Chapter 13: Tell Them Who I Am
Marma is the country with the largest territory on the continent, excluding the Odium Desert. It also has the longest history, a large population, and abundant resources. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
On the other hand, Odium is a barren and remote land—mysterious and untamed, where humans dare not venture. Even though the Lion King had united the twelve tribes and became the first ruler, the population and supplies were still insufficient. There is no comparison between the two.
“This is Marma, the Thousand-Year Empire.”
“And it will collapse soon,” he replied dryly, as if stating an obvious fact.
Adeline’s tone sharpened. “How? How are you going to do that? Send your poor, starving desert warriors to fight a country drowning in rusty weapons and rotten food? You know as well as I do that war isn’t fought with brute force alone. Even if my father’s an idiot with a brain full of shit, it doesn’t mean the entire country is the same.”
“Adeline.”
“Go back. I don’t care about your principality. Eat well and live well on your own.”
“Adeline.”
“It has nothing to do with me.”
The Lion King’s expression hadn’t changed since the beginning. His deep eyes cast shadows, and his mouth remained a straight line, devoid of any smile. The only hint of emotion lay in his eyes. “Why doesn’t it matter?”
Those eyes smiled faintly. “Adeline, I told you—I’m going to propose to you.”
Adeline froze, locking eyes with him. In that brief moment, all her complicated thoughts and irritation evaporated. Her heart raced, pounding wildly as she stared at the man who had never once lost his composure in front of her. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“Marriage?”
“That’s right.”
“With me?”
“Yes, I’m going to propose to you.”
Hearing those words again, Adeline was even more stunned. She blurted out, her mouth still wide open, “Are you mad?”
“I’m not crazy.”
No matter how much Adeline thought about it, she couldn’t fathom the man’s reasoning. She, Adeline Vita, was Marma’s noble prostitute. Cesare Dixon’s broken doll, offered to the enemy king for eleven long years. The so-called “returning princess” was just a fancy title; in reality, she was merely a worn-out princess, difficult to manage.
Marriage? With the man everyone hailed as a battlefield hero? Adeline felt like she could hear birds chirping in disbelief.
She blinked, trying to shake off the distraction. This wasn’t the time for daydreaming. She attempted to take a step away from the man in front of her, wanting to unsettle him, but found herself stumbling in shock instead.
“Say it again.”
This was the third time. Normally, repeating things might be tiresome, but when it came to this matter, the Lion King didn’t hesitate for a second. “I’m going to propose to you….”
“No, wait. Before that.”
Adeline shook her head after stepping back, tired of hearing him repeat the same phrase like a parrot. She asked, reproachfully, “Do you even know who I am?”
Her question carried heavy implications.
“I do,” he said, looking at her. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
The Lion King’s eyes still held that subtle, mischievous glint. “A woman who aims to stab a dagger into Marma’s heart.” He continued, “I don’t need anything else. I want you.”
A thrill of heat surged through Adeline’s body. She could already picture the uproar when word spread that she had received a marriage proposal from the Lion King.
The first person who came to her mind was Cesare. As crown prince, he had grown up showered with praise and high expectations. After all, the king had only one son. Cesare was clever and strong, but no matter how much he trained, he could never reach the level of the Lion King. In fact, it wasn’t even close—he couldn’t touch the Lion King’s shadow. While Cesare was practically a criminal, the man before her was seen as the son of god.
Jealousy is a disease, and Adeline knew Cesare would be consumed by it. He’d surely unleash his fury on her. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
The next person who crossed her mind was the King—the man who wanted to be called Father. A greedy human who pretended to be a caring father only to devour vast lands with his insatiable appetite. Adeline was certain he would be thrilled to send her off to the Lion King.
The last person who came to mind, surprisingly, was Aizen, the king of Nova, their enemy nation. Before Adeline left, she recalled the conversation they had in his bedroom while sharing a glass of red wine.
[“Adeline, you’re beautiful, charming, and smart. The King of Marma would probably want to sell you again for a high price. If the most beautiful woman in the world is your daughter, naturally, you’d think you could win over a country with that face. He failed with Nova, so I’m sure he’ll be after another prey this time.”]
Adeline had agreed with that. However, she hadn’t expected it to turn out like this. She had assumed she’d be sold to some old, wealthy noble. She never imagined such a big fish would take the bait the greedy king had thrown.
“Right. You want to marry me.”
He didn’t reply, perhaps knowing she was talking to herself.
Adeline quickly composed herself, took a deep breath, and approached the Lion King.
“Lion King.”
“Yes.”
“Are you planning to make this country your hunting ground?”
“That’s right.”
“And you want me to be your trophy?”
“No. I want a strong partner I can trust and rely on.”
All kings were certainly arrogant. The Lion King was openly admitting to Adeline that he desired this country and wanted her to stand by his side. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“You’re confident. Fine, then. Convince me, make me understand. So that I can trust you and take your hand. Try every means possible.”
“Are you serious?”
“Take your time. Marriage can wait.”
The Lion King frowned. Adeline’s words were a challenge, almost a declaration of war. She waited in silence, allowing him to think it over.
“I see. I understand.”
He pushed himself off the wall, and even that small movement made it feel like the entire large room shifted with him.
“It’s a return gift.”
A gift out of the blue? Adeline furrowed her brows as the Lion King opened the door and called for his men, who had been waiting in the hallway. His subordinates, momentarily startled to see her, quickly brought in a large box, placing it on the table with such swift movements that it was as if they had never been there at all.
The two stood with the sofa between them.
“Open it.”
“What is this?”
Inside the box was a dress so exquisitely packaged that it dazzled just to look at it. It embodied splendor and elegance, a stunning white gown with cream-colored lace cascading like waves. The sleeves were so long they reached the floor, and a golden ribbon was elegantly tied around it. That wasn’t all. As the bundled velvet unfolded, a tiara adorned with pearls and diamonds emerged.
Adeline stared at the Lion King, her expression puzzled.
“Why do you have this?”
It was the dress the errand boy was supposed to deliver.
“A parrotbill fellow brought it to me and asked me to give it to you.”
It seemed there was some commonality between them after all.
Adeline nervously closed the lid of the box. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
***
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