《The Scum Emperor's Redemption System》 Chapter 1 Impossible Promise (NSFW) [Warning: NSFW Scene. Read my Question & Answer Auxiliary Chapter] "Y-Your Imperial Majesty! It won''t fit!" "Rx," Argider whispered, his hand caressing the whore''s face. "I wouldn''t want to cause you pain." He applied a thinyer of salve on the tip of his cock. With a firm grip on their hips, he slowly pushed himself inside the woman, feeling their muscles involuntarily tighten around him as hisrge shaft stretched the whore almost painfully. "Hngh!" She whimpered, her lungs heaving up and down as tears spilled from her eyes. "That''s it, whore. Just breathe," Argider coached, his pace maddeningly slow, savoring the feel of their''s body conforming to his. Then he thrusted his hips forward, inch by inch, until he was fully sheathed inside. As he continued to m himself, Argider angled his hips, searching for that special spot inside the whore that would drive her wild. When he found it, he was rewarded with the girl''s sharp intake of breath and an increase in the tightness of her walls. "Found it." Argider growled, milking the woman''s pussy. "Now, be a good girl." It had been a weekter after his ascension to the throne and he was still whoring his way in life. As the hours wore on, Argider lost count of how many times he came, while the whore''s body was pushed to its limits by his relentless fucking. She was used in every position imaginable, her holes stretched and filled until she was nothing but a limp, cum-soaked mess. Night finally arrived and Argider was sleeping soundly on his sprawling, plush chamber that was tucked away in the corner of the Imperial Pce. His white-blonde hair caught the light just enough to give him that effortlessly morous, ¡ª ''I woke up like this'' look ¡ª like he was born to shine and break hearts all in the same breath. The night, supposed to be like every other evening where the maids would clean the room from his nightly activities, felt strangely adrift. The air was a little too still, the dust bunnies a bit too smug. Even the maids seemed to be giving him the side-eye, as if they knew this night would be one for the books. Why? This wasn''t the first time. Argider had never so much as consummated his marriages; instead, he sought out thepany of whores. Thus, his appetite for debauchery was no secret. It had been the talk of the court ever since he was legitimized as the Emperor''s son. He was a bastard, but a fortunate one. Thete Emperor had been utterly smitten with his mother, unable to resist her charms that she became a favorite consort. This meant that he had all the favor and protection from his father. Except his love. "It''s because of that wretched scheme of his cunning mother, isn''t it?" The other maid responded in a hushed whisper while her nimble fingers folded the silky, rich fabric of the dress into one. "His lust is insatiable. Even the throne could not possibly heal it," The other mocked, eliciting a snicker from herpanion. As always, the pce buzzed with endless gossip, and, admittedly, much of it was well-deserved. But this was precisely what he loathed about pce life. Schemes lurked in every shadow, each person eager to tear another down. In a world so drenched in deceit, even the simplest physical pleasures offered a rare and wee escape. And... Well, he needed a lot of it. Heid there, trying to look nonchnt, but the shivery breeze from outside had other ns, teasing his embarrassingly unmuscr arms. Just as he was about to roll over and curse out the pillows, a loud m from the bedroom door nearly jolted him out of bed. Clearly, even his own room had dered war on him. Typical, he thought, with a scowl. It hit the wall almost too loudly and harshly that the maids swore they heard a crack and a faint fall of the stone wall crushed into dust, its particles flowing down like rains of ice. The ambiance became heavier, knotting anxiety in their careless throats. "Out." A familiar voice spoke that same melodious rhythm that always ushered Argider. But it was cold. Even Argider, while pretending to be asleep and turning away from where the voices were, felt his back frozen. They were mad. His mother''s anger was never of burning hot but of burning frost. It''d sap out anyone''s heat and warmth. "Are you the masters in this household? You seem to speak so freely," Meloris, mother of Argider, spoke with disdain. A mere look at her sharp, stern gray eyes sullen the mood of the atmosphere as it glistened in silent rage that maids in the mansion knew not to spark. "W-We apologize¡­ We will now leave, your grace," With a bow of their heads, they quickly tiptoed their way outside the room like meek mice. She made her way to the curtains and parted it impatiently, the cloth pping while it opened for the scenery beyond. The rain stopped. Rays of light painfully streamed on his eyes, the sting making him groan. "Wake up, you damn fool," Scolded Meloris. "How dense is your mind that the basicprehension of not bringing whores into your chambers seems so hard to retain?! Mine is surely not stupid, but yours seems to be like a pile of trash just like your father." Argider let out a long, bored sigh and sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Hey. You," he mumbled, ncing over at the woman beside him. The one he''d invited to bed without a second thought, ignoring any annoying strings attached. She had a forgettable face, the kind that wouldn''t leave much of a mark on his memory. And, really, that''s just how he liked it. He wasn''t here for keeps. "Out," he said bluntly, flicking a thumb toward the door with all the care of someone shooing away a stray cat. Commitment? Please, he didn''t have the time or the interest for that. Once they were alone, Meloris''s anger boiled over, and with a sharp p, her palm met her son''s cheek, her fury as cruel as the strike. "The Imperial Family suffered many losses and yet, you''re still whoring around and producing more bastards. They think I schemed the death of your father, of his first wife, his other concubines. What more if they found out that you, my son, are sticking his cock in one hole to another?!" "So all I''ve gotta do is¡­ stick it to my wives and pop out some heirs, huh?" he muttered, eyes downcast, fingers gently tracing the sting on his cheek. The lingering burn practically begged him to get nasty about it, to throw some snark right back. After all, if this was the grand purposeid out for him, he might as well have a little fun pushing a few buttons along the way. "Your wives aren''t your toys." She refuted, the bones of her knuckles cracking as she sped her hands together. "They are your wives, women who deserve your love, not lust." That calmness that she exuded vaguely hinted at the brewing madness within her as she inched closer and closer. She loomed over the pitiful face of Argider and solidly gripped their undirtied cheeks. "Within tomorrow..." She said, her eyes narrowing. "You will bed one of them. You will love them." Then she left. Slowly, the sands of the hourss drizzled to the other ss bulb. There was a tremor of reluctance inside him before he finally released himself from the coverings of his nket, upright naked in front of a mirror. Much like his reflection, he was stuck in a title that required everyone to perceive and see him. Women of the lower ss provided little exertion to charm, but Argider''s four wives were at the pinnacle of high society. His unchaste reputation for bedding several women would mean more political scheming from his harem. The thought of this alone exhausted him so he immediately wore his robe to go outside. But there was a hushed creak as the door opened and his legs instantly prepared to flee in a slight, unperceivable motion by instinct. "W-Who...." He panicked. "Who''s there?! A-Answer me right now!" Silence. Suddenly, armed men rushed towards the defenseless Argider. Their builds were hulky and towered over the smaller emperor whose appearance would pass for a female. He could conquer the bed, but never the battlefield. "Do not resist, bastard emperor." The frontman spoke. Before he knew it, one of them hurled a dagger with speed, piercing his heart and bringing him to a halt. He was born a bastard, produced bastards, and died a bastard. The de sank deep into the muscle of his organ that pumped blood causing his breath to grow short. He was in a state of shock that his body warmth was swept away with a cold re. "W-Why?..." Argider muttered hisst words.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om His senses began to fade. The light in his eyes became dim, his scream morphed into a hollow gasp, and the burden on his mind slipped away as he fell onto the granite tiles of the floor. There was still consciousness flickering that he could see the men kicking his body onest time and carrying him. Afterwards, it was all nk. "...." "...." "Ar...."" Death, it seemed, was surprisingly gentle and empty, offering Argider a soft respite from his mortal existence. Strangely, the absence of sound should have apanied the end of his physical body. No longer tied to his physical form, he pondered why he could hear echoes in the boundless void. "Ar...." The echo again. What is it trying to say?... "...." "Ar...." "ARGIDER! WAKE UP!" A jolt of life entered him, his gaze instantly fixated skyward, his tunnel of vision having a bluer, subdued appearance. It was blurry and hazy. The weight surrounding him was light and he couldn''t decipher where he was until his nostrils felt constricted by liquid. This instantly triggered a reflex to exhale forcefully, resulting in burning irritation. He was underwater. How was he here? And most of all... why is he alive? His arms extended to let the waters guide him to the shore. He swam, his arm stroking and leg kicking gently to reach the other side, salvation almost within his reach. As the tip of his fingers brushed against the edge of the ground, he jumped from the water and caught it with his bare hands, forcing out a cough and vomited water. His lungs were inmed, and there was an unbearable difort in his nose. "Didn''t I die?¡­ What kind of sick joke is this?" He groaned, half-coughing, halfughing, a twisted chuckle caught in his throat, just barely muffled by the ache radiating through him. Somehow, the whole thing was unbearably hrious, like the universe had pulled off the world''s cruelest prank just for him. However, those feelings were abruptly interrupted as his hand checked his chest because he remembered that a dagger split his heart into two. A sharp exhale escaped Argider''s lips. Instead of a t surface, there was plumpiness that no man would have. Could it be?... Argider nced down, his grip tightening to confirm one more time. Boing. Boing. He had breasts, a woman''s breasts. Between his legs, the manhood that he proudly carried as a gifted burden could not be sensed. The arm of this man also became more slender and sharp, like a stem of flowers that could be plucked with no haste. Then he looked beyond his big bosoms, seeing his reflection. It was himself - except his white blonde hair now cascaded over his shoulders as it grew longer and his head smaller. There was only one conclusion. "I... I became a woman?!" How will he bed his wives and fulfill his promise to his mother?! Chapter 2 Falling From Grace When she finally dared to take a good look at herself¡ªher new self, she was greeted by a face she barely recognized. The strong, proud jaw, the bold, masculine nose, her long, thick hair¡ªgone. All reced by a soft, dollish face staring back at her from the water''s surface by the riverside, looking wide-eyed and very, very unimpressed. "Alright, let''s see the damage," she muttered. Turning her head this way and that, she inspected the delicate features now adorning her reflection. For a split second, she found herself admiring them, but was quickly seized by another thought. Without a second''s hesitation, she yanked open her robes and nced downward. Yep. It was gone. "This¡­ this has to be a nightmare," she whispered to herself, gripping the sides of her robe, inhaling deeply, and trying to keep herposure. She scrunched her face in frustration. A woman¡ªher? She was the emperor''sst heir, destined for the throne! And now, a woman''s only path to power was standing demurely to the side, like some obedient "vessel." And if she wanted to keep her title, she''d be trading her lovely wives for¡­ husbands. "Lords, have mercy," she choked, pressing a hand to her mouth as she felt a wave of nausea rise. The thought alone was enough to make her want to throw herself back into the river. A sharp breeze rolled by, only making things worse. She shivered, getting a disturbingly ufortable awareness of how¡­ empty things felt down there. This wasn''t right¡ªnone of this was right! She may have the body of a woman now, but she was still a man through and through, in mind, in heart, in spirit, and certainly in the very core of her soul. Even if some divine prankster thought they could change her outside, nothing would ever stop her from running toward a sea of fair maidens! Beep! Her thoughts were cut off as the air was pierced by a series of sharp, incessant sounds. It was unexpected, causing her to jolt in surprise. She spun around frantically, seeking the persistent sounds that grew aggravating. "Where''s that sounding from?..." Her voice quivered with growing irritation until her eyes fell on a blue dot that materialized in front of her. It was an imperceptible, transparent anomaly, which suddenly inted into arge, smooth, semi-translucent sheet. She instantly recoiled from the unexpected expansion. "What''s happening?!" ¡ª [Wee to the Redemption System] ¡ª [The Redemption System has been ordained by an anonymous entity of preservation who oversees the Empire of Valtirium. He, who does not meddle with the mortal realm, has foreseen a great conflict between the political powers that will lead to its internal demise.] ¡ª [You have been chosen after careful foretelling as the remaining hope, thus one was resurrected. In light of your propensity for heedless and riotous behavior, you have beenpelled to enter into the system of redemption.] ¡ª [To rein in your licentiousness, your form has been altered, refashioned unto the likeness of a woman, that it may serve as a means of restraining one''s lust. Reach redemption or stay as a woman forever!] "What¡­?" Argider''s voice shook with barely contained outrage as she jabbed a finger at the magical hologram, as if poking it would somehow knock sense into it. "How am I supposed to handle this empire as a woman? Without it, my wives can''t even produce heirs to keep the line going!" She managed a furious sigh, though deep down, the throne was the least of her worries. The empire could find its own heirs, for all she cared. It was just the principle of the thing! Years of watching others w and scratch their way to the throne had taught her that ruling was a trap¡ªa glittering illusion that only fueled bloodshed. But now? Now she faced a new nightmare: the limitations of being a woman. And worst of all, it was putting her dreams of bedding beautiful maidens in serious jeopardy. She clenched her fists, battling the rising frustration and, well, intolerable longing that simmered in her now-womanly form. Every time she thought about it, she felt a pang of¡ªno, she couldn''t even say it. Vulnerability. She slumped, momentarily forgetting she was yelling at a system and not a person. "J-just¡­ just keep going." She took a deep breath and rubbed her temples, her head throbbing. This Redemption System better have some serious redeeming qualities because so far, she wasn''t seeing it. The hologram responded to themand. ¡ª [Loading¡­] ¡ª [Entering User Summary¡­] ¡ª [Sessful] [Rank] Title ?? Emperor Level ?? 0 [Reputation] Public Perception ?? 0 Loyalty of People ?? 0 [Skills] Unknown [Talents] Unknown [Rtionships] Wives - Esmeralda Morrigan ?? - 3 - Isolde Carpn ?? -1 - Faeralys Merovia ?? -1 - Callista ?? 0 "Level zero... public perception zero... loyalty of people zero... skills unknown¡­ talents unknown¡­" She muttered each word while cupping her chin. Her defiant attempts had achieved nothing but further setbacks, each one secretly a stinging blow to her already faltering resolve. ¡ª [New Notification] ¡ª [Mission: Return to the Pce before noon.] ¡ª [Punishment: A civil war will ur if not done within the time limit.] "A-A civil war?..." Sweat trickled down her head. It was as if the pieces of a perplexing puzzle were finally falling as Argider grasped the implications of her murder. She had been in in thete hours of the night and was now stranded on the river bed some distance from the capital, outside the fortified walls. This revtion could only lead to one conclusion. The aristocratic houses were hatching a scheme to ignite a conflict and usurp the throne. ¡ª [New Notification] ¡ª [Condition: It must not be known that you are the emperor] ¡ª [Time Remaining: 5 Hours, 33 minutes, 4 Seconds] "M¡­ Mother¡­" she whispered, pushing forward, her bare feet pounding against the rough, needle-prick ground as she darted through the trees. The sunlight filtering through the leaves above was her only guide, though it hardly made the trek any easier. She didn''t know why she was doing this¡ªjust that her heart had felt heavy ever since the day she was born into this empire as, well, a bastard. Nothing like a miserable start to life. Finally, she stumbled onto a cobblestone street, her toes meeting the cold, hard stones with every hesitant step. The scene ahead only worsened her sense of foreboding: a line of impatient guards, along with an obnoxiously grand procession of carriages, each one adorned with the pomp of merchants and lords who clearly thought very highly of themselves. She ducked behind a tree, heart racing, peeking out carefully. It was a mess. "To the side, now!" a knight barked, practically shoving a peasant aside like they were nothing more thanundry on a line. "Don''t waste our time, peasant!" another snarled, adding to the chaos as people stumbled and muttered, some falling, others scrambling to avoid being trampled. The carriages rolled through, paying no mind, indifferent to the mess they were leaving behind. It struck her, then, just how out of ce she was, lurking in the shadows, just one more piece of chaos in a city that had be a prison of guards and inspections since the massacre of her family. She''d almost forgotten how tense things had grown in the capital. And if she wanted to get in, she''d need stealth¡ªand a miracle. Her eyes scanned the surroundings, spotting the rivers winding around the Capital walls. Ah, there was her way in. Stealth and a bit of nerve, that''s all she needed. Or, you know, a bit of luck. Maybe both. Amidst her inspection, she noticed high above each of the people''s heads that snagged her attention. "What...what on earth is that?" After straining her sight, she recognized the same magical projections floating overhead, indicating their level of preference for Argider. She cautiously inched closer to get a better look. ¡ª [Judgment of the Emperor ?? 0] "Zero¡­" "...Zero.." "..Z-Zero?..." Every single one of her ns had gone up in smoke. Zero. Nothing. Argider gritted her teeth. With everything stacked against her, she needed a break¡ªor maybe just a ce to scream. So, she made her way to the river, hoping for a little peace and maybe a moment to pull her thoughts together. The river stretched wide, its calm flow almost mocking her inner chaos. Lost in thought, she slipped off her robe, letting it pool by her feet, blissfully unaware of her "dignity" expected from a woman. Just as she was starting to feel the cool breeze on her skin, she caught a movement out of the corner of her eye. There, gaping at her like she''d just seen a ghost, stood a short girl, her eyes wide with shock. "Eek!" the girl yelped, stumbling backward andnding on her rear. Her face turned crimson as she stared at Argider, visibly flustered and, for reasons unknown,pletely rattled.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Argider blinked, head tilted. Was something wrong? She had no clue what all the fuss was about¡ªwho cared about "modesty" anyway? The girl''s face flushed deeper as she scrambled to her feet, eyes darting to the shadows cast along Argider''s bare legs, lingering on the sorry state of her robe. There was a dagger strapped to her thigh that suddenly looked very¡­ eager to make an appearance. She yanked it out, brandishing it shakily. "W-Who are you?!" Argider looked her up and down, taking in the striking maroon hair and those intense red eyes that gleamed with a fierce, wolfish edge. Realization struck her, and she had to hold back a gasp. This petite but fiery girl was none other than Faeralys Merovia¡ªdaughter of the notorious Duke of the North, with a reputation as sharp as her dagger. Also known as Argider''s third wife. Beep! Beep! Beep! [Loading...] [Processing...] Ding! ¡ª [Affection ?? -1] ¡ª [Loyalty?? 0] ¡ª [Emotion?? 