In a fury the Emperor loudly demanded to know why she dared to ignore him when he spoke to her, she casually looked up and said "I am speaking with someone far greater than you". The Emperor stormed out. Tiruwork Wube was cold and condescending to Tewodros, and he was angry and cruel in return.
The Emperor's ire got the better of him as he loudly demanded to know why Tewodros had ignored him when he spoke. But instead of apologizing, she calmly glanced up and said, "I'm having a conversation with someone far more significant than you." The Emperor was furious and stormed out of the room. Tiruwork Wube was cold and disdainful towards Tewodros, and his anger was matched by her own cruelty.