What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 74
‘Tennilath, an unexpectedly significant figure in many ways. There were rumors that he was mad, but he didn’t particularly seem so.’
As he speculated whether he might come to him with a request to find the Empress, Yesis’s expression hardened at the Emperor’s question.
“Do you know a woman named Lena, with golden eyes?”
“…Why do you ask?”
It was clear to anyone that he recognized the name, and Kazhan made his request politely.
“The missing Empress was with her. Please tell me where I can meet her.”
“Haah, of all people…”
Yesis stroked his short beard, lost in thought. It wasn’t the news that the supposedly dead Empress of Uzephia was alive that surprised him, but rather, who she was with.
It couldn’t possibly be anyone else. If she wasn’t “created” like him, then golden eyes were her unique and inherent feature.
‘Did that person fake the Empress’s death and take her away? What did they see in the Empress?’
As he vaguely guessed what might have transpired between them, Yesis asked a question instead of answering.
“Not long ago, the Duke of Uzephia borrowed my crystal ball. Did you happen to see the Empress and that person through it?”
‘That person?’
Kazhan hesitated momentarily at the title the sage used to refer to the woman, but instead of addressing that, he focused on the more pressing issue.
“Yes. The crystal ball showed the Empress, and that woman, Lena, was with her.”
“This is troublesome. Troubling indeed.”
“What seems to be the problem?”
“Isn’t it a magic tool charged with my mana? She’ll think I was spying on her, and I might get scolded for it. Ha ha.”
“…Who on earth is this woman to make you say that?”
Kazhan’s curiosity was natural. He had never heard of someone being above the sage, yet Yesis spoke as though such a person existed.
Letting out a reluctant grunt, Yesis eventually rubbed his chin and answered.
“It’s a complicated relationship, but… well, let’s just say she’s my teacher.”
“You have a teacher, Sage?”
“Did you think I got to this position on my own?”
Kazhan silently affirmed. Yesis was such an enigmatic figure that it wouldn’t have been strange to assume he had risen to power through self-study.
‘But he had a teacher?’
Kazhan furrowed his brow as he thought of the woman with golden eyes. He had known from the moment she saw through the sage’s magic that she wasn’t an ordinary person, but this was far beyond his expectations.
It made sense now how someone like that had managed to completely evade the empire’s eyes until now, but the question of why she had taken Ysaris remained a mystery.
If it were a kidnapping, they would have made demands from the empire. If she was helping Ysaris, what could the Empress possibly offer in return? After all, mages were known for their calculating nature.
“Could you arrange a meeting?”
“Rekiana… No, Lena wouldn’t welcome uninvited guests. Why else would she have set up a barrier around the entire area where she lives?”
“As long as the Empress is there, I must go.”
“I’m sorry, but I won’t assist you. It’s not time to meet that person yet.”
“Then at least tell me the location.”
At Kazhan’s persistent request, Yesis shook his head.
“Even if I told you, you wouldn’t be able to find her. Unless you’re a mage on my level, you won’t be able to locate or break through her barrier.”
“Sage.”
“I’ve made my stance clear. So let’s end today’s—”
Srng!
Yesis didn’t get to finish. Kazhan had drawn his sword threateningly.
“I’ll ask once again, politely. Help me reclaim the Empress.”
“…Do you even realize what you’re doing right now?”
Rather than being upset, Yesis looked at him with an incredulous expression. It was a refreshing feeling, as this was the first time something like this had happened in his life.
Why were weapons allowed in the Archmage’s reception room? Because no one capable of harming him existed.
It was only natural that the strongest mage would occupy that seat.
“I’m aware.”
Kazhan was also well aware. He knew he wasn’t a match for Yesis, but he had drawn his sword regardless.
But the blade was not pointed at Yesis. Instead, the tip was directed at…
“You’ve gone mad.”
“Yes, I have. So, think carefully.”
A thin line appeared on Kazhan’s neck where the sharp edge touched. Despite the beads of blood beginning to form, he did not flinch as he stared straight at Yesis.
“If the Emperor of Uzephia were to meet an unfortunate end in the Mage Tower, you’d have to bear the consequences. Isn’t it better to be scolded by your teacher instead?”
