Chapter 4. The Lion Begins the Hunt
“I did everything you told me to do, and still you don’t trust me.”
Lion King Rachie was beyond frustrated. He had waited a year to meet Adeline, but she didn’t acknowledge his feelings at all.
When he first heard about her, he had only vaguely thought about going to Marma to meet her one day. But the more he learned, the more he became convinced that he had to win her over.
Just as King Aizen of Nova had said, Adeline didn’t trust people. Considering her past—which she herself described as tragic—it was no surprise that she had such deep distrust.
Still, Rachie wanted to win her heart, and quickly. So he summoned his subordinates and barked a command.
“If you don’t want to die, think of a way. Fast.”
His subordinates, dressed in dark clothes just like their king, gathered with grim expressions to brainstorm. But these desert warriors, who had spent their entire lives training their bodies, had no idea how to approach a woman with such strong emotional walls. Even his cleverest lieutenant was stumped.
When Rachie didn’t hear a satisfactory answer, he let out a deep sigh.
“I really don’t know.”
“Don’t rush it too much. I mean, what woman in the world would say yes if a complete stranger—especially a huge, scary-looking one—just showed up and proposed? Of course she’d be on guard and suspicious. And that princess? She’s probably twice as cautious as anyone else.”
“I know. That’s why I’m asking for ideas, you idiot.”
“Is she that beautiful?”
The lieutenant asked because they’d all heard how their mighty Lion of Baltica couldn’t even speak or smile in front of her—just stood there scowling.
“Don’t talk nonsense. She’s not pretty at all.”
Rachie scowled.
To him, Adeline was a strange woman. Her hair was white like clouds, and her eyes changed color every time he looked at them. Her words were sharp, but when she smiled, it left people breathless. Her voice—just the right pitch and slightly husky—lingered in his ears like the sound of rain falling on a dry desert.
“She’s not pretty,” he muttered again, as if convincing himself.
“What if the princess never accepts Baltica? Are you going to just march in from the southern border?”
One of the subordinates asked. But the answer came not from Rachie, but from the lieutenant.
“You idiot. What do we even know about Marma?”
“Well… someone must know something.”
“You think someone knows more than the princess?”
“She was sold off to another country for eleven years, right?”
“You idiot!”
The lieutenant snapped. Rachie spoke up in his place.
“She said she spent ten years preparing.”
“For what?”
“For revenge.”
His voice was low.
Though Rachie was the youngest among the warriors present, he had the deepest voice. When he sighed heavily, the room fell silent, and all ears turned to their king.
“She spent ten years sharpening her sword for the day she’d return—never missing a single day. If I were the king of Marma and found that out, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night.”
So she must be on our side. He repeated the vow to himself.
“How was the banquet in Marma?”
As the meeting drew to a close, the lieutenant approached him.
“It was hilarious,” Rachie said with a smirk.
“What was?”
“A bunch of parrots and poison toads gathered to chant ‘Long live His Majesty!’ Then they glanced down at me but quickly looked away if I made eye contact. I had no idea what they were trying to do.”
“Parrots and poison toads… sounds terrifying.”
The banquet was supposed to be one of the most historic events in Marma, but the Lion King gave it a scathing review. The lieutenant, chuckling along with him, asked again.
“Was the princess there?”
“No, said she was going to be sick.”
“It’s been a few days since the banquet, hasn’t it? Why don’t you go check in on her?”
“Oh, I heard she moved palaces today.”
The palace assigned to Adeline was located in the most remote forested area of the enormous imperial grounds—so far off it seemed like a prison for someone they wanted to hide. Unlike the inner fortress, which had three protective walls, her palace had only a single outer wall.
Hearing this, the lieutenant suddenly stopped walking, his face serious.
“You must go immediately.”
Something felt off. Scratching his head anxiously, he said,
“You know how many radicals would love to see Nova and Marma at war again. They’d kill the princess in a heartbeat.”
“I know.”
Adeline had survived multiple assassination attempts on her way back. If she were assassinated now, Marma would accuse Nova, and Nova would claim it was a setup.
The two nations held long-standing grudges. Even a spark could start a war. Adeline Vita had once prevented that war with her bare hands. So those who wanted war prayed fervently for her death.
“She’s alone in that secluded palace. Security’s bound to be lax today, the day she moved. If I were an assassin targeting her… I wouldn’t miss this chance.”
Before the lieutenant even finished speaking, Rachie’s hand was already on his sword hilt.
“I’m going.”
“You’re not taking anyone with you?”
“Better to go alone. If we storm in as a group, we’ll look like the attackers. Marma’s royals are all cowards.”
