Chapter 105
“My cousin is a knight in the Imperial Order, you know? He was part of the escort to the Mage Tower for Their Majesties. According to him, the Empress looks exactly the same as before. Perhaps that’s why she was brought back?”
“So whether she’s real or fake, we’re to serve an Empress who looks identical to the previous one. His Majesty sure has… consistent tastes.”
One noblewoman shook her head, reluctant to voice a more critical opinion of the Emperor, knowing it could spell disaster. Those listening to her, however, could fill in the unspoken thoughts easily.
During the Emperor’s previous bouts of erratic behavior, there had been much speculation about the cause.
While some suggested it stemmed from his love for the Empress, the idea never gained much traction. After all, his treatment of the Empress had been far from affectionate, with his displays of affection more frequently directed toward his imperial consorts.
In the end, most concluded the reason was simpler: the Emperor could not let go of the Empress’s body, or perhaps she alone could satisfy his needs. Like a child unwilling to part with a beloved doll.
“At least now that the Empress is back, perhaps His Majesty will calm down a bit?”
“One can only hope. Until now, there’s been no one to restrain him….”
Several sighed, their faces a mixture of emotions.
Kazhan was no longer seen as a “capable but heavy-handed ruler.” Instead, he was simply “a mad tyrant.”
Had he not sealed blood pacts with the major nobles upon ascending the throne, rebellions would have likely broken out long ago. Yet even entertaining the idea of rebellion was dangerous, as any hint of defiance was met with swift and brutal retaliation. Enduring his tyranny seemed the only viable option.
“She’ll manage, won’t she? That’s why she returned to the empire. Whether she’s genuine or not, if Uzephia thrives, she stands to benefit.”
“True. Besides, what else could she be good at except appeasing His Majesty?”
Though they disapproved of Ysaris, the nobles pinned their hopes on her ability to pacify Kazhan. Only then could the shaky Uzephia find stability.
Such conversations echoed throughout the empire on the very day Ysaris arrived at the imperial palace.
* * *
“I hear you’ve lost your memory. Are you experiencing headaches?”
“My head doesn’t hurt. I felt a little dizzy at first, but that’s about it.”
“Please speak informally. I’m here as an imperial physician, not as a noble.”
“Ah… I see….”
Looking slightly uncomfortable, Ysaris studied the man before her. With gray hair and spectacles, the physician had introduced himself as Viscount Lafero. He proceeded to examine her carefully.
After inspecting her abdominal wound and checking her overall condition, he remarked that she had been surprisingly well cared for. However, his flat, expressionless tone made the compliment feel devoid of any warmth.
“I had a maid among my relatives who attended to Your Majesty before. Through her, I used to send you sedatives and headache remedies regularly. Do you no longer need them?”
“Medicines? Did I use to take those?”
“It seems you don’t require them anymore. In that case, I’ll only prepare a salve for your stomach.”
Ysaris frowned at how her question was ignored but refrained from pointing it out. After enduring the knights’ silent treatment during their travels, she suspected this was no different. Perhaps only specific conversations—those necessary for treatment—were permitted.
“Your wound has healed significantly, but for now, avoid wearing corsets or any tight-fitting garments. For the next month, stick to loose dresses like the one you’re wearing.”
“I thought my injuries would heal as soon as I reached the palace. Apparently not.”
“If you wish, I could prescribe a mage’s healing potion. However, I don’t recommend it for long-term use. Rapid recovery through magical means often leaves lingering side effects.”
Ysaris nodded. She was already familiar with that logic, though she had vaguely hoped Uzephia’s advancements might offer an alternative.
She wasn’t sure why she’d thought so—perhaps because she’d accidentally seen Kazhan changing once. His body had been unnervingly flawless.
No scars where one might expect them….
“Your Majesty?”
“Ah, my apologies. Did you say something?”
“I will visit every other day this month to check on your wound. Do you have a preferred time?”
“After lunch would be best.”
“Understood. Please rest well.”
“You may leave, Viscount.”
As Viscount Lafero departed, Ysaris awkwardly adjusted the bandage on her abdomen.
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