharpens the awareness of that pain, making it even more unbearable.

Darn, having just suffered a significant emotional blow, was a prime example of this. After downing several cups, the familiar dizziness did not help him forget his troubles; rather, the haze of intoxication made his memories clearer, and images of moments spent with Jessita floated through his mind like vivid paintings.

Even in his recollections, the warm glow radiating from the female pastor illuminated Darn's world, momentarily brightening his sorrowful existence. Memories of Jessita's unwavering care and affection for him delayed the beauty of that moment just a little longer, and then...

Thud! The bottle was slammed down heavily on the table, followed by Darn picking up another bottle filled with a vibrant red liquid.

Gulp, gulp, gulp-the spicy liquid surged into his mouth, traveling down his throat, delivering a powerful jolt while clearer memories surfaced in the young man's mind.

The comforting scent, reminiscent of a mother's warmth, filled him with an overwhelming sense of security. The gentle touch that instilled confidence and courage, and the radiant smile he could see every day, seemingly bathed in divine light-how wonderful everything had once been!

As a look of joy and intoxication spread across Darn's face, the other side of Jessita's disdainful and resolute expression suddenly emerged. In Darn's chaotic mind, the cold, unfeeling Jessita swiftly eclipsed the kind and gentle version he cherished. When Darn widened his eyes in terror, searching for the figure that once brought him happiness, he discovered that the bottle that had brought him both joy and sorrow was now empty.

"I must get her back... I must find the Jessita who loves me and cares for me..." Darn mumbled, already seven parts drunk, his eyes hazy as he scanned the surroundings for the potion that could fulfill his wish. In less than a moment, his eyes lit up, and he staggered to his feet.

The banquet continued, with delectable food and wine being served by the duke's servants. Most of the nobles and guests were enjoying the festivities of the Midsummer Flame Festival, but in one corner of the banquet, a few young men had lost their desire to revel.

"Darn seems off... He looks utterly dejected, as if he has suffered a great injustice. Did that girl dump him?" Langiro, skilled at observing situations and reading emotions, was the first to speak, gazing at the distant boy drinking alone.

"It seems so. Look, that viscount's daughter has gone to her father without even glancing back. Tsk, tsk, Darn has really hit a wall this time; how pitiful!" Bab put down his chicken leg, speaking with concern.

"Pitiful my foot!" another voice chimed in, causing Langiro and Bab to display displeasure as they turned to the speaker.

Oh? It's Oum, Darn's cousin!? Why is he speaking like this? We, his friends, feel sympathy and think we should help Darn, yet this young master shows no concern for his own cousin!

As they pondered this, Langiro and Bab internally criticized Oum. However, when Oum spoke again, the two boys realized they had misjudged him.

"That fool, he was just dumped by a viscount's daughter! What's the big deal? Why the long face? Hmph, if Darn wants, I can introduce him to several prettier noble ladies. Even if he is infatuated with that viscount's daughter, there are plenty of ways to win her over!"