50] The two stared at each other, one blushing and shaking with barely contained rage, the other as nk as a te. "Hey, uh, fancy seeing you here," Argider said with a grin,pletely oblivious to Faeralys''s simmering fury. "It''s¡­a good day for a dip, huh?" "I am Faeralys Merovia, daughter of Duke Barystin, the Golden Liege. I demand to know who I am speaking to!" Faeralys dered, glowering at Argider. She looked Argider up and down, pursing her lips as she stopped short of saying the word "provocative." Apparently, that would have been a little too honest. Argider''s wide eyes stayed fixed on the dagger Faeralys was still brandishing. "C-Can you not point that thing at me?" she squeaked, taking a tiny step backward. Faeralys tilted her head, a calcting look in her eye. "You look vaguely familiar¡­" "I¡ªI don''t know you at all!" Argider blurted, attempting her best innocent act. But Faeralys squinted harder, one eyebrow raised. "No, no¡­ You look like some bastard I know," she muttered, gaze sharpening. Argider gulped, trembling slightly. "I¡­ I seriously don''t know what you''re talking about¡­" "If you were that man, I would''ve slit your throat." Ouch. But Faeralys''s eyes had drifted to the luxurious robe draped around Argider, her gaze flickering over the fine silk and rich embroidery. "This garment¡­ it''s nomon piece," she murmured, suspicion creeping into her tone. She looked Argider dead in the eye, not a hint of warmth in her stare. "With that pretty face¡­ are you one of the high lords''¡­ whores?" "Y-You¡­!" Argider felt a surge of indignation and, for a split second, considered lunging at Faeralys. Would it really be wrong to p her now that they were both women? But she held herself back just in time, her mind whirring for a way out. She had to think fast. Maybe¡­ maybe she could twist this to her advantage. She coughed, letting herself appear as pitiful as possible, even conjuring up a trembling lower lip for good measure. "I¡­ I admit I am," she stammered, forcing a weak smile as tears prickled in her eyes. She clutched her robe tighter around her shoulders, taking a few shaky steps closer. "H-He chased me out¡­ and I ended up here! Completely abandoned!" Faeralys stared, her expression a mix of skepticism and bafflement as Argider tried her best to appear fragile and broken. "I''m begging you¡­ please," Argider said, sping her hands together and looking up with what she hoped were wide, pleading eyes. "Please,e to my rescue. I¡ªI need to get back to the capital¡­" She batted hershes, praying Faeralys would take the bait. Please let her be stupid, she thought desperately. Chapter 3 Little Choice Faeralys'' eyes darkened, her mood doing a perfect impression of a thundercloud about to ruin someone''s pic. The air around her practically hummed with menace, and Argider''s fight-or-flight instincts were having a very loud and very public argument. Unfortunately, "stand frozen like a terrified deer" was winning. "Look at you," Faeralys snorted, one eyebrow raised with devastating smugness. "You''ve got theplexion of a ghost who just got a tax bill." Argider blinked, her voice trembling like a leaf in a tornado. "Can you me me? You''re holding that thing." She gestured to the dagger like it was a particrly venomous snake. "Besides, it''s¡ªit''s improper for ady to be waving one around like a¡ªlike a crazy person!" "Oh?" Faeralys cocked her head, looking genuinely intrigued. "And what''s so wrong with ady holding a dagger?" Argider''s voice pitched up in indignation. "It''s unbing! Ladies should be delicate, soft, and, you know, not potentially stabby! Men don''t want women with calloused hands and murderous intent. We want¡ª" Her righteous tirade was cut short when Faeralys flicked her wrist, sending the dagger flying like a particrly sassy boomerang. It whooshed past Argider''s ear and thunked into a tree with deadly precision. Argider''s life shed before her eyes, and most of it was filled with bad decisions and regrets. Slowly, she turned her head, her eyes locking onto the dagger now lodged firmly in the tree. She gulped. "Oh, good," she muttered. "Trees. Nature''s sacrificialmbs." Faeralys smirked. "Whoops. Slipped." Her voice was as casual as if she''d just spilled a ss of water, not narrowly missed decapitating someone. Argider massaged her neck as if reassuring herself it was still attached. "Y-You could''ve killed me!" "Could''ve, didn''t," Faeralys quipped, strolling past her like she owned the ce. Then, with a nce colder than an overachieving snowstorm, she added, "And for the record, I didn''t ask for life advice from someone whose career aspirations peaked at ''professional mattress tester.''"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Argider flinched as if pped. "Hey, I''ll have you know¡ª" she started, but the sharp re Faeralys shot her shut her up faster than a bard caught mid-limerick at a royal banquet. She shrank back, muttering something incoherent about dies these days." Why did she take it so personally? But one look at Faeralys'' raptor-like gaze told her now was not the time for existential pondering. It was time to shut up, stay still, and maybe pray that the next dagger had worse aim. But the thought of being humiliated by a girl? Oh, absolutely not. Argider''s pride roared to life like a cat getting dunked in water. She squared her shoulders, her voice sharp and defiant as she stomped up to Faeralys, chin jutted out like she was ready to fight the concept of dignity itself. "Why did you do that?!" she snapped, her frustration bubbling over. "To kill you, of course," Faeralys replied, deadpan. Argider blinked. Then blinked again. "Kill me?" she repeated, letting out an indignant scoff. "Don''t try to intimidate me, you pint-sized pipsqueak! I''ve faced scarier things than you." Faeralys arched a single, unimpressed eyebrow. "Oh? Like what? A particrly aggressive goose?" "Once," Argider huffed. "But that''s beside the point!" However, that same magical hologram materialized in front of her once again. ''What now?'' shemented, her thoughts filled with annoyance. This was not a good time. ¡ª [New Notification] ¡ª [Sub Quest: Sessfully Lie To Faeralys And Go Beyond The Entrance] ¡ª [Minor Task: Embrace Faeralys for 30 Seconds] ¡ª [Affection Points Gain +1] Her cheeks flushed instantly, a startled huff escaping her lips as her eyes widened in bewildered surprise. The notion of embracing Faeralys¡ªa girl with whom she had shed so fiercely, and who had, not moments ago,unched a dagger in her general direction¡ªwas beyond absurd. It bordered on lunacy. She struggled to find her bearings, unsure of who she was bing and what was happening. All she longed for was to return home, a sanctuary that seemed distant and elusive. "Fuck..." ¨C [New Notification] ¨C [Main Task | Time Remaining: 5 hours, 10 minutes, 5 seconds] Time was slipping away, and with it, any chance of salvaging her dignity. How does one hug without getting skewered? she pondered, fully aware that this question was both absurd and, somehow, her reality. Her mind spiraled through a maze of doubts. Should I apologize? But what if Faeralys took it as a sign of weakness? The girl''s pride was as vast as the sea, and about as forgiving as a hungry shark. Each second ticked by, dragging Argider closer to the inevitable. Taking a deep breath, she bowed low, voice trembling with forced humility. "I...I beg your forgiveness, your grace." Faeralys blinked. "W-What are you doing?" "I''m apologizing, you¡ª" Argider bit her tongue just in time to stop herself from blurting pipsqueak. Oh no, that would not do. Swallowing her irritation, she forced a smile that felt more like a grimace. "¡ªyou gorgeous thing." Faeralys'' face lit up like a tomato. "What the hell?" she stammered, utterly thrown. "Are you messing with me?" "No!" Argider straightened up, stepping closer. Her eyes darted up and down Faeralys'' form like a merchant appraising fine silk. Unbeknownst to her, this came off less as admiration and more as intensely unsettling. "Do you have to stand that close?" Faeralys asked, leaning back instinctively. "It''s crucial," Argider said, her tone as serious. "I must prove my sincerity." She extended her arms stiffly, her movements as mechanical as a poorly built puppet. Faeralys iled her hands in rm. "Hold it right there! How does someone flip personalities faster than a bard telling a bad joke?!" "S-Sometimes, it takes a moment to appreciate someone''s beauty!" Argider shot back, her voiceced with a defensive edge. "Oh, spare me," Faeralys groaned, rolling her eyes. "You''ve got some kind of agenda. You''re just too ridiculous to remember what it is." "I merely wish to embrace you, your grace! For only third seconds!" Argider blurted, each word stabbing at her pride like a tiny, humiliating dagger. Desperation lit a fire under her as she lunged forward, arms outstretched with the determination of someone trying to catch a particrly slippery eel. "Get away from me!" Faeralys yelped, dodging like her life depended on it. "What''s with the thirty seconds nonsense? Are you a hug enthusiast or a weirdo?!" In her frantic escape, Faeralys stumbled,nding with an unceremonious thud. Argider seized the opportunity, throwing herself onto Faeralys. "Ah!" Faeralys gasped, pinned beneath Argider''s weight, her shoulders pressed firmly against the ground. "Just a hug!" Argider insisted, wrapping an arm around her captive. "Get off me!" Faeralys shrieked, thrashing and throwing punches thatnded with a mix of desperation and pure outrage. But Argider, now in full embrace mode, was as immovable as a particrly stubborn boulder. Faeralys'' punches slowed, her strength draining as her frustration peaked. Finally, with a groan of defeat, she let her arms flop to her sides. "You are the worst," she muttered, ring up at the ceiling¡ªor perhaps the heavens, silently questioning every life decision that led her to this point. ¡ª [New Notification] ¡ª [Side Task Complete] ¡ª [Affection Points +1] [Loading...] [Processing...] Ding! ¡ª [New Rtionship Status: Faeralys Merovia] ¡ª [Affection ?? 0] ¡ª [Loyalty?? 0] ¡ª [Emotion?? 80] "Only zero?" Argider muttered under her breath, the words dripping with disbelief. She had imagined leveling up this so-called "rtionship" would be as simple as flipping a switch. Instead, it was like trying to move a boulder uphill in a rainstorm¡ªimpossible and very, very annoying. She released her grip, only to notice something entirely unexpected: Faeralys'' eyes were glistening, the beginnings of tears threatening to spill. Her face flushed a deep crimson, caught somewhere between indignation and vulnerability. Faeralys quickly covered her face, as though trying to shove her emotions back. She sat up, attempting to don her usual mask of cold indifference, but her reddened eyes betrayed her. "Are you satisfied now?" Faeralys sniffled, her voice a mix of irritation and something softer. "Y-Yes..." Argider stammered, feeling like she had identally stepped on a kitten. Even as guilt crept in, the faint sound of the system chiming in her head congratted her for... whatever this mess was. Sess, apparently. Faeralys narrowed her eyes. "What do you want?" she asked, clearly aiming for anger, but it came out more like an exasperated sigh. "I just want to return to the city," Argider said, her voice steady, though inside, she felt like a child caught sneaking sweets before dinner. Faeralys scoffed, cing her dagger back into its sheath. "And why should I help you, hmm? You''re nothing but trouble. A cursed pebble tossed into the pond, rippling ruin wherever itnds. If the High Lord was chasing you to the brink of death, do you truly believe the city''s walls will shelter you?" She turned, her cape billowing dramatically, because of course it did. "Farewell. My carriage awaits." Seeing Faeralys begin to walk away, Argider darted forward, her hand catching the younger girl''s. Faeralys froze, clearly unustomed to such earnest desperation. "Please, Your Grace," Argider said, her grip firm but pleading. "It wasn''t my choice to be there. I have obligations... ones I never wanted but must fulfill." Faeralys'' eyes softened ever so slightly, though her expression remained guarded. "Obligations, forced upon you," she repeated, as if weighing each word carefully. For a moment, the fierce pride in her eyes battled with something gentler. Finally, she sighed. "Fine. Follow me." The two made their way through the trees until they reached the cobblestone road. A lone carriage stood waiting, its driver leaning idly against the side. His eyes widened as he spotted Argider, but Faeralys silenced him with a single, withering re. Without a word, Faeralys approached the carriage and opened the door. She lifted the seat to reveal a cramped hiddenpartment. "Get in," she instructed. Argider''s eyebrows shot up. "There?" "Unless you''d prefer to hitch a ride tied to the roof," Faeralys said with a smirk. Grimacing, Argider squeezed herself into the tight space, her legs folding awkwardly in ways she wasn''t sure they were designed to. "This is... horrible," she muttered as she twisted ufortably. The seat mmed back down, enclosing her in darkness. Before Argider could voice her displeasure, something heavynded on top of the seat with a dull thud. "You''re sitting on me, aren''t you?" Argider''s muffled voice came from below,ced with irritation. Above her, Faeralys'' voice chimed in a sing-song tone. "Maybe, maybe not." Argider groaned, her fists clenched in silent vows of future revenge. Chapter 4 Leveling Up... Personality? Argidery crammed in the oppressive darkness, the hiddenpartment feeling more like a medieval torture chamber than a clever escape n. Every bump and jolt of the carriage rattled her bones, and the heat was unbearable, her breaths shallow as if the air itself had taken offense at her presence. She squinted through a small hole near her face, the only link to the world outside. Unfortunately, the view was blocked by Faeralys'' lower body, leaving her in a murky, nearly pitch-ck limbo. Her ribs throbbed, her fingers tingled, and the ever-present rocking of the carriage was doing wonders for her nausea. Thud! The carriage hit a rock, sending Argider''s head smacking into the top of thepartment. "Dear lords," she hissed, her face scrunching up as she fought back tears of pain. Above her, she heard a soft, unmistakable sound: Faeralysughing. Of course. "Is this amusing to you, Your Grace?" Argider drawled, her voiceced with exasperation and muffled by the walls pressing in on her. She shifted ufortably, her limbs trembling from the strain of maintaining her awkward, contorted position. Faeralys''ughter turned colder, more deliberate. "How does it feel to be forcefully embraced, whore?" she quipped, her tone dripping with mockery. Argider snorted. "Are you suggesting that being embraced by me is as unpleasant as being squeezed by these miserable walls?" "Very much so," Faeralys shot back without missing a beat. Women. Argider rolled her eyes, a flicker of irritation shing across her face. She thought back to her mother, whose dramatic ir could turn a stubbed toe into a national tragedy. Dealing with Faeralys felt eerily familiar. Lesson learned: emotional conversations were a losing game. "I beg to differ, Your Grace," Argider said, a sly smirk tugging at her lips. "I''m hardly a wall. Think of me more as... two big, plump pillows. Quite thefortable embrace, wouldn''t you agree?" Faeralys froze. For a moment, the only sound was the rattling of the carriage. Then her face turned a vivid shade of crimson, herposure cracking under the sheer audacity of Argider''s statement. "Y-Y-You and your filthy talk!" Faeralys sputtered, her voice jumping several octaves. "W-Where is your dignity as a woman?" Argider gave a casual shrug, or as much of one as her cramped position allowed. "I speak only the truth. You wouldn''t understand, of course. You don''t carry such... burdens. Your assets are, shall we say, rather minimal?" The silence that followed was deafening. Faeralys'' face turned a deeper shade of red, her eyes narrowing into a re so sharp it could probably cut through steel. Her outrage simmered quietly, like a pot of water on the brink of boiling over. She clenched her fists, staring at the seat beneath her as if willing it to burst into mes. "Y-You insufferable woman," Faeralys finally muttered, her voice barely above a whisper but filled with the kind of rage that promised a reckoning. ¡ª [New Notification] ¡ª [Faeralys Merovia Affection Points -3] ¡ª [New Affection Status: -3] Argider stared at the hologram, cursing under her breath and chastising herself for her quick tongue. It was a familiar situation - her mouth often moved faster than her thoughts, and she found it hard to curb her natural instinct to defend herself. "Shut up! Shut up! I will hear no more of your idiocy!" she eximed, repeatedly kicking her seat. Each hit sent vibrations, Argider''s face receiving multiple blows from Faeralys''s stomping foot. "W-wait! Stop! I apologize!" Argider whimpered, her body writhing under the barrage of blows. Her face seized up, and a persistent throbbing exploded in her head, leaving her thoughts in a disoriented, dizzying whirl. The carriage gradually came to a standstill, and the rider voiced outside the vehicle, breaking the chaos. "Is everything alright, your grace?" "Hansel! Hurry up and speed up this carriage and get past the checkpoint!" Faeralys yelled, her order carrying through the air. There was a fleeting moment of understanding between the two before the carriage lurched into motion, its pace increasing, jolting the tightly packed space. Argider''s body ricocheted in all directions, each bump further aggravating her already ufortable confinement. Could this day get any better¡­ After the guards at the checkpoint bowed respectfully and allowed their passage, Faeralys'' carriage pulled over to the side. Rising, Faeralys opened her seat and looked down at the slightly battered Argider. Despite a pang of pity, her anger was more pronounced. "H-Hello?" Argider forced a smile. While Faeralys did have a diminutive stature, she harnessed all the force she could muster to grab ahold of Argider''s cor and managed to forcefully hoist her up, roughly heaving her out of the carriage and sending her sprawling onto the ground. "Unlike you, I keep my promises!" Faeralys snapped, her arms crossing before she mmed the carriage door shut with a resounding thud. With that, her carriage turned and stalked away, leaving Argider behind. ¡ª [Side Task Complete: Sessfully Lie To Faeralys and Go Beyond the Entrance] ¡ª [New Interface Unlocked: Command to View] ¡ª [Yes Or No?]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om ¡­. "Not yet¡­" Argider strained to shift herself up, disregarding the vehement protests of her aching body. A sudden wince escaped her as she became aware of the fresh, tender bruises adorning her knees, evidently inflicted when she had rolled onto the ground. She nced down at her arms, noticing the redness that had begun to bloom. People nearby turned their attention to themotion, their curiosity piqued. "What in the world..." "Was that- Was that not Lady Faeralys?" One of the people eximed, recognizing her fiery temperament. The other person nodded, her face creased with concern. "Y-yes. She was the one who threw this woman out of the carriage," she confirmed, gesturing towards Argider''s bruised and crumpled form on the ground. Argider could only muster an uneasy smile, scratching her head sheepishly. Not wanting to draw more attention to herself and aware of her disheveled appearance, she hurried past the people, who parted to make way for her. In a vain effort to hide her appearance in fear of being recognized, she tried to cover her face with her arms while furtively ncing around, searching for an alleyway to seek refuge in. She realized that everywhere she turned while walking to one street stall after another, people''s gazes followed her, their stares burning into her skin. It was not a threat, thankfully. Atleast in a city as prosperous and meticulously managed as this, there was little worry about street trouble since even the most ndestine crimes would likely be swiftly dealt with. However, Argider faced a different concern - her dignity was at stake, yet all she had to cover herself with was a robe. With such meager garb to shield her, it seemed almost impossible. Argider halted her rushed pace for a brief moment, addressing the absent hologram. "Hey, Redemption System," she called out, her voice urgent. "How much time do I have left?" ¡ª [Main Task Remaining Time: 4 hours, 50 minutes, 3 seconds] ¡ª [New Interface Still Unlocked] ¡ª [View Now?] Argider quickly surveyed her surroundings, her gaze zoning in on a narrow, shadowy alley that was barely visible past the stall of fruits. Without hesitation, she sprinted towards it, her steps echoing loudly in the still tension. As she darted into the alley, her form was swallowed by the darkness, the stall and the bustling street now a world away. She sank beside arge trash can, her form shrinking against the dimness of the alley. "Let me view the new interface." ¡ª [Command epted] ¡ª [Loading¡­] ¡ª [Installing..] ¡ª [Resources Installing¡­] ¡ª [Completion¡­] ¡ª [Complete!] ¡­. PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT STATUS: [Cognitive Level] Stage 1 - Low [Psychosexual Level] Stage 1 - Extremely Low [Moral Level] Stage 1 - Extremely Low [Psychosocial Level] Stage 1 - Extremely Low [Physical Level] <>Locked - Has Separate Interface! ¡­. [Next?] Argider huffed in frustration, her eyes meeting every disy that indicated low levels. "Oh, why am I not surprised?" She released an exasperated sigh, incredulous at the revtion. "How on earth is this possible?! I''m already 19 years old, for Pete''s sake!" she cried out, her tone dripping with lividness. "Next!" [Loading...] Ding! ¡ª [Cognitive Level: It represents your mental capacity and intellectual abilities, such as memory, reasoning, problem-solving, attention span, and decision-making skills, among others] .... ¡ª [Psychosexual Level: It represents your level of intery between psychological and sexual factors of your development and behavior. It can involve various processes, from early childhood to adulthood] .... ¡ª [Moral Level: It represents your level of sense of right and wrong, which is your ability to differentiate between morally eptable and uneptable behaviors. It reflects your internal moralpass, cultural values, and beliefs] .... ¡ª [Psychosocial Level: It represents the level of the interaction between psychological and social factors that influence an individual''s development, behavior, and overall well-being. It includes mental health, social rtionships, cultural environment, and life experiences] .... ¡ª [Physical Level: It implies your level of strength and endurance, as a strong physiological level usually corrtes with better overall fitness and the ability to withstand physical stress and illness] .... ¡ª [Loading...] ¡ª [Entering User Personality Summary....] ¡ª [Sessful] .... PERSONALITY TRAITS: [Openness] - Creativeness & Response To Change Level 1 ?? 