The Scum Emperor's Redemption System

After the day's chaos, Argider naturally sought out Elira for some much-needed advice—or maybe just a venting session disguised as a strategy meeting. She plopped down in front of Elira and immediately started firing off questions like, "What do you know about the wives? How do I deal with them? Is there a secret handshake or something?"

The truth was, connecting with her harem was no longer just about keeping the peace; it was about survival. They weren't mere concubines to be ignored - they were consorts, each with their own quirks, powers, and potential for either support or sabotage.

Plus, let's face it, if Argider wanted to strengthen her magic, managing her overly complicated romantic entourage was probably step one. And step two? Surviving their tempers.

They were in the study room in the Palace, just beside the Imperial office.

Elira leaned against a bookshelf, arms crossed, watching Argider pace back and forth like a caged animal. It had been an hour since they began their conversation about Argider's wives, and the tension was thick enough to cut with a dagger.

"So, let me get this straight," Argider started, gesturing wildly. "Nyra Caelmorne, my wife—or one of them—is… a nymphomaniac?"

"Yes, Argider. And she's also a bard. You know, singing, dancing, charming people—your typical bard stuff."

She had to do this. She had to connect with Nyra. It was her duty as the Emperor, after all. It was her job to maintain peace, stability, and... somehow keep her wives happy.

Or at least, one of them.

"So you mean I have to... do it with her?"

"Yes, Argider."

"It's not like I mind... it's just.... Aren't I pregnant?"

"Ugh, this motherf—!" She cut herself off, groaning in defeat. This was her life now, wasn't it? Balancing romance, politics, and whatever nonsense this was, all while trying not to trip over her own two feet.

A few hours later, she went to the eastern part of the Palace.

The palace was an opulent maze of sprawling halls and gilded chambers, with the consorts' quarters tucked in a serene yet less extravagant wing, connected by winding corridors adorned with intricate murals and guarded by discreet sentinels.

Taking a deep breath, Argider knocked softly, then slowly cracked the door open, peering inside. Nyra was sitting at a grand piano, humming a tune that was surprisingly soothing.

The sight of her made Argider freeze for a moment. She looked like something straight out of a fairy tale, with her snow white hair cascading over her shoulders and her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Ah, the Emperor graces my humble chamber," Nyra said in a playful tone, not even bothering to look up from the piano. "What brings you here, Argider? Lost your way to the throne room?"

"Actually, no. I... I came to talk. About, uh, us."

She leaned back, her fingers still lightly tapping the keys. "Us? Is this going to be one of those heart-to-heart conversations where you apologize for forgetting about me?"

"Uh, well... yes? No. Maybe? Look, I don't really know what I'm doing here, but I want to try. To, uh, connect?"

Nyra's lips curled into a sly grin. "Connect, hmm? I've heard that word before. But you might want to clarify exactly what kind of connection you're talking about." She patted the seat next to her on the piano bench. "Come, sit with me. I'm all ears."

Argider hesitated, then sat down beside Nyra, immediately feeling the warmth of her presence. "I... I really didn't know much about you before. I mean, we had that one night... and then, well, life happened."

"Ah yes, life," Nyra mused, her fingers dancing on the piano keys. "It's funny how that works, isn't it? One night can lead to so many things. Like... children. And a marriage you weren't even aware of." She smirked, her eyes glinting with something Argider couldn't quite place.

Argider gulped, nervously adjusting her seat. "I... I'm sorry. I should've been more aware. I know it's not easy, being married to someone who doesn't even remember you."

"Oh, don't worry, darling. It's not the memory that bothers me. It's the... attention." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. "You see, Argider, I like to feel important. Special. And sometimes, a little attention goes a long way."

"Attention?" Argider repeated, her mind spinning. "Right. I can give you... attention." She didn't know what she was saying, but Nyra's teasing smile was making it hard to think straight.

Nyra's fingers stopped playing the piano, and she turned fully to face Argider, eyes locking onto hers. "Mm-hmm. Attention. And not just any attention. The kind that makes you feel seen. Wanted." She leaned in slightly. "Do you understand, Emperor?"

Argider wasn't sure if this was a game, a test, or... something else entirely. "I-I do understand. I'll give you the attention you deserve. I swear."

Nyra's grin widened, and before Argider could react, Nyra placed a delicate finger against her lips. "It's cute when you try so hard," she teased. "But remember, Argider, I'm not asking for just any attention. I want the kind that makes you forget all about politics, all about duties..." She leaned in even closer, her lips hovering near Argider's ear. "The kind that's a little... more personal."

Was this really happening? Was she seriously about to get swept up by this... bard-nymphomaniac? The words "duty" and "Emperor" seemed to blur with the heat in her chest.

"Uh," Argider stammered, her voice faltering. "I... I can't just—"

Nyra didn't give her a chance to finish. She cupped Argider's chin gently, her thumb brushing over her skin as she closed the distance between them. "You're a ruler, Argider," she said softly. "And rulers make decisions. You have power. And you have me... to help you use it. All you have to do is... accept."

Before Argider could stop herself, her lips met Nyra's in a kiss that was slow at first, tentative, like they were both testing the waters. But as the seconds passed, Argider found herself caught up in the moment, her heart racing as Nyra deepened the kiss, pulling her closer.

It felt like time slowed, like there was nothing but the sound of their breathing and the pulse of their hearts.

Argider pulled away just slightly, her eyes wide shocked."I—"

"It's okay. Take your time. But remember, you're not just a ruler, Argider. You're a woman now. A woman with... responsibilities. And if you want to keep me around, you'll need to learn how to... please me."

"I... I think I'm going to need more than just a few lessons, Nyra. You're... uh... a lot to handle."

Nyra chuckled softly, her fingers tracing the curve of Argider's arm. "Don't worry. I'm patient. And I think we can work something out. After all, I'm not in a rush. We have all the time in the world... to figure this out, together."

Argider was definitely not prepared for this. But then again, when had she ever been prepared for anything in this empire?

"Alright," Argider said weakly, finally finding her voice again. "I guess we'll... see where this goes."