What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 73
“Please have a seat here, Lord Yesis will be down shortly.”
“I’m certain we made this appointment in advance. Are you planning to keep the Emperor waiting?”
“We can’t help it. We live such a rushed life, so I ask for your understanding.”
Instead of an apology, the attitude that implied Kazhan should be the one to understand made his eyebrow twitch.
No matter how neutral the Magic Tower was as an organization, not tied to any nation, this was excessively rude. Especially for a mere guide, not even a high-ranking official of the Magic Tower, to treat the Emperor this way.
Just as Kazhan was about to say something, Temisian, who had accompanied him, quickly intervened.
“We understand it was a hastily arranged appointment, so we’ll wait patiently. We hope Lord Yesis comes down as soon as possible.”
With a hearty laugh, Temisian dismissed the guide, then turned to face Kazhan, whose cold gaze made him look back awkwardly.
“As I mentioned, Your Majesty, this meeting was incredibly difficult to arrange. I know you’re displeased, but please endure it, for the sake of your loyal servant.”
“There’s no need for us to humble ourselves like this.”
“That’s just how it is when meeting a Sage. The fact that they agreed to meet at all is only because Your Majesty personally requested it. Even if you offer them a fortune, they won’t meet with just anyone.”
The title of “Sage” wasn’t simply given to the head of the Magic Tower. A Sage was the most powerful mage of an era, a transcendent wizard who had surpassed human limitations.
Since such an individual was not bound by status, even the most prominent nobles could not approach a Sage lightly. Naturally, arranging a meeting with such a person demanded the utmost effort.
“While Your Majesty is right to look down on all beneath you, I humbly ask… when it comes to the Sage—”
“Enough. Leave now. I will meet the Sage alone.”
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
Temisian hesitated briefly, but unable to defy the Emperor’s command, he withdrew. The door closed softly, and Kazhan was left alone in the room.
It had been exactly a week since he had seen Ysaris through the crystal ball.
Just the confirmation that she was alive had brought a light back to Kazhan’s eyes. Though a violent rage and vitality swirled chaotically within him, his gaze, which had once been dead, now flickered as he glanced around the room.
As expected of the private reception room for the head of the Magic Tower, strange objects, which could only be magical tools, were scattered about. Though he pretended to examine them, his thoughts were elsewhere entirely.
What should he say when he meets Ysaris? Why did she, who hated him so much, love his child? Had she ever thought of him after she left? What was the mark left by the griffin that had attacked her? How should he treat her moving forward…?
The questions that had swirled in his mind for days resurfaced again, echoing unanswered and devouring his time.
Click.
The door opened just then. Small but distinct footsteps crossed the room, accompanied by a leisurely voice.
“Ah, my apologies for keeping such an esteemed guest waiting. Once I’m deep in my research, it’s difficult to keep track of time.”
The voice was dreamy, almost as if singing or reading a fairy tale, drawing Kazhan’s attention.
The first thing he noticed was a brilliant gold. Eyes identical to the woman he had seen in the crystal ball curved gently like those of a kind grandfather.
Though he had never disclosed his exact age, the Sage appeared as if he was transitioning from middle age to old age, despite having lived for over a century since his emergence into the world as an adult. His long white hair flowed down his back, partially obscured by a purple robe adorned with geometric patterns, making its exact length unclear.
For someone considered one of the strongest in the continent, his demeanor was unassuming, yet a faint but undeniable power radiated from him.
“It is an honor to meet the Sage.”
After his assessment, Kazhan finally spoke. Since becoming Emperor, he had never spoken with such deference to anyone, but a Sage was worthy of respect, even from an Emperor.
After all, he hadn’t come to flaunt arrogance when he was the one asking for something. Especially when it concerned the whereabouts of Ysaris.
“The honor is mine as well, to meet the Emperor of Uzephia in person. So, what brings you to seek out this old man?”
Yesis offered the customary greeting as he sat across from Kazhan. It seemed he, too, had been observing Kazhan, as his golden eyes gleamed with curiosity.