0 EXP [Conscientiousness] - Organization of Detail Level 1 ?? 0 EXP [Extraversion] - Socialness & Expressiveness Level 1 ?? 0 EXP [Agreeableness] - Social Interest & Cooperativeness Level 1 ?? 0 EXP [Neuroticism] - Emotional stability Level 1 ?? 0 EXP .... ¡ª [Loading...] Ding! ¡ª [By consistently taking actions in line with your personality traits andpleting designated quests, you can unlock different stages in your personality development status. As the stages progress, the tasks and challenges be more difficult andplex, providing a greater challenge that requires you to push your limits.] ¡ª [If you fail to properlyplete the tasks and challenges required for advancement in, you may find it increasingly difficult to revert to your original state. The longer you remain in this state, the longer you will remain as a woman.] Argider quickly tensed up, her eyebrows twitching uncontrobly. "No way!" she thought, "If I fail, I can''t return as a man? Bullshit!" She pped her hands over her ears, as if trying to physically block out the dire consequences of her failure. She burst out from the alleyway, her movements determined as she left behind the darkness of the narrow passage. Paying absolutely no mind to herself, herpletely fixated on the distant silhouette of the towering spires made from pristine white stone rising high into the air, their slender forms reaching out like fingers toward the heavens that still seemed so far away. All she could see infront of her were gardens flourishing in the shadow of the city''s walls, their foliage lush and verdant, the aroma of exotic flora filling the air with the sweet scent of spring. But she had no moment to relish them. A sense of urgency wed at her afterall, knowing that time was slipping away until a sudden idea shed through her mind, offering her a shred of hope. She knew someone who was a master of whisperers in the most unlikely of ces. Someone who could perhaps let her into the pce. Hurriedly, she changed the direction of her run. Argider raced through the crowds, knocking people aside in her haste without a second thought. She did not care much about who or which shouted or glowered at her. She just wanted this finished. Fast. Finally, she ceased in front of her destination, gasping for air as she looked up at the imposing structure. "Ah, that sweet scent, how I miss it...." Argider closed her eyes and took a deep breath, the familiar scent filling her nostrils and invoking a wave of nostalgia. "But I can''t savor it right now, not yet." It was the Elysium Boudoir - a whore house. This was where Argider met her forth, yet most favored wife. Beautiful women stood outside the establishment, their eyes seductively meeting those of the men who passed by. The courtesans who worked here were of exceptional caliber, their services known to be sought after by the wealthy and powerful. This was no ordinary brothel, of course, as it stands here in Aloxus, the capital city. As she stood before the doors, Argider found herself locked in a gaze with a stunning courtesan with flowing maroon hair and dreamy grey eyes. She approached Argider, her gait both elegant and seductive. Her curves were entuated by the low-cut dress that hugged her body. Her confident stride and sultry nce put Argider on edge, her usually unshakeableposure faltering for a moment. ''Is she... trying to seduce me?'' the thought crossed Argider''s mind, her cheeks flushing involuntarily. ''No, wait. But I''m a woman right now though?....'' "My, my, are you lost, girl?" she asked, her voice smooth and sultry as her slender fingers discreetly wrapped easily around Argider''s arm while leading her to the establishment. "You look homeless, yet so beautiful..." Argider''s thoughts were all over the ce, her mind spinning in confusion and disbelief. "Wait, are we... going to do it?" she stammered, wanting to give into temptation. The maroon haired woman chuckled in a silky and beguiling tone, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Going to do what, silly girl? Of course not..." "Then... what...?" Argider asked, her heart thumping wildly in her chest. "I''m going to hire you, darling," she drawled, a low chuckle escaping her lips. "Don''t worry, I know many men who''ll love to pay for you." Chapter 5 New Skill Unlocked (Part 1) Argider''s face went as white as a sheet as the courtesan''s arm snaked around her waist, those delicate fingers settling with a possessive squeeze that made her heart practically leap out of her chest. "Pardon?" she squeaked, her voice hitting an unexpected high note. She met the courtesan''s gaze¡ªsharp, intelligent, and intensely amused. It was like the woman could see right through her, stripping away every shred of dignity with a single look. "Don''t y coy, honey," the courtesan purred, her sly smile widening. To make matters worse, Argider caught a whiff of that heady, intoxicating perfume that fogged up her mind faster than the strongest ale. An absurd, traitorous part of her wanted nothing more than to dive headfirst into this web of seductive fragrance. Focus, Argider, she scolded herself, this is not the time to turn into a blushing idiot. "You may not have considered it before, but I can see you''ve got potential," the courtesan crooned, cool as ice and twice as confident. Potential? For what? Argider''s mind was scrambling as she tried to ce this enigma of a woman. She mentally searched through her past escapades in Elysium Boudoir, back when her own charm had women all but swooning at her feet. But not a single memory of gray eyes and lushshes came to mind. Before she could recover her bearings, the courtesan gave her a little nudge forward, and Argider stumbled along, as graceful as a tipsy goat. "W-Wait!" she stammered, clinging to some shred of dignity. "Hush, now," the courtesan replied with a smirk, shushing her like a naughty child. "You''ll find this isn''t nearly as terrible as you think, my dear." How on earth do I get out of this? she thought panickly, mentally shaking her fist at fate fornding her in this absurd mess¡ªone that smelled far too good for her own good. "Ugh, I hate this cursed female body!" Argider fumed to herself. "My cousin would have the whole room eating out of his hand by now. Meanwhile, I''m standing here like a confused chicken, can''t read emotions to save my life, and they dare call me a yboy?" For as long as she could remember, Argider had kept her walls high, pretending she didn''t give a damn about what people thought. She''d sworn she''d never let anyone get under her skin, but it felt like the world had it out for her. Everyone else seemed to wield emotions like some shy, deadly weapon, while she stood there with all the emotional grace of a brick. She felt like a kid lost in a storm, helplessly dodging verbal daggers and the hidden agendas of people who thought "feelings" were some kind of strategic weapon. It wasn''t fair! Everyone else seemed to navigate this stuff like it was child''s y, while she was out here fumbling, tripping, and somehow managing to make a mess of even the simplest interactions. It left her feeling trapped, as hopeless as her father¡ªwho, for all his faults, at least owned his scummy nature. But Argider? She was just a trainwreck trying to steer through a world that clearly had its rules set up by people with an actual emotionalpass. "I...I really don''t want to..." Argider''s voice trailed off, slowly bing demoralized. Beep! Beep! Beep! ¡ª [Warning: Cognitive & Bodily Adjustment!] [Fast Install] .... [Loading Resources] ... ¡ª [Inserted ''Mental Thrivation'' Cultivation Form. User Is Currently A ''Perceiver'', The Lowest Rank Of All Political-Based Systems] ¡ª [Realized Redemption System Skill: Empath - The Ability To Heightened One''s Sense Into Other People''s Temperament''s And Emotions]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om ¡ª [Empath Skill | Level One: The user will appear in a state of temporary suspension as they ess the inner psyche of another individual. They will absorb the target''s mental processes and emotional makeup, along with their internal state. For external observers, this process may appear as a mere moment, but the user will experience a different, altered perception of time within the target''s mind.] ¡ª [Additional Information: The capabilities of the skill will go beyond boundaries as one progresses and cultivates through the system, which means, it does not merely act as an absorber of emotions.] ¡ª [Synchronizing Percentage: 1%] ¡ª [Synchronizing Percentage: 15%] ¡ª [Synchronizing Percentage: 41%] .... ¡ª [Synchronizing Percentage: 100%] Argider''s eyes glimmered like translucent light, and before she could even finish reading the words disyed before her, time seemed to slow down. Her vision transformed into a parallel reality, her spirit forcefully extracted from her body like being devoured by a ckhole. Yet, at the core of this chaotic vacuum, a singr point of light shone brilliantly. There was a collision between the unreal space and her insubstantial form, her clothes devoured by an intense gravitional pull, reduced to ash in an instant. The world around her smeared into a chaotic blur, as if multiple sequencespressed into a single moment. Every part of her being slowly sumbed to a queasy sensation as the world around her became an amalgamation of her own flesh. "You impure woman!" came the aggressive thuds. It was a chorus of frantic pleas. "No, please! Have mercy! Please don''t!" there was a woman who protested in fear, pleading for mercy and begging for the violence to cease. One memory after another, the woman scream''s were often cut into a wail of pain as that same man grabbed a hold of her hair. Her attempts of escape were proven futile under their imprable pull. Even if they managed to break free from one prison, they would only found themselves ensnared within another, a never-ending cycle of confinement and longing for freedom. All of that resulted into a barrage of sensations and memories overwhelming Argider, each one a crushing weight, causing her body to convulse uncontrobly... She was absorbing it all at once, the sheer volume of experiences almost drowning her in a sea of emotions. For a moment, Argider''s vision transcended the norms of her human perspective and expanded into a panoramic view. She was hurled into a different space,pelled to observe a typhoon of words writing themselves in thin air that lunged towards her immediately, her mouth foaming. "I think about it a lot. I think about the past. I have seen my son rot. I have seen him happy. I have seen too much. I have seen too many things, all easily dying. Except me. I want to die. I have seen the demise of too many lives. But not me. Let me die. I have seen new many things. I have seen too much. But not me. I don''t want to see. I don''t want to be old. Not like this. I will die. I want to die. I want him to stop hitting me. I don''t want to go back. I don''t want to go back. I think I''ll die. I think he''ll kill me. I am broken. I can''t run. I''m a butterfly with no wings. Beautiful, but can''t fly. I don''t think I can fly. I am broken. I just want to be happy. I want to go back. I want to go back to my home. I want to go back. I want to go back when I was a child. I want to go back." Chapter 6 New Skill Unlocked (Part 2) Argider''s senses were assaulted by a torrent of whispered words - a torment she could hardlyprehend, her awareness of her surroundings fragmented and confused. Then, in a fleeting instant, she was forcefully propelled forward once again, hurtling through the expansive void toward a lone point of light.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om In a sh, Argider''s reality reverted back to normal, vomitting straightaway and expelled the contents of her stomach while falling on her knees. She felt dizzy and disoriented, a sickening whirlwind consuming her senses, while tears streamed down her face. ''Heavens above, was that?...'' With a hand covering her mouth, she struggled to contain the rising nausea, a churning feeling in her stomach threatening to send another wave of vomit up her throat. ¡ª [Congrattions! You Have Sessfully Used Skill: Empathy] ¡ª [The Current Level Of Your Skill is Level One. It''ll Gradually Increased Through Your Personality Traits and Personality Development Status] ¡ª [Empath Skill Cooldown: 10 Hours] Argider swayed unsteadily, her bnce precarious as she tried to make sense of the recent experience. Her equilibrium was teetering. Before she could fully fall, the maroon-haired courtesan caught her, their usually cunning smile reced by a look of genuine terror. The crowd around them looked on in concern, their confusion evident as they observed the scene unfolding before them. "Are you alright, my dear?!" the courtesan inquired, their voice trembling with remorse. "I only meant to assist you, I- I didn''t know you were sick, I- I-..." She managed to find her voice, responding weakly in an effort to brush off the incident. "It''s fine... don''t worry about it," she murmured, her gaze falling to the ground where the remnants of her vomity. Shame washed over her, a crawling sensation up her spine as she took in the mess she had made. "Can we please rest somewhere?..." "O-Of course!" Then they entered the building - the ce filled with a musky, yet seductive scent, abination of sweet perfumes and sultry incense intertwined in the air. Soft, flickeringmps cast a warm, intimate glow that enveloped the surroundings and gave the space a dim, yet inviting ambiance, a gentle music ying faintly in the background. Both women found themselves inside a room that was likely intended for the pleasure of "guests," but in absence of alternatives, it would have to do. The confident andposed demeanour of the woman who had led her here had vanished without a trace, leaving her in a fresh new image. Argider regarded the courtesan intently, a subtle smile ying on her lips. "You''re new here in Elysium Boudoir, aren''t you?" she began the conversation despite her exhaustion. "How could you tell?" The woman''s face betrayed a flicker of surprise at Argider''s astute observation. Argider held back a smile, pretending she''d deduced it from some Sherlock-level intuition, though she had a much easier route: her ''Empath'' skill. It was like cheating, really. Somehow, she became more sensitive to the woman''s intentions, her odd blend of nerves and kindness. It amused her to know that this woman thought Argider was some fragile, doe-eyed damsel, the delicate flower type, just like the woman she was in the past. But Argider could also feel the courtesan''s hidden desperation to leave the ce. The poor girl was hoping she''d get a free ticket out of here if she yed her "innocent new girl" card right, maybe letting herself slip through the cracks like a chipped vase after a few years of "service." She wanted to offer Argider. Beep! ¡ª [New Notification] ¡ª [Main Task Remaining Time: 3 hours, 57 minutes, 43 seconds] Argider nced at the time as a notification appeared, her expression hardening. She was on a strict time limit, only three hours left to her mission. Argider had her target in mind¡ªwell, mostly. As she sized up the woman in front of her, she noticed the sharp, calcting glint in the courtesan''s eyes. Probably too smart for this, but hey, worth a try. Without a second thought, she popped up from her seat, leaned in way too close, and whispered, "Hey, you didn''t have to bother helping me, you know. Because¡ªget this¡ªI''m actually a high lord''s¡­ whore." She paused dramatically, like she''d just revealed some royal lineage or something. "Yep, you heard right." The courtesan just blinked, clearly trying to figure out if she''d misheard. Argider seized the woman''s hand and yanked it toward her fancy robe, practically smushing the fabric into her palm. "Feel that? This robe is, like, worth soooo much gold. Way more than whatever you''re wearing, probably. You could resell it or, like, show it off to all the high-societydies here. But¡ªyou know, only if you help me." She threw in a mysterious eyebrow waggle for good measure. "Help you?" The courtesan''s tone was t, like she was talking to a very slow child. Argider nodded, settling into her best tragic tone. "Yeah, so¡­ the high lord I serve? He''s, uh, from the Imperial Pce. Can''t tell you his name¡ªsuper secret stuff, obviously¡ªbut he threw me out! Left me totally high and dry." She tried to look extra pathetic, hoping the woman would buy her sob story. With a dramatic sigh, she let her robe slip just enough to reveal her bruises¡ªgenuine ones, but from her own recent misadventures rather than any high lord. She gestured at them with a tragic flourish, as if saying, Behold! My bruises of betrayal! The courtesan just stared, her face a mix of disbelief and pity. Argider could practically hear her thinking, How has this girl survived a single day? Maybe getting smacked around by that damned Faeralys actually helped her cover story. Argider was all about looking the part, even if her "bruises of betrayal" were really just thetest chapter in her veryplicated life choices. She waited for the woman''s response, but instead of, say, understanding or interest, she saw pure terror sh across the woman''s face as their eyes met. Oh no. Argider''s heart did a little guilty flop. This wasn''t supposed to actually scare the poordy¡ªit was just, well, a very necessary and slightly ridiculous performance. She leaned forward, tone suddenly urgent. "Hey, sorry if this whole, you know, ordeal thing is freaking you out," she whispered. "I swear I''ll make it worth your while. I''ll even reward you." The courtesan just blinked, processing this "reward" and clearly wondering what she''d done to deserve it. Finally, she said, "I don''t even know your name." "Not yet," Argider replied, trying to sound mysterious but mostly sounding like she''d forgotten her own name. "But, you know, I''d like to know yours." The woman hesitated but finally sighed, almost reluctantly. "Addysen. That''s my name. Addysen." Argider grinned, trying to make it look noble but mostly just looking like she''d won a game of cards. "Great, Addysen! Perfect. Alright, stick with me, and I promise we''re going to¡­do something. Something big." ¡ª [Personality Trait: Oppenness ?? +10 EXP!] ¡ª [Personality Trait: Extraversion ?? +10 EXP!] ¡ª [Personality Trait: Agreeableness ?? +10 EXP!] ¡ª [Personality Trait: Neuroticism ?? -5 EXP!] Chapter 7 Denzelle Arctera [WARNING: Violent Depiction] ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Argider moved through the opulent halls of the pleasure house, each room morevish than thest. She scanned her surroundings with a single-minded focus, her mind fixed on the intels she received at hand from Addysen. She''d been told that mostly the word of the upheaval at Aloxus'' entrance had been making its way up, the security tightened to a point of near-suffocation. That the city was bing thicker with tension. Addysen, too, had be privy to whispers circting ¨C whispers suggesting that something in regard to Argider felt awry. It wasn''t just that her sudden absence had gone unmentioned; it was as though it had never even happened. And so, it was not surprising that the oblivious crowd earlier had disyed such an unbewildered daze. After all, if the Emperor were to go missing, the news would have spread like wildfire. The fact that no whispers of her disappearance were circting suggested that this information was being deliberately concealed. Until it was the right moment to strike - she feared. She halted in her tracks, her eyes fixating on a familiar brown head of hair visible in one of the rooms of the upper echelons'' pleasure house. That boyish face, forever wearing an air of innocence, brought a wave of relief to Argider. She recognized those wide, mushy green eyes, always carrying a smile that she knew all too well. Denzelle Arctera, the third son of Grand Duke Arctera, the family renowned for their schrly pursuits and intellectual prowess that they served the crown as advisors. He served as Argider''s loyal right-hand man, enduring her every capricious whim with a mix of patience and resignation. Then, she looked at the top of his head. "Let''s see..." ¡ª [Judgment of the Emperor ?? 