The Scum Emperor's Redemption System

The room felt eerily quiet as Esmeralda blinked back into reality, her breath uneven, her chest heaving. Everything from the world of desires had been so vivid—the emotions, the sensations, the overwhelming intimacy. She hesitated, her gaze flickering to Argider, who stood a little dazed but otherwise calm. Her lips parted as if to speak, but instead, she reached out, her fingers brushing Argider's shoulder in an almost involuntary check for injuries.

"You're… fine?" Esmeralda asked, her voice unusually soft, still trying to process everything.

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Ding!

— [New Relationship Status: Esmeralda Morrigan]

— [Affection ▪︎ 50]

— [Loyalty▪︎ 50]

— [Emotion▪︎ 100]

Argider raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest with a small smirk. "If you're worried about me, Esmeralda, just say so. But yes, I'm fine." Her teasing tone faded, replaced by a faint vulnerability. "In fact… if this baby isn't yours, then kill me."

For a moment, she said nothing, simply staring at Argider.

The sincerity in those words, the weight of that statement, was unlike anything she'd ever heard from the playful and infuriating emperor. Her gaze softened, sparkling with a mix of confusion and something deeper—attachment, perhaps?

"Why?" she finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why would you say something like that?"

Argider tilted her head, genuinely pondering the question herself. "Maybe…" She hesitated. "Maybe it's because the world of desires does something to you. I mean, don't you feel… different? Like it helped you—us—control our emotions?"

It was true; the fire of rage that constantly smoldered within her felt… dimmer. There was still frustration, but it no longer consumed her. It was as if the experience had forced her to confront her own turmoil, leaving her unexpectedly calm. She glanced at Argider, the sharpness in her eyes replaced with something almost gentle.

"Maybe," she admitted grudgingly, her pride unwilling to let her elaborate further.

Argider, sensing the shift in Esmeralda's demeanor, saw an opportunity to take things a step further. "Do you want magic?" she asked suddenly, her tone lighter, almost mischievous.

Esmeralda blinked, startled. "Magic?"

"Yes, magic." Argider's lips curved into a sly smile. "If I activate it in you, I'll benefit from it too. So really, we both win." She leaned forward slightly, her tone playful. "What do you say?"

Esmeralda hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Fine. But if this is one of your schemes—"

"Oh, relax." Argider waved her off with a grin. "Now, let's get started."

Argider stepped closer, placing her hands lightly on Esmeralda's shoulders. A faint glow surrounded her fingertips as she closed her eyes, focusing her power. Slowly but surely, the magic began to awaken within Esmeralda. The air around them grew warmer, charged with energy, as a surge of vibrant green light enveloped her.

Esmeralda gasped, her entire body tingling as the power coursed through her veins. She could feel it—a new, raw strength awakening inside her. It was as if she had tapped into a deep well of energy that had always been there, waiting to be unlocked. The surge of power was intoxicating, almost overwhelming. For the first time, she didn't feel helpless or at the mercy of others. She felt strong.

As the glow subsided, Esmeralda looked at Argider, her expression unusually soft. Her lips curved into a rare, genuine smile, and she sank to her knees. "My emperor…" she said quietly, the words carrying an unfamiliar reverence.

Argider's cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away, pouting slightly. "Ugh, don't say it like that. It's weird."

"What's this? The mighty emperor getting flustered?"

"I just don't like the way you're looking at me. It's unsettling."

"Come on. Let's see what you can do with this newfound power. To the training grounds!"

The two made their way to the training grounds, the tension between them easing into something lighter and more comfortable. As they entered, they were met with an unexpected sight—Fialova and Faeralys sparring in the middle of the grounds, their magic flaring wildly.

Fialova, with her sharp, knightly movements, wielded a dazzling golden aura of protective magic. She deflected fiery bursts from Faeralys with ease, her expression calm and focused. Faeralys, on the other hand, was as fiery in personality as her magic, her red flames swirling around her with reckless abandon. She stomped her foot, sending a wave of fire toward Fialova, who countered it with a glowing shield.

Argider's eyes widened. "What are they doing?" she muttered, more to herself than anyone else.

"Practicing, obviously," Esmeralda said, crossing her arms. "Not everyone spends their time sweet-talking servants and unlocking random powers."

Argider shot her a glare but said nothing, instead watching as Fialova dodged a particularly aggressive burst of fire. The two women moved with precision and skill, their contrasting styles creating a mesmerizing display of magic.

"I guess we're in for a show," Argider said, leaning casually against the railing of the training grounds.

Esmeralda raised an eyebrow. "Shouldn't you be resting? You're still—"

"I'm fine," Argider interrupted, waving her off. "Besides, I need to see what you're capable of now. Don't think you're getting out of practice."

