What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 8
Who would have guessed she would witness Kazhan in such a state in her lifetime? Not only was he wearing a crown on his head, but he was also personally placing one on a woman’s head as well, as if he wouldn’t shed a drop of blood even if pricked.
Unable to bear the sight any longer, she closed the window and drew the curtains shut. Finally, the faint sounds of conversation were blocked out.
She couldn’t fathom why they would choose to have a picnic in her own garden, of all places, when there were plenty of other scenic spots within the vast palace grounds. And to do so blatantly visible from her bedroom window.
As Ysaris glanced out the window, she recalled Runellia’s gaze she had met earlier. Though not entirely certain due to the distance, the vividly smiling face, seemingly flaunting something, lingered uncomfortably in her mind.
It wasn’t of great importance. She brushed it off, trying to ignore it.
If only she hadn’t been forced to be entangled with them further.
“Your Majesty, the Emperor has instructed that you join him for lunch starting tomorrow.”
“What’s the reason?”
“He didn’t specify.”
“…Will Runellia Logiten be accompanying us as well?”
“Yes.”
“I can’t refuse, can I?”
“I can convey your message, but…”
“No, forget it. Just tell them I’ll go.”
The forced meal together was the first of many. Despite staying until the end, she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the sight of the two of them conversing intimately. She barely ate anything, setting her utensils down as she observed their affectionate behavior.
“It seems neither of you are considering my schedule.”
“Refusing Runellia’s invitation wouldn’t be a good idea.”
“I’ll get ready right away.”
She couldn’t refuse the tea time invitations, which occurred several times.
“It seems that you really like the Empress, Runellia. You visited multiple times and even invited her to tea.”
“I brought tea leaves I heard Your Majesty enjoys. The weather is lovely today. How about spending some time outside, even if it’s just for a moment?”
Listening to the pointless chatter, Ysaris remained silent, feeling a lump forming in her throat. Despite having only tea, she felt nauseous afterward and skipped dinner.
“What a coincidence! Does Your Majesty often walk around here?”
“I didn’t expect to see you here, Runellia.”
“I mentioned my love for reading, and then Kazhan… Oh, His Majesty gave me immediate access, didn’t he? I already feel like I’m an Imperial Consort. Even though it’s still a few weeks before I officially enter the palace.”
Encountering Runellia in the royal library, Ysaris felt genuinely exasperated.
To Ysaris, her boasting about having a ‘husband’ who’s nothing special seemed absurd and amusing. His frequent attempts to display affection were comical and ridiculous.
Ysaris responded with a suitable amount of disregard and turned away, but Runellia’s arrogant gaze lingered in my mind, scratching at my nerves for quite some time.
And now.
“Darling, Your Highness, perhaps that steak would be…”
“What do you want?”
Thunk.
During the meal, Ysaris set down his utensils with a loud clatter and asked bluntly. The first to respond was Runellia, who leaned in close to Kazhan, placing her hands on his shoulder and thigh.
“What do you want? We are simply…”
“I didn’t ask you, Runellia.”
With a chilly tone, Ysaris silenced Runellia and locked eyes with Kazhan.
“What do you want from me, Your Majesty? Surely there must be a reason you summoned me.”
He must have called Ysaris for a reason other than just to showcase feeding his new wife directly.
Ysaris wanted to put an end to this time-wasting. Every time she saw them, it only served as proof that all her unhappiness meant nothing, and she truly didn’t want to meet them if possible.
If they loved each other, they would spend time together alone. Why did they keep dragging her into it every time?
She repeated the question she had asked at the first dinner table about the incomprehensible matter.
And the answer that came back was the same as it was then.
“Do I need a reason to call upon you? You’re my wife too.”
* * *
The dinner ended rather blandly. After exchanging a few more words, Ysaris excused herself first, signaling that any further conversation held no significance.
It wasn’t just the meal, anything that didn’t involve Ysaris held no meaning to Kazhan. Therefore, naturally, he couldn’t refuse her request.
<Can I truly be called your wife, Your Majesty? I would rather be a concubine. I wish to return to Pyrene.>
Kazhan glanced at the empty seat with sunken eyes. As he mentally pictured Ysaris, who had been sitting there poised and firm, his hand felt a groping touch and he swiftly caught it.
“Your Majesty, we should finish what we were discussing…”
“Runellia.”
Don’t overstep your bounds.
A cold gaze from an angle unseen by others fell upon Runellia. She pursed her lips momentarily, then forced a smile.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