100] On this day, for the first time, Argider encountered a positive sign amidst the series of misfortunes she had experienced this morning. Finally! Without a clue of what was about to unfold, Denzelley there, blissfully ignorant. But he could hear sounds of approaching footsteps, his only attention to every little step slightly longer than the other. He sat up abruptly, his slim but masculine frameing into view, his bewildered mind ranging out. He was immediately startled when there loomed a cloak covered figure. "W-Who are you?!" "Calm down! It''s me!" she whispered urgently, her finger held against her lips in a gesture of hush. "W-W-What?.." As the distance between them lessened, Denzelle''s face shifted to disbelief, his breath catching in his chest. It almost seemed as if he were witnessing a specter rising from the grave. His eyes were big, and his mouth hung wide open while he grappled with the sight before him, his mind scrambling to make sense of what he was witnessing. He took stock of his surroundings, confirming the items in his hands: a clock in his right, an empty hand in his left, and the unmistakable signs of the activities he had been engaged in within the room. With a furrowed brow and a quick mental checklist, it became increasingly clear that he hadn''t been dreaming after all. "Argider?" His voice was hoarse, barely a whisper as he uttered her name. She smiled faintly, "It''s me. Why am I not surprised you''re her-" "H-How," he interefered in fearful impatience, emerging away from thefort of the bedheet, his slim figure showing. "What are you doing here? Why do you look slightly... different?" After gathering the desired intel from Addysen, Argider traded her regr robes for a set of practical and nondescript cloaks that sessfully veiled her head and body. Despite this, her eyes were the only feature that stood out ¨C those translucent eyes glistening with an array of colors that was instantly familiar to Denzelle. There was no denying it ¨C it was unmistakably Argider. "It''s a long story," Argider sighed, "but one thing led to another and here I am. I was told you were in this very same establishment. It''s good to see you haven''t changed, my friend. Still the same degenerate behind that nerdy facade." She gave his nose a yful tweak then scanned the room. Below, there were tunics neatly stacked with other pairs, a in white or cream color, with no decorative embellishments, suggesting their role as functional undergarments rather than items of fashion. Its fine, tailored fabric of the trousers and shirt seamlessly blended into a well-coordinated ensemble, entuated by the intricately embellished details that spoke of the wearer''s refined sensibilities. "This seems rather formal," Argider observed, gesturing towards the neat stacks of clothes. "Are you being invited to something?" Denzelle nodded, "Well, yes. There will be a partyter at the pce. Your mother has been included in the list of attendees." He added, his tone carrying a hint of reproach, "You would have been informed, too, if you hadn''t vanished." "So it was noticed that I had gone?" she sounded skeptical. "Indeed," Denzelle confirmed, "But they merely assumed that you were out... withdies." He chuckled. As he stepped away from the bed, gathering his garments from the floor, he couldn''t help but express his interest. "But I do wonder..." he mused, as he slipped into his trousers, "Why have you covered yourself up like that? What''s behind your cloak, Argider? Not only that... you sound rather squeeky." Argider hesitated initially, her hands trembling as she slowly pulled down her concealing cloak. Gradually, her features came into view, her face appearing smaller and more delicate, while her nose became slender and more refined. As her hood fell away, her long locks cascaded down, framing her face perfectly. Denzelle''s body tensed, muscles clenching in response to the unexpected sight before him. Shock was indisputable in his eyes. "What''s wrong...?" Argider questioned, perplexity on her face as she tried to decipher the expression in his eyes. "You know, I''m in dire need of your assistance. I need to reach the Pce before it''s toote. Something ominous is approaching, and-" "You...." He stook a step closer, then another. "You... were chosen as the system holder?! You, of all people?! This cannot happen!" Argider froze. The man did not react to her new form, but rather, the system that was beyond his human senses? Denzelle''s face contorted with rage as he seized a fistful of Argider''s baster locks, thrusting her head forcefully into the dresser that stood next to the bedpost. Denzelle paid no heed to the guttural screams and the blood staining the dressing table, nor did he acknowledge the gruesome, gory remnants now adorning the wall in a violent red. As their eyes finally met, Argider''s gaze was tearing and pleading, a mere receptacle for Denzelle''s displeasure. On one knee, he scrutinized the bruise on her dainty face, watching as the colors deepened to a menacing purple, the blood, sweat, and tears blending together in a grotesque mosaic on her delicate features.N?v(el)B\\jnn Her eyes, wide with fear, were strangely fixed, her gaze locked due to a mild concussion. Chapter 8 Falseness Undeterred by her emotional outburst, he stood up, a toothy grin tugging on his lips. His voice was surprisingly gentle, but it sent shivers wracking Argider''s body, her eyes fluttering away in pain. "Fool. I was the one who sold you out. The one who left you dead." He reached out and and swiped the wetness of Argider''s trembling lips, savoring herbored breathing, greeting her with a reassuring smile. Before she could even utter a gasp, he struck her face with a firm but controlled hand, sending her toppling back onto the bed. He spared no time pulling at her ankles and flipping her over, constraining her movements, amused at their efforts to escape. The stupendous burden of the crowd''s mor and shouts that always surrounded Argider was a speckpared to the predatory eyes of Denzelle, whose emotions were faint but held the bloodlust that would crack her entire skull if there was the slightest fissure on her mask. It ought to remind her that the horizon beyond the confines of this room is a distant cliff, that even if she slipped through the daunting walls made by Denzelle, she would fall unwillingly to a painful grip. "But you wouldn''t have known, would you? You were always a fool. Drinking your thoughts away and whoring around. You were the dumbest of the bunch, yet you managed to get away as thest offspring," his tone darkened, his smile faltering as he spat out. As he clenched his teeth tightly in a fit of madness, squeeking emanated. "H-How did you know about the system?..." Argider asked weakly, her voice quivering with uncertainty. Denzelle chuckled darkly, a sardonic smile ying on his lips, "Every emperor had a system. We don''t know the truest source, but this knowledge was passed down from generation to generation in my family, as we are the sole advisors to the crown." He exined, his gaze studying her intently. "From the moment you walked in, I could sense something different, something new. It was this newfound form of yours that confirmed it. So I can''t let you die on me, not yet..." "What are you going to do with me?" Argider weakly asked, her voice trembling with trepidation. Denzelle''s lips curled into a chilling smile, a sinister glint in his eyes as he responded, "Ah, but it wouldn''t be me. The real master is up there in the pce, waiting to see his newly acquired ''experiment.''" Effortlessly, his massive hand enclosed around Argider''s face, his grip firm and steady as a distinct aura of negativity emanated from his being. A visible dark hue blended seamlessly with the vibrant red that danced around his hands, the colors swirling together in a way that made Argider''s skin crawl. Beep! Beep!n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Beep! Beep! ¡ª [Warning!] ¡ª [Enemy Has Induced Life-Force Absorption! User''s Energy Is Being Depleted...] Argider''s vision started to blur, her consciousness gradually slipping away as Denzelle ruthlessly yanked her soul and life force, forcibly siphoning it away. The transfer of energy sapped her strength, leaving her feeling weak and helpless in the face of his malevolent onught. Following the girl''s descent into unconsciousness, two figures knelt before Denzelle, their movements swift and precise. They promptly seized Argider''s unresponsive body, expertly binded her, and quietly exited through the less conspicuous rear end, cleverly minimizing the odds of crossing paths with any observant courtesans. The sun rose to its zenith, but its golden light was swallowed by the gathering clouds, instead bathing thendscape in a dull, greyish hue. Wisps of smoke floatedzily in the crisp morning air, their acrid scent mixing with the fresh fragrance of the early hours. In the carriage, Denzelle sat silently, his gaze fixed on his former best friend, who was now a woman seated across from him. The vehicle was hurtling through the chaotic streets of the city, the somber atmosphere palpable as Argider''s unconscious body was held captive while their surroundings were shrouded in shadows, the darkness intensified by the absence of lights, and the streets filled with whispers. At the approach of the pce, the colossal gates swung open, their hinges creaking softly. The carriage rolled to a stop within the pce''s grand courtyard, revealing a grandiose structure that exuded power and authority. The pce was an architectural masterpiece, its facade a fusion of intricate ornamentation and towering spires that soared high into the sky. The courtyard itself was expansive, paved with smooth stones and adorned with lush greenery. In a secluded corner, they were concealed from view. Denzelle emerged first, while Argider''s limp form was dragged away to a secret area beneath the castle. This was the ce where prisoners who had acted against the Imperial Monarchy were kept. However, in a cruel twist of fate, Argider was ced in that very location within a cell, the door shutting and locking her inside. ¡ª [Congrattions! You Have Completed Your First Mission] [Reward Being Installed....] [Stats Increasing....] [Loading Resources....] ¡ª [You Have Ranked Up From ''Perceiver'' To ''High Perceiver''!] ¡ª [Inserted New Redemption System Skill: Empathic Inundation - The user possesses the powerful ability to assault their victims with unwanted emotions and emotions that have remained buried within the victims'' consciousness. Not only can users force others to endure the full weight of their most profound sentiments simultaneously, but this act leaves them vulnerable to mental torment, causing them to slip into unconsciousness or even lead to their demise.] ¡ª [Empathic Inundation | Level One: Level One of Empathic Inundation can only elevate the primary emotions, such as anger, happiness, etc, of the afflicted individual, calibrated based on the user''s cognitive level status and neurosis levels. Individuals with lower levels of neuroticism may begin to experience mental deterioration as this skill takes a toll on one''s emotions because it requires one to feelrge amounts of emotions.] ¡ª [Synchronizing Percentage: 1%] ¡ª [Synchronizing Percentage: 20%] ..... [Loading...] ¡ª [Synchronized Skill!] ... ..... ¡ª [New Notification] ¡ª [New Mission: Kill Denzelle Arctera] ¡ª [Time: Indefinite] Chapter 9 Inundation [Warning: Mentions of Suicide & Violence. Read at your own risk] ___________ All she could see was ebony - that same darkness which once imprisoned her whole. It seemed to stare back almost mockingly, a constant reminder of the inescapable nightmare she was now trapped in. There was a stench of rot and decay that glued heavily to the air, a sickeningly sweet, coppery smell like a cloud of death. After her head was bashed hours ago, there was dried blood sticking like tears to her face - its color akin to the most potent wine. A delicious, numbing red. Her soul wandered, memories with Denzelle gleaming weakly in the recesses of Argider''s mind like a distant, fragile spark, barely smoldering in the back of her head as hope slipped away like sands between fingertips. All those thoughts made Argider''s face rigid with anguish and fury, tears streaming down her cheeks as she fought back a sob. As she turned her head, a jagged arrow of pain shot through her temples like sizzling needles. Her muscles, long since cramped from being shackled, felt as though they''d forgotten how to function properly. She had been awake in this cold, dank cell for hours, each attempt to move resulting in her ankles and wrists being further chafed by the harsh metal of her chains, the unforgiving pressure cutting into her skin. There was no doubt in her mind where she was: an underground dungeon. The rough, cold stones of the walls was slick with moisture, and the hard, rocky floor left nofort. The constant drip-drip-drip of water echoed through the cramped chambers, the only indication of the passage of time in the windowless cell. She felt lost that she finally broke down. "I want to die." Despite the iron manacles that bounded her, she had enough freedom of movement to pull herself into a seated position and seized the chains with her hands, her fingers clenching forcefully into the freezing, biting metal. wing at the bindings, she ripped open her skin, causing drops of crimson to well up and spill over. "Please...just let me die...let me die..." She begged with an aching plea. All around her, other prisoners were slumped in hopeless, motionless heaps in the other cells, their soft, pathetic whimpers filling the space and ringing off the stone walls. The pitiful sounds only magnified the voices inside her own mind, and she crashed her hands against the red-covered irons that held her feet. It stung, but it paled inparison to the mncholy that consumed her. She wanted to suffer even more. "Redemption System? Hah! This is probably a joke... It''s toote for a redemption... This is probably a punishment, huh? If someone was as scummy as I can be, I''d wish them to live longer to endure pain. If others discovered I''ve be a woman, they wouldugh in my face!" Her head drooped, her eyes rimmed red from tears, and her hands gripped her hair tight. She did not want to die, but it felt like the only option. Her eyes darted around, searching for something¡ªa way out¡ªbut there was nothing, nothing sharp. Then, a realization dawned upon her. "Redemption System, show me the details of my Empath Inundation Skill." A translucent, holographic projection hovered suddenly just above her palm. Its text glowed with a soft, iridescent hue, each word etched digitally. She read and read until her gazed stopped and saw: "..... Leaves them vulnerable to mental torment, causing them to slip to unconsiousness or death." She nced down at the holo screen once more, reading: "...If user has lower levels of the Neuroticism Traits, one may begin experiencing deterioration. Using this skill may take a toll on your own emotions." There it was, the solution she wanted. And it was to use this skill on herself. There was no rule that the user couldn''t inflict it on themselves, afterall. Her current mental state was far too delicate to withstand the strain. And given that her skill level and stats were abysmal, the consequences would not only be dire, but also leave her entirely shattered. Just as she wanted. "How do I cast this skill?" she asked one more time.N?v(el)B\\jnn ¡ª [To use the Empath Inundation Skill, user would need to focus their energy and concentrate on the target individual, visualizing the connection between their emotional state and her own. Once the connection was established, she would use her mental energy to amplify the target''s emotions to the point of their demise or pain, all the while dealing with the toll it would take on her own emotions as well.] "Ah, I see," she chuckled weakly. Her gaze was dim. She was already parched from the prolonged confinement in the cell. Her trembling hands wrapped around her throat, feeling the sensation of pressure as she gripped tighter. She could feel the power taking hold, and she focused intently. Like an explosion, breathing came more difficult as it set in. The skill was working, its effects growing more pronounced. As her despair was mounting, her eyes rolled back in a chilling disy. Her mouth hung open, gasping for air in a bodily natural effort to defy the stranglehold of her own actions. There was a suffocating coldness now. Her thoughts and sadness ran rampant and her mind felt like it was being torn asunder. The relentless onught of despair caused a sharp pain to shoot through her head, sending her reeling in anguish. Her sanity was at risk of unraveling under the strain. "I wouldn''t do that if I were you," a voice warned. Suddenly, the skill shattered, and she retched, nting her hands against the floor. The intensity of the moment made her feel unhinged. Her emotions were heightened to the max, leaving her in a chaotic state. Vomit littered the ground, a visceral and sickening sight. She was on the verge of retching again, the nausea welling up inside her. "Who was that?" Argider whispered in a daze. She whipped her head around and squinted, trying to focus on her surroundings. But to no avail, not another soul was in sight, leaving her alone and disoriented. ''I must have lost my mind,'' she spected, her thoughts swirling wildly. The aftereffects of the skill seemed to be taking hold, causing her perception of reality to be distorted. But then, a small figure surfaced from the dark corner. It had long, twitching ears, its entire body was a ck monochrome in color, and its wide eyes were devoid of any pupils. It moved in a sinuous manner, walking on all fours, its tail swishingzily behind it. Not only that, but it was also adorned with a soft, fluffy fur all over its body. And there was a soft, yet distinctly feline noise, the sound of a small "meow" escaping from its mouth. Argider squinted her eyes again. A cat? She was certain that there were no windows or any other openings in her cell. Was this all just a product of the skill''s lingering effects? Death was all that she desired, not this mind-bending confusion. "You''re not confused. I''m the one who told you to stop," it spoke, their voice deep and manly. Her limbs instantly felt heavy and uncoordinated from stupefaction. She sank down onto the cool stone floor, her mind struggling to make sense of the bizarre reality unfolding before her. The cat had just spoken, and for a moment, she wondered if she had finally lost her grip on sanity. There were already so many strange happenings in her life that she found herself reacting more out of resignation than surprise. She finally found her voice, asking tentatively, "Are you the grim reaper?" The cat responded emphatically, "No." "Then am I dead? Are you some sort of spirit?" she continued, her mind racing to find an exnation. "I''ve heard of such cat-like entities in other cultures. Like the ones who worship cats or think cats are goodluck." The cat cocked its head, its unblinking gaze fixed on her. "No," it mewed in reply. "You reek of blood. And besides, that little trick you tried wouldn''t have worked. Your Emotional Inundation Skill is only at level one. You''d probably end up just going hysterical." "So, utilizing the skill on oneself would merely exacerbate the desire for cessation, is that it?" she responded. "Your skills'' advancement hinges on redemption. It would seem that such endeavors are rather counterproductive," the feline replied with a slight hint of derision in its voice. Argider chuckled bitterly, more at herself than anything else. "Redemption, you say? How amusing." Her voice held a tinge of irony. "Neen years of my existence, and it seems I''ve done nothing but struggle to stay on the straight and narrow, just like the rest." "Such a mindset is a luxury I can''t afford," the small creature voiced out. "You? Wouldn''t that be me?" she was baffled. "I suppose that would be the case," "And... who are you? You feel rather... human." Argider queried, her eyes narrowing as she attempted to discern the true nature of her mysterious visitor. A chilling hush enveloped the surroundings, its weighty stillness enhancing the ominous atmosphere that permeated the chamber. "I am the First Emperor," he answered, its aloof tone betraying not a hint of emotion. Chapter 10 A Throne For A Puppet (Part 1) Yes, the First Emperor. Alvator Valtirium, conqueror of continents, breaker of armies, wielder of the legendary Scepter of Origins, and architect of an empire so vast it practically needed its own time zone. A figure of myth and might, etched into history as an indomitable force of nature. And now? Now, he was a cat. A cat. A cat norger than a loaf of bread, with fur so fluffy it could smother a sneeze. His tiny triangr ears twitched imperiously, and his luminous white eyes¡ªeerily unblinking¡ªresembled the soulless stare of a particrly judgmental barn animal. The mighty Alvator, reduced to a glorified house pet. If irony had a throne, it would sit here andugh itself hoarse. Argider, shackled and battered, blinked at him, her sense of reality cracking like cheap porcin. Emerging from an underwater delirium and mistaking her reflection for a stranger had been disorienting enough. But this? A talking cat, iming to be the First Emperor, speaking in a voice so rich andmanding it could narrate the creation of the universe? It was too much. "You must be joking. This can''t be real," she squeaked, her tone caught between disbelief and hysteria. "A cat? The First Emperor? It''s... utterly absurd!" The cat¡ªAlvator¡ªsighed, his tiny frame emanating a palpable weariness, as though this wasn''t his first rodeo with incredulous mortals. He padded in a dignified circle around her, his tail flicking with regal nonchnce, before seating himself with the air of a monarch granting an audience. "Argider Valtirium," he began, his tone dripping with feline disdain, "youngest son of Novan Valtirium, thete, thoroughly assassinated Emperor. A man whose life was a parade of bad decisions and worse progeny. You, the least of his offspring, a menace to propriety, a father of far too many bastards, and a walking cautionary tale. Truly, the world has a knack for breeding irony. You are not unlike your father."