What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 220

For a long time, Ysaris had not spoken properly with her father, and so she returned with a dazed expression, failing to notice the dissonance in his words. The only thing she understood was that Cain had walked into the fire—for her sake.

The rumors spreading publicly were no different. Whispers claimed that the princess’s loyal knight had died carrying out a mission, risking his life for her.

Ysaris fell into despair. The light in her once-brilliant eyes dimmed, and she lost all motivation.

It was around that time that Bariteon Kelloden came to see her.

From then on, Ysaris threw herself into serving the people. One by one, she forced through the policies she had once chattered about as “our dreams” with Cain. It felt like the only way to honor his death.

She didn’t hesitate to clash with the First Prince, the one who had driven her and Cain to the brink. Standing on opposite sides, their constant interference sparked endless conflicts—but true to the king’s promise, Serenus could never harm her.

As time passed, the voices of the people supporting Ysaris within the Kingdom of Pyrein grew louder. News of a successful rebellion in the distant Uzephian Empire reached her, but it was none of her concern. Even after the promised year had passed, she continued to wield the king’s lingering protection as a shield, pushing forward with her ambitions.

…Had the aging king not collapsed one day, confined to his sickbed, she might have remained safe even longer.

Ysaris was certain Serenus had poisoned the king—but she had no proof. Recently, she herself had narrowly escaped an attempted poisoning and had to tread carefully.

Serenus’s suppression grew harsher by the day. Just as she began fearing she might truly be killed or sold off to someone, Bariteon extended his hand.

Ysaris Tennilath sensed deception in Bariteon’s words, but the Ysaris of the past, who had trusted her childhood friend unconditionally, agreed to the contractual engagement. It was the beginning of a scandal that would shake the Kingdom of Pyrein.

The two publicly played the role of lovers. Together with Selena, Bariteon’s true beloved, they orchestrated a grand deception for the entire nation.

Ysaris’s plan was flawless. proceed with the fake engagement, stall for as long as possible, and once her safety was secured and Selena became pregnant, they would dissolve the arrangement, their goals fulfilled.

Bariteon seemed reluctant but agreed.

Eager to hold the engagement before it was too late, he arranged a lavish banquet.

A warm day, a painted sky—even nature seemed to bless the occasion.

Ysaris Chernian became the most beautiful woman in the world as she stepped onto the red carpet. Amid cheers and congratulations, she smiled warmly, linking arms with Bariteon.

And Ysaris Tennilath—

—faced Cain’s, Kazhan’s, abyssal despair. A silent scream only she could hear.