What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 104
Several knights, pretending to be ordinary passersby nearby, subtly closed the distance to Ysaris. After confirming her safety, Kazhan turned his attention to Mikael’s playful fussing on his shoulder and strolled toward a display brimming with toys.
Ysaris watched their retreating figures, now moving more naturally as a pair, and let out a small sigh of relief. Sitting down, she released the tension in her body, only for a dull ache to radiate from her not-yet-healed abdomen.
“At least the goal’s been achieved….”
Her suggestion for the short trip had two purposes. The first was for Mikael, who had only ever known life in the mountains. The second was to help mend the bond between father and son. She knew that once they entered the imperial palace, it would be nearly impossible for the two to spend any private time together, so she hoped they could grow closer before then.
Fortunately, the plan seemed to be a partial success. But her concerns lay elsewhere.
“What’s today’s date?”
She posed the question aloud without directing it at anyone, receiving no response as expected. Nodding to herself, Ysaris resigned to the silence.
She was well aware that Kazhan was hiding many things from her—what had happened to her in Uzephia, why he hadn’t searched for her in the past two years, and why she had been cursed in the first place.
It wasn’t just that. Even the knights’ deferential behavior, bowing their heads instead of answering her most trivial questions, was a clear indication that Kazhan had issued some kind of directive.
This lack of information left Ysaris feeling stifled. She yearned to confront Kazhan and demand answers, even if it led to a heated argument.
But she didn’t. Because, for all the secrets he kept, Kazhan seemed to love her sincerely. At the very least, he didn’t appear to have any intention of harming her.
He’ll tell me eventually, she thought. Whatever it is he’s hiding.
With patience, Ysaris decided to wait. Especially with a child now involved, she wanted to maintain a good relationship with her husband. As long as he treated her kindly, she believed they could remain a stable couple.
At least for now, that’s what she thought.
* * *
The carriage journey ended at the second city. As the agreed period came to a close, the party teleported to the capital with the help of the imperial mages. Per Ysaris’s wishes, they entered the palace quietly, without any welcoming ceremony.
“Still, wouldn’t it have been better to have some kind of reception?”
“It would’ve been overwhelming. And I worry about people bringing up memories I don’t even recall….”
“Don’t worry. I’ve replaced all the maids in the Empress’s palace.”
“What?”
“They’re strangers to you as well. It’ll be a fresh start for everyone.”
‘…Was that supposed to be reassuring?’
Ysaris found herself momentarily speechless. She couldn’t help but wonder about the fate of the previous palace staff, who were likely displaced because of her, and was stunned by Kazhan’s abrupt and drastic actions.
‘But then, I suppose he did it for my sake. I should be grateful.’
Her feelings mixed, Ysaris let out a faint laugh, her expression shifting several times.
“Thank you, dear. But next time, I’d appreciate it if you discussed such decisions with me first. We might be able to find a reasonable compromise.”
“Next time, I will.”
Kazhan responded smoothly. Having already enacted sweeping measures, he knew that “next time” was unlikely to come for a while.
Unaware of his inner thoughts, Ysaris smiled softly at his agreement. She patted his hand in thanks just as the carriage came to a halt.
“We’ve arrived, Your Majesty.”
Beyond the window stood a stunning ivory-colored building. This would be Ysaris’s new home—the Empress’s palace.
* * *
“What do you think of the news?”
“You mean about the Empress returning alive? And with a son, no less?”
“Who could believe such a thing? They say her hair’s completely different. The Emperor must’ve brought back some widow….”
“Shh, careful! Didn’t you see the Emperor’s decree?”
At the tea party, the murmuring noblewomen fell silent in unison as if by some silent agreement. Many looked visibly frightened, their expressions haunted by memories of peers who had met untimely ends under the Emperor’s blade.
The brief yet striking decree left little to interpretation: anyone who dared speak ill of Empress Ysaris Tennilath would face annihilation of their entire family. Furthermore, no one was to approach the Empress first or discuss her past. Whether this was an act of protection or isolation was anyone’s guess.
As an uneasy silence crept through the group, one woman finally broke it.
