What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 190

“If that’s the case…”

A laugh from Trienne interrupted Ysaris’ silent worries about how the power dynamics might shift.

“Retribution would be terrifying, true—but recall Her Majesty’s words. She wouldn’t have dared this unless she was certain she’d never be caught.”

Just where is this place?

Ysaris furrowed her brow slightly. Frustrated by the evasive answers, she swallowed a sigh and changed tactics.

“How is Mikael? My son—how is he?”

If their goal was to keep her alive long enough to drain her blood, surely they’d do the same for Mikael. But these were the same madmen who’d taken a two-year-old and immediately drawn his blood. Unable to suppress her unease, she braced for the answer—only to receive a breezy reply.

“The young prince hasn’t even woken up yet. Still off playing in dreamland. Didn’t even stir when we pricked his finger to draw blood.”

“…At least you didn’t swing a blade at him.”

“Oh, of course not! What if he got seriously hurt? We have to be very careful.”

Was she supposed to find that reassuring?

Anger and disgust churned in her chest, but Ysaris bit her tongue. No amount of persuasion or threats would make Trienne flinch—he’d risked everything for this kidnapping and would obviously milk it for all it was worth.

‘Yet something nagged at her. After a moment, she realized: The difference in how they’re treating Mikael and me is absurd.’

“You could’ve used a needle on me too, instead of a dagger.”

“Your Majesty is a grown woman! A little cut won’t kill you.”

“…”

“And though we haven’t tested it yet, your blood likely carries purification properties. We’re stockpiling it for… urgent use. Why? Were you scared?”

Ysaris’ eyebrow twitched at Trienne’s smirk. The more he spoke, the more insufferable he became.

She wanted to tell him to rot, but with Runellia dead, Trienne was her only source of information. Whether for negotiation, blackmail, or escape, she needed to scrape every clue from him.

“…What are you using our blood for? What’s your end goal? Is it really worth turning the entire Uzephia Empire against you?”

“So many questions! Curiosity is a virtue, I suppose. I’ve got plenty of my own.”

His cheerful tone briefly gave her hope—until his next words dashed it.

“Sadly, I can’t share anything with you. But this kidnapping will be worth it. Just… not for you.”

“How unfortunate.”

“That’s life.”

With a grin, Trienne brushed off his hands and stood.

“Well, I’ve bandaged you up, so I’ll take my leave. Someone else will bring your meals later. Do eat properly—we need you healthy.”

As he turned to go, Ysaris hurled one final plea:

“If I cooperate willingly, will you grant me one request?”

“I’ll hear it.”

“…Let me stay with Mikael. If I can’t escape anyway, why keep us apart?”

“Hmm.”

She pressed on as he tilted his head in mock deliberation.

“He’s just a child—he needs care. Without it, he won’t grow as you want. I know him best. Let me tend to him. It’s more convenient for you, isn’t it?”