What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 141

“Dark magic?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. We discovered evidence of dealings with a dark mage in the estate of Baron Merowin.”

At Jebiken’s meticulous report, Kazhan’s brow furrowed. He set down his quill and leaned back into his office chair, signaling for further explanation.

“A collection of letters and dark magic-infused artifacts were found in the basement of Tyranna Merowin’s private villa. It’s unlikely that the Baron’s daughter would have sought out a dark mage on her own initiative. Instead, we suspect they approached her, likely targeting you through her.”

“That does seem more plausible. It’s hard to believe an insignificant noble family like the Baronet’s would suddenly act so brazenly.”

Kazhan fell silent, his thoughts churning. If his memory loss was a result of dark magic, this explanation made sense. Judging by Tyranna’s strange state, she might even be a victim herself.

But dark magic…

“Are there still factions of dark mages in existence?”

Though magic and dark magic share the term “magic,” their foundations are entirely different. Beyond simple distinctions of use and type, their power sources diverge. Regular magic draws on mana, but dark magic feeds on life force, draining not only the caster’s energy but also that of others.

Because of its destructive nature, dark magic was banned across the continent long ago, its practitioners branded enemies of the world and banished. The last known dark mage vanished centuries ago, leaving most to dismiss its existence as a relic of history.

“I didn’t think so either, but with evidence in hand, there’s little room for doubt.”

“They’ve survived in the shadows all this time and left traces… Perhaps they grew careless. Had things gone according to their plan, they likely would’ve fled with Tyranna Merowin in tow.”

“And with my seed in her, no less.”

Kazhan’s cold voice prompted Jebiken to bow in silent acknowledgment.

“Tch.”

Suppressing his growing fury, Kazhan raked a hand through his hair. Though this incident could have turned disastrous, he was relieved it had been thwarted early.

According to Jebiken, he’d managed to push Tyranna away and escape before losing consciousness. A feat most would consider impossible but that Kazhan, somehow, had achieved. The thought of what could have occurred if he hadn’t made it nauseated him. The idea of a child born without his memory of its conception would make facing Ysaris unbearable.

He needed to ensure nothing like this ever happened again. However, one aspect lingered in his mind.

“Dark magic, within the Imperial Palace…”

The palace’s wards made it immune to unregistered magical forces, scattering unauthorized mana patterns. Wizards could not cast spells, and enchanted objects required pre-registration with the warding authority to function within palace grounds.

The palace wasn’t merely fortified on the outside. Its interiors were heavily protected against magical intrusion.

For dark magic to activate here, there were only two explanations.

“Either the wards don’t filter out dark magic… or the warding authority has been compromised.”

“The former seems more likely. The palace’s wards were created after the last known dark mage disappeared.”

Without a known threat to account for, the wards had naturally been designed to counter only conventional magic.

“The Royal Mage is likely out of their depth. Do you think the Tower could fortify the wards?”

“It would be difficult. Disturbing such forces requires detailed knowledge of them, and dark magic is strictly forbidden at the Tower.”

“Not even a sage?”

A pause.

Jebiken hesitated to answer immediately, prompting Kazhan to press on.

“As it happens, we already have a relationship with Sage Yesis. I’ll inquire about reinforcing the wards to grant immunity against dark magic.”

“…Understood, Your Majesty.”

“Continue tracing the dark mages connected to Tyranna Merowin. If they targeted me, it’s likely they’re the same group responsible for the ambush at the Hertie Kingdom border.”

“I’ll see to it.”

With a bow, Jebiken left the office. Passing the halls he had traversed so often of late, he arrived at his own workspace. There, he pulled a blank sheet of parchment from a drawer.

To Sage Yesis.

After this poised beginning, he paused, organizing his thoughts.

He couldn’t disobey the Emperor’s orders. At least outwardly, he had to comply to avoid suspicion.