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "Excuse me?!" Argider''s chains rattled as she lunged forward, fury igniting her like a struck match. "I am nothing like him!" The chains yanked her back, mming her against the wall with a painful thud. She red at the cat, her anger mingled with shame. The truth was bitter, like biting into an unripe apple. She was her father''s daughter, whether she admitted it or not. The same rotted roots ran through her, sprouting a poisonous tree of her own. Slumping to the ground, Argider let out a brokenugh. "Why are you even here? To mock me? To revel in my misery? If so, do me a favor and end it already." "Mock you?" Alvator tilted his tiny head, looking vaguely insulted. "No. I''m here to guide you." Her brow furrowed. "Guide me? Why would you of all people guide me?" He flicked a paw dismissively. "Because that''s my lot now. A price paid long ago. My consciousness is bound to the imperial system, and I take on a form most... appealing to each Emperor I assist. Evidently, you prefer cats to people. Charming." Argider''s face flushed. "W-what? I d-don''t¡ª" "You do," he interjected smoothly. "Your soul practically screams, ''I would sell myst crust of bread for a soft thing to pet.'' Amendable priority for someone in your position." She groaned, her shame mounting. He wasn''t wrong, but having her innermost quirksid bare by a tiny furball was excruciating. Before she could retort, the flicker of torchlight danced into the cell, its glow dragging long, ominous shadows over the bars. The rhythmic clink of footsteps followed¡ªsharp, deliberate, and far too familiar. Her stomach churned. "Hide!" she hissed, gesturing wildly at Alvator. "If they see you¡ª" "Rx," the cat said, stretchingnguidly. "They can''t perceive me. You''re the only one blessed with this honor." The light dimmed as a figure emerged¡ªa man with broad shoulders and a serpentine grace. His tailored boots whispered against the stone, and his smirk oozed enough smugness to oil a machine. Denzelle. Argider''s blood boiled. The traitor. The snake who had sold her out and plunged her world into chaos. Denzelle''s gaze swept over her, lingering on her disheveled form. His lips curled into a patronizing grin. "Talking to shadows now, Argider? I didn''t realize you''d fallen so low." She gripped the bars tightly, her knuckles whitening as her eyes burned with unrestrained hatred. "You bastard," she spat, her voice venomous. "Careful," he drawled, inspecting his nails with feigned disinterest. "You wouldn''t want to injure yourself before the main event, would you?" Behind her, Alvator yawned. "Dramatic, isn''t he? ssic traitor energy. You should bite him. Cats do it all the time, very therapeutic." Argider shot him a re. "Not helpful." "Suit yourself." Denzelle tilted his head, watching her as though she were the most curious specimen in a menagerie. "Who are you talking to, Argider? A ghost? Or have you finally lost your mind?" Her lips curled into a defiant smirk. "Wouldn''t you like to know?" Beside him, two formidable guards stood. They were d in ornate armor of the highest caliber, each piece of gear bearing testament to the knight''s high status and prowess. Their helms were embossed with intricate designs that fully encased their faces, leaving only their eyes visible. When she looked back at Denzelle, there was no sign of sympathy, nor any trace ofpassion in their immovable expression that Argider felt herself crumble further, the weight of her pain multiplying beyond measure. Her eyes twitched and stung, desperate to find release in the form of tears, yet her eyes remained painfully dry. "Then why didn''t you just kill me? What''s even the point?!" Argidershed out in anger, trembling with resentment. Denzelle met her gaze unflinchingly, his tone even and unsympathetic. "I was intending to kill you, until I discovered your possession of the system. You see, it''s not surprising that anyone would underestimate your worth - you''ve never been capable of anything. That''s why I revealed your location - it seemed logical that the Valtirium Family line would finally end with you. And perhaps, we thought the system finally decided to go beyond your bloodline." "Is that why my system warned me about imminent civil war?" she asked through gritted teeth. "So, your system told you about the possibility of a civil war, did it? In that case, it was correct." "Then are you the one who killed father and the rest?" "How ttering for you think so. But unfortunately, I''m just a puppet. He had to be killed because he never had a system in the first ce." Argider became solid. ''No system?'' "Then who schemed it?" "I couldn''t exactly point out who. Everyone in the pce has their own ambitions and schemes, which is why I will remain as your advisor. My master, however, says that he expects of your best behavior." The heavily armored guards entered the cell, the metal door nking open. One approached Argider and removed the iron chains from her wrists. When the restraints were finally lifted, deep, reddened welts were visible on her pale skin, a painful reminder of how tightly the bindings had dug into her flesh. Argider was taken aback as she was gruffly yanked out of the cell. She let out a startled gasp, her eyes widening at the unexpected treatment. When she nced back, she was surprised to see Alvator hovering in the air, his loyal presence following her as they departed. "W-where are you taking me?" She protested with a meek whisper. "We''re returning you to your responsibilities," Danzelle answered. "I have be a woman... Wouldn''t that be odd if I show myself now?" "It can be of use," her traitor of a friend said. "For now... you will meet your wives." . Chapter 11 A Throne For A Puppet (Part 2) In the blistering heat of the empire''s unrest, tension coiled around the city like a serpent ready to strike. Dust hung heavy in the air, mingling with the mor of disbelief as an Imperial Decree shattered the sanctity of long-held secrets. The emperor''s right hand had announced that Argider Valtirium¡ªknown scoundrel, father of many bastards, and asional flight risk¡ªhad not only been in but miraculously reborn¡­ as a woman. The decree, allegedly divine in origin, imed this transformation marked Argider as the vessel of the gods'' will and the rightful ruler of the empire. Naturally, the popce was skeptical. After all, there were stories. Rumors had spread faster than a court gossip with a secret. It was public knowledge that Argider once fled his own wedding bed, leaving his wives baffled while he soughtfort in the arms of a particrly persuasive prostitute. The scandal had been entirely true, of course, and the memory lingered like a bad smell in a sacred hall. "Perhaps the gods are not always right¡­" a nobleman muttered under his breath, echoing the unease of the gathered crowds. "What if it''s a trick? Divine punishment for his crimes?" "I''d argue it''s both a blessing and a mockery," another chimed in. "All those bastards, and now he''ll have none!" The promation wasn''t merely a deration of Argider''s "miracle" but a tactical move. It sought to cement her im to the throne while sending a not-so-subtle warning to the shadowy factions scheming in the empire''s underbelly. Meanwhile, the imperial Sceptre Council chamber¡ªa ce as ostentatious as its name¡ªerupted in chaos. A fist mmed onto the long, polished table with the force of a falling guillotine. "Argider? A woman? Preposterous!" thundered Duke Gander Morrigan, the Emerald Liege. His pale green eyes zed with fury beneath a mane of silver hair. As the second most powerful figure in the empire, Morrigan''s temper carried weight, and the other nobles wisely sat up straighter. "He couldn''t even give my daughter a child! His first wife! The empress! And now you expect me to believe this?" "Your Grace," Count Laristor Erisius, the Alexandrite Liege, interjected with his usual measured calm. Adjusting his spectacles with a precise touch, he added, "Let us not allow emotions to cloud our judgment. The matter at hand is of critical importance."The council wasprised of the most illustrious figures from the noble Eminent Households, distinguished by their titles based on jewels from the First Emperor''s Sceptre. Each held a pivotal position within the imperial hierarchy. Gander Morrigan, the Emerald Liege, whose dominion extended over the vast economdscapes of the empire; Malister Merovia, the Golden Liege, the treasurer secretary and financial advisor; Laristor Erisius, the Alexandrite Liege, the enigmatic master of covert operations; Saktor Tarkresh, the Amber Liege, the fearless militarymander of the Imperial Family; Telys Donotia, the Lady Azurite Liege, the eloquent speaker of the Imperial Parliament and the lone woman within the council; Brovian Cryptoron, the Sapphire Liege, chief Justice and guardian of the empire''sws;n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om And finally, Osmo Arctera, the Pearl Liege, the esteemed schr and foremost advisor to the throne. Each one wielded immense power, and each one had opinions¡ªmany of them unhelpful. "Does this mean her spouses should now be men?" Saktor Tarkresh quipped, his military gruffness softened by a hint of amusement. "That would require undoing every marital alliance we''ve ever brokered!" Malister Merovia pointed out, his voice weighted with exasperation. "Do you have any idea how much paperwork that would entail?" "A contract must never be broken," Brovian Cryptoron intoned, as if reading directly from thews he upheld. "Let''s be practical," Osmo Arctera interjected with the weary patience of a man ustomed to herding cats. "Argider won''t be producing heirs with men. The damage to our reputation would be catastrophic if she bore a child under such circumstances. No, we must focus on her as she is and manage this¡­ adjustment." Telys Donotia, ever the voice of bnce, leaned forward. "In time, we may even hope she reverts to her former self. Until then, this change might provide an unexpected benefit: fewer bastards." Morrigan''s scowl deepened. The chamber fell silent as his thoughts churned. The mention of his daughter¡ªthe empress, once married to Argider¡ªcut deep, stirring bitter memories of her youthful smile and the years lost to heartbreak. Atst, he rose and strode out, his silence more thunderous than his earlier fury. ... Meanwhile, in a hidden chamber of the pce, Argider was decidedly less philosophical about her predicament. Confined to her quarters, she paced with the nervous energy of a caged animal. Every creak of the floorboards, every shift of the shadows, seemed like a harbinger of betrayal. Then came the unmistakable sound of hurried footsteps. "Darling!" a familiar voice sang out. Her blood ran cold. No¡­ Not now¡­ Beep! Beep! Beep! [Loading...] [Processing...] Ding! ¡ª [Affection ?? 50] ¡ª [Loyalty?? 0] ¡ª [Emotion?? 100] Before she could react, the door swung open, and there stood Callista¡ªArgider''s fourth wife and, inconveniently, her favorite. Callista, with her cascading locks and a smirk that could unnerve a saint. The courtesan-turned-consort Argider had hopelessly fallen for. "Callista! I¡ªI''m ill!" Argider yelped, diving under the nkets as if they were an imprable fortress. "Oh, my love," Callista crooned, stepping closer with feline grace. "I''vee to nurse you back to health, as always." The bed dipped under her weight. Argider froze. "No, wait!" she stammered, voice trembling with rm. Callista slipped under the covers, her hands roaming with practiced ease. "Darling, you feel¡­ different," she murmured, her fingers tracing unfamiliar terrain. "Callista, stop!" Argider squeaked, trying desperately to wiggle away. But it was toote. Callista yanked the nkets aside, revealing the pale, feminine figure beneath. For a moment, there was only silence as her gaze traveled from Argider''s diamond-like eyes to her delicate frame. Finally, Callista whispered, "Who¡­ who are you? And what are you doing in his bed?" Chapter 12 All Eyes Are On Her "So I''ve be receable, huh?" Callista''s voice was tinged with a somber resignation, devoid of the dramatic reaction one might expect. It wasn''t pain or sorrow that etched her features, but rather a chilling fear and anxiety, mirrored in her wide, vulnerable eyes. It was as if... Callista thought this will happen. This reaction alone was an unforgiving, cial jab against Argider''s heart, a numbing paralysis upon her already tormented emotions like a slow and merciless wound that was gradually sapping her of all feeling. The woman was right regardless. Though, she was painfully aware of her own indiscretions. Before she met Callista, she obviously lived a life of careless promiscuity and sought temporary sce in the arms of multiple women whenever her spirits dipped. There had been times when she had even indulged in the embrace of two or more people at once. But ever since Callista entered the picture with her soft grey hair and eyes, and tantalizingly curvaceous body, the women in her life diminished one by one. The woman knew how to arouse and please, weaving her words like a silken web. Callista was the female spider, ensnaring Argider within her intricate web. And much like the fate of male spiders after mating, Argider found herself, in some ways, helplessly consumed by her. "No, darling. You''re not receable," she tried to convince her. "It''s me, my love. I''m not a long lost sister nor a whore warming the bed. It is... quite a long story. But due to an... incident... I''ve turned into a woman." She sat up, gathering her hair and revealing her neck, baring a deep bite mark imprinted by Callista only two days prior. It was still a dark, bearing the signs of bruising that had yet to fade. "It...It really is you! But how?.." She gasped, but she suddenly remembered herself moments ago. "I... I apologize, I didn''t mean to..." "It''s fine..." It was not fine. In all honesty, Argider wanted to figure out why Callista appeared panicked, but she was too strained to use her ''Empath'' skill. She also wasn''t ready for the truth yet. "If you''re a woman now... will you lose me then?" But there it was again. That same look she bore minutes ago - the look of terror. "I believe I was told that the four of you will remain..." "That''s a relief..." Argider hesitated, her head drooping. "I...I''m sorry... I don''t have it anymore. "You mean?..." Understanding Argider''s meaning, a sly smile crept across her face. "Oh, that''s not a problem at all..." she said as she drew closer and whispered. At first, Argider''s expression held confusion, her eyes blinking in puzzlement, but then her breath hitched. That was possible? "Are you interested?" Callista straightforwardly asked. She was a woman governing desire, with no boundaries too unconventional for her. And though Argider didn''t want to acknowledge it, she couldn''t deny that she was touched-starved and filled to the brim with restless desire. "This is quite new... Are you certain that you have little care I''m a woman now?" "I didn''t be the top courtesan if I was choosy," she purred. Argider''s mind raced with the question, ''Is this really feasible?'' But then again, she had to be resourceful in her approach. Submitting herself, her lips yielded, allowing herself to be imed in a kiss that instantly ignited her senses. Callista, usually the more submissive and passive of the two, had an unexpected air of dominance about her. She cast aside the cloak concealing Argider''s body, beforeying a trail of kisses on their stomach, her actions surprisingly assertive. Argider bit down her lip, her breathingbored. "W-Wait!" She gasped, slightly pulling away. "You...You''re taking the lead?!" "Why not? It''s good to experience different things, yes?" "But I am not used to this... being the one who receives." "And this type of thing is also quite new to you," she reasoned, then traced her thumb on Argider''s bottom lip. "Besides... you''re quite adorable. So behave now and be a good girl for me, will you?" Good girl... good girl... good... girl?.. Good girl?! Argider''s emotions whirled within her, a tumultuous mix of humiliation and an inexplicable excitement. Her eyes darted to the side, unable to meet Callista''s gaze, consumed by shameful embarrassment. Her face turned a shade of crimson. Somehow, she couldn''t even bring herself to get mad.