Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 94: Love and Non-Love

"You-" Viscount Michel was taken aback by his daughter's words, rising to his feet in shock, followed by an uncontrollable surge of anger. Without a second thought, he raised his arm, but as he hesitated, he caught sight of Jeseta's defiant face and the unwavering determination in her eyes.

"You-" he uttered again, his voice filled with fury, yet his hand could not descend. Meanwhile, beside the viscount, Darn, stunned by the female pastor's resolute declaration of love, stared blankly at Jeseta, his lips moving but unable to articulate a single word.

As Jeseta shifted, seemingly intent on leaving, Darn's eyes flickered, and he finally voiced the question that had long been buried in his heart.

"Jeseta, have you forgotten the days we spent on the prairie? Have you forgotten what happened in that temporary military camp? Back then, you clearly loved me! You were so kind and gentle to me; why has everything suddenly changed?"

His inquiry was filled with anguish, and the pain was so palpable that Jeseta, on the verge of departure, sensed the sincerity behind Darn's suffering. Her heart softened, and the memories of their past made her hesitate.

Darn truly loves me, doesn't he? No, no, this boy merely confuses gratitude with love... But regardless, Darn's feelings for me are genuine. Is it too cruel of me to treat him this way? Although I love Hyman, must I let this boy suffer so deeply?

Reflecting on Darn's consistent kindness towards her, Jeseta recognized that while he may harbor animosity towards her beloved, he only sought to drive Hyman away from the ducal residence, not to harm him in any other way. With this in mind, Jeseta felt it necessary to salvage the friendship between herself and Darn, to help him understand that fleeting impulses and passions differ from enduring love born of deep acquaintance.

With this thought, Jeseta halted her steps, and after a moment's hesitation, she spoke words that brought joy to Darn.

"Father, I would like to speak with Darn... alone. Is that alright?"

"Of course!" Viscount Michel readily agreed. Glancing at Jeseta's expression and then at Darn's delighted face, he stood up with his wife and exited the room. Kristine, the talented military strategy instructor at the Magic and Martial Academy, cast a lingering glance at his sister before following suit, a flicker of inscrutable light passing through his eyes.

"Jeseta, I..." Once alone with the female pastor, Darn could no longer contain his feelings and sought to express his love once more. However, he was interrupted by Jeseta.

"Darn, I really like you!" she said softly, causing Darn's face to light up with joy.

"Your bravery, your strength, your innocence displayed during your injury and unconsciousness-these are all reasons why I like you."

Ah! How wonderful! Jeseta has finally recognized my virtues! Darn couldn't help but smile, wanting to praise the radiance of the Supreme God, but...

"However, this liking is not love. It is different from the feelings I have for Hyman. When I look at you, it feels like I am looking at my younger brother..."

"I am willing to give my all for you, to help you, to care for you. I wish to maintain this familial bond of friendship..."

"But I truly do not love you. I cannot love a boy younger than me whom I have only known for a few months. My heart belongs to Hyman; I cannot offer you the same."

"And..."

"And you are just a big boy... Darn. Although you are of age, you are still a child. Your desire to marry me stems from the fact that I once helped you, just as I have helped others. Your feelings are merely a misinterpretation born of gratitude!"