What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 99
The two shared a late breakfast of forest fruits. Having been unconscious for nearly two days, Ysaris was bound to be hungry. However, Kazhan’s insistence on feeding her resulted in her overeating.
As they ate, they discussed various topics. Eventually, Ysaris agreed to accompany Kazhan to Uzephia, prompting a soft smile to appear on his face as he outlined their plans.
“You seem very happy.”
“Of course. I get to be with you.”
“Didn’t you say you’d visit me often even if I didn’t come along?”
“How could that compare? I grow restless if I don’t see you, even for a moment.”
“…My love, you’ve been with many women, haven’t you?”
“You’re the only woman I’ve had in my entire life.”
By now, the two had grown comfortable, their conversation flowing naturally in a more casual tone. This version of Ysaris, who hadn’t endured Cain’s death or Kazhan’s darkness, was sociable and not the type to put undue distance between herself and a husband who showered her with affection.
The peaceful atmosphere shifted abruptly when Ysaris suddenly asked,
“But where is Mikael?”
Kazhan froze.
Faced with a question he couldn’t answer, his mind raced. The only thing he knew was that Ysaris had entrusted Mikael to a safe place. Given the time constraints, she couldn’t have taken him beyond the barrier, so Mikael was most likely somewhere within the village.
“I left him with the neighbors for a bit.”
“The neighbors? Why?”
“We needed time alone. You were in poor condition, after all.”
His response mixed truth and lies seamlessly. As long as Ysaris didn’t realize that she had been the one to entrust Mikael elsewhere, his answer would hold up.
Ysaris, still recovering from her injuries, didn’t find his explanation strange and accepted it readily. But her questions didn’t end there.
“When will he return?”
“That…”
Kazhan hesitated. He had to decide. If he gave a vague, prolonged timeline, Ysaris might grow suspicious. On the other hand, if she later discovered the truth, the consequences could be catastrophic.
Revealing the truth now wasn’t an option either. He had just begun rebuilding his relationship with Ysaris and didn’t want to risk ruining everything.
“That…?”
Ysaris’ expression turned questioning at his faltering voice. Her raised eyebrows signaled her growing unease as the silence stretched.
“Well?”
“Ysaris.”
“Tell me the truth right now. Where is Mikael?”
Her instincts as a mother kicked in. Ignoring the pain in her abdomen, she stood and glared at Kazhan.
“Where’s my child? Tell me now so I can bring him back.”
“Ysaris.”
“Stop giving me that look and answer. If you don’t, I’ll go out and search for him myself.”
Kazhan closed his eyes, overwhelmed by despair.
‘Should he just say Mikael was dead? That she could never see him again?’
After all, once they left for Uzephia, there would be no reason for Ysaris to return to this village. It could be a perfect crime.
But if Ysaris didn’t believe him and turned the village upside down looking for Mikael, discovering the truth would shatter their relationship beyond repair. She would see him as the man who tried to separate her from her child forever.
“If you don’t want to tell me, fine. I’ll find him myself.”
“Ysaris.”
“If you try to stop me, I won’t go to Uzephia with you.”
Kazhan’s outstretched hand froze midair. After all the effort he had put into persuading her to come without breaking his promises, it seemed everything might unravel. Letting out a weary sigh, he rubbed his eyes in frustration.
Fine. He’d have to say Mikael had been lost or that he was already gone when Kazhan arrived.
Just as Kazhan began to speak, an unexpected knock sounded at the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
“Miss Liz, are you in there?”
“Mr. Tevi?”
Ysaris glanced at both the door and Kazhan before turning toward the source of the voice. The speaker was the village’s gatekeeper, a gray-haired man she occasionally crossed paths with. Despite her discomfort, she moved to open the door, unwilling to leave the elderly man standing outside for long.
Click.
“Good morning.”
“A good morning to you, Miss Liz. Though it’s closer to noon now.”
The white-haired gatekeeper chuckled as he peeked behind her. His gaze landed on Kazhan, who stood a few steps away, silently watching.
“Hm.”
Letting out an ambiguous sound, the old man’s mysterious violet eyes narrowed slightly. Known as the village’s strongest gatekeeper, he nodded as if understanding something unspoken.
“It seems you’ve resolved matters with your husband.”
“Yes… something like that.”
Though Ysaris had no idea what he meant, she answered positively, unwilling to air their domestic troubles.
Her response led to an unexpected result.
“Well then, shall I return Mikael to you today?”
“What?”
“Have you not finished your discussion yet?”
“N-no. Please bring him back right away.”