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "How adorable," she teased, before abruptly tugging down Argider''s underwear without any warning. ¡ª [New Notification] Argider''s eyes widened in surprise as the system suddenly responded, its letters shifting and rearranging to form new text. The rapid motion of the pixels was akin to a crawling, writhing mass, each character twisting and morphing into a brand-new message. ¡ª [Sub-Task: Pursue & Commit To Celibacy] ¡ª [Description: In the long run, the user will gain EXP and unlocking new stages of Psychosexual Level] ¡ª [Minor Task: Avoid Current Situation] "I''m watching you..." While Callista began to undress her, Argider''s eyes frantically darted around the room in search of the source of the voice. Her gazended on the floating figure above the ceiling, and her entire body froze. It was the First Emperor who turned into a cat, Alvator, peering down at them from above. "AAAAAAAAAAH!" Argider let out a shrill cry and hastily broke free from Callista''s grip. She scrambled and retreated to the corner of the bed, clutching a pillow like a shield, her eyes wide as she stared at the First Emperor in feline form. Callista was startled, blinking in shock. "Is something wrong dear? Did I make you feel ufortable? I-I apologize! I only meant well..." "N-No, it''s not that..." Argider was absolutely mortified as she gazed up at Alvator in horror. She thought to herself, ''Did he witness everything that just unfolded?!'' "Yes, I did," responded Alvator. He read her mind. Chapter 13 Celibacy "What do you mean I should celibate?!" Yelled Argider in her mind. "Just as the task requires, you must refrain from engaging anything with any women." Argider grumbled, a re of reluctance on her face. Just a day ago, she recalled vividly the stubborn tug of the chains, her shaking hands, and the exhaustion that had sunken her and emaciated her body. The allure of indulgence threatened to overpower her, but she was never one to fight it. Not until this moment arrived. Deep down, however, she knew rebellion was fruitless. This system, entity, whatever that held her captive and bounded towards redemption was proving more effective than any p to the face from her mother. It gave her chances, lessons, and almost everything that everyone failed to give in such a short amount of time. Whereas others wanted to maneuver her into a puppet of power, this system was pushing her to a path that even herself never provided for her own sake. A path to redemption. ''Tomorrow is not promised'' was a statement one could often hear, but toote to realize. On the verge of her death, she finally felt her mortality and her little time in this world. Yet, she arose from her ashes not to escape war, but for her to have the chance to escape from herself. She moved to the edge of the bed and faced away from Callista, her need evident yet restrained. Being defiant were her usual trademarks, and she would dly mock the council and even stand up to the gods if need be. Behind her stupidity, there was a calcted choice; she chose to be a fool to insult the other fools who appeared more smartly than she ever did. With a deep breath, Argider redirected her attention to Callista. "I have... forgotten," she paused, struggling to find the right words. She didn''t want the woman to feel undesired or abandoned. It''d be lie if she said she was not in the mood. Spitting out falsehoods from her tongue was bitter enough to release. "Denzelle has stated that I have somewhere to be. I''m sure you are aware of his tendencies to be quite controlling of my.... movements, but I assure you, his intentions are well-meaning, of course." ¡ª [Personality Trait: Oppenness ?? + 5 EXP!] ¡ª [Personality Trait: Neuroticism ?? + 10 EXP!] ¡ª [Personality Trait: Agreeableness ?? + 10 EXP!] [Processing...] [Loading....] ¡ª [You have reached Level Two of Agreeableness!] ¡ª [Reach Level Two for Neuroticism and Openness To Finally Unlock Stage Two of Psyhosexual, Moral, and Psychosocial Stage!] ¡ª [Reach Level Two for Neuroticism and Openness To Advance Empath and Empathic Inundation Skill!] ''Oh...'' Argider felt an unusual sense of sce in the knowledge that with each small step, she had the potential to advance further, to better herself. The notion of returning to her previous life seemed like an insignificant afterthought, as her thoughts and focus shifted towards the road ahead, rather than the path she had left behind like a weary traveler who no longer nced at the distant mountains she had already traversed. However, Callista was not convinced. "Right... but why did you scream?" "His criticism... and remonstrations are beginning to affect me," she conceded. "After all, I have caused quite a bit of worry with my extended absence. There have even been whispers suggesting that I have finally revealed just how pitiful I truly am and perhaps I ran away from the throne." Alvator was still flying above, and pointed his paws to a floating screen that appeared, disying the mission objective on its surface. ''Mission: Kill Denzelle Arctera,'' it read. Argider''s gaze flicked towards it, momentarily jarred out of the conversation. She had almost forgotten about the task at hand, or perhaps she had deliberately chosen to overlook it. Revenge seemed an insignificant endeavor; the pain of anger burned more of herself than those who she wished to burn. The day she realized the pointlessness of it all was when she fully fell into a hole of numbness, wishing her mind was a void instead. Unfeeling, nk, and empty to deflect any emotion. "You''re lying," Callista frowned. "I''m sure you can fool others, but I''ve felt you entirely. Any changes in your expression, even an inch, I am immediately aware. The way you can''t look at me and the clear shame in your eyes. It''d hurt less if you told the truth. Tell me, truthly, did Denzelle threaten you?" Argider''s thoughts became cloudy. She couldn''t find any words that could refute any of the usations while her lips were parted, wanting to defend herself. She''d always been slow if questioned, and fast if truthful. This was the takeaway that the emperor was truly speaking of falsehood. "H-How did you know?..." "You are always so slow, aren''t you? You might have considered him your friend, but there is a blur between friendship and alliance in this pce." "So which one are you?" There was silence afterwards. "How could you even ask such a thing?" Callista''s voice trembled, but it wasn''t a tremor of pain; it was the tremors of terror. This was the first time that the normally defeatist Argider had ever dared to question her. Argider snatched up her clothes and quickly donned them as she turned to face Callista. "Because I realized I don''t know you..." she finally admitted. Callista has been acting strange since moments ago. Why did she always look afraid than hurt? Normally, she wouldn''t have spotted such a subtle sign, but her awareness became more painfully sensitive ever since she received her skills. "I realized I don''t know anyone at all," she continued. "I''ve given you my body, my all!" Callista protested. "But your body is not everything that you are," Argider shot back. "I don''t even know your history, your feelings. What are you truly here for?!" Her voice rose in a frustrated roar.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om "What hase over you? Is it because you have transformed into a woman now? Have I ceased to be appealing to you? Is that why you resist involving yourself with me at this moment?" Argider''s response was swift and fierce. "No, that is not the issue!" "Then what?! Ever since you were gone, you''ve changed. Inside and out!" Alvator observed passively from his vantage point above, his gaze cool and detached. This was Argider''s predicament, and it was a problem she had to learn to confront and ovee instead of running away like a coward for once. "And why is it so difficult for you to respond? Are you troubled by myck of acquiescence to your desires?!" Argider yelled for the first time. nk! Before she could process, it cut into a wail of pain as Callista sank her teeth into the girl''s bottom lip. Her attempts of escape were proven futile under their imprable pull, the former courtesan licking the bruised ribbon of flesh, tasting the bloody iron of the bleeding mark. Her lips were then locked by a possessive kiss, Callista''s tongue demanding entrance into the tightening mouth of Argider. She was shaking involuntarily from her own frailty, until she returned her "affection" and bit the courtesan''s tongue. Flinching, Callista loosened their strength, one eye narrowing from the throbbing pain. Inhaling a gasp, the emperor coughed, cupping a hand over her lips. "W-What are you doing?!" She turned to the broken vase that fell on the floor with a loud ss-like melody. As Argider turned her gaze towards Callista, she was struck by an uncanny sight. Callista stood motionless, her eyes fixed and dted, an air of otherworldly stillness surrounding her. "I can''t do this anymore..." Argider breathed, her eyes shining with sudden power. ¡ª [Command: The User is Using Empath Skill!] Chapter 14 Blood She entered inside Callista''s domain of consciousness, floating weightlessly in the abyss, her body suspended in a vast emptiness. She reached out, searching for something, anything to fill the the answer: who and what is Callista? But there was nothing. Every second brought no pain, her mind was untouched and her heart was unbroken like she least suspected. And yet, she felt something. A soft whisper of love, like a sigh on the wind. Argider reeled, and just like that, she was thrown from the void into the blinding point of light. Reality crashed back, colors and sounds and sensations mming into ce around her. It was all too fast. She blinked, disoriented, as the afterimages of the light and the sensations she''d felt in the void faded from her vision, leaving her in the familiar present. She wasn''t sure if that love was meant for her or someone elsepletely. Growing up isted from people, she struggled to understand emotions, even her own. She didn''t understand anything. Argider was sure that she could with this skill, but her interpretation skill was on the down low. "Is something wrong, Argider?" "Callista... What do you love?" She asked with no second thought. Callista froze, her expression transforming from her usual mix of emotions to something more serious. Her emotions shifted like the sands of the shoreline, ebbing and flowing in unexpected ways. This caught Argider off-guard like she''d touch a forbidden fruit. The sound of the door opening jolted the room to attention, each head swiveling to see who had entered. "Apologies for the interruption," Denzelle''s voice rang out, shattering the tense silence that had settled, his voice serious as he spoke to Argider. "But I''m afraid you are needed urgently by the council. They require your presence immediately." Frustration boiled as she looked at Denzelle, desperately torn between the desire to speak and the need to contain herself. In that moment, she knew that staying any longer would only exacerbate the agony within her. With a deep, steadying breath, she pushed herself away from Callista and followed Denzelle out of the room, not looking back. The pce air was heavy. This time, the words were not filled with nder or derision, but a sharp curiosity, a tinge of anger. The Divine Mandate dictated that the downfall of an emperor meant they were unworthy of the throne. The return of Argider, both miraculous and mocking, seemed to defy this rule. Was it a punishment for his debauchery, or a deration of her unquestioned rule? Rumors and doubt rippled through the court, casting shadows on her reign. As she made her way through the hallway, apanied by Denzelle, the mor around her grew louder. Servants, courtiers, and nobles alike turned their gazes in her direction, their eyes following her every move. Some whispered furtively behind their hands, while others stared in unabashed curiosity. ¡ª [Quest Reminder: Kill Denzelle] The system seemed to taunt her endlessly. She was no hardened warrior like Denzelle. The thought of blood on her hands made her feel ill. How could she ever justify the loss of life, even in the name of duty and justice? She wanted to dy this, but she knew time was demanding. Despite the growing buzz, Argider remained aloof, her mind lost in thought. What did reaching redemption mean anyway? Even the wisest old sages she''d met had something lurking beneath them. There wasn''t any model that she could exactly define as a person who had reached redemption. She had already attempted to seek it out before, but the answers she had discovered left her feeling disillusioned. It was so challenging to be the person she could love, but pleasure just felt so easier. If she killed Denzelle, would there be redemption? Plunging into the room of dimness, Argider could sense the eyes of the council members fixed on her, studying her intently. She knew this feeling well - the feeling of being examined and weighed against an elusive standard of perfection as the ruler of an empire. This brought more shame as she was keenly aware of her own failings, painfully conscious of the weight of her imperfections. "Are you willing to listen to us now, girl?" Osmo, the advisor to the throne, spoke up, his tone deliberately patronizing. It hit Argider''s nerve, a small crack in her usually steely pride. "At the end of the day, Osmo, I am a man!" "A man who''s turned into a girl. You don''t have what''s in your pants now. Get that to your head." "And I don''t want to lose my wives. Insult me, but I refuse to have husbands." "No one said you would," he retorted, his words sharp and biting. "None of us here know why you''re the chosen one for the throne. We cannot defy you, nor can you defy the fate forced upon you as the ruler anymore. It''s time to stop your extravagant lifestyle, treating the empire like a yground for your desires, and making us all look like fools. We have rebellions to deal with, tribes encroaching on our territories... yet you remain indifferent and unconcerned about the state of the empire!" "You are not the only one facing downfall, your grace. The entire empire is," added Telys. "We are in a war that you indirectly started all because of your ipetence. It is your duty to fix it." "I... I didn''t know," she mumbled quietly. "We don''t know who betrayed us, but our enemies have gained critical information. A spy under my supervision informed me that a witch, gifted with the ability to foresee the future, has allied herself with the Peliotus tribe. The individual responsible spoke with the confidence and knowledge of someone from the aristocracy," Count Laristor added, concern etched on his face. As the head of covert operations, he knew of the underground workings. "Now, they have sessfully infiltrated and taken control of several strategic hoarders." A mysterious figure in a mask and all-ck attire entered the room, a sword prominently disyed on their hip. They approached Laristor and whispered something to him. Count Laristor''s eyes widened in surprise and shock, his body bing rigid and awkward. "I suppose we now know who the so-called ''witch'' is..." Everyone spun around to face him. "The witch is Isolde, Argider''s second wife..." There was a collective gasp. The masked spy leaned in yet again, whispering something else to Laristor. The count winced in response, releasing a sigh of frustration.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "And... Isolde got impregnated, carrying the tribe leader''s child. This is truly... a precarious situation. That woman possesses considerable intellect, and that baby... it poses a major threat to us all." "W-What do you mean?" Argider choked out. "With her family''s ability to foretell the future... and the Peliotus'' tribe attribute to tame monsters and animals alike.. the baby will be a monster." "So what do I do?" "Kill the baby and get back your wife." Chapter 15 Dillema Argider''s frustration reached a boiling point. She mmed her hands onto the table, the sound echoing through the room. The weight of the situation, the betrayal, the imminent fight - it all felt overwhelming. She wanted to seekfort, to be held by someone, but even that was denied to her. "You want me to end the life of an innocent child?! This is madness! I will not be a child killer," The very thought of harming a child, let alone an unborn baby, went against every fiber of Argider''s being "It is your duty, your grace," Brovian spoke rather nonchntly. "And please, enlighten me, how do you expect me to regain my wife by ending the life of her own child? Should I simply tear it from her womb and defile her lifeless body? Is that what you''re suggesting?!" "You are heir to empire, your grace. An entire empire! You have a realm to rule, territories to govern. We''ve shed blood in the empire''s service. Yet, why can you not do what must be done?"N?v(el)B\\jnn Denzelle stepped up, a sly smirk ying at the corners of his mouth. "Worry not, my lords," he announced, confidence in his voice. "I will be there to guarantee that Argider fulfills his duties¡ªor rather, her role." Everyone seemed intent on puppeting Argider, manipting her every move. It was infuriating, and if given the choice between a baby and a traitor, she would choose thetter. Argider''s frustration red, her eyes fixing on Denzelle with a steely re. She was sick of being treated as a pawn in someone else''s game. Out of nowhere, a subtle shift in the air nearby caught her attention. A soft, almost imperceptible shimmering seemed to ripple in the space beside her, and suddenly, Alvator materialized out of thin air. Argider stiffled a yelp, quickly trying to regain herposure, recognizing him in his feline form. Alvator''s fur was a rich, midnight ck, and his eyes gleamed with a subtle intelligence. His sleek form seemed to blend seamlessly into the shadows, invisible to anyone but Argider. "What are you doing here?" Asked the girl in her head, hoping the cat would pick it up. "It''s better to bide your time and y along for now," he advised her. "You don''t know what Denzelle might be nning. When the opportune moment arrives, you can strike back. You can kill him." Argider turned her gaze to Denzelle, studying him intently for a brief moment before lowering her eyes. "What if I''m not capable of taking a life, even if it''s necessary?" "Then we will see once the momentes. The moment when you have to make a choice." As Argider looked upon the faces assembled around the table, the absence of one particr individual became starkly apparent. A puzzled frown creased her forehead as she noticed the conspicuousck of Duke Gander. "Where is Duke Gander?" "He rushed out," replied Osman. "His grace was disappointed by this sudden revtion. This revtion of you turning into a woman." "For what specific reason?" "Well, first and foremost, you didn''t give his daughter a child. The empress. Yet, you were so eager in giving countless women outside your marriage a child instead. And now... you''re a woman yourself. Tell me, Argider. Why is it so easy for you to create countless illegitimate children, but not produce a single heir?" "To end my father''s dynasty" were the words she wanted to say that almost slipped past her lips. She longed to tell them the unfiltered truth, toy bare her true intentions. But she held her tongue, an uglyugh wanting to release from her throat. Instead, she replied with a vague and dismissive statement, "Well, a man has his needs, I suppose." "You!" Osmo gritted his teeth, standing up in anger. "And look where has that got you now! An empress who has no heir to produce, your second wife getting impregnated by some tribe leader and taking over, your third wife who''s doing whatever she does, and a fourth wife who''s nothing but a bad influence on you." The other council members exchanged startled nces, clearly taken aback by her response. Argider, aware of their reaction yet unapologetic, simply rolled her eyes, finding it somewhat ironic that they would be shocked by her words when they had so bluntly suggested the killing of a child. ¡ª [Personality Trait: Agreeableness ??- 10 EXP!] ¡ª [Level Two Agreeableness Descended Back To Level One!] ¡ª [Warning: All of the Sceptre Council''s favor dropped to negative one!] ¡ª [Loading¡­] ¡ª [Entering User Summary¡­] ¡ª [Sessful] [Rank] Title ?? Emperor Level ?? -1 [Reputation] Public Perception ?? -1 Loyalty of People ?? -1 [Skills] Empath Empathic Inundation [Talents] Unknown [Rtionships] Wives - Esmeralda Morrigan ?? - 3 - Isolde Carpn ?? -1 - Faeralys Merovia ?? -1 - Callista ?? -1 ¡ª [New Notification!] ¡ª [Warning: At risk of increased rebellion!] "You''re beyond saving, for Pete''s sake!" Alvator eximed, shaking his head in incredulity. Argider was foolish, undeniably so, and the weight of it bore down on her like a heavy yoke. She cursed at herself, her heart abnormally shocked. "Well, t-that was the past me!" she blurted out hastily. "I''m not a man anymore, so I''ll...I''ll get back Isolde. And...and I apologize..." All of the council members gaped at her, their surprise only growing at Argider''s impromptu apology. This was a rare sight, as it was the first they had seen of her even attempting to utter the words "I''m sorry." Osmo, still clearly skeptical and seething with anger, slowly sunk back into his seat, his eyes never leaving her. "And how will you do that? How can we trust you?" "U-Um..." she stammered, words caught in her throat, then she found an excuse as her eyes lit up. "I''ll hire a personal tutor!" "A war is soon toe, yet you''re still unprepared. The world doesn''t fight for you." Argider sighed, the veins in her head feeling like they''re about to pop. "I... I''ll try my best within such a short period of time." Once the council meeting ended, she immediately emerged away from the suffocating room. The sun was starting to set, bathing the pce in a warm, golden hue. As she walked through the hallways, Alvator, in his feline form, pounced up beside her. "Why do you never learn your lesson, girl?!" the cat scolded, his tail twitching irritably. "I wonder too..." she muttered in agreement, her shoulders slumped down as she stared at the horizon beyond the window. Lost in her thoughts, she collided against someone, her bnce thrown off and her footing wobbly as she tried to keep herself upright. "Ah!" But just as she was about to stumble, she felt a hand quickly reach out from behind her, catching her back and steadying her. "H-Hey!" she started to protest, but her voice died in her throat as she locked eyes with the person in front of her. "So it is true that you''ve be a woman... I don''t know whether to be mad or amused," a crisp, feminine voice cut through the air, its smooth and sharp tone sending a shiver down Argider''s spine. Those emerald eyes, deep and captivating like a pair of polished gems, met hers, and an inscrutable smirk yed at the corners of her mouth. They reached out, cupping Argider''s chin and forcing her to lift her gaze. With a slight incline of her own head, she looked down at Argider, her height overshadowing Argider''s frame. "How does it feel, Argider?" the woman continued, trying to mock the man who''s now a girl. "Should I be the head of household now, seeing as I''m taller?" [Loading...] [Processing...] Ding! ¡ª [Affection ?? -3] ¡ª [Loyalty?? -3] ¡ª [Emotion?? 