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Chapter 926: Freeing Rowena From The Merfolk Realm

King Urther glanced at Raphael but then sighed. "Alright, speak your reasons, child. Try to convince me as to why I shouldn't throw all of you back into your prison cells."

Rowena glanced over behind her shoulder towards the prisoners.

Everything that happened so far was for Julian's sake and yet the other three also got involved because of her prompting them to act.

All of this happened because Rowena was present. She was the one at fault. That was why she needed to pay for it. It was up to her to get all of them out here alive.

"Your Majesty, I do not wish to offend you, but it seems that when you look at me—you are reminded of my father," Rowena said.

"Perhaps." King Urther relented.

Rowena nodded carefully and looked up respectfully.

"What I wish for you to consider today, Your Majesty, is the fact that behind one's appearances, before you throw judgments of any kind. There may be more to the story than anything."

There wasn't enough time for a full story, there hadn't been much time for Rowena to get to know the other three who had been stuck with her in the prison cell… but for her, it was just enough.

Especially when Neria and Erille were more than willing to tell their tales.

"—and that is why, Your Majesty. Erille was actually forced to steal from the underwater market that day. He had no opportunities to prove himself because other merfolks saw him as dangerous," Rowena said.

"I mean, I kind of am." The merman laughed off, showing his sharp teeth.

"But can't you see, Your Majesty?" Rowena continued as she looked at King Urther sincerely. "The reason why he needed to steal in the first place was because of the people who were supposed to look over its subjects?"

King Urther's expression became stony.

Rowena smiled bitterly.

"They were unable to deal with a far larger issue that these people couldn't handle by themselves. I know this from experience, Your Majesty. As a princess from Ashland, I've failed in that regard."

Back when Rowena first met Julian, she had thought someone like him was lazy and unable to do an honest living… That's why he became a thief.

However, after she lived the life of a commoner, she understood how hard it was for some people, to even put food on the table every day for their family, no matter how hard they worked themselves to the bone.

Her views had changed so much in the two years that she had l

ived with Julian. Rowena didn't know if this could change the outcome—but she had done her best to convince the Merfolk king.

She thought that King Urther was a better king than her father. If she was right, then those words of hers would be able to reach out to him as well.

"And so you place the blame on me?" King Urther narrowd his eyes and held out a hand to stop the Water Guards from seizing the prisoners.

For a moment, he was almost surprised that the words of both Raphael and Rowena seemed to be in tune with one another.

Raphael talked about how King Urther's grief had led him to not be able to care for his kingdom properly… and Rowena confirmed the truth about it.

King Urther thought he ruled the kingdom to the best of his ability, and that it was utopian on its own–but there were far more issues to be dealt with than he expected.

He looked at the three prisoners and then back at Rowena. The girl's heart pounded as she awaited the king's final words.

"Very well, Rowena of Ashland," King Urther said at last. He let out a tired smile. "Your words were spoken sincerely and you've also done your best to defend these people who you just met as well."

"Does that mean…?"

"I will allow you to be set free along with them." King Urther looked skeptically over at the three merfolks. "You've managed to convince me that I am the one who bore far more responsibility to my subjects and have failed them."

Rowena held back the smile on her face. "T-Thank you, Your Majesty. We are greatly indebted to your kindness."

"However, it does not change the fact that what you did was still out of hand," King Urther said curtly. "Regardless of what happened to your friend—the damage you've caused is not exactly my fault but yours."

Rowena's eyes widened.

"Your Majesty, she did that for a friend." Raphael stepped in. "Perhaps you could be more lenient, this time again? All she needs is a cure—and what is more valuable, a person's life or that of the plants? If you do this for me just this once, I will owe you a great favor."

King Urther looked over at Raphael and then slowly nodded. He thought Raphael's words were sensible and he had nothing to lose in freeing Rowena, only good things to gain. No matter what, Raphael was still the son of the king of Cretea. Getting owed favor by them was a great privilege that he might never experience again in his lifetime.

"Very well, I will procure her one potion from the royal apothecary to save this friend o

f hers. I will be lenient just this once…" The king turned to Rowena and looked at her firmly. "You must be grateful to your benefactor, Rowena."

Even without Rowena's attempt to break free from the prison, she would have been freed anyway because Raphael had asked King Urther earlier. However, she didn't know it and unintentionally made things difficult for herself by breaking out of the prison and helping three Merfolk criminals at the same time.

So, now Raphael actually owed King Urther double the favor. Yet, it seemed the young god didn't want to dwell on that matter and did not wish for the Merfolk king to discuss details. Rowena didn't need to know everything he did for her sake.