Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 101: Reunion

"Unprincipled and disrespectful brat, do you intend to betray your engagement?"

As soon as they reached a secluded spot, Darn was met with a deliberately hushed yet furious inquiry from Master Larry Mani, whose eyes blazed with anger, nearly striking the boy on the head.

"I would never! How could I betray the engagement? I wouldn't!" Darn stammered in response. Although he had envisioned this scene countless times in his mind, the reality left him breathless and anxious.

"Wouldn't! Then why did you publicly propose to a lady of a viscount's family? Hmm! I heard about it the moment I entered the capital today; how do you explain that?"

"Ah... Did you just arrive today? What about Aeloria? Does she know?" Darn asked, a hint of panic in his voice.

"Aeloria came with me and Benetto; do you think she doesn't know?"

Darn was left speechless. Although he had come to understand his feelings for the female priest, recognizing that they were not merely gratitude or a fleeting impulse sparked by the warmth and light that Cheseta had provided during his illness, he found himself at a loss for words in front of the furious elder.

I truly like Aeloria, but my feelings for her are different from those I have for Cheseta...

My feelings for Aeloria are akin to those I have for a part of my own being, like the closest of kin. I relish the moments spent with Aeloria, watching her feign composure, her irritation, and her joy when I tease her. I would sacrifice everything for Aeloria, even my life...

Yet my feelings for Cheseta are like a moth drawn to a flame, knowing full well that the fire could harm and destroy me, yet still recklessly throwing myself into it...

Recalling the countless rejections he had faced, and the warmth Cheseta showed to his rival while he received nothing but coldness, Darn couldn't help but reveal a bitter smile. To Larry Mani, however, this smile appeared as a sign of guilt.

"That Antonio lad is virtuous and devoted, and your brother is a diligent and humble boy who never flirts. Why have you turned into such a reckless scoundrel? Hmph, is that viscount's daughter truly so beautiful that you, you rascal, would disregard everything and commit such foolishness in public?"

Fixing a fierce gaze on Darn, Larry Mani questioned, though his tone softened slightly.

It's merely a child's folly; they cannot decide matters of marriage; that is still for us to determine! Our families have been close for so long, and Darn and Aeloria grew up together; the engagement will not be changed!

Recalling the words and assurances of the old Duke Johan, Larry Mani sighed softly. Alas! This student of mine, my future grandson-in-law, is truly a source of worry...

"Uh, she's not that beautiful; Aeloria is probably a bit prettier than Cheseta! Well, there are many girls in the capital who are not inferior to Cheseta..."

"Hmm!? Besides that viscount's daughter, have you met many beautiful girls?" Just as he was about to shift from reprimanding to warning, the old scholar's eyes widened, and his anger flared once more.

Uh, did I say something wrong? Why is the old man looking like he wants to devour me? Darn lowered his head, a bewildered and innocent expression on his face, feeling somewhat dazed.

This... what an absurd student! How did I ever agree to Antonio's request and choose such a grandson-in-law for myself?

Furrowing his brows, Larry Mani shot Darn a piercing glance, but ultimately, all his anger transformed into a long sigh as he resigned himself to fate.