0] "E-Esmeralda..." she said with a shaky, nervous smile. "My wife...my dearest empress..." "Oh, please. Spare me the foolishness, Argider," she scowled. "It''s time you give me attention, don''t you think?" Chapter 16 The Start (Part 1) Esmeralda knew her husband all too well¡ªor at least she thought she did. He was a man of debauchery, self-indulgence, and impulses. And Esmeralda? Well, she wasn''t interested in ying games. No, she wanted something far more thrilling. She wanted control. Not out of some misguided affection, mind you, but out of pure, unbridled pride. She wanted Argider to beg for her attention. To worship her very existence. And, if she was being honest, to breathe only for her. After all, who could resist her? She was Esmeralda, the paragon of beauty, grace, and noble blood. Power and prestige were practically woven into her very being. Surely, it was impossible for anyone to think otherwise. But then came Argider, who apparently didn''t read the memo. When they first met, the audacity of that person! They looked at her and said, blunt as a brick, "You''re not my type." Not her type?! How could anyone¡ªanyONE¡ªresist such perfection? "Maybe it''s the bloodline," Esmeralda muttered to herself. "He''s clearly got some... lowly blood in him. A former peasant. Son of a mistress. Unworthy!" Her mind spun with indignation as she stared at the one person in the entire empire who didn''t find her irresistible. She hadn''t been rejected in years, and here was this impudent creature, looking at her like she was a meal that had gone off. But Argider was having none of it. "We agreed you would attend to your duties as Empress and leave me to my own business, did we not?" Argider said firmly, pulling away from Esmeralda''s overzealous grip. Esmeralda narrowed her eyes. "But you''ve changed! You''ve been transformed, not by your own will, but by the gods themselves! Can''t you see this is a sign that this farce needs to end?" Argider waved her off dismissively. "Oh, please. You''re hardly any different from me. You''ve got your fair share of men in your bed, just as I''ve got women in mine." Esmeralda''s eyebrow twitched. "Well, now that you''re a woman, I''m not particrly inclined toward women. You''re unconventional, sure, but not in the right way. At least now you can''t be... well... that kind of dog. You know, the kind that just mates with anything that moves." She chuckled, a glint of mischief dancing in her emerald eyes. It was a low blow. A sarcastic jab wrapped in a velvet bow. And yet, Argider couldn''t help but snort at the audacity. This woman, she thought. Even when throwing a tantrum, she still somehow managed to exude a sense of dignity. It was like watching a cat throw a fit while maintaining an aristocratic air. You couldn''t help but be slightly impressed by the ridiculousness of it all. Argider clenched her fists, her eyes narrowing. "I''ll turn back into the man I was. You''ll see." Esmeralda raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? How fortunate you are. The gods have given you a rare opportunity to be a man again. If only I had your privilege." "You act as if you don''t have privilege yourself." "And you act as if you didn''t burn everything to the ground!" Esmeralda snapped. "The harem is a disaster. The empire is a disaster!" For once, Argider actually acknowledged the truth in Esmeralda''s words. She had indeed messed things up. The harem was a mess, and the empire? Also a mess. It was a peculiar paradox, but it was the situation they found themselves in. The only way out? Well, manipte the people around her to do her bidding, of course. "Well, my Empress," Argider said with a sly smile, "I shall depart now." She inclined her head slightly, ready to take her leave. Esmeralda''s hand shot out like a hawk''s talon. "Wait!" Argider sighed, bracing for whatever nonsense wasing next. "What now?" Esmeralda gave her a sweet smile, almost too sweet. "I''ve been informed that you need personal tutors. As your primary spouse¡ªand Empress, mind you¡ªI know just the people who can help you. Although¡­" She paused dramatically. "I do wonder if you can handle it. Even when you were a man, you couldn''t hold a sword to save your life." Argider stiffened. Ouch. She had been dreadful with swords. To say she was uncoordinated would have been an understatement. "As long as they''re suitable," Argider replied tly, turning away. "I don''t have time for this nonsense. I''ve got more important things to do." Esmeralda smirked. "You''ve got a long way to go, sweetheart." As the night arrived and deepened, Argider couldn''t findfort in the room where she had been in so she relocated to a smaller room, finding security in the presence of guards outside its door. It had been an eternity since she had felt truefort, whether in the clothing she wore or the bed she slept in as she nestled beneath a snug nket. She pulled her sleeves up, uncloaking the scars that marred her wrists¡ªsome old, whispers of past battles, others still raw and tender. As painful as it was, it offered a brief reprieve from the tempest of her emotions. In that moment, Argider realized something: she hade to ept herself as irredeemable. To think she could ever outrun her sins seemedughable, like trying to outrun your own shadow. She had long since resigned herself to her fate, finding a twistedfort in knowing she could never break free from the very tendencies that kept pulling her back into darkness. The struggle was futile, and yet, it brought a strange satisfaction.N?v(el)B\\jnn "I''ll just sleep," she sighed, closing her eyes, hoping for a temporary reprieve from her thoughts. And so she drifted into a dream, though one she was acutely aware was far from real. It was too perfect, too pristine to be true, but who was she to turn down a fantasy? She gazed into a mirror and saw... herself. But not quite. She saw himself. Her past self. A man. Well, kind of. Averagely tall, a little scrawny, and yet, undeniably attractive. The sort of man who could charm his way into¡ªand out of¡ªanything. Women fawned over him. Men envied him. He was the ticket to anything and everything. If only she had a fraction of his manliness or shaft, maybe things would''ve gone differently. But s, she was a loser. And there it was, staring back at her in the mirror¡ªa man who never had to try too hard. Before she could wallow in self-pity, three buxom women appeared. Their figures, curvy and soft, pressed against her former self. They kissed, they nibbled, they practically devoured the poor man, trailing kisses and wet tongues over her neck. Argider''s breath hitched as the scene grew more suggestive by the second. "Oh god, a wet dream," she gasped, suddenly wide awake in the dream. It was getting too real, too... much. Just as things were about to escte, a voice broke through the haze. "ARGIDER, IT''S TIME FOR YOUR TRAINING!" Argider''s eyes snapped open, her mind still in a fog, trying to process the ring intrusion. She squinted against the harsh sunlight streaming through the room, her mind grappling with the remnants of her dream. Who dared to disrupt such... vivid fantasies? And there, standing at the foot of her bed, was Madam Phirya. The older woman stared at her with a look that could curdle milk, her forehead furrowed with age-old wisdom, and lips that seemed permanently set in a disapproving frown. "W-Wait, what''s going on? What training?" Argider mumbled, groggy and disoriented. "Oh, don''t be foolish, boy," Madam Phirya snapped, clearly unamused. "Now that you''re a woman, it''s time you learn how to act like one. Ady must have etiquette." Argider stared at her, blinking. What?! Madam Phirya, a woman of fierce reputation in noble circles, had the teaching methods of a drill sergeant and the patience of a stone wall. No one escaped her lessons without psychological scars. She was the queen of making grown men and women sob over their manners. "Are you... one of Esmeralda''s trainers?" Argider asked, still struggling to catch up. "Yes," Madam Phirya answered tly, her eyes narrowing. "But there will be no Empress or Baroness here. Just a student and teacher. And trust me, I won''t hesitate to be harsh. Now, stand up! Ady must be punctual!" Before Argider could protest, she was yanked from her bed by her ear¡ªliterally¡ªand dragged out of the room. What in the name of all things ridiculous was happening? Why on earth was she being subjected to this madness? How would learning how to sit properly help her get her manly form back? None of it made sense! Momentster, they found themselves in a library, and Argider was shoved onto the floor. Her hand was smacked with a sharp stick, causing her to yelp in surprise. "Madam¡ª" Argider began, but was quickly cut off. "What is it, boy?" Madam Phirya barked. "Ah, sorry, you may continue," Argider mumbled, still dazed from the absurdity of the situation. Madam Phirya began pacing, her eyes appraising Argider as though she were some kind of prize pig at a market. "Starting today, you will learn the way of the feminine," she dered with relish. "You will learn how to walk like a woman, to sit like one, to conduct yourself as one, and most importantly, how to stop acting like a man." Argider groaned inwardly. This was the worst possible way to spend her time. "Understood?" Madam Phirya asked, her tone unyielding. Argider''s response was a resigned sigh as she thought, Well, this is going to be... something. Chapter 17 The Start (Part 2) "Wrong!" Whack! Madam Phirya''s sticknded on Argider''s hand. "Wrong!" Smack! This time, right to the hips. "WRONG!" A swift tap to the toes. Every stumble, every misstep, every idental swagger was met with Madam Phirya''s trusty stick, which seemed to have its own keen sense of propriety. Argider''s walk was adjusted, her manners meticulously refined, and her posture straightened until she embodied the very image ofdylike decorum¡ªor at least that was the n. As always, Argider repeatedly fell short of meeting Madam Phirya''s exacting expectations. Whether it was her slumped figure or her awkward, masculine mannerisms, her efforts seemed to be in vain. She wasn''t even a man anymore. Figuratively and literally. On the verge of tears, she flopped onto the floor, arms sprawled out like a starfish of frustration. "Madam Phirya," she wailed, her voice climbing to a whiny pitch. "I''m the emperor! I rule this entirend! You can''t treat me like this!" She was a mosaic of bruises and stinging spots, each a tiny testament to Madam Phirya''s so-called "corrections." "Oh, look who''s pulling the emperor card now," Phirya scoffed, raising her stick for one final, oh-so-gentle smack. "A true leader doesn''t whine about titles. They earn respect, they don''t demand it. So if all you''ve got is a fancy title to lean on, my dear, you''re not exactly setting the world on fire, are you?" "I hardly ever bring up my title as emperor," Argider protested, sounding more like a sad puppy than a mighty ruler. "Exactly the problem!" Madam Phirya said with a smirk. "Nobody respects you. You never announce who you are, you don''t radiate any imperial confidence, and you show a shockingck of dignity for someone with, well, a crown. Honestly, if I didn''t know better, I''d think you were just another peasant trying on fancy hats. And trust me, this kind of issue is far moremon than you''d think." By the time Madam Phirya''s torturous lessons were finally over, Argider was practically steaming as she stormed through the pce halls. She hunted everywhere for Esmeralda, but her search turned up nothing¡ªapparently, the empress had gone off for some "fresh air." Fresh air? What a vague and unhelpful response! ''Bedylike'' my foot!" Argider grumbled, practically yanking at her hair in frustration. "How is this supposed to help me with anything? This is all her fault¡ªthat wicked woman must have nned this! I don''t even want to be a woman!" But, annoyingly enough, Phirya did have a point. Not that Argider fully understood why she had to master all this delicatedylike nonsense. Why couldn''t she just act like a man in a woman''s body? An emperor should have a bit of swagger anyway! Who cared if she didn''t float through hallways or flutter her eyshes? Argider marched on, frustration simmering as she made her way through the third floor and saw the training grounds. The sharp ng of metal and grunts of exertion filled the air, drawing her attention. Down below, a group of knights were locked in fierce sparring, their swords and shields crashing together in a dance that was anything but dainty. Training weaponsy scattered across the ground, and clouds of dust swirled up with each powerful strike. Some knights fought in pairs, while others focused on beating the daylights out of training dummies, all with intense, unbreakable focus. A sword! Yes, that was it¡ªthe key to royal dignity! After all, plenty of emperors in history had swung a sword with authority and style. Surely, holding one would make her look more powerful andmanding. Plus, she''d secretly always wanted to try swordy. Okay, sure, she''d been absolutely terrible at it back when she was a man, but details, details! This time, she was certain she''d look positively heroic¡­ or at least avoid poking herself in the foot. "See that, Redemption System? Just you watch¡ªI''m going to be the greatest emperor ever! ''Lady,'' my foot!" she cackled, thoroughly pleased with herself. Alvator materialized out of nowhere again, floating in the air like he owned the ce, causing the girl to nearly lost her bnce at the sudden appearance, her hands iling. "By the gods, wha-?!" "Still as jumpy as ever," he purred, clearly enjoying her startled reaction. "And just so you know, you still have Phirya''s lessons to get through." "Could you not keep popping up out of thin air like that? And for once, act like a real guide! You know, maybe guide me somewhere, instead of just lurking around like some cosmic prankster!" "Stop cking off and take this mission seriously," the cat admonished, floatingzily in the air with a look of mild disapproval. "You can''t keep avoiding your responsibilities." Argider rolled her eyes, a smug smirk creeping onto her face. "Oh, spare me," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "I fail to see the point of these dy lessons. Besides, nowhere in the redemption system does it say I have to turn into ady! Does it kill Denzelle? Absolutely not! But a sword through his heart? Guaranteed kill... if I can actually do it." ¡ª [New Notification] ¡ª [Sub Task: Complete Lessons & Trainings] ¡ª [Bypleting the lessons brought upon you, one can finally start to level and update their stage on personality development. Therefore, also strengthening your abilities] ¡ª [Failure will result in punishments and the decrease of your EXP''s] "What were you saying again?" "H-How? What?..." With a dramatic huff, Argider reluctantly agreed, though it was clear this was no triumph for her. "Fine," she dered. "But mark my words¡ªsword fighting takes precedence. That''s the true priority!" She went down and marched toward the training grounds. The air around her was thick with the scent of sweat and sheer willpower as the knights threw themselves into their training with all the enthusiasm of a hungry wolf. The heat inside their bulky armor must have been unbearable. She couldn''t decide if it was bravery or sheer stubbornness that kept them from fainting on the spot. Either way, she was d to be here than be with madam Phirya. Argider''s eyes locked onto the wooden sword hanging on the stand, practically begging to be taken. With the grace of a startled squirrel, she reached out, her fingers fumbling like they were trying to pet a particrly prickly cactus.N?v(el)B\\jnn When her hand finally made contact with the handle, it was more like a gentle suggestion than a confident grasp. Still, she yanked the sword free from its perch, holding it as though it might suddenly turn into a live dragon and bite her. She knew she was careless. What were the chances of her cutting herself identally? "Well," she muttered to herself, "this can''t possibly go wrong." Chapter 18 The Start (Part 3) "Your Imperial Majesty," a deep voice spoke from behind. Argider spun around so fast she nearly tripped over her own feet¡ªnothing like making an entrance and a graceful exit in one motion. Her eyesnded on the source of the voice, and it was like someone had taken all the noble statues in the kingdom and made them into a man. There stood a knight, radiating so much authority and grace, he might as well have been born with a crown on his head and a harp ying in the background. His polished white armor gleamed as if it had been freshly buffed by a team of very enthusiastic dwarves, and the sigil of the Imperial Knights shone proudly on his chest. He was marked with jet-ck hair that falls just so around his chiseled jawline and a pair of dimples that add a roguish charm to his smile. His gray eyes were flecked with hints of yfulness. ¡ª [Judgment of the Emperor ?? 50] Argider squinted, trying to ce him. She was well-acquainted with the Imperial Knights, but this guy? No idea. Maybe he''d just wandered out of a particrly dramatic painting. "And you are?" Argider inquired, her curiosity piqued. The knight knelt before her. "I am Uzak Sydon. I was informed of your presence here," he exined. "I have been assigned by Her Imperial Majesty, Esmeralda, to serve as your tutor. I have recently joined the ranks of the Imperial Knights." Though she fought to suppress the urge, a smile threatened to surface on her face. Perhaps Esmeralda was proving more helpful than she had expected. Approaching Uzak, Argider spoke with an air of nonchnce. "Is that so?" she replied. "You should have mentioned that from the start." Uzak shed a smile. "Of course," he nodded. "But before we begin, may I ask¡ªdo you have any prior experience with swordy, considering your... former life as a man?" "No..." Argider replied, the uncertainty in her voice practically ringing in the air like a cowbell. He reached over, casually pulling a wooden sword from the disy, and stepped onto the training ground with a calm confidence that screamed he''d been here before. "Alright then," he said, unfazed. "Come at me with your best shot, your Imperial Majesty." "Are you serious?" "Dead serious," Uzak replied, his tone still light, almost teasing. "Don''t hold back. I''m ready for whatever you''ve got." Argider gripped the sword awkwardly, her hands more familiar with a dagger than arge weapon like this. The weight of it felt wrong in her grip, and the tightness in her chest made her second-guess every movement. Still, she wasn''t about to let him see her sweat. "Alright, fine," she muttered, trying to shake off her nerves. "You asked for it." She lunged forward, her steps heavy and stiff as she aimed a wild swing at him. "What the¡ª?" To herplete surprise, Uzak was gone¡ªno grand dodge, no dramatic flip, just an empty space where he''d been standing a moment ago. She blinked, off bnce, and stumbled forward, the weight of the sword dragging her down. She fell to her knees, the wood digging into the dirt, her face reddening from more than just the impact. Uzak''s voice came from behind her, calm as ever. "I told you to give it your best shot, Your Imperial Majesty. You can''t expect to win if you can''t evennd a hit." Argider groaned, pushing herself up with as much dignity as she could muster. "Yeah, yeah. Next time, I''ll remember to bring the entire army with me." Uzak chuckled, the sound light but knowing. "Next time, I expect a little more effort, then." She felt like a boiling pot with the lid on too tight. She staggered back up, legs wobbling like jelly, but no way was she going to quit. She had tond at least one hit on Uzak! Determined, she lunged at him again, swinging wildly, her moves looking more like an angry windmill than a trained swordsman. "Whoa! Slow down there, Your Imperial Majesty! You''ll need a sweat mop at this rate!" Uzak teased, smoothly dodging her attacks with infuriating ease. With a quick, barely-there flick of his wrist, he sent her wooden sword spinning through the air, where itnded with a satisfying thud. Around them, the other knights murmured, eyebrows raised and arms folded. "Isn''t Sir Uzak being a bit too rough? I mean, she is the emperor now¡­ and she is a woman," one knight whispered, looking more worried for Argider''s ego than her pride. Argider''s cheeks flushed as she overheard. Embarrassment mingled with defiance as she red daggers at her weapon on the ground. She''d be back on her feet soon. She won''t ept this. She clenched her fists tightly, her determination burning brighter than the sun. So what if I was a woman now? She thought. I am a man. Always will be, no matter what this body was. The whispers and stares of the knights felt like fuel on Argider''s fire. She wasn''t about to let them treat her like some delicate flower. She had something to prove, and she was ready to make her point¡ªpreferably with a wooden sword. "Catch!" She looked up, just in time to see her own sword soaring back at her. She barely caught it, and Uzak stood there with that infuriatingly confident smirk. "What''s with the face? Fight like the man you are!" he yelled, eyebrow arched. Argider''s eyes gleamed with a spark she hadn''t felt in ages. Uzak''s words had struck her, and she couldn''t help but feel a rush of both gratitude and defiance toward him than she''d like to admit. As frustrating as he was, she was starting to appreciate having him around. He had a way of cutting straight through, pushing her to look past what''s around her and remind herself of the person she truly was. Maybe he was right¡ªshe was still herself, despite everything. But she wasn''t about to just stop there. She''d be someone even