Chapter 801: SHE DOESN'T EVEN LOVE YOU 1

Raphael grimaced when he heard the king's words, then he shook his head.

He spoke calmly, "In the eyes of the people in Cretea, it is a crime to sprinkle the magic dust on the humans, but is it really a crime to give them the opportunity to obtain magic? The faeries, elves, mermaids, and other races have magic. I believe that it is proper."

"They were born with magic in their realm. They didn't steal from us," the king replied flatly. "Stealing is never okay."

"But, I was the one who stole the magic dust. You should punish me, and not her," Raphael insisted. "Not Rowena."

"You were tricked and it's not your fault," the king replied impatiently. "I was protecting you from a temptress that can possibly ruin your life further. We are lucky we caught her before she could cause any more damage to this realm and to you!"

"Do you think I am so dumb to let myself be tricked by a woman?" Raphael looked up and spoke with a curt expression.

He said, "I stole the magic dust because I believe humans needed the same opportunity to thrive. And I stole the immortality potion because I wanted my wife to become an immortal like myself, so we can live together forever. She didn't make me do it. It was all me."

"Raphael, I know you're taking the blame because you are blinded by love. She DOESN'T EVEN LOVE YOU," the king snapped. "You are blinded by love."

"I did not come here to debate about the matter, father. Whether I am blinded by love or not, the fact remains that I am the one who is guilty," Raphael said. "I want Rowena to be released from prison."

"I have done you a favor already by simply throwing her in that prison," the king said curtly. "There are other countless punishments more severe and harsher than this and yet I've only placed her there. The gods and goddesses are already questioning if that was an unfair sentence."

"I appreciate that father, but…" Raphael placed a hand on his chest. "Please let me take responsibility for her crimes in her stead."

"You are fooling yourself. You have been truly blinded by your affection for that temptress." The king sighed aloud. "You think this woman loves you for who you are, but she only chose you because of what you have to offer. She has already stolen the magic dust and taken the immortality potion but that isn't enough for you."

"Her love for me is genuine, father," Raphael insisted. "And that is why I am willing to bear the punishment in her place as long as she is free."

"My son, you truly have changed. Think about your words once again and tell me once more that you truly wish to take the punishment in her place." the king said. "I cannot simply imprison you like her."

"I do not care if my punishment is much harsher." Raphael smiled. "Rowena loves me for who I am. It is not because I am the Seventh Prince, father."

"Are you willing to stake and measure that, Raphael?"

***

A thousand years ago, the same dear woman he loved asked him for help. Rowena begged and pleaded to be released from punishment against Cretea after the crimes that she committed against the gods.

So, he did.

In Raphael's eyes, it almost felt like it was just a while ago.

He looked down at Harlow's face and realized that he came here to Cretea to plead with his father again, just like before. The reason why he was gone for the past few days was because he was preoccupied with trying to change the king's mind.

Even if it seemed difficult and unlikely, Raphael tried.

Unfortunately, the results were even the same.

Once again, his father only reminded him of the deadline. The king of Cretea didn't want to release Harlow from the affliction she was experiencing even to Raphael's pleas because the punishment was still a punishment.

A thousand years didn't soften the heart of that old man at all. So Raphael was actually glad that Harlow summoned him and he left his father mid-conversation. The events started to synchronize just like what happened before and he couldn't help but wonder if it was a mere coincidence.

Or perhaps it pertained to something more. Was it because the inevitable was looming closer? Raphael didn't want a repeat of the past. He couldn't go through the experience of losing his love again.

"Raphael, can you take me home?" Harlow asked again. She realized that the man was sort of lost in his thoughts so she pulled him out of it. "I'm not sure if you finished your business here in Cretea but…"

"Don't worry about it," Raphael said. "I will take us back to the castle right away."

Harlow scratched her cheek. "Uhm, not exactly my home, but thank you." 1

As long as the Demon King took her far away from Cretea, she was already thrilled by the idea. It wasn't every day that a goddess suddenly had a vendetta against her

Well, this Rowena that Nymia mentioned... Who was she?

Speaking about this person though, Harlow felt a bit strange as she looked at Raphael. "By the way, this Nymia person… why did she mistake me for someone else?"

Raphael wanted to say out loud that it was Harlow herself. He wanted to answer the question, but he wasn't physically able to do so. Instead, he only held out his hand and asked.

"Do you really wish to go back to Draec?"

Harlow fell silent for a moment, noticing that Raphael changed the subject. The thought of Draec with her family was tempting and she missed her family dearly, but then she shook her head and pursed her lips.

"I don't think you'll bring me there even if I ask," she said.

Raphael looked at her and his expression grew gloomy. Did she really think of him like that? He knew that he was desperate to earn her love with the time looming over them, but perhaps it was better if he gave her what she wanted?

.

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From Missrealitybites:

I think you can slowly guess, why Harlow keeps seeing Raphael in his hideous and scary form, instead of the handsome man that he is.. Her love is tested by a hideous and unappealing appearance. 8