Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 91: The Art of Courtship II

In life, most people judge others' rights and wrongs, likes and dislikes based on their own moral beliefs and personal preferences. Rarely does one possess the ability to empathize, to consider issues from perspectives different from their own. In such instances, the majority can only rely on their own experiences and the common sense of the world to navigate problems.

This mode of thinking cannot be deemed incorrect; it is often valid and effective. However, when confronted with matters that defy conventional judgment, complications frequently arise.

Take Oum Spencer, for instance, who is heralded as the greatest playboy of the Bylins Duke's household. This young scion, having lived a life of privilege in the opulent capital, is surrounded by admirers who express envy and respect towards him. In truth, individuals who disdain worldly fame and fortune seldom cross paths with Oum Spencer. Thus, when this dandy offers advice to his cousin on winning a woman's affection, his suggestions are far removed from the essence of genuinely capturing someone's heart.

While Oum's words may hold some merit from a certain perspective, they fall woefully short when viewed through the lens of emotion.

Wealth, fame, vanity, and romance-these are indeed the pursuits of many throughout their lives. Yet, upon deeper reflection, who among men and women truly believes that acquiring these things equates to attaining love and affection?

Love is selfless. Regardless of how vain or greedy one may be for fame, they yearn for love, desiring that the affection bestowed upon them embodies such qualities. Although they may not be able to reciprocate this selflessness, nor engage in love without ulterior motives, the longing remains.

Conversely, love can also be selfish, intolerant of any extraneous influences. Once tainted by money, fame, or vanity, love becomes distorted, losing its essence and transforming into something far removed from what people genuinely desire. Even if some insist that their love remains pure and sincere, how much credibility can such purity and sincerity retain?

True love should resemble the affection parents hold for their newborns-seeing only the beauty and virtues of the tiny infant, wishing to cherish them forever, willing to selflessly give everything, and feeling a daily sense of happiness and joy.

As the child grows, parents inevitably consider finances, futures, and the gains and losses of fame. However, these concerns never diminish their love for the child. Even if the child grows into an adult who achieves nothing and brings shame to the family, the love that springs from the essence of their souls remains unshaken.

Fortunately, although Darn does not yet comprehend the distinction between true love and superficial affection, he instinctively perceives the shadow of genuine love in the female pastor. Though this true love is not directed towards him, Darn remains acutely aware of the source of his feelings.

"No, no, no, cousin! Your methods will not work! Jesseta is a good girl; money, status, and sweet words will not sway her to love me! If Jesseta were that kind of girl, she would not have cared for me so tenderly when I was ragged and gravely injured!"

Recalling the days spent in the White Falcon Legion a few months prior, Darn's lips curled into a faint smile at the memory of that blissful time. Yet, beneath the smile lay a profound sense of nostalgia, longing, and jealousy.

As Darn reminisced about those cherished moments, he gazed at the female pastor in the distance, his expression shifting from joy to distress, then to tenderness, and finally to anger. Beside the boy, the greatest playboy of Bylins also exhibited a range of emotions as he watched the same girl.

"Not possible!?" Oum murmured, "How could it not work!"

Darn's judgment struck a nerve with Oum, yet upon investigating Darn's claims, Oum found them validated. Contemplating his cousin's rival status and the family background of the girl Darn vowed to marry, the Wolf of Beneto began to feel a headache coming on.