Except her.
Rachie pulled the black cloth around his neck up to cover his mouth, then leapt out the window.
Sol-Marma, the capital of Marma for over a thousand years, was surrounded by ancient trees. The three forests encircling the royal palace were no different—thick trees blocked the night sky.
Rachie ran through the heart of the forest.
His long legs moved like a predator’s. He leaned forward, using his arms for balance. He ran over the chaotic terrain as if it were flat ground, narrowing his eyes to scan his surroundings. He sensed human presence up ahead.
The darkness cloaked him perfectly in his black clothes.
“The princess is in danger.”
Rachie trusted his lieutenant. He always respected his subordinates’ opinions, and this was no exception.
The threat was real. Somehow, within a day of her relocation, assassins had already infiltrated the woods, moving in from all directions.
Adeline.
Even while running, he thought of her cloud-like hair. Though the forest was pitch-black, it was as if a single white cloud drifted slowly through his mind.
He smiled under the cloth covering his face.
“Here to propose again?”
That was what she’d said when they met for the third time. Her cool, violet eyes had widened before stretching into an almond shape.
She had no idea how disarming that fleeting smile could be.
The closer he got to her palace, the more movements he detected. Rachie slowed and hid in the shadows of the trees.
He had made her a promise. As long as I’m by your side, those paper-thin Marma men won’t dare lay a finger on you.
She didn’t believe in him. So he would just have to prove it.
Rachie drew the long sword from his back. The assassins approaching Adeline’s palace didn’t stand a chance against the black lion who burst from the shadows.
“Who’s there—?!”
“Guh!”
There wasn’t even time to scream. His sword pierced vital spots and withdrew without a sound. As one fell, the neck of the assassin beside him snapped. Those who were late to realize what was happening tried to brace themselves—but it was far too late.
The lion was everywhere.
Each swing of Rachie’s sword took a life.
People thought the stories of the Lion King’s strength were exaggerated. How could a human be so powerful? They assumed he was only slightly above average. That the tales spread from Odium were inflated by his worshippers.
But the real Rachie El Baltica was far beyond the rumors.
He slaughtered six assassins in an instant, then took off running again. Blood dripped from his blade. The smell of iron tinged the forest air.
The closer he got to her palace, the more assassins he sensed. Far too many for a single unarmed princess.
Rachie stopped and looked behind him.
“If you don’t want to die, get out of my way.”
Several shadows surrounding him paused. They studied him cautiously.
“I warned you.”
Raising his mask back to his nose, Rachie ran again.
By then, the assassins had already reached the building. They were highly trained. Some were on the roof, some hidden behind the structure, some between the trees—all converging on Adeline from different directions.
No matter where she ran, she would die.
Rachie was the first to strike. He sliced the throat of one perched with a crossbow. The man dangled silently from the branch.
The second was crouched on the forest path with two long daggers—poisoned, judging by his gloves. Rachie twisted his arm and drove the man’s own blade into his chest.
He spotted another climbing up to the second-floor balcony. There was candlelight flickering in that room.
Adeline was in there.
Before the assassin could set foot on the balcony, Rachie hurled his sword. It hit with a thud. Blood splashed down the white stone pillar.
Rachie moved swiftly, having dealt with all the attackers outside. As he passed through the empty entrance, he chuckled to himself.
This enormous palace had only two guards protecting the princess—and they were both in her bedroom.
“Who’s there?”
Her voice came before he even knocked. His hand was already on the doorknob.
“It’s me.”
“And how am I supposed to know who ‘me’ is?”
She was grumbling. Rachie smiled, ready to say his name.
But then he heard it—one person’s heartbeat was far louder and faster than the rest. Not from fear, but from excitement. He burst into the room.
“Get back!”
Two knights stood near Adeline—one beside her, the other near the balcony and door.
Suddenly, the one next to her turned and swung his sword.
“Adeline!”
Rachie shouted as he tore off the buckle shield from his arm and hurled it. The heavy metal weapon struck the attacker’s temple.
The knight, bleeding from his head, didn’t stop. Just as his blade was about to pierce her stomach, Adeline slashed his neck diagonally.
She held a sharp dagger.
Blood soaked her long gown. Her violet eyes glinted coldly. She steadied her trembling lashes and said in a calm voice,
“…He’s not dead.”
“He said he couldn’t die.”
Blood gushed from the knight’s throat as he collapsed. Clutching his neck with one hand, he let out a gurgled, incoherent groan.
Another knight rushed over, knocked the dagger from his hand, and stared at Adeline in shock. She was still holding the blade, blood dripping from it.
