What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 288

Every time she remembered they were the same person, the turmoil was hers alone to bear.

“Now I understand. You must’ve felt this too. Who knew you could love someone so much yet resent them just as deeply?”

Ysaris let out a half-laugh. The absurdity of their tangled situation left her speechless. She didn’t want to understand Kazhan, but logically, the pieces fit.

“That doesn’t mean I planned to forgive you…”

She bit her lip, swallowing the tremor in her voice. No matter how calmly she spoke, the emotions churned violently.

After Kazhan fell into hibernation, all that remained were traces of Cain. Not the husband who’d hurt her—only the ashes of the tender lover who’d poured endless affection into her.

Eventually, black-haired Kazhan Tennilath and brown-haired Cain Jenut began to blur. Only now, at this point, could she fully face that Kazhan was Cain.

“…So, Kazhan.”

She spoke the name again—one she’d uttered more to his sleeping form than his waking self. This time, addressing Kazhan, not Cain, she forced out the painful words.

“Wake up. We have so much to talk about.”

…But no words would reach him.

Like Kazhan’s unbroken silence.

“Haah…”

A sigh escaped her. She’d known it was futile, yet disappointment still crept in.

But perhaps confronting her feelings helped. Unlike her vague determination before, her resolve now felt clearer, firmer. Rising, she murmured.

“You must need more rest. I’ll return.”

* * *

That afternoon.

An unexpected visitor arrived.

“Long time no see, Duchess Blake.”

“You look well, Your Majesty. I should’ve visited sooner—my apologies.”

In the palace parlor, the two exchanged pleasantries. Just as Ysaris thought they’d finally have a peaceful tea after weeks of chaos, Penesir dismissed the maids. A sign she’d come for something urgent—and private.

“What brings you here?”

Ysaris eyed her curiously. If the Blake household had secret matters to discuss, Temisian should’ve been the one to visit.

“My husband told me the news. I thought I might… assist Your Majesty.”

“…What exactly did you hear, and what kind of ‘assistance’ do you mean?”

Caution edged Ysaris’s tone. Given the sensitivity of recent discussions with the duke, she tread carefully. Penesir smiled, unfazed.

“His Majesty has fallen into a prolonged slumber. The world believes nothing can wake him.”

“So the duke did tell you.”

After swearing to keep it secret.

At Ysaris’s frown, Penesir’s eyes curved.

“Don’t blame Temisian too harshly. He must’ve been desperate. When it comes to obscure knowledge, I’ve always been the sharper mind in our household.”

Though Temisian was plenty intelligent, the Blake family’s business acumen largely stemmed from Penesir. While the duke busied himself with imperial duties, she’d quietly mastered fields beyond a typical noblewoman’s scope.

“Setting that aside—you said you could help? If you’re here about Kazhan’s slumber, am I to assume you know how to wake him?”

Ysaris studied her, hope and skepticism warring in her voice. After so many dead ends, it was hard not to doubt.

Penesir nodded, beginning her explanation:

“Did you know I was once the daughter of House Mukeon before marrying Temisian?”