What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 117
“So that child……”
“Indeed, the black hair isn’t there……”
“Nevertheless, if they inherited Tennilath’s blood……”
Under the chandelier gleaming with various colors, whispers accompanied by music could be heard throughout the vast banquet hall. Those hiding their mouths behind fans and wine glasses continuously directed their attention toward the head table where the imperial family was seated.
The Emperor, seated in the largest and most ornate chair, appeared no different than usual. The Empress beside him, despite making a rare appearance, only showed change in her shortened hair. No one paid attention anymore to the Imperial Consort seated a bit further away.
Thus, what captured everyone’s attention was the baby prince who dared to sit on the Emperor’s lap, humming while swinging his legs.
“……I never could have imagined His Imperial Majesty would be so affectionate with a child.”
“Neither did I.”
“No one could have known, right? Even seeing it with my own eyes now, I can’t believe it.”
Whether or not he was aware of the stirring nobles, Kazhan took cookies from the side plate and fed them to Mikael. Several young ladies blushed at the sight of Mikael munching away, holding the remaining pieces with both hands.
“So cute…!”
“With such adorableness, it’s no wonder His Majesty is smitten.”
“If nothing else, the Empress has lived up to her looks. Seeing how well they’ve been passed down to the Prince.”
Small whispers circulated around. It was obvious even from afar that everyone was talking about Mikael.
“Everyone is looking this way.”
“They must be entranced by your beauty.”
“……They’re looking at you, not me.”
“They’re admiring the beauty you’ve passed down to Mikael.”
Ysaris closed her mouth with a slight blush. Rather than from Kazhan’s compliment, it was the unfamiliar feeling of displaying affection in front of so many people.
“Couldn’t you filter your words a bit? This is still a public occasion……”
“I’m already doing my best to filter them.”
“How is that filtered?”
“Should I then list out, one by one, how beautiful you are today from head to toe?”
“Darling!”
Ysaris thought he was teasing her even in such a formal setting, but Kazhan was serious. Her properly made-up face after so long could make anyone fall in love at first sight, and her neck, exposed thanks to her braided side hair, was alluring.
And what about that subtle glimpse of cleavage behind the dress that seemed to cover everything yet was secretly loose? Her waist, unbelievably slim for a mother, aroused a desire to grab and pull her close with one hand.
“It’s time to begin now.”
“Mm.”
Kazhan, who had been examining Ysaris with smoldering eyes, came to his senses at her voice. He deliberately handed Mikael, who had been sitting on his lap for all to see, to her and stood up.
Naturally, as the music quieted down, people’s attention focused. Taking one step forward, Kazhan surveyed the wide hall and spoke plainly.
“This banquet celebrates the return of Empress Ysaris Tennilath and formally presents Prince Mikael Tennilath. Any disrespect toward them will be considered disrespect toward me, the Emperor. Conduct yourselves accordingly. That is all.”
As the brief and fierce opening speech ended, nobles began to clap while watching each other’s reactions. Before the awkward applause could fade, music began in earnest, soon filling the banquet hall.
“Is it usually this brief?”
“Isn’t it a waste of time to drag on with unnecessary words? I’m already busy looking at you.”
Ysaris shook her head repeatedly. It was truly a gesture of being speechless.
But she couldn’t keep her mouth shut for long. Mikael, nestled in her arms, tugged persistently at the hem of her dress while pointing somewhere.
“Maa, the… that!”
“That’s alcohol, so it’s not allowed. Let’s have it when Mikael is older.”
“Soo?”
“Yes, alcohol. It makes you sick if you drink it when you’re young. Should we have this instead?”
Ysaris beckoned a servant with a gesture and took a glass of orange juice from the tray. As she was carefully helping Mikael drink without spilling, a welcome presence approached.
“We greet Your Majesty the Empress. And the cute and lovely His Highness the Prince as well.”
“Duke Blake, and Duchess. You’ve come.”
“Of course, we had to come. You don’t know how eagerly we’ve been counting down to this day. Haha!”
“I wondered why the banquet hall was especially bright today – it must have been the light radiating from Your Majesty’s noble countenance. And to see the Prince looking so intelligent as well, truly a blessing for the Imperial family.”
