Chapter 3
Sungjin visited Padral to assess the damage. Before his eyes was a scene far graver than reported. On a hospital bed, a newborn baby cried over and over.
Uu, uwa.
It cried in pain, then fell asleep from exhaustion. It was torture. As it cried, blood seeped from its mouth due to its torn vocal chords. Outside, mother, separated from her child, had dropped to her knees and was begging:
Please let my baby die in my arms. At least let me meet my baby!
Sungjin could not grant her request.
Kuk…
He understood the mother’s request but also knew if he allowed it, the epidemic may spread. In this situation, he was powerless. Many others were also dying in agony. They vomited blood as their skin melted, but Sungjin could do nothing to help them.
Damn those Rupellion bastards.
These were his people serving him as king, and he could do nothing to protect them. The rulers of Rupellion had taken away their lives and replaced it with endless torment. Rage and despair struck Sungjin at his core.
I will not remain still.
I will make sure Rupellion never does this again.
Sungjin swore to himself.
Sungjin had, in fact, slowed down the spreading of the epidemic from Padral. The people praised his progress. He had implemented modern-day medical knowledge and placed heroes into the restricted areas; people within would not be abandoned but separated and healed according to their illnesses. The people agreed in unison he had done all he could.
Although he had returned to the capital, Sungjin remained uneasy. He recalled his time on Earth when his dreams were crushed by the Ministry of Gender Equality, and he had fallen into despair.
But that was a despair of my dreams being denied.
This was not the case for those who were dying from their diseases. They wouldn’t be able to dream a new dream. At his frustration, he decided to take a walk on the mountain path and ponder his thoughts.
Is there nothing more I can do?
While the spread of the epidemic had been contained, the question remained of what to do with those who had already caught it.
He said there was no medicine that had worked.
All they could hope for was the person recovering by their own strength after administering an enhancing medicine. He knew worrying would not help anything. His mind was cool. But his heart felt suffocated.
I will not be attacked any longer.
He knew he was not the type of person to sit back and watch his people die. He would make Rupellion pay for what they had done.
Suddenly…
La la la la la.
A soothing song reached his ears. Although the voice was a little offkey, it was peaceful and warm, bright and calm. The song seeped into him and simmered down his frustration.
Who?
Near the stream was a young girl. The white clothes wrapped around her thin body from head to toe fluttered in the wind. A small green water bottle was attached to her waist. Her black hair seemed to be infused with calmness, and her black eyes looked like the night sky. She was gently cupping two hands to the air and mumbling between pink lips.
Beside her was a lion with rainbow-colored fur. The spirit, who held more colors than any other lions, was larger than the girl but did not seem to be a threat to her. It had even given its back for the girl to lean on. The lion’s deep blue eyes reflected the depth of the stream around them. Not even a speck of dust existed within this peaceful, pure scene where warmth abounded and the heart healed. If he had been asked where the purest thing within the world existed, he would have replied that it was right here.
She opened her mouth once more.
La la la la la.
The song was not grand. There were no lyrics or hymns; she was simply humming as it went along. But it eased his mind like listening to a newborn bird’s songs, and it wasn’t only humans. The flying birds folded their wings and gathered round. The animals on the path started moving towards her: rabbits, squirrels, foxes, wolves, everything from herbivores to carnivores.
Not only that, the branches of the trees leaned towards her. The leaves pointed towards her song.
This is surreal.
Sungjin forgot everything else as he admired the scene.
It’s beautiful.
This child was loved by nature. It was a scene incomprehensible to the logical mind; nevertheless, he accepted the beautiful scene before him. The girl stood and walked while singing. She was jumping across the grass but slipped.
Kyah.
She screamed as she rolled down to the stream; her white cloth was thrown off, but she did not fall in. The lion had caught her.
Phuf.
Cute.
Sungjin suddenly found her adorable and laughed. While there were many mystical facets, a child was a child. She looked like a puppy playing tricks when she rolled down the hill, and he felt an urge to stroke her.
Who is it?!
The lion heard his laughter and stood abruptly.
Who are you?
the girl echoed in surprise.
Sungjin came out with his hands in the air.
No ill intentions. I only came near because I heard some pleasant singing while passing by.
At Sungjin’s explanation, the girl’s eyes focused on him.
Is it true?
Yes, it is.
But the girl did not lower her guard as she adjusted her clothes. Sungjin’s eyes recognized the large wound on her back. That was no ordinary wound. It was a tattoo deliberately carved; it covered her entire back.
This is the type of tattoo carved out by a knife to place ink in the wound.
