Chapter 722 - 723: Soft Promise

After a few minutes of making a statement in front of the magical orbs like a nobleman who had just been caught red-handed embezzling funds from the imperial cabinet, Damon was finally convinced the world believed his innocence.

Or so he hoped.

Across kingdoms, the broadcast orbs flickered out one by one, leaving behind a storm of laughter, gossip, and chaos.

In arena, the crowd was still roaring.

"He said she’s a virgin! The man actually declared it before the goddess!" one soldier wheezed, pounding the table until mugs fell.

Luna didn’t even know how to react. Her brother had been busy.

Even among human nobles, the reactions were split. Some were shocked, others entertained.

The duke sighed with a resigned expression.

"If nothing else, that boy knows how to stay relevant."

He glanced at his father.

"We’re the ones cleaning up after him, right?"

The grand duke nodded slowly.

Cassian sighed.

"I figured you’d say that."

Back at the scene, Wendy shot Damon a dubious look but didn’t say anything further.

Matia was still in his shadow at this point, she was used to the drama that was his life.

Waton trudged to Damon as if he didn’t want anyone to notice him, whispering in Damon’s ear.

"Ergh... the last noble I knew with your achievements died tragically when he got cut up in a fight between two particularly fierce women..."

Damon’s brows twitched.

"I’m single dammit. We’re just friends."

Waton smiled with a knowing expression.

"Of course, of course, I believe you." That was the face of an unbeliever.

Damon looked at Sylvia, who was now sitting on a rock with a small smile on her face. It was almost like she enjoyed getting him in trouble.

"I just lost my one leverage with the old elf... good job, Sylvia."

She smiled, twirling her hair.

"You’re welcome."

"That was sarcasm," he added with a deadpan expression.

"Oh, sorry. We don’t have that in Iorvas."

Damon’s eyes twitched with a pang of irritation.

’This brat is really paying me back for all the times I took advantage of her.’

Shaking his head, he walked right next to her and sat down.

"Congratulations on reaching the third class, Sylvia... in record time too."

She smiled softly hearing his words.

"Right back at you. Though I am a little envious. I had to rely on some rather peculiar means... to achieve it, unlike you."

He raised an eyebrow, seeing her elven royal guards trembling slightly with fear, their legs jittering.

"What do you mean?" he asked worriedly.

She smiled, pulling out several red potions in a vial.

"I made potions, see? Just enough for everyone. But it seems you guys won’t be needing them."

Damon felt a little relieved. He thought she had done something extreme, though he had a feeling he wasn’t far from the truth. But did he want to find that out or not?

"As long as you’re not hurt, that’s fine with me."

In the end, he didn’t really care; if she was alright, that was enough for him. If he asked, she would tell him, but since she didn’t of her own accord, Damon had no reason to pry.

He couldn’t treat Sylvia like a helpless princess forever.

He glanced at the floating book in front of her with the symbol of the unknown god etched into it. Sylvia he trusted to make her own decisions. The unknown god, however, was a different story.

"Just be careful, okay? You know you can tell me anything."

He whispered it softly, assuring her. Sylvia wanted to escape her controlling parents, Damon was not about to replace them by meddling too much in her affairs.

"I know. I haven’t forgotten your promise to me... you are still going to keep it, right?"

She whispered softly, recalling the day he saved her from the spirit possession of the dark spirit Rashi Ignath.

"I... as long as I live." There was hesitation in his voice.

Even promises ended with death.

Still, to avoid the somber mood, he forced a smile on his face.

"Anyway... why are you following, or better yet, tracking Lilith?"

Sylvia paused, biting her lips, her grey eyes narrowing.

"I... what if I want... to kill her."

She spoke those words as if walking on eggshells.

Damon narrowed his eyes, turning to glare at her coldly.

"We both know that was a joke of poor taste."

Sylvia lowered her head slightly.

"Hmmm, that’s why I won’t kill her. I don’t hate her per se, but I can’t be bothered to like her either... it’s a matter of my pride as a woman."

Damon didn’t know what happened between the two of them, but Lilith also seemed to have the same feelings for Sylvia.

It was mutual.

’Why can’t we all get along.’

Interesting coming from him of all people.

Sylvia glanced up, then back at him.

"When she and I meet, don’t interfere, okay? It would be really bad if you do. I’d really hate to hurt you."

Damon was even more confused now. Hurt him? Did she realize he was more powerful than she was?

He thought that until he glanced at the floating book in front of her. On second thought, was he more powerful than her? That book was a black box that allowed Sylvia to do anything, as long as she paid the price for the knowledge it gave her.

"Don’t mind me. You guys have your cat fight. I’m just a passerby."

Nodding her head, she smiled.

"That’s good. I was a little worried you’d side with Lilith Astranova."

"Sure. What are friends for," he muttered absentmindedly.

In the distance, the combat zone was shrinking, consuming the last parts of the arena save for the main island behind them.

"Let’s go." Damon reached out, giving Sylvia his hand.

She raised her hand but hesitated for a moment. In her heart, she wanted to take Damon’s hand, but if she did, she’d always be a damsel in distress who needed him to save her.

It was alright if he came running, she loved being his damsel but Sylvia knew that wasn’t enough to compete with the likes of Lilith Astranova.

She shook her head. As much as it stung to say it, she whispered.

"No."

Damon was slightly taken aback by her refusal. Never did he imagine Sylvia would reject him. The last time she had done that, she was possessed by a dark spirit and it was because he had hurt her.

She raised her face to his.

"It’s not that I don’t want to... I just have some unfinished business."

She smiled at him.

"I’ll catch up... even if I’m a little slow. So... will you wait for me?"

Her words had a double meaning, but Damon wasn’t dense.

He forced a smile.

"Sure... I’ll see you before it all ends."

She raised her pinky finger.

"Is that a promise?"

They locked fingers.

"I promise."