What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 64

“But you wouldn’t like that, so I’m doing my best to find them. So, please understand if it takes some time.”
Kazhan gently rubbed Ysaris’s ring, which he wore on a chain around his neck, as if trying to soothe it. When everything was finally over, he could grant her what she truly wanted.
The death of Kazhan Tennilath.
It was the ultimate end that both Ysaris and Kazhan himself desired.

* * *

“Madness?”
“Yes. From what I’ve heard, things have gotten pretty brutal. He’s killing anyone who gets in the way of finding you.”
“…Is he still looking for me?”
“Seems like it. I’ve also heard whispers that he talks to your hallucination, which suggests he’s nearly lost his mind. It could be a rumor, but it’s probably true.”
“……”
“But this is delicious. You’ve really improved your cooking skills.”
While Lena, who had delivered the news, casually devoured her snack, Ysaris remained silent. The unexpected information left her filled with confusion and questions.
‘Didn’t he massacre the griffins because he thought I was dead? Yet he’s still searching for me’.
‘Could it be that he’s gone mad, as Lena suggested? If so, why would my death drive him insane? None of it made any sense, from start to finish.’
He didn’t even value me in the first place.
“How much has Mikael grown?”
“Ah.”
Lost in thought, Ysaris blinked at the sudden question. She consciously pulled her gaze away from the direction of the next room and turned to face Lena.
“Grown? He’s still just a baby.”
“Oh, come on, aren’t you being overly cautious? Do you think I’m going to eat him or something?”
Lena responded with a bemused laugh, but Ysaris didn’t let down her guard. Despite being grateful to Lena for her help, Ysaris had plenty of reasons to remain cautious.

<You’re thankful, right? Considering all the help I’ve given you, letting me take a little blood from time to time isn’t too much to ask, is it?>
<No. If you must, take my blood instead.>
<Your blood is valuable, but I’ve already gotten what I needed from your lineage. I’m more interested in seeing what happens with the child between you and Tennilath.>

After much back-and-forth, the two reached an agreement. Until the child was old enough, Ysaris would pay the price herself. Afterward, Lena could occasionally take blood from the child.
Thus, Ysaris settled in a secluded mountain village, adopting the alias Liz.
A few months later, a baby with platinum-blonde hair and red eyes was born. Ysaris named the tiny boy Mikael.
“I’m a little hurt, you know. I was just curious, that’s all. I won’t touch him until he’s running around, okay? Hasn’t it been about six months since he was born?”
“That’s right. He’s started crawling recently.”
“That’s when they start getting into trouble, isn’t it?”
“He doesn’t really cause trouble, but he’s already crawling all over the house. It’s exhausting not being able to take my eyes off him for a moment, except when he’s asleep, but it’s also rewarding to see him growing up so well…”
Lena watched Ysaris calmly as she naturally began to talk more. The conversation had shifted to boasting about the baby, and a gentle happiness spread across Ysaris’s face.
“…And on top of that, his babbling has expanded quite a bit. Yesterday, he called me ‘Ma,’ and his voice was so clear…”
“He’s not violent, is he? Not keeping you up at night or anything?”
“Huh? Mikael?”
Lena waved her hand dismissively at Ysaris’s puzzled reaction to the sudden question.
“No, it’s nothing. That’s a relief.”
“…Why are you asking me that?”
“It’s better you don’t know. Anyway, I’ve delivered the news, so I’ll be off.”
“Wait, Lena.”
Ysaris stood up, quickly catching Lena’s arm as she tried to leave without hesitation, pleading with her.
“Please stop dodging the question and tell me. This concerns my child.”
“As I’ve told you before, it’s dangerous information—better you don’t know. Scholars who researched this during the ancient times were wiped out because of it.”
“But you said this place is safe, right? This is your domain, after all.”
“That’s a different matter.”
“I need to know more about Tennilath so I can take care of Mikael properly. His well-being is ultimately beneficial for you, too.”
Lena looked at Ysaris steadily, her gaze meeting the desperate eyes that clearly wouldn’t back down. Sighing in annoyance, she scratched the back of her head.