Esmeralda rolled her eyes but didn't argue. Instead, she turned her attention back to the sparring match, her fingers twitching slightly as she began to feel the itch of her own magic, eager to be tested.

As the fiery clash continued before them, Argider couldn't help but feel a strange sense of pride. The palace may have been chaotic, filled with tension and unresolved issues, but moments like this—watching her wives grow stronger and more confident—reminded her that progress was being made, little by little.

Esmeralda wiped the sweat from her brow, her blonde hair sticking to her skin as her magic sparked uncontrollably at her fingertips. She stood at the edge of the training field, frustration evident in the tight set of her jaw. The verdant expanse of grass stretched before her, marked with singed patches where her earlier attempts had gone awry.

"Careful now, darling," Fialova drawled, her voice dripping with feigned nonchalance. Despite the perpetual shadows under her eyes, her gaze was sharp as she adjusted her glasses. "We wouldn't want you to set yourself on fire. Again."

Esmeralda scowled, her fingers curling into fists. "I'm trying, okay? It's not my fault my magic—whatever it is—is so...so chaotic!"

"Chaotic is an understatement," chimed Faeralys, who sat cross-legged on a floating platform of shimmering light. "I haven't seen someone's magic backfire this spectacularly since… well, ever. It's honestly quite entertaining."

"You're not helping!" Esmeralda snapped, a spark flying from her palm and narrowly missing Faeralys' platform.

"Oh, I wasn't trying to help," she said airily. "But if you're going to try and hit me, at least aim properly. That was pathetic."

"You said you'd help me. So help me!"

"Fine. But don't expect miracles. Your magic is… unique. Controlling it will take time."

Fialova raised her hand, and a circle of green energy formed around her fingers, pulsing with the disciplined strength of Terranith's earth magic. "First, you need to focus. Your emotions are running wild, and that's fueling your magic. Take a deep breath and ground yourself. Imagine your energy as a stream, not a flood."

Esmeralda followed the instructions, albeit reluctantly. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, trying to picture her chaotic energy flowing steadily instead of bursting uncontrollably. For a moment, the sparks around her hands dimmed.

"Good," Fialova said, a rare note of approval in her tone. "Now, let's see if you can release that energy without destroying everything in a ten-meter radius. Aim for that target." She pointed to a wooden post set up at the far end of the field.

Esmeralda opened her eyes, her hands glowing faintly with an unpredictable mix of red and gold. She aimed carefully and released the energy. A brilliant arc of light shot forward… only to veer wildly off course and explode in a shower of sparks.

"Oops," Esmeralda muttered as the nearby tree burst into flames.

"Oh, come on!" Fialova groaned, rushing to douse the fire with her earth magic. "Were you even trying to aim?!"

"I was aiming!" Esmeralda protested. "It's not my fault my magic hates me!"

"Sounds like a personal problem," Faeralys quipped from her floating platform. She waved her hand, and the clock-like orb she held emitted a soft hum. Time slowed around the burning tree, freezing the flames mid-dance. "There. Problem solved. You're welcome." Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire

Esmeralda glared at Faeralys, her frustration boiling over. "You're so smug. I bet you couldn't control my magic either!"

"Oh?" Faeralys' teal eyes sparkled with challenge. "Care to test that theory?"

Before Esmeralda could retort, Fialova stepped between them, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Enough, both of you. We're supposed to be training, not bickering like children."

"Says the one who keeps showing off her earth magic every chance she gets," Faeralys teased, smirking.

"At least I'm being productive," Fialova shot back, crossing her arms.

"Productive?" Esmeralda muttered under her breath. "You mean bossy."

The tension between the three was interrupted by a cheerful voice calling out, "Hey! How's training going?"

All three girls turned to see Argider approaching, her usual radiant smile lighting up the field. Immediately, the air grew tense again, but for a different reason.

"Argider!" Esmeralda exclaimed, her face brightening. "I've been working so hard! Look!" She clumsily summoned a spark of magic, which fizzled out almost immediately.

"Impressive," Faeralys said dryly before turning her attention to Argider. "Don't let her fool you. She nearly burned down the field. Twice."

"Only because someone wasn't giving clear instructions," Esmeralda shot back, glaring at Fialova.

"I gave perfectly clear instructions," Fialova retorted, stepping closer to Argider. "Unlike some people, I actually know what I'm doing."

Argider blinked, glancing between the three of them as they continued their petty squabble. She couldn't help but smile, though. Despite their differences, there was something endearing about the chaotic trio.

"You're all doing great," she said diplomatically, her voice warm. "Just… maybe try not to set anything else on fire?"

The three girls exchanged sheepish looks before muttering in unison, "We'll try."