When Rachie pulled her into his arms and helped her to her feet, she staggered slightly but stood with stubborn pride.
Adeline stared directly into the eyes of the assassin she had just killed. Until his last breath, she never once looked away.
Rachie looked at her silently. She calmly pulled her blood-soaked gown closed and addressed the knight who stood awkwardly by.
“Sir, what was it you said earlier?”
“…Your Highness.”
“You said it was fine to only assign two guards because assassins would never come to such a remote palace? That more than two would be a waste of manpower? Say it again.”
“…I’m sorry.”
The knight bowed stiffly. He was Richard Selmore, whom the Lion King had encountered once before. Though he hadn’t been bribed by the assassins, his attitude still showed no trace of respect for her.
“Get out. I’d rather look at this blood than your face.”
Dragging the assassin’s corpse, Richard exited the room.
“Useless fool.”
Adeline watched him go, her expression unflinching.
For a while, the two of them silently looked around the wrecked room. It had long been abandoned, already desolate, and now with the blood splattered across the floor, it looked like a haunted ruin.
Adeline looked exhausted.
“They must have really wanted me dead. I figured they’d come quickly, but I didn’t think they’d bribe a knight. Good thing that idiot Richard only brought one… If there had been two, I might not have survived.”
Hearing her calm assessment, Rachie felt heat surge in his throat. His heart pounded with rising fury.
She was still gripping the bloody dagger tightly. Her shoulders were squared, her voice didn’t tremble—but her fingers were white from the strain and shaking ever so slightly.
Noticing this, Rachie turned sharply toward her and grabbed her wrist.
“Adeline.”
“How did you know…?”
“Have you completely lost your mind? After all those attacks, how can you still be this careless? Just two guards? On my way here, I had to take down over ten of them. There were probably even more.”
He hadn’t meant to scold her. But once he started, the words burst out uncontrollably.
“Don’t tell me you have a death wish. Is that why you’re living like this? I didn’t take you for the type to throw your life away.”
Adeline snapped her gaze to him, sharp and angry.
“Watch your mouth. Just because you saved me doesn’t give you the right to insult me.”
“You were like this the first time we met too. The knights of Marma made no effort to protect you. Even as we fought off attackers, they just stood there watching.”
“Did they?”
“You knew all of it.”
Adeline’s eyes flicked toward the door for a moment. Rachie spoke with conviction.
“If you’re talking about that cowardly knight, he’s far away now. He’s outside taking down the body caught in the branches, so don’t worry.”
“You can tell all that?”
“Yes. Now answer me—why do you treat your life so lightly?”
This was an important question for Rachie. If she was recklessly throwing herself at revenge without regard for her life, he needed to walk away now.
She was a woman he desired to the point of thirst—but he wouldn’t follow someone down a path of death.
“No.”
But Adeline stepped right up to him, lifted her head, and met his eyes.
“No, I don’t.”
“Adeline.”
“My life matters to me. Do you want to know how much? Do you know that over ten thousand people live in that vast imperial palace? I wouldn’t trade my life for all of theirs. Not even if they were all good people—which they’re not. But even if they were, I still wouldn’t trade it. Satisfied now?”
“Then why do you act like this?”
He wouldn’t back down until he heard the reason. Adeline furrowed her brows, her long lashes fluttering like butterflies.
“You…”
“Tell me. You matter a lot to me. So please.”
Rachie was speaking seriously, trying to reason with her—when suddenly he tensed.
“Who’s there!”
He wrapped one arm around her slender frame and pushed her behind him, shielding her completely. As Adeline stifled a short gasp, he growled toward the window.
“I know you’re hanging from the balcony. Come out now, or I’ll split your skull.”
Someone was indeed clinging to the balcony outside. Though warned, the figure remained motionless for a moment before reluctantly clambering into view.
“Uh… It’s me. Please don’t kill me.”
It was the errand boy. His round head popped up with a sheepish grin. He raised both hands high the moment he entered the room.
“I’m sorry!”
Adeline sighed loudly.
“This is all your stupid fault.”
“What?”
“He promised me he’d take care of everything.”
Her glare was as sharp as Rachie’s. The errand boy kept his hands up like a child being scolded, protesting.
“It’s all the Lion King’s fault!”
“What?”
Rachie gave a chilling look that said he’d kill him if he kept talking nonsense, but the errand boy sulked and muttered.
“I placed men in the forest, okay? Skilled guys. I brought thirty. But then the Lion King showed up and started killing the assassins. Of course my men panicked. Wouldn’t you? If they made the wrong move, they might’ve been mistaken for assassins too and lost their heads…”
“So you’re saying they ran away because they were scared of the Lion King?”