It was the type of tattoo redone over and over throughout the duration of growth. Exactly who could have done that to a child? Sungjin was disgruntled as he imagined the situation. He knew even in the most peaceful scenes a wound could be lurking in the background.
He… hello.
The black-haired girl nodded. With her clear eyes, she continued investigating. She looked like a puppy worried the person before her would hit her.
The lion also observed him with critical eyes.
Are you really simply passing by?
Yes, I was taking a walk to gather my thoughts.
I see. Don’t be offended that we’re distrustful of you; we have our own situation.
Of course, it’s natural to be wary of a stranger in a forest.
Sungjin was also extremely curious about who they were. They were in the capital’s back mountain. He always took his walks and began his training here; not just anyone could enter.
Due to this privacy, he had held his risky meeting with Eustasia here. Exactly why are these two here?
She questioned him as she continued straightening out her garment.
Did you see… my… my back?
the girl whimpered.
You did see… didn’t you?
Her clear eyes were full of tears. The wounds on her back were deeper than the surface of her skin.
Human, forget what you have seen just now. Or else…
The lion beside her drew his teeth to threaten him.
Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone,
Sungjin promised.
You must not… must…
the girl begged as she wiped away her tears.
I won’t.
He did not wish to toy with this girl’s mind.
Thank you.
The girl finally smiled with relief.
The scenery of peaceful spring flowers came back into focus. Just prior to her smile, he had felt sympathy and rage towards whoever had done this to the child. But her smile was the sort that made all of his negative emotions melt with warmth and tranquility.
How could she make such a smile after so much torture? The type of garden the goddess of light would favor was right before him.
What a mystical… child…
My name is Rachel, and this is Sir Kuga.
Nice to meet you, Rachel. How did you enter this mountain?
Eh, that’s…
While Rachel hesitated, Kuga replied for her:
We’re looking for the new owner of this land, the king from the other world, Cha Sungjin.
The official title Sungjin used for himself was ‘Master’, but most citizens simply called him king.
You’re looking for Sungjin?
It was strange to say his own name.
Yes, we have something to tell him.
What?
It’s something only he must know.
Oh, okay. Let’s head down this mountain together. I’ll let you meet him.
Really?
Rachel’s eyes sparkled.
Oppa’s really nice.
Sungjin smirked. The smile was full of playfulness.
The girls greeted Sungjin when he came down the mountain.
Welcome back, Sungjin There’s someone behind you.
Ereka greeted them with a soft smile.
Eck?
Rachel’s eyes widened.
Huh?
Kuga flinched.
In that moment, Sungjin walked to place himself between the girls and smiled widely.
The girl is Rachel. The lion is Kuga.
Miss Rachel and Mister Kuga…why are they here?
Eustasia replied to Ereka:
Can’t you see?! It’s a new candidate for the concubine position. Isn’t that why she’s here?
At the flabbergasting theory, Sungjin almost fell to his knees.
As if!
Sometimes the women of this world lack common sense.
Miss Eustasia, there’s no way. Miss Rachel is too young.
At least Ereka has some common sense.
Her youth doesn’t matter. Even if they’re young, it’s common to arrange an engagement and get married when they come of age.
So Sungjin likes the younger ones.
Don’t accept that.
While the two talked casually, Jenna grabbed Sungjin’s hands.
Oppa, I’m young.
While listening silently, Sungjin knew the matter may get out of hand if he didn’t speak up.
Stop, it’s not like that!
He never understood how talented politicians and warriors talked of such matters.
I brought these two because they are guests who were looking for me. Now, since you two have confirmed my identity, let them tell me their request.
Rachel carefully approached Sungjin.
You really are Master Sungjin?
Yes.
Really…
Suddenly, Rachel jumped into Sungjin’s arms.
You’re Master Sungjin! Kyahhh!
She screeched as if she was the most devoted fan and he was her beloved idol.
It’s Master Sungjin! It’s Master Sungjin!
Rachel rubbed both of her cheeks into his hard stomach expressing her happiness. The sight was so adorable that Sungjin let a smile escape.
She really is like a puppy.
It would have been exactly this feeling if he had a younger sister. He patted her back gently and asked:
So why were you looking for me?
Rachel, mind your manners.
At Kuga’s words, Rachel dropped away with a start.
I apologize. Since I’ve traveled so far with only you in my mind, I’ve forgotten all the manners Kuga has taught me.
It’s okay. Just calm down and tell me what you want.
Yes, Your Great Majesty of the other world.
Rachel curtsied neatly and gathered her hands as if to pray.
Please take me in.
