What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 75
There was no stubbornness like this. At a loss for words, Yesis covered his forehead with one hand and burst into a hearty laugh.
“I never thought I’d be threatened like this in my lifetime. What a strange day. The Emperor, of all people, truly. What a day.”
He shook his head repeatedly while exclaiming the same thing and then asked Kazhan, who still held a sword to his throat.
“Why are you going this far? From what I’ve heard, you don’t even seem to love the Empress that much.”
That was why the rumors of the Emperor going mad gained so much traction. If he had treated the Empress well, it would’ve been one thing, but hadn’t he disregarded her all this time? The whispers only grew louder as he turned the entire continent upside down over the disappearance of a cherished bedroom ornament.
“There was a misunderstanding. It has been resolved now, so once I get her back, I will treat her well.”
“Does the Empress want to return to you?”
Kazhan fell silent for a moment. The question, innocent as it was, struck him right in the heart, making his chest tighten, but he managed to pull out a response.
“She probably hates me. But I will win her heart back. No matter what it takes.”
Yesis nodded. From what he had seen, Kazhan seemed like the kind of man who would truly do anything to achieve his goals.
Who would have thought, at my age, I’d get involved in someone else’s love quarrel? Life truly is unpredictable, Yesis thought, letting out a dry laugh.
“I’ll open the path for you. But, you’ll have to go alone, without any escorts. My master dislikes commotion, so be cautious when you get there.”
“Thank you. I won’t forget this favor.”
Kazhan finally relaxed his stance. As he sheathed his sword, the stinging pain from the cut on his neck belatedly registered.
Although it may have looked like he had rashly held a sword to his own throat, it was a perfectly calculated move. He had pieced together the information from their brief conversation and drawn a swift conclusion, which led to such a bold action. It only seemed like madness.
There was no way the Imperial mages, contracted to the royal family, could break the barrier created by the Sage’s master. Forcing their way in would only result in provoking either the Sage or his master, which had to be avoided at all costs.
In the end, the only option was to rely on Yesis, but he wasn’t willing to help. This moment, face-to-face with him, was Kazhan’s one and only chance to persuade him, so he had no choice but to risk his neck to force a decision.
Ultimately, Kazhan won the gamble. He wiped the blood off his neck with the back of his hand, feeling strangely satisfied as a curious gaze followed him.
“…Now that I think of it, I didn’t mention the price. Since you’ve already spilled some blood, leave me a bit before you go.”
“Excuse me?”
“It’s not every day I come across blood this potent. It’s been aged nicely with your abilities. I’d like to use some myself and give the rest to my master. The more, the better.”
Thus, Kazhan ended up donating a considerable amount of blood, though it wasn’t part of his original plan. Despite the odd circumstances, both parties left the negotiation satisfied.
* * *
Boom!
“Waaaah!”
“Hush, little one. Thunder is nothing to be afraid of. Nothing in this world can harm you.”
“Mama, mama….”
“Mommy’s right here, Mikael.”
“Shh, it’s alright. Mommy’s here. I’ll always stay by your side. I’ll protect you.”
Ysaris continuously whispered to her son, gently patting his back. Since Mikael was born, the weather had never been this bad, so it was no wonder the thunder had scared him.
With the sky pouring down harsh cries, as if forewarning of some ill omen, both Mikael and Ysaris spent the night awake. Only when the baby’s breathing evened out, the hand patting his back slowed, and the mother’s eyes finally closed did the long night come to an end—just as morning arrived.
Of the two who had fallen asleep, it was, of course, Ysaris who awoke first.
“…Mmm.”
‘When did I fall asleep?’
Rubbing her tired eyes, Ysaris slowly sat up and glanced toward the window, letting out a sigh. The thick curtains she’d drawn to block out the flashes of lightning made it difficult to tell what time it was.
At least the noise has died down. Mikael seems to be sleeping well, too.
Careful not to wake the child, Ysaris moved silently. She pulled the curtain slightly aside and saw the light rain drizzling gently outside.
Though partially obscured by the rain clouds, the sun was high enough to brighten the world. Despite the heavy lightning last night, it seemed none had struck nearby, which was fortunate.
“I’ll need to go to the market today…”
