The Knight and the Runaway Princess

The bustling marketplace was crowded with people, and the clamor of voices rose and fell like waves.

Cain Morton led his warhorse through the throng, one hand resting on the hilt of his longsword as he struggled to push through the gathering crowd.

As soon as he poked his head out, he was stunned by the scene before him.

In the center of the crowd stood a woman dressed in a flowing white gown. Her delicate brows were slightly raised, and her deep, lake-like eyes shimmered with light, breathtakingly beautiful.

However, beside her stood a burly man with a fierce expression. Behind him, a group of thugs clad in black leather armor glared menacingly.

The scene looked familiar. Cain stroked his chin, pondering for a moment before suddenly realizing—wasn’t this the classic scenario of a damsel in distress?

But something felt off. The so-called "damsel" seemed far too calm, without a trace of fear on her face.

Cain’s heart raced with excitement. He had roamed the land with his sword for years, vanquishing evil countless times, yet he had never experienced a true "hero saving a beauty" moment.

And this beauty… was truly extraordinary.

Clearing his throat to suppress his quickened heartbeat, he let out a long cry and unsheathed his sword!

His blade flashed like lightning, sharp and dazzling.

Within moments, the ground was littered with groaning thugs who had lost their ability to fight.

Yet, the woman in white remained still, as if the skirmish had been of no concern to her at all.

As Cain sheathed his sword, he considered what would happen next. By all logic, after the hero rescues the beauty, the natural progression should be:

Love at first sight, growing affection, and finally… a lifetime together.

Sure enough, the woman smiled faintly, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze:

“My lord, thank you for your chivalrous aid. I have nothing to offer in return…”

Cain’s heart skipped a beat. Was this the legendary "offering herself in gratitude"?

“…except,” she paused, leaning in closer. Her breath was warm against his ear as she whispered, “My lord, the fee is ten thousand gold coins.”

Cain: “?”

She smiled sweetly and added, “Gold, please.”

Cain: “???”

The wind rustled through the inn’s window lattice, causing the candlelight to flicker.

Cain hung from the window frame, half of his face hidden in the shadows, his expression extremely complicated.

It took him an entire afternoon to piece together the truth—this so-called "hero saving a beauty" was supposed to involve rescuing a maiden, not the infamous courtesan of the city's most renowned brothel.

Want to take her away? Fine.

The price?

Ten thousand gold coins.

Cain sighed, patting his coin pouch. The few copper coins inside jingled pitifully in the night breeze.

He prided himself on his unmatched swordsmanship and widespread fame. But rich? He was definitely not.

And so, the young knight, burdened with a heavy heart, slipped through the window.

The woman sat before a bronze mirror, her silver-like hair cascading down her back, the candlelight casting deep shadows along her delicate figure—so beautiful it was almost otherworldly.

Cain clutched his chest, realizing he was still a hopeless romantic.

Her deep eyes locking onto his as she whispered, “Have you made up your mind?”

Cain gritted his teeth. “I’ll go find the money…”

“No need.” She chuckled softly, her voice like a gentle ripple. “Let’s elope.”

Cain: “…Is that really a good idea?”

She tilted her head, speaking in an almost lazy manner, “Ten thousand gold coins.”

“…Elope it is!”

The moon shone brightly.

Cain lifted her onto his horse, mounted in a swift motion, and spurred the steed toward the city gates.

But before they could escape, they were swiftly surrounded by soldiers.

The woman seemed slightly nervous, shrinking into Cain’s chest. Her long hair brushed against his chin, carrying a faint fragrance.

"Don’t be afraid," Cain reassured her, though there was an unmistakable trace of amusement in his voice.

“Hold on tighter.”

Then, he slowly drew his sword.

What followed… was rather violent.

Half an hour later, the two were resting in a dense forest outside the city.

Cain roasted a fish over the fire, enthusiastically recounting his past heroic feats.

"See? Aren’t I amazing?" He winked playfully.

She lifted her gaze, for once revealing a small smile. Gently, she brushed away the dried blood in his hair. "Yes, very amazing."

Cain beamed.

"Don’t worry, we’ll make this elopement a success."

But there was still one major problem—where exactly were they running to?

She wanted to head west, but Cain objected.

The western borders were engulfed in war, flames of conflict rising high, and refugees scattered everywhere—it was no place to settle down.

Yet when she softly revealed the truth, Cain fell silent.

She was no ordinary courtesan.

She was a princess.

A princess taken hostage, forced into captivity.

Her home lay in the war-torn western kingdom.

Her family, perhaps, was still trapped in the chaos of battle.

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she murmured, "Would you… come with me to see my family?"

Cain let out a deep sigh, then gently wiped away her tears.

“…Alright.”

For half a month, they rode tirelessly toward the border.

Yet Cain never told her—this "elopement" might not have a happy ending.

The pursuers were relentless, and their skills were formidable.

All he could do was give everything he had to ensure she reached the border safely.

As the white horse crossed the mountain ridge, the setting sun painted the horizon in hues of blood-red.

The woman turned back, her voice trembling slightly.

"Will you… come with me?"

Cain smiled faintly, handing her the reins.

"Go, Your Highness."

Then, he turned, sword in hand, facing the assassins lurking in the dark.

He knew that this battle… he might not walk away from.

But still, he smiled.

Because she was finally free.