What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 129
Zebiken did not flinch at the sudden announcement. As always, he maintained his composure, merely nodding in acknowledgment.
“How could I dare oppose Your Majesty’s decision? However, may I ask the reason for deposing the imperial consort?”
“Last night, I was attacked in the changing room. Someone drugged me with an aphrodisiac. Judging by the circumstances, they likely intended to force themselves on me. Who else would dare attempt such a thing other than the consort?”
Kazhan leaned back against his chair, recalling the account Ysaris had shared with him. Piecing together what had transpired, the most likely suspect was Runellia.
The fact that the drug’s effects were evident when Ysaris found him only supported this conclusion. Moreover, there weren’t many individuals in the imperial palace who had the resources and audacity to attempt such a brazen act. While Runellia was an empress only in name, her support from the Marquis of Longiten’s family gave her both the motive and the means.
The question was whether she had acted alone.
“An aphrodisiac… I see. Then indeed, the consort appears suspicious,” Zebiken observed calmly.
Kazhan scrutinized him carefully.
He did not doubt the chancellor’s loyalty—bound as it was by a blood oath. Were Zebiken harboring ill intentions, he would have died the instant he tried to harm Kazhan. His continued existence was proof of his innocence.
However, as the Duke of Barilio, Zebiken was still the most suitable person to summon and probe for information.
“How old is your son again?” Kazhan inquired abruptly.
“He will turn twenty soon. Why do you ask?”
“I’ve lost several hours of memory—no injuries to my head, and yet…”
Kazhan tapped the armrest of his chair with his index finger, his crimson eyes narrowing as he studied the duke.
“Could it be that a Barilio heir conspired with the consort?”
Barilio’s lineage was known for its hereditary abilities. Tennilath wasn’t the only bloodline to have passed down extraordinary powers through the ages. Across the empire, a few select families wielded unique talents, often ascending to positions of great influence.
Barilio’s ability was suggestion—a direct or indirect manipulation of another’s mind. With such a skill in play, suspicion could hardly be avoided.
“My son hasn’t fully mastered the ability, nor has anyone in the branch families shown signs of awakening. Furthermore, he doesn’t have the courage to commit such audacity against Your Majesty,” Zebiken replied steadily.
“But can we be absolutely certain? Blood oaths only bind the heads of each house. How can you be sure that the young heir doesn’t harbor entirely different ambitions?”
Though the use of suggestion had numerous limitations, including difficulty in targeting specific memories with precision or erasing them selectively, Kazhan pursued the matter because it seemed more plausible than other alternatives.
“If Your Majesty wishes, I’ll summon him here. Would binding him by blood oath satisfy you?”
“Is it worth it?”
“At the very least, it would dispel any suspicions you may have of the Barilio family,” Zebiken said plainly.
“Hmm.”
Kazhan briefly assessed his condition before nodding at Zebiken’s suggestion.
“Bring him here. Since your son will eventually inherit your position, it’s not a bad idea to secure a blood oath with him in advance.”
Tennilath’s unique abilities were not strictly tied to blood oaths. Their foundation lay in allure, from which various derivative powers, including the oath, stemmed.
The Tennilath lineage was marked by accelerated growth, striking beauty, heightened physical prowess, and longevity. These traits were more inherent genetic qualities than powers.
Awakened members of Tennilath could influence other beings to bind themselves. Although limited to one individual per lifetime, the blood oath ensured unbreakable fealty. It could even extend to taming beasts by feeding them their blood.
Moreover, drinking the blood of someone of the same lineage could heal injuries without leaving a scar. Certain rituals could even enhance physical capabilities temporarily, at the cost of significant pain and blood loss.
Tennilath’s ancient powers were immensely potent yet bound by severe constraints. Blood oaths, in particular, demanded large amounts of the user’s blood and came with notable side effects, making frequent use impractical.
“Then I’ll contact him immediately. But before I go, may I offer one piece of counsel?”
“Speak.”
At Kazhan’s permission, Zebiken bowed deeply. His words, measured and respectful, carried no trace of subservience.
“Do not execute the imperial consort immediately—especially if it’s due to the incident from last night.”
“Why?”
“Because she has a clear alibi.”
“An alibi?”
