What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 103
“Then, I wish you luck. Though, I assume you’ll handle things well enough on your own.”
“I will remember this favor.”
“What favor? This is nothing but a fair exchange. Go on, Emperor of Uzephia.”
Kazhan’s party emerged from the teleportation tower. As arranged earlier with the chancellor, the Imperial Guard was already waiting to escort them.
“We greet the glorious sun of the Empire.”
“Do you not see the Empress beside me?”
“…! Ah, and we greet the moon of the Empire….”
“Enough. Let’s move.”
Due to Ysaris cutting and dyeing her hair, few immediately recognized her. Considering the widespread belief that she had died, many of the knights who had never seen her closely assumed the Emperor had taken a new bride.
But such thoughts stayed private. Mistaking the Emperor’s mood could easily lead to a swift execution, so the knights kept their mouths shut and focused on escorting the carriage.
“How long will the journey take?”
“From here to Uzephia’s border, two days. The Imperial Mage Division stationed there will teleport the carriage directly to the palace.”
“Just the carriage? What about the knights outside?”
“They’ll stop at various places to strengthen security along the Empire’s outskirts before returning.”
“Oh! Oh, wow!”
Mikael, experiencing a carriage ride for the first time, reached eagerly toward the rapidly moving scenery beyond the window. As the child wriggled in excitement, Kazhan held him securely, and Ysaris made a casual suggestion.
“It’s rare for us to come this far. Why not take our time and treat it as a carriage trip? If you’re in a rush, you could teleport ahead.”
“Hmm.”
Kazhan looked at Mikael following Ysaris’s gaze. Pressed close to the window, the child let out airy exclamations and enthusiastically slapped the walls. He was visibly thrilled.
It made sense—having been born and raised in a tiny mountain village, this was his first glimpse of the outside world. Especially in a region famed for its enchanting landscapes, everything must seem magical.
After a moment of thought, Kazhan made his decision.
“I’ll send word to the chancellor. I can spare a few days.”
“Are you sure it won’t be a burden?”
“As you said, opportunities like this are rare. Besides, preparation time was already needed, so this works out well.”
“Preparation time?”
“To welcome you properly.”
“You’re planning a banquet? I’m still too weak to move around much….”
Leaving her physical state aside, Ysaris knew nothing of Uzephia’s political climate. She didn’t even fully grasp her position, making it impossible to dive headfirst into the Empire’s high society.
Noticing her worried expression, Kazhan shook his head reassuringly. While a banquet was in the plans, it would only happen after she had adjusted to life as Empress.
“The master has returned after a long absence; the Empress’s palace must be reorganized. Although preparations began before I fetched you, the most critical parts remain untouched. It’s a time-consuming task, so we’ll take our time returning.”
Kazhan mentally reviewed the tasks ahead, shifting his gaze beyond the window. On top of everything else, Ysaris’s memory loss meant additional arrangements were necessary.
Crafting a false but convincing golden cage required a certain degree of care.
* * *
In the first city of Uzephia, Kazhan met the Imperial Mage Division awaiting him and sent letters to two dukes through them. He then decided to keep the mages with him for an eventual teleportation to the palace, taking the opportunity for a brief carriage trip instead.
Though the journey only lasted about ten days, it was enough to let the child explore the world to his heart’s content. Mikael spent the time marveling at the scenery outside the carriage, riding a horse in Kazhan’s arms, and wandering through bustling city markets. His small hands and mouth stayed busier than his feet, indulging in various treats.
“Daaaddy!”
Kazhan, cloaked in a robe and carrying Mikael on his shoulders, finally reaped the rewards of his efforts. Though Mikael had been shy and distant when they left the tower, the boy was now calling him “Daddy.”
Ysaris had played a big role in this breakthrough. Her consistent use of “Daddy” when speaking to Mikael had subtly encouraged the child to accept it.
“Congratulations, Kazhan. It seems you’ve finally won Mikael over.”
“It’s thanks to you, Ysaris. How are you feeling? Can you walk a bit longer?”
“I’m fine, but I think I’ll rest at the fountain for now. Why don’t you take Mikael to look around a bit more?”
“I’ll leave a guard with you.”
