“I bore the weight of a radiant crown and a glorious reputation, a saint walking through the valley of death, only for the ones I blessed to send me poisonous snakes and sharp blades to devour me completely.”– After rebirth, Rafael looked back at his previous life and remarked.The illustrious House of Portia had placed him upon the highest throne of the earthly kingdom. Under the crown of the Pope, Rafael had tirelessly worked to deal with several powerful empires on the verge of war, maintain peace, and shepherd God’s people. The people hailed him as the most just and learned Pope in the history of Florence, a shining beacon amidst the corruption of the Holy See.….Then, he was poisoned in his bed, a dagger piercing his heart, and no one cared after his death.His mu*dered soul wailed and shrieked in the river of time, and saw the only legacy left for him in the history books was a harsh judgment: “Sistine I, a staunch adherent to outdated principles, was granted the final mercy of death before the dawn of a new era. It was the last grace of the Lord to him.”But Rafael opened his eyes once more, returning to the very day of his coronation. Red-robed cardinals bowed before him, fireworks and doves filled the sky of Florence, and sixteen cannons roared, announcing the birth of a new Pontiff.With the dazzling crown in his hand, Rafael slowly revealed a bloodthirsty smile. “Since you have trampled on my tolerance, scorned my mercy, and deprived me of justice, then you shall no longer enjoy my benevolence. From now on, you shall only kneel before me, fear me, and pray to me!”This is a story set in a world blending multiple elements, a chaotic mix of science and the supernatural. It’s a one-sided love story with a harem of admirers, a relentless power struggle, and a protagonist who prioritizes his ambitions above all else.***Warnings:1. While there are romantic elements, the protagonist does not end up with a romantic partner. Please proceed with caution if you are sensitive to such plot points.2. This story contains significant alterations to religious beliefs and practices. Due to the author’s limited knowledge, there may be inaccuracies or inconsistencies. If you have strong religious beliefs, this story might not be suitable for you. Alternate World Ancient Times Army Building Betrayal Calm Protagonist Charismatic Protagonist Death of Loved Ones Disabilities Empires European Ambience Kingdom Building Kingdoms Knights Nobles Politics Power Struggle Pragmatic Protagonist Priests Religions Romantic Subplot Ruthless Protagonist Schemes And Conspiracies Second Chance Tragic Past Unrequited Love
She described herself as his worst nightmare. But to him, she was his most beautiful dream...
A vicious and dangerous vixen… A ticking bomb that no one could diffuse… This was how Raine, the infamous Princess of one of the three clans of an underworld group called MIRAGE, was often described by humans and the mythical creatures in disguise coexisting with humans.
Everyone was scared of her. Well... everyone except for one man who never batted an eye meeting her glare.
Could he be the only one who could tame the untamed? Or would he end up getting played by the naughty and dangerous Princess of the Moon Clan?
*****EXCERPT*****
“Being with me is always a game…” she whispered, staring into his eyes with her fiery gaze as if to challenge his cold stare.
“You should have known that I’m willing to play any game you want just to stay by your side. After all… you’re my sweet vixen…” He leaned closer to the point where his lips almost touched hers, “You're not someone that can be easily forgotten. You are someone who drives other people crazy, and you drove me insane!”
She parted her lips to say something, but all she felt was his familiar warmth on her lips as he silenced her. He was kissing her hungrily, leaving her no room to even think let alone say a word. His chest felt like a hard rock pressing her against the wall.
“Don’t fight me… Don’t fight what you truly feel for me...” He wanted her so badly and he would stop at nothing just to make her his!
She is the epitome of success—a star people look up to and admire. To him, however, she is merely a business transaction, a partner chosen to enhance his status. To his friends, she is just a fool in love, a pathetic figure begging for affection.
Then shocking news emerges: her first true love returns, throwing him off guard. He realizes he has been nothing more than a substitute for her first love.
He should be angry, but instead, he finds himself overwhelmed by emotions he can’t express or understand. Is this possessiveness, or is he finally learning to love her?
She is determined to return to her first love, but inside, she is torn. Did she really treat him as just a substitute, or did she actually come to love him?
What are they supposed to do when love is a question mark?
