What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 80
That was why she couldn’t directly tell him not to come back. She knew all too well that Kazhan wouldn’t retreat so easily.
‘In that case, I might as well take control.’
With that thought, Ysaris attempted to negotiate.
“Let’s talk again tomorrow instead.”
“Alright.”
“After the child has fallen asleep, here.”
“If that’s what you want.”
Even after easily obtaining his agreement, Ysaris frowned. She eyed Kazhan suspiciously, finding his compliant behavior odd, and lightly grasped the s***t of the umbrella in his hand.
“Then, I’ll be going now.”
“…Alright.”
Kazhan hesitated for a moment before slowly responding and releasing the umbrella. The umbrella, which had been slanted the entire time, returned upright in its owner’s hand.
With Kazhan watching her intently, Ysaris turned and started walking away. Rather than cleaning up the spilled groceries, getting out of there immediately was her top priority.
Splash, splash—the sound of her feet splashing through wet puddles echoed as the distance between them grew. Only when Ysaris reached home and opened the door did she feel Kazhan’s gaze finally leave her.
Click.
“Haah…”
As soon as the door closed, Ysaris slid to the floor. Though she had faced him as confidently as she could, the tension in her body had left her rigid, and now her entire being cried out in exhaustion.
‘How did he even find me here? Why is he suddenly pretending to be so gentlemanly? What does he intend to talk about when we meet again?’
She was utterly confused. She had said they would meet tomorrow, but in truth, the thought of packing up and fleeing tonight was much stronger. There was even a sense that she had merely bought herself time to do so.
Ysaris had absolutely no trust in Kazhan. Though he promised not to harm Mikael, how could she believe him? Who knew when he might suddenly change his mind and kidnap her back to Uzephia?
But this man had intruded into a village protected by Lena’s barrier just to find her. As long as she didn’t know how he had tracked her down, running away would only result in the same thing happening all over again.
And next time, he would likely come back far more violently.
“…I’m exhausted.”
Her true feelings slipped out as Ysaris lowered her head. The dampness from her skirt, soaked when she knelt earlier, sent a cold shiver through her, and she hugged herself tightly.
‘Why does it have to be me? Were there really no other women to capture the attention of this mad Emperor?’
‘Would I ever be able to escape him? Would there come a day when I’m truly free?’
‘What should I do from here on…?’
“Mamaaa.”
“Mikael?”
Ysaris quickly jumped to her feet at the sound of her son calling for her. A moment ago, she had no strength in her body, but now she hurried into the room without hesitation.
“My love, did you wake up? Were you scared because Mama wasn’t here?”
“Mmnn… hungwy…”
“Hungwy? Alright, let’s have some food. My dear, I’m sorry Mama was late. Is it okay if we eat the leftovers from last night?”
Ysaris soothed the whining Mikael as she prepared their meal. The baby, who had slept late, seemed to still be worn out from crying all night long and nodded off as soon as he finished his late meal.
“You’re very tired, aren’t you? Sleep, sleep. Let’s sleep together, sweetheart.”
“Mmmnn.”
Without even washing up, Ysaris changed clothes and lay down on the bed, gently patting Mikael. The warmth of the child snuggled up against her, breathing softly, was deeply comforting.
“Sleep, sleep. Sleep, sleep…”
Even after her son had fallen asleep, her hand continued to move. She repeatedly patted him in a steady rhythm, softly whispering. Sleep, sleep. Sleep, sleep…
It wasn’t until her voice began to tremble with emotion that she stopped. Ysaris hugged Mikael tightly, swallowing back the sobs that rose in her throat, though she didn’t fully understand why.
He was her precious love and happiness. This was a life she could never give up, yet a man had appeared who would destroy it all. Her husband, the man who had wronged her, would drag her back down to the depths of despair.
She couldn’t let that happen.
Ysaris couldn’t afford to collapse here. She had to do whatever it took to make sure Kazhan let go of both her and Mikael.
No matter the cost.
“…Mama will protect you.”
A small whisper filled the room, mingling with the sound of her baby’s breathing. Her blue eyes, which had dried from their tears, held a steely resolve.
One day until her reunion with Kazhan.
It was more than enough time to prepare for the gamble that would risk her entire life.
