What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 37
Runellia felt satisfaction as she dragged Ysaris down at will. The act of humiliating the woman sitting in the most noble position in the empire brought a thrill.
It wasn’t even a matter of making up lies. The only thing Ysaris had done in the Uzephia Empire, having failed to take on the duties of Empress, was to cling to the Emperor.
If Ysaris denied this, she planned to tarnish her honor further by pointing out the facts. If she acknowledged it, she intended to mock or sneer accordingly.
It was truly a perfect trap…
“A rough road, you say. Do you know the route we might take on this journey?”
This was an unexpected response.
Ignoring the sarcastic remark was one thing, but the question was completely off-topic.
“…Why do you ask?”
“I’m just curious since it’s a journey I’m partaking in.”
Was she mocking her indirectly? Was she implying why would she be interested if she wasn’t even going?
Runellia frowned, then relaxed her face out of sheer irritation. With a smile proving she was still in control, she spat out a sharp retort.
“Why don’t you ask His Majesty the Emperor directly? Oh, are you not on good enough terms to discuss such details?”
“Yes, so it would be nice if the Empress Consort could tell me if she knows.”
“…”
Ysaris quietly met her wavering turquoise eyes.
She didn’t care how much Runellia belittled her. It wasn’t something new, and anyway, she wouldn’t see her again.
If she succeeded in escaping, she wouldn’t return to the palace. If she failed, she’d rather end her miserable life by her own hand than face the Emperor.
What mattered to her now was not Runellia’s provocations but any information that might help her escape.
“Empress Consort?”
“…Do you think I am the Empress’s maid? You should figure out such things for yourself. If you’re going to waste time on unnecessary talk, it’s better to leave now.”
“What?”
“Then, have a pleasant journey.”
Runellia turned and walked away briskly. It was rude to the end, acting as she pleased without waiting for a response from someone of higher status.
But this turned out better.
Ysaris decided to think positively, having deliberately not stopped Runellia. Rather than trying to get help from an uncooperative Empress Consort, it was better to prepare her escape in other ways.
It seemed difficult to figure out an escape route immediately. First, she thought about gathering ordinary jewels that could be sold anywhere.
Since actual blades could be detected, it would be good to find hairpins that could serve as makeshift weapons.
Days passed by quickly as Ysaris busied herself preparing for the future—one day, two days, a week. The journey that would determine her fate approached in just one day.
* * *
“…”
“…”
A dreadful silence filled the Emperor’s office. Even the sound of pages turning had long since ceased.
Kazhan slowly spoke to the man prostrated on the floor, not even daring to breathe.
“This content… is all true.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Are you certain, staking the entire Shadow Unit on it?”
“I have recorded nothing but the absolute truth, without a single error.”
Another silence.
Kazhan, who had read the same page of the report dozens of times as if nailed to it, closed his eyes tightly.
“Leave.”
“Yes.”
The man disappeared from the spot, befitting the head of the imperial intelligence agency. Alone in an instant, Kazhan stood still for a moment before pressing his forehead with one hand.
“Damn it.”
This couldn’t be true. No matter how much he denied reality, the truth before him did not change.
The multi-page report began with the romantic affairs of Ysaris and Bariteon. The detailed investigative process was laid out raw, just as he had demanded.
The report detailed how their passionate love affair had stirred Pyrein, with many still reminiscing with a smile only to grimace at reality.
Kazhan had already known up to this point. Before their marriage, unable to believe Ysaris’s betrayal, he had conducted an investigation that ended only in heartache.
However, as the investigation delved into the origin of Bariteon’s new keepsake ring, shocking facts emerged.
[…In conclusion, Bariteon Kelloden had a real lover separate from Ysaris. Due to her status as a maid and for certain undisclosed reasons, it is presumed that he and Ysaris Cernian feigned their love. Since the three of them always went on dates together, it appears this was agreed upon from the beginning by Ysaris Cernian…]
“Hah.”
