What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 265

“I’ll do anything. I don’t know if you still need me, but if you want… I can return to the palace and live there.”

Ysaris assumed Kazhan would demand a price. She wasn’t in a state to think rationally, and her preconceptions about him led her there.

‘How wretched. To have to bargain with my own husband to save our daughter.’

Kazhan’s gaze remained fixed on her, as if Casilia didn’t exist. The calm—no, the indifference in his eyes made her blood boil.

‘How can you call yourself her father?’

The urge to scream and grab him by the collar warred with the need to stay composed for Casilia’s sake. Biting her lip hard enough to draw blood, Ysaris bowed her head.

“Take my body if you want. Take my life if you must—just… please save Casilia. She’s your child too.”

‘My daughter. My Casilia.’

‘What do I do? How do I save you?’

Tears dripped onto Casilia’s still face. Ysaris trembled, terror gripping her at the thought of losing her.

Kazhan watched in silence, his gaze briefly lingering on Casilia—so much like him—before returning to Ysaris. His expression remained unreadable.

Finally, he spoke.

“If her life is more precious to you than your own, then of course I’ll save her.”

“Then—!”

“But I have one request.”

“Hah.”

‘Of course.’

Ysaris glared at him with undisguised contempt before forcing herself to relax. This wasn’t the time for a battle of wills. Casilia came first.

“As long as Casilia lives, anything.”

“It’s simple.”

“You’re telling me to fulfill your demand first, while she’s like this? Can you really call yourself her father?”

Her voice cracked with fury. Kazhan opened his mouth, but she cut him off.

“I said anything. Demand whatever you want—just save Casilia first, then we’ll talk.”

“Ysaa, I—”

“Please, Kazhan. I’m begging you. If this goes on, she’ll—”

Her voice broke, thick with tears. Kazhan swallowed whatever he’d meant to say.

“…Fine.”

A single word, heavy as stone.

“Fine, Ysaa.”

His breath escaped, weightless. As he took Casilia into his arms and turned away, his broad back seemed smaller than usual.

* * *

Tap. Tap.

Their hurried footsteps echoed through the dark storeroom. To an ordinary person, they’d seem to be running at full speed.

“Your Majesty, can Her Highness truly be revived?”

“That depends on you. Don’t make a mistake.”

“I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do.”

Temisian Blake replied awkwardly. He’d been summoned abruptly on his way back from the council, told only, “I need your help to save the princess.” With no further explanation, he now followed the Emperor to the imperial vault, thoroughly bewildered.

“It’s nothing difficult. I only need your skill with a blade.”

“Well, that’s something I can do. Your discernment remains impeccable.”

They passed through multiple layers of wards. The door, unlocked by Tennilath blood, opened easily. Soon, they reached the deepest chamber.

A circular room, lined with vessels of varying sizes, each holding a preserved red liquid—the blood of past Tennilath rulers.

Temisian, unable to suppress his unease any longer, spoke again.

“But… what am I to cut? I don’t see any immediate threat to Your Majesty…”

“Duke Blake.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Temisian studied Kazhan closely. His face was as expressionless as ever, his eyes just as lifeless. His tone and bearing hadn’t changed.

And yet—

“We’re short on time, so I’ll skip the lengthy explanation. I’ll tell you directly what must be done.”

“…Your command?”

Temisian’s dread deepened as Kazhan handed him Casilia and began stripping off his coat. The Emperor’s movements were rough, almost frantic, as he tore at his own clothes while checking the child’s condition.