stronger, someone who couldugh at all of this one day. Grinning, she charged forward, ready tond a real hit this time. But somehow, Uzak kept dodging her swings as if he had all the time in the world. Alright, so maybe mindless swinging isn''t cutting it, she thought, pausing to catch her breath. She''d have to get clever. But an idea came.N?v(el)B\\jnn The next time she lunged, she focused less on hitting him and more on positioning. Timing her move just right, she slipped her wooden sword between the folds of his cape and armor and gave it a good yank. With a satisfying whoosh, his cape came loose, and Uzak stumbled, arms iling for bnce. Seizing her chance, she grabbed onto his cape with both hands and pulled hard. Uzak tried to recover with a quick grab at her arm, but the sudden shift had them both floundering. The next thing she knew, she was the one hitting the ground with a resounding thud. Lying t on her back, she shrugged and grinned up at him. "Well, I did my best." "Pretty sure that was cheating," heughed. Argider just grinned wider, brushing dust off her face. "Hey, being a bastard is what I do best!" And as shey there, even bruised and exhausted, she couldn''t help but feel a sense of victory. ¡ª [New Notification] ¡ª [Congrattions! You have unlocked the Physical Development Interface!] Chapter 19 The Start (Part 4) Argider had found her newest daily delight in the form of intense sparring sessions with Uzak for three days. It wasn''t just routine¡ªit was the highlight of her day. Trading blows, dodging jabs, and asionally eating dirt, she was almost starting to enjoy it. Almost. With her newfangled Physical Development Interface, she could now pinpoint exactly where she needed improvement. Turns out, getting stronger wasn''t just good for fending herself off; it was also essential for, you know, redemption and all that. A healthy body meant a healthy mind. Finally, it was yet another day on the practice grounds, and there was now the familiar beat of intense sparring, with Argider and Uzak circling each other like two cats sizing up the same fish. Uzak, as charmingly cocky as ever, raised an eyebrow. "Is that the best you''ve got?" The new Emperor wasn''t having it. "Oh, don''t tter yourself," she shot back, tightening her grip on her wooden sword. She might not be Hercules, but she sure as zes wasn''t backing down. Around them, a few knights had gathered to watch, probably wondering if they''d see their ruler topple over again. But in front of her, Uzak looked downright smug, proud even, as he watched his first pupile at him. Then, like a lightning bolt, Uzak went in for the charge, his sword a blur. Argider barely had time to blink before her weapon went soaring through the air. She stood there, dumbfounded, as itnded with a sad little clunk somewhere behind her. "You''re getting better," Uzak said, managing to keep a straight face. "Oh, save the ''encouragement,''" she huffed, crossing her arms with a re. "Fine, you want honesty?" Uzak leaned in, all smug. "Stop being so weak." Her jaw dropped. "Oh, you absolute bitch!" Over time, Argider and Uzak had grown as thick as thieves¡ªor perhaps as thick as two people who asionally tried to beat the daylights out of each other could be. They sparred endlessly, each one pushing the other to new limits, all in the spirit of... well, probably friendship, if a bruised ego counted. Yet despite their camaraderie, Argider couldn''t quite ignore that pesky whisper in her head, hinting that all this fun mighte with a surprise betrayal down the line. After thetest sweaty skirmish, she staggered back to her room, aching in every possible way and wondering how many friendships relied on bruises and insults. Grabbing a towel, she scrubbed away the sweat, mulling over just how much she could actually trust Uzak. He seemed loyal enough... for now. But it was hard to forget that even the closest sparring partners asionally went for the jugr. "Redemption System, show me the Physical Development Interface," she ordered. ¡ª [Command epted] ¡ª [Loading¡­] ¡­. PHYSICAL STATUS: [Muscle Mass Level] Level 2 ?? 20/50 EXPN?v(el)B\\jnn [Strength Level] Level 1 ?? 15/50 EXP [Agility Level] Level 1 ?? 15/20 EXP [Flexibility Level] Level 2 ?? 35/50 EXP [Endurance Level] Level 2 ?? 45/50 EXP ¡­. ¡ª [To Unlock New Stages In Personality Development Status, Reach Level Five To Each Category It Is Under!] ¡ª [Loading¡­] ¡ª [Example: Reaching Level Five Is the Maximum Level To Openness, Conscientiousness & Neuroticism Until You Unlock The Second Stage of Cognitive Level Through A Trial Quest!] ¡ª [Upon Reaching The Maximum Levels, A Trial Quest Will Be Instantly Given To Fully Unlock The Next Stage] ¡­. Argider let out a long, dramatic sigh, staring at her Physical Development Interface like it was personally responsible for all her problems. "Level two in almost everything?" she muttered. "This is ridiculous!" "Well, if you weren''t so busy skipping lessons and being a rebellious little emperor, maybe you''d actually level up," Alvator scolded, materializing before her in his usual cat, lecture-giving form. Argider threw herself onto the bed, flinging her arms out dramatically. "Oh great, here we go again!" "You ditched Madam Phirya''s lessons¡ªagain¡ªand ran straight to Uzak for sword training. Newssh, your biggest obstacle here is you." "Alright, alright! I know, okay? But can you me me? She''s terrifying!" Argider groaned, kicking her feet like a petnt child. "Perhaps there''s more to ''Scary Grandma'' than meets the eye. She''s lived a lot longer than you, after all." The emperor paused, surprised to find herself thinking it over. "You know, now that you mention it¡­ she''s never married. Most people respect her, but it''s like everyone keeps their distance. She inherited her family''s title as the sole heir, with no brothers or sisters. It must''ve been hard, right?" Alvator''s eyes gleamed with mischief. "I''m shocked you even noticed that, given how preupied you are with your own royal drama." "Hey, I do notice things! I just thought she always looked¡­ well, lonely. I mean, if you''re old and no one likes you, wouldn''t you start pushing everyone away, getting angry at the world?" "Ah, so you mean someone exactly like you?" Alvator quipped. Argider shot him a re, but deep down, she knew he wasn''t wrong. In all honest, she wished for a simpler life, but found herself burdened with new responsibilities now that she held a position in the court. "It''s not like I wanted this," she admitted. "All I ever wanted was a simple life, a life without all thisplicated court politics. But it seems the higher you rise, the more burdensome it bes." "This¡­ this cannot be right. Am I hallucinating? You¡ªArgider¡ªthe Scum Emperor¡ªshowing empathy?" His voice was a mixture of awe and something bordering on disgust. "I feel an almost physical revulsion knowing you''re capable of empathy!" "Oh, here we go again!" Argider groaned, throwing her hands up. "Just because I''m not the warmest does not mean I don''t feel things!" Though she wasn''t about to admit it to Alvator of all people, Argider did have a secret soft spot for anything that was broken, old, or a little bit lonely. She just had a harder time applying that same softness to herself. She rose from the bed, frowning as she rummaged through her clothes, fighting an internal battle against epting her own strange, sentimental streak. "Argider, we''re running out of time," Alvator''s voice cut through her musings, the teasing gone and reced with a rare tone of seriousness. "You still need to kill Denzelle." Argider sighed heavily, her usual fire momentarily dimmed. "I know¡­" As she headed for the door, Alvator floated along behind her, the very picture of her literal ghostly conscience. The looming task weighed on her; she didn''t want this so-called second chance, yet the idea of wasting it gnawed at her in a way she couldn''t shake. "And where exactly are you off to?" Alvator asked. "Madam Phirya," she muttered, her face twisting like she''d just swallowed something bitter. Alvator said nothing, but there was a glimmer of satisfaction in his gaze as he followed. Slowly but surely, she was softening, and it had all gone ording to n. Who knew that getting rid of her¡­ man parts would unlock her sentimental side? Argider wandered through the halls, her mind full of dramatic imaginings. Surely, if Madam Phirya was lurking anywhere, it had to be the library¡ªa ce where all manner of "corrections" happened. And in Argider''s mind, those corrections were nothing short of battles worthy of epic bads. Alright, so maybe she hadn''t literally spilled blood in there, but why let reality get in the way of a good story? With all the ir of a tragic heroine on her way to the gallows, she strode toward the library, her hand on her chest as if bracing herself for a mortal wound. She pictured herself stumbling out of the library afterward, bruised and battered from Madam Phirya''s corrections, her very soul weighed down by shame and stern nces. She took a deep breath and threw open the doors, half-expecting Madam Phirya to be waiting there, cane in hand, ready to pounce on her. Once the door was open, Argider nearly choked at the scene in front of her. There stood Madam Phirya, deep in conversation with agirl Argider recognized instantly¡ªFaeralys, her third wife. Both women turned to look at her, and two sets of judgmental eyes drilled into her withser precision. "You!" Faeralys practically roared in shock, her finger jabbing the air as she pointed. "It''s you, the perverted girl! What on earth are you doing here?" Argider froze, her mind racing toe up with something, anything, that would get her out of this unscathed. If Madam Phirya wasn''t enough, they had to be here. Chapter 20 A Lady With A Lady (Part 1) Argider nced around the room, her heart racing as she gingerly edged towards the door. A nervous, almost maniacal giggle escaped her lips as her fingers brushed the handle. "On second thought," she stammered, "perhaps I''ll just, uh, take my leave¡ª" "Oh, you are going nowhere!" came Phirya''s steely voice from behind her. Like a hawk swooping down on an unsuspecting mouse, Phirya darted forward, seized her by the ear, and hauled her back inside like a mischievous child caught red-handed. "Ouch, ouch! Phirya, my ear! My ear!" Argider whined, her feeble attempts to squirm away met with only a firmer grip. "What in zes is going on here?" Faeralys sounded exasperated from the corner, hands nted on her hips, looking like she was somewhere between scandalized and mortified. "Why are you dragging her around like a sack of potatoes?" Argider shot Faeralys a sideways look, barely resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Really? Faeralys, of all people, daring to call her a pervert? This was the same woman who''d been giving her some very "intense" nces not two days ago. But then, perhaps Argider shouldn''t have been surprised. Faeralys somehow hadn''t yet figured out that Argider was, in fact, the Emperor. And it wasn''t like that was some top-secret detail. That little tidbit had been announced empire-wide! "Where have you been?" Phirya finally let go of Argider''s ear and turned to Faeralys, arms crossed and lips pressed into a thin line of frustration. "This is your husband is for goodness'' sake! And you''re traipsing about like a headless chicken?" Faeralys froze, her face caught somewhere between utter horror and confusion. She blinked, eyes flitting over Argider as she took stock of every detail: White hair? Check. Those weird eyes? Check. Height? A touch shorter than expected, but¡­ And the face? Oh, definitely the sort of face that could inspire entire treaties on the subject of vexation. "Oh," Faeralys''s cheeks red a brilliant shade of red. "Well, um, in my defense¡­" she stammered, "I, ah, don''t exactly see Her Imperial Majesty all that often¡­so¡­" Her voice grew smaller as she nced anywhere but at Argider. Argider couldn''t help a smirk. She could practically see Faeralys''s mind reeling, piecing together memories of various encounters¡ªand, most memorably, the time Faeralys had threw her away from the carriage and bruised her. Treason! She''dmitted treason by ident! She could feel her insides twisting into a knot as she tried to remember if she did anything else that couldnd her in a cell. Phirya, however, wasn''t having any of it. "You''re always disappearing, girl," she huffed, fixing Faeralys with a withering re. "Running off into the wilderness, no less! How many times have I told you not to wander off like that?" "I promised, Auntie!" Faeralys said hotly, as if her promises were more binding than royal decrees. "I promised!" Meanwhile, Argider was silently marveling at the sheer absurdity of this family dynamic. Phirya was her usual self, unyielding as an iron statue, scolding her niece as if she were some unruly teenager. And then there was herself, feeling like she was peering through a keyhole into a strangelypelling soap opera, with her as the unwilling guest star. "And¡ªwait!" Faeralys suddenly pointed an usatory finger at Argider. "Why is His¡ªno, Her¡ªImperial Majesty like this? Why is she a woman now?" Phirya''s jaw tightened as she shot a dark look Faeralys''s way. "Youngdy, that was announced to everyone. The gods have chosen her as the true heir! She was assassinated! Don''t tell me¡­ you," She leaned in, eyebrows raised. "Why did you call Her Imperial Majesty a pervert? Did you two meet somewhere?" Faeralys''s gaze dropped to the floor, and she mumbled something unintelligible, her face so red it was nearly luminous. "Oh, and clueless as ever!" Phirya muttered, shaking her head. "You were sneaking away again, weren''t you?" At this, Phirya fixed her formidable scowl on Argider, who flinched under her scrutiny. It felt as though her very soul was under investigation, and sweat began to bead on her forehead. There were few people in the world who could reduce the Emperor to a stammering mess, but Phirya''s intense gaze had that power. "Your Imperial Majesty," Phirya said with a voice sharp as a sword''s edge. "Be honest. Did you encounter this girl?" Behind Phirya''s back, Faeralys gestured by zipping her lips with her fingers, then sping her hands in a wordless plea. Oh, now she wanted mercy? Argider scoffed to herself, fighting the urge to roll her eyes. Suddenly, Miss I-Have-No-Idea-Who-The-Emperor-Is was trying to look pitiful. How convenient. ¡ª [New Notification] ¡ª [Minor Task: Lie To Phirya] ¡ª [Increase Your Affection Points With Your Second Wife. Improving Your Rtionships With Your Harem One By One Will Increase People''s Perception And Your Performance In The Redemption System!]N?v(el)B\\jnn ¡ª [Time Remaining: 30 seconds] ¡ª [Punishment: Every Second Wasted Will Result In The Decrease Of Your Built-Up Points In Everything] Of course, thought Argider, the system''s always there to lend Faeralys a hand. Couldn''t let her go a day without some miraculous save, apparently. Just then, Alvator''s voice piped up in her head, all serious and smug. "If I may offer some advice, Your Grace," he began, "it would be wise to¡­ perhaps¡­ tell Phirya that Faeralys saw you outside the whorehouse." "What?! You want me to get killed?" Argider nearly choked. She was not exactly eager to be on the receiving end of one of Phirya''s "How Dare You" stares. Alvator''s response was unyielding. "It''s now or never." She sighed, fidgeting awkwardly before finally clearing her throat and saying, "Well, I¡­ may or may not have been, ah¡­ standing in front of Elysium Boudoir, the, um¡­ whorehouse." Phirya''s face contorted into a cocktail of shock, disgust, and something else Argider couldn''t quite ce¡ªthough it had quite the sting. "... And Faeralys saw me¡­ flirting with a few girls," Argider almost looked like she wanted to cry. Phirya didn''t have to look that horrified! ¡ª [Minor Task Complete!] ¡ª [Affection Points +5] ¡ª [Loyalty Points +5] [Loading...] [Processing...] Ding! ¡ª [New Rtionship Status: Faeralys Merovia] ¡ª [Affection ?? 5] ¡ª [Loyalty?? 5] ¡ª [Emotion?? 100] Laughter rang out from behind, and there was Faeralys, doubled over, practically gasping for air as she cackled at the absurdity of it all. Argider''s eye twitched. The nerve! Here she was, practically saving this girl''s neck, and Faeralys wasughing¡ªhonest-to-goodness, bent-overughing. There was no venom in it, just pure, unfiltered amusement, but it still grated on her. "And what exactly is so funny, Faeralys?" Phirya asked, raising an eyebrow. Faeralys took a steadying breath, trying to smother her remaining giggles as she moved to stand beside Argider, careful to look just slightly remorseful. "I just¡­ I didn''t expect Her Imperial Majesty to be so, um, honest." Her lips twitched, barely restraining moreughter. Phirya, watching the spectacle, finally threw up her hands with a weary sigh. She copsed into a nearby chair as if her very patience had drained out of her. "You two are so¡­" she paused, rubbing her temples, "¡­udy-like. No manners, no poise. What are we going to do with you?" While her auntie was under a momentary exasperation, Faeralys leaned in close to Argider, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Don''t get cocky, Your Imperial Majesty," she murmured, a softness there that Argider wasn''t used to. "It''s not like I''m in love with you or anything¡­ But I''m grateful." Argider''s breath caught for just a second. A strange flutter crept up her spine. Cute. The girl was cute, even if she was an absolute terror most of the time. Argider looked away, not trusting herself to keep a straight face. ''Oh, dear heavens¡­ if I were a man right now, I''d have done unspeakable things,'' She gulped. ''If she keeps on being this cute, I might have to find more creative ways to go inside he- "Argider!" Alvator''s voice snapped through her thoughts like a stern tutor''s ruler on a knuckle. "Celibacy, remember?" She pouted at the interruption, bristling. Whatever! Chapter 21 A Lady With A Lady (Part 2) BEEP! ¡ª [MAJOR TASK ALERT!] ¡ª [Task Description: Develop Rtionship With Faeralys By Learning How to Dance With Her Under Madam Phirya''s Imperial Decorum Subject] ¡ª [Rewards: ?] Argider stood before hertest challenge: a dance lesson with Faeralys. It wasn''t the task she''d expected, and normally, she''d have balked. But something had shifted. The thought of touching Faeralys''s waist, of twirling her around and catching those fleeting, flustered expressions on her face? Oh, yes, she thought with a small grin. It was a form of torture, certainly¡ªbut an oddly pleasurable one. For once, Argider was grateful she was currently in a woman''s body. If she were still a man, there might be something poking out between her legs. "You lecherous simpleton," Alvator''s spat. "I can practically feel your depravity from here." ''Oops,'' she thought back, cheeks ming as she forced her mind to focus on the lesson at hand. Finally, Argider walked up to Madam Phirya, who looked more exhausted than a woman should after a mere etiquette lesson. She almost felt a pang of pity¡ªalmost. She still remembered those "corrections" Phirya had dealt her, each "tap" that felt like an unholy mixture of sledgehammer and lightning bolt. Still, she cleared her throat politely to get Phirya''s attention. "Madam Phirya, I wanted to apologize for my recent¡­ shorings," she began, offering her most sincere smile. "But I do intend to improve. I''d like toplete your lessons, really immerse myself in them, and to show my earnestness¡­ I''ll be learning with Faeralys." "What? Me?" Faeralys sputtered, wide-eyed and pointing to herself as if Argider had just nominated her for a public execution. "You want to¡­ practice with her?" Phirya repeated, more than a little surprised. Argider nodded, attempting her best impression of a dutiful, devoted spouse. "Yes, Madam Phirya. As her wife, it''s my duty to help Faeralys be the bestdy she can be." A flicker of mischief entered her smile. "After all, with your teaching, we may yet emerge the epitome ofdylike grace. No escaping this time." "Oh no, this is ridiculous!" Faeralys crossed her arms, glowering. "Don''t I get a say in this?" "Oh, nonsense, child," Phirya chided, waving a dismissive hand. "This is for your own good. Pce life is nothing like the wilderness where you''ve been running wild. People are watching. Everyone is watching." Her stern gaze bore down on them both. "And it''s about time someone held you ountable." Argider stered on a saintly smile. "I must admit, I''ve missed spending time with Faeralys," she said with as much sincerity as she could summon. "She is, after all, my wife. It''s only right that I support her." Faeralys''s face immediately turned pink, her eyes darting away, lips pressed together in an effort not to show any reaction. Her heart, however, had other ideas, beating far too loudly in her chest. Wife. Argider had just called her "wife" so naturally. And it was making her feel all sorts of feelings she''d rather not acknowledge. "Fine!" she finally huffed, tossing her head with defiance. "But don''tin when I step on your feet. Repeatedly." Argider chuckled, her smirk yful. "I''ll consider it a worthy sacrifice." The next day, Faeