Chapter 01
“Why is this my fault?”
The central courtroom of the divine realm.
Standing alone in the center, Raphaella shouted, clearly frustrated.
A chorus of harsh boos erupted from the circular spectators’ seats.
At the highest dais, the Supreme God, Taratius, sighed deeply, rubbing his throbbing head.
Raphaella, standing straight before him, ignored him and continued speaking in a measured tone, clearly laced with mockery.
“I only enjoyed myself along with everyone else. I don’t understand why I’m the only one being punished.”
“Do you say that even after seeing how this sacred divine realm has been thrown into chaos because of you?”
“It’s the greed of those who sought to monopolize things that caused the problem. The flowers that bloom along the road—one can just enjoy their scent or beauty as they pass. Why do they insist on plucking them, trying to possess them? That’s their foolish greed. It’s not my fault.”
“Are you saying you bear no responsibility at all? Even when the ‘Mirror’ was broken because of the fighting between the male gods who desired you?”
“I didn’t break it, did I? Nor did I incite them to fight. So I am innocent.”
Once again, the spectators erupted in savage jeers. Most were insults aimed at Raphaella’s shameless attitude.
Despite the hostile shouts, Raphaella held her chin high. She truly believed she had done nothing wrong and remained confident throughout.
“If you intend to hold someone accountable, then you should ask them, naturally.”
Raphaella pointed below the dais.
Four male gods stood uncomfortably beneath the central dais. Some hesitated, watching the Supreme God cautiously, while others couldn’t hide their lingering resentment. These were the same gods who had once spoken with honeyed words and seductive charm but now showed hostility toward Raphaella, scrambling to pass the blame. Raphaella found the scene truly amusing.
Supreme God Taratius rubbed his beard and gathered his thoughts, his face drawn tight. A deep sigh escaped him at the troublesome matter.
He had ignored Raphaella’s past minor incidents and disputes, even knowing that some gods complained of favoritism. But no matter how much of a goddess of corruption and pleasure she was, this matter was too great.
Someone had to take responsibility for the broken ‘Mirror’.
Finally reaching a decision, Taratius spoke with a heavy heart.
“Raphaella. Though you were not directly involved, this happened because of you.”
“Supreme God, I’m innocent! You know that!”
“Enough.”
As Raphaella tried to argue, Taratius raised his hand. Golden power shot from his fingertips, forming a transparent barrier around her. It was a binding seal created by divine authority.
“I will not hear any more objections from you.”
Raphaella pounded and struggled against the golden barrier, screaming, but no sound escaped.
The Supreme God lowered his voice and addressed the male gods gathered below.
“You have violated the sacred dignity of the gods. Moreover, in fighting over Raphaella, you broke the ‘Mirror’ of the divine realm. Do you understand the weight of this sin?”
The male gods trembled and dropped to their knees at his thunderous voice. They scrambled to declare their innocence, shouting at each other, eventually blaming one another and even grabbing each other by the collar in a renewed attempt to fight.
“Enough! Stop!”
At the Supreme God’s roar, they flinched and prostrated themselves again. Seeing their pitiful behavior, Taratius grimaced but continued speaking.
“I ask you. Is there anyone among you willing to bear the responsibility for Raphaella’s sins?”
The four male gods fell silent as if on cue. They avoided his gaze, bowing their heads even lower.
Taratius then looked around the spectators and asked again.
“Is there anyone here willing to share in Raphaella’s guilt?”
The murmuring crowd fell silent as if cold water had been poured over them.
The Supreme God clicked his tongue in displeasure. No matter how much he indulged, the young goddess Raphaella was still immature and foolish in the eyes of the gods. He believed this was a lesson for her to grow up.
“Raphaella. Not a single one of the 110 gods here cares for your well-being.”
Raphaella shouted from within the golden barrier, her face twisted in frustration, but Taratius paid no attention.
“You will now recognize your position as a goddess and be given a chance to reflect. This is not only for this incident, so do not be too resentful.”
Rising from the highest dais, the Supreme God Taratius radiated an overwhelming presence, and the entire courtroom seemed to shrink under his authority.
All eyes focused on him. After a brief silence, he spoke.
“Raphaella is sentenced to live as a human for a thousand years. May this teach you how to coexist with others.”
At the shocking verdict, Raphaella pounded the golden barrier with fists and feet, screaming.
“What?! This can’t be! Why am I being punished? Why?”
But her voice echoed only inside the barrier.
“Hey! You there! This is all your fault! Take responsibility! If not, I swear I’ll destroy you all! Do you think I’ll just accept this? You’re all dead!!”
Again, her voice could only be heard inside the barrier. Her overwhelming anger brought tears to her eyes. Frustration boiled over, yet she could do nothing.
The helplessness only fueled her rage.
Summoning all her strength, Raphaella tore a small hole in the golden barrier. Her fingertips bled, but she focused on letting her voice escape through the fist-sized opening.
“Damn it! That stupid Mirror! I can just put it back myself!”
Taratius rubbed his beard, narrowing his eyes. He pondered how to handle this reckless, unruly goddess. A piece of advice he had received from one of his divine messengers earlier flashed through his mind.
Following that advice… perhaps…
He poured more divine power into the barrier surrounding Raphaella. The torn hole sealed instantly, and the golden barrier became even stronger.
“This is your duty. That alone is not enough to serve as your punishment.”
Raphaella tried to speak again, but the strengthened barrier made it impossible. She could only pound helplessly.
Taratius spoke firmly and menacingly.
“You will be given a chance to survive.”
He paused for a moment. Raphaella glared at him with eyes full of resentment.
He caught a glimpse of her lips muttering obscenities and secretly smiled behind his beard. No one in the courtroom noticed.
“Raphaella. If someone is willing to die in your place, then their sacrifice will absolve all your punishment.”
‘What is he talking about? Has he gone mad?’
Raphaella furrowed her brows in confusion. She tried to speak, but her voice could not escape.
Taratius continued coldly.
“But the time limit is one year. We shall see if you can create such a being within that time.”
As Raphaella remained bewildered, he quickly gestured, and a massive sphere of golden power swallowed her whole.
‘W-wait! No! This can’t be!’
Her consciousness faded in the golden power, her screams silenced, leaving only the blinding golden light.
Taratius gazed at the empty space where Raphaella had been, wearing a bitter expression.
Then his piercing gaze turned toward the four male gods below the dais.
Just as he was about to speak, a divine messenger appeared behind him—a mysterious man with crimson hair whispered something to him, then vanished in flames.
After the messenger disappeared, Taratius rested his chin on his hand, lost in thought.
“Master, please wake up. Master!”
Raphaella felt a pounding headache as she struggled to open her eyelids. Slowly, her blurry vision focused, revealing a strange room.
It was a lavish chamber. Flower patterns adorned the walls, furniture gilded in gold, and the bed she lay on was massive and luxurious.
Raphaella brushed her face in confusion.
“…Where am I?”
At that moment, a small spirit fluttered before her, wings shimmering blue, and inspected her worriedly from all angles.
“Master, are you awake now?”
