Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 100: The Banquet

After the earnest admonitions, the old mage finally took his leave, and the girl, who had been scanning the little demon with her beautiful eyes, also departed. The once bustling dormitory fell silent and desolate once more. Darn stood quietly outside, gazing at the elderly man and girl gradually disappearing amidst a throng of servants and maidens, lost in thought.

According to Master Ambrol, the demon Ramis had indeed been of great assistance this time. But why would Ramis unconditionally help me summon a demonic servant? Surely, it couldn't be out of sheer boredom!

Yet, after summoning the lowly demon and binding it with that soul contract, Ramis had made no demands whatsoever...

Sigh! If only the detection of evil could not only reveal the existence of demons and fiends but also unveil their inner worlds and true intentions...

Perhaps, high-ranking clergy possess the means to discern what demons are truly thinking? I recall Master Ambrol mentioning that the priests and clerics of the Church of Light have a spell called Mind Control. If that were the case... Jaiseta should know this spell, right?

...Uh... Jaiseta... What is she doing now? Has she thought of me at all these past few days...?

After days of busyness, the slender figure of the female cleric resurfaced in Darn's mind, evoking deep longing while plunging him back into confusion. The questions that had once kept him awake at night resurfaced in the young boy's heart.

Love? Or mere affection? What is the difference between the two? I have indeed been missing her, yearning to see Jaiseta! Such feelings must be love, not just simple fondness!

Lost in contemplation, Darn reached a conclusion. Although the young boy still lacked a clear understanding of love and romance, it did not prevent him from believing that his feelings were indeed the most revered form of love among humanity.

With this affirmation of his emotions, Darn's heart suddenly felt lighter, and Jaiseta's beautiful visage became increasingly vivid in his mind, her every expression and smile radiating brightness, as if she were standing right before him.

It had been several days since he last saw Jaiseta, and he truly longed to see her again. Why not pay her a visit right now...?

"Darn, what have you been busy with these past few days? Why haven't I seen you participating in the Flame Festival celebrations?" A robust voice suddenly rang in Darn's ear, causing the image of the beautiful female cleric to vanish and the two red hearts in his pupils to shatter like stars in the sky.

Who is it! Don't they know that startling others with loud noises is impolite... Uh, big brother!?

Ten minutes later, amidst the rhythmic sound of wheels, Darn, dressed in formal attire, departed from the Magic and Martial Arts Academy. However, the young boy was not heading to visit his beloved at the Viscount Michel's estate but was instead accompanying the royal guard officer Karl to the bonfire party hosted by Prince Stano Medici of the Kingdom of Bylins.

"This evening, many nobles will attend Prince Stano's banquet, and even His Majesty the King may be present. This is a very formal and grand royal banquet, so you must pay attention to your manners and be careful not to make any mistakes!"

Inside the carriage, Karl continuously informed his younger brother about the details of the banquet, and as Darn listened, he gradually understood why his elder brother Karl placed such importance on tonight's event and personally sought him out to attend.

In fact, the royal capital of Beneto was not only hosting Prince Stano's bonfire party tonight, but another prince, Prince Kexili, would also be holding a banquet at the same time. The nobles attending these two events represented the factions supporting each prince within the Kingdom of Bylins.