Chapter 872: Raphael Visits King Draco

After the incident of being turned into a phoenix over a silly bet between young gods, there were no more transformations for the Raphael.

At least, no more transformations of the bird variety. 

Instead, Raphael chose to take on the form of a handsome human and decided to present himself as a prince from a faraway distant land. He traveled across the kingdom and made his way to Ashland to meet up with Rowena under his disguise.

The King of Cretea was right that if Raphael introduced himself as a god, some issues might spring up and he was simply here to ensure that Rowena was safe and possibly help her out of the situation pertaining to her father.

While Raphael was positive that Rowena was someone who would not ask anything from him, her father, King Draco was someone who would. And there were a lot of things that King Draco would surely ask if he knew who Raphael was.

Over the course of the year, the seventh prince of Cretea took his time to learn more about Rowena's situation—the past years he stayed with Rowena, he learned from the noble ladies about what Rowena's past life was like and that included the history of King Draco as a former heroic knight.

It surprised him that someone who was formerly noble and upright enough to save Ashland from dragons became such a horrid man. Raphael was disgusted about how King Draco treated his daughter and understood that when he came back, things were going to be different.

Like how Rowena saved him, it was his turn to save her.

So Raphael prepared himself on how to deal with the situation. All it took was a little investigation, and even a casual question towards the God of Aviary and Raphael discovered that many years ago, before Rowena was born, King Draco was among those who participated in the tournament to godhood and failed.

Failure could bring some people to ruin if they didn't know how to deal with it. 

Unfortunately, that seemed to have been the downfall of King Draco. 

Raphael decided he was going to take Rowena away from that kind of person. However, when he came to the gates of Ashland palace and asked to be brought towards the king, and was allowed to visit the throne room, he ended up receiving startling news.

"Your Majesty, I have traveled far and wide to visit and meet your daughter—"

"My daughter is gone." King Draco sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. For the past year, he had done his best to look for his daughter, but naturally, Rowena was raised well enough to learn how to hide properly.

The King of Ashland did not receive any gue

sts or answer any queries when they asked about Rowena because he thought that it would not matter, but Rowena was truly his daughter and did not leave any traces or clues.

It was with a begrudging respect that King Draco understood that he had failed to follow through with his plans because his daughter was too much like him. If he was in her position, Draco would have run away too.

Draco had failed to inspire much love from his daughter.

So this was the result.

There was no use hiding it from the annoying princes that insisted on visiting him, and King Draco was actually already trying to look for other ways to return to Cretea that didn't involve Rowena—she was the easiest way up, but the king was determined to find a doorway no matter what.

That was how single-minded and focused he was on his goal.

"What?" Raphael couldn't believe his ears for a moment and stared up in shock. However, at the same time, he smiled and understood. 

Rowena didn't need anyone to save her, she had done it herself. Raphael's mad respect for the princess grew.

It was rather silly of Raphael to believe that only he, a god, could save Rowena but she did it on her own and that made him proud of her.

He was truly thrilled to hear it… if not a little empty that he came all the way here for nothing. Raphael didn't want to admit it aloud, but he actually wanted to see her. Just to see how she was and to also repay his debt of gratitude.

That was all.

King Draco sighed at the reaction of the prince, but then thought of something. He looked at the young man and had a brilliant idea. Since there was an abundance of annoying young princes, he could also put them to use.

They were available resources in good supply.

"You know, young man. If you've come all the way here, then I presume you've come here to ask for my daughter's hand for marriage, haven't you?"

"Actually—"

"My daughter and I had some differences," King Draco spoke in a tired voice and took off his crown. "That is why she has left. However, this past year without her presence has left a void within me. I have learned from the error of my ways and wish to reconcile with Rowena, so it would be a great service if you could bring her back to me."

Raphael's expression shifted and he coldly smiled. "Is that so?"

The god could see through the lies and deceit of the king which made his stomach churn in disgust. However, he held himself back. If he found Rowena, there was no way that he would bring her back here to Ashland.  &n

bsp; 

"Yes." King Draco noticed the shift in Raphel's expression and quickly added. "Naturally, if you find my daughter and bring her back, you will have her hand in marriage and even become the king of this thriving nation."

"I understand." Raphael was completely uninterested in the proposition and thought it was hilarious that the king assumed he could be easily manipulated into a pawn.

"Good." King Draco nodded. "I believe we have come to an agreement. I wish you good luck on your venture, young prince and hope that you will come to meet my daughter. She will make a wonderful queen."

The king was a horrible father and man until the very end.