Adeline asked incredulously. The errand boy frantically shook his head.
“You can’t call it running away! When the strongest man on the continent is radiating killing intent and warning you to back off unless you want to die—who in their right mind…? Besides, with the Lion King there, you’d obviously be safe. Why should we rush in and turn the palace into a battlefield…? We thought it’d be better to trust and withdraw…”
“You still say that after seeing what I look like?”
Adeline pointed to her own chest. She was covered in blood from the assassin, from her neck to her feet. Her white nightgown was soaked and stained dark red.
“…Sorry, Princess.”
The errand boy slowly lowered his hands and glanced at her nervously. Adeline glared at him murderously, while Rachie silently watched them both.
“First, we need to figure out what this idiot is.”
Rachie said.
Adeline hesitated for a moment, then spoke plainly.
“A runner Ordoro assigned to me.”
“Ordoro? You’re working with them?”
“Not exactly. We just have a small contract.”
“What kind of contract?”
“I can’t say. I signed a confidentiality clause.”
Even revealing his identity technically broke the agreement—but she didn’t seem to care.
“…Thanks for saving me.”
“No need for that. I was just keeping a promise.”
“What promise?”
She looked genuinely puzzled. Her long lashes flicked upward again like soft butterfly wings. As Rachie wiped dried blood from his face with the handkerchief she gave him, he replied:
“I promised I’d protect you.”
“…That was a promise?”
She didn’t seem to remember it that way. As Rachie frowned at her, she shrugged.
“I thought you were just bragging about how strong you are.”
“Adeline.”
“Kidding.”
She laughed aloud.
There it was again. That sound—like rain falling in a dry desert. This woman was strange. Rachie realized it once more. Her laugh was like rain that tickled his ears, filled his head, and soaked through to his heart.
How could she laugh like that after nearly dying?
He stared at her gravely. When he suddenly fell silent, Adeline asked,
“What are you thinking?”
“…You should change your clothes.”
He couldn’t bring himself to say, “I stayed quiet because I liked the sound of your laughter.”
The man who never hesitated to speak was, for once, hesitant. Adeline looked down at her gown.
The long garment was soaked and heavy with blood. She sighed and nodded.
“You’re right. I’ll wash up and change.”
“I’ll head out, then.”
“Lion King.”
She called out.
As he turned back, her slender finger pointed toward the bathroom.
“Want to wash up together?”
“Are you insane?”
“Why? You said you wanted to marry me.”
Outside, the maids who’d come running after hearing about the assassination screamed in horror.
Rachie ended up washing at Adeline’s palace. She had to be joking about bathing together, but he had been genuinely flustered.
After washing with warm water and changing into clean clothes, he was guided to a cozy reception room. The maids brought food and wine, but he didn’t touch any of it.
Adeline arrived a little later.
“You can go now.”
“…What?”
“I said you can go.”
Once the maid had left, she sat across from Rachie and began eating.
“She’s gone?”
“The maid?”
“Yes.”
“She went downstairs.”
“How do you know? Oh right—you noticed the runner hanging outside the window too.”
“I can hear heartbeats. Movements. If someone’s close, I can hear them breathing.”
Adeline was envious. She asked if all warriors from the desert had those senses, but when he said no, she just nodded and continued.
“I have something to tell you.”
“Go on.”
“You asked what my next plan was.”
Rachie shook his head and refused the wine she offered. Alcohol dulled the mind. He didn’t like it.
“Want me to tell you?”
“Why the sudden change?”
“Because you saved me. And… I think we can help each other.”
“Just for this?”
“Yes.”
She set the wine bottle back down and picked up a water glass instead. Despite offering him alcohol, she didn’t drink either. She was wearing sleepwear.
“You’ve heard about the slave market in Marma, right?”
“I have.”
“Do you know what kind of slaves fetch the highest price?”
“Gypsies.”
Specifically, female “Pathfinders” among the gypsies—those who could navigate the desert by starlight and read the stars to divine fate.
Adeline twisted her lips into a bitter smile.
“I never understood why Marma’s noblemen craved desert gypsies. But they’re sold at unimaginable prices. They tie those divine beings to their beds and defile them.”
“Enough. That’s disgusting.”
Rachie’s face twisted with fury. Adeline continued in a heavy voice.
“Ten days from now, there’s going to be a high-stakes slave auction at the Sol-Marma underground ruins. I want to rescue a woman from there.”
Rachie, running his hand through his damp hair, leaned forward toward her.
“A gypsy.”
His voice dropped low, ominously so.
