What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 7
The news of Emperor Kazhan Tennilath of the Uzepia Empire had taken a new imperial consort spread far and wide. Given his unwavering devotion to the empress until now, this caused quite a stir.
“Has he finally grown tired of the empress?”
“It’s possible. Is he still standing tall, pretending?”
“Perhaps he wants to start grooming a successor in earnest. There hasn’t been any news until now.”
“Oh, then maybe there’s a chance for my daughter too.”
“I should contact my family. My younger brother is still unmarried.”
Numerous nobles coveted the position of empress. Despite Kazhan’s rise to power through rebellion, wiping out his relatives, and ascending as a tyrant, he was a man who swept across the continent and strengthened the empire to the point of being hailed as a great conqueror. Despite his cruel nature, anyone standing at the pinnacle of power through their own strength would covet the position by his side.
However, their fantasies didn’t last long. Within days, an imperial decree arrived, clarifying the situation.
[Jeffrey Logiten’s illegitimate daughter, Runellia Logiten, is welcomed as the imperial consort. No other women will be entertained, and all requests related to future marriage proposals are prohibited.]
Many expressed regret at the simple and clear announcement, yet nodded their heads.
Recognized as a worthy candidate in the eyes of the emperor, Runellia Logiten, who had stolen the hearts of numerous noblemen, was acknowledged.
With her rich waves of red hair, confident turquoise eyes, fox-like upturned eyes, full lips, and a figure with perfect curves, she was undeniably an attractive woman to anyone who laid eyes on her.
However, the problem arose from her somewhat naive upbringing as the illegitimate daughter of a high-ranking noble.
“Now that it’s come to this, I will be in your care from now on, Your Majesty, the Empress.”
Ysaris found herself speechless as she faced Runellia’s shameless smile. Despite overlooking her minor breaches in etiquette, Runellia’s attitude towards her left her at a loss for words.
It wasn’t just the subtly condescending tone that was the issue. It was downright absurd for her to pretend to be friendly towards Ysaris while being in close contact with Kazhan like that right now.
Even though she didn’t love Kazhan, her eyes, peeking out with superiority as if she had the upper hand, irked Ysaris. What kind of attitude is this for a prospective imperial consort who hasn’t even ascended yet to show towards the empress?
Ysaris turned her gaze to her husband, who had his arm casually linked with Runellia’s. Her red eyes twitched slightly as she looked at him with an unspoken reprimand, wondering if he really had to bring a woman who seemed only concerned with her own beauty?
“Didn’t Runellia ask to be in your care?”
“…?”
For a moment, Ysaris didn’t understand Kazhan’s words. She blinked slowly, then asked with a face that suggested disbelief.
“Are you urging me to answer?”
Not to point out the insolence of a noblewoman?
Ignoring her dismay, Kazhan interlaced Runellia’s hand with his other hand. With a soothing gesture, he gently patted it while sending a cold gaze towards Ysaris.
“Yes, I am. So please, greet her, Empress. Let’s not take any more of our time.”
“Don’t be too harsh, Your Majesty. The Empress deserves time to get accustomed to us.”
“But Runellia, disregarding you is no different from insulting me.”
“Oh, Your Majesty…”
Ysaris listened to their conversation with a sense of incredulity and suddenly realized.
This man. He had feelings for Runellia Logiten all along. The commotion over the ring was just an excuse to bring her here.
A disappointed sigh escaped her. Instead of harboring different emotions for him, she felt a bitter sense of betrayal, injustice, and anger.
If attachment could be transferred so easily. If his emotions were as fleeting and light as falling for a pretty and young woman, what would all the tragedies Ysaris had experienced so far amount to?
What about the people who sacrificed themselves? Who will compensate for the misfortunes that happened to her and them?
Ysaris felt a surge of emotion, wanting to shout at Kazhan. The years spent dealing with his whims and caprices felt like sharp thorns protruding from her past.
“I have nothing to say to someone who can’t even display basic manners. Anyway, I’m not such an important figure, so don’t bother with superficial greetings. Just enjoy your time together.”
“Empress.”
Ysaris ignored Kazhan’s summons and rose from her seat.
No, she attempted to.
If not for his cutting remark.
“It seems the Empress isn’t afraid after all, to so easily defy the Emperor’s command.”
Turning away without taking a single step, Ysaris bit her lip. Her clenched fist trembled with tension.
She stood firm.
Turning away without taking a single step, Esharis bit her lip. Her clenched fist trembled with tension.
She felt contempt for Kazhan, resorting to such threats over a trivial matter. It was pitiful to be in a position where she couldn’t even leave the room as she pleased.
But what could she do? There were still things she needed to protect.
Ysaris took a deep breath. Unable to control her expression, she spoke with a rigid voice instead of turning to face them.
“I will be in your care as well, Runellia Logiten.”
Having completed her duty, Ysaris moved forward without hesitation. This time, she wasn’t detained until she disappeared from their sight, leaving the room.
* * *
Ysaris had no intention of meeting Runellia again. While she would inevitably have to face her when she was officially appointed as the empress next month, she had no desire to forcibly maintain a good relationship with her.
The same went for Kazhan. As she already disliked the man, she didn’t care about whatever he did with Runellia.
The only silver lining since that day was that Kazhan’s footsteps, which had been steadily pursuing her, abruptly ceased. Instead, she heard rumors here and there about him being busy visiting Runellia every night.
As she was contemplating living like a recluse, she was interrupted.
“Oh my, Your Majesty! I never knew flowers would suit you so well.”
“Runellia, that’s enough. It’s a shame to call yourself the embodiment of a flower fairy.”
“You’re embarrassing me with such words…”
Ysaris felt dizzy as she watched the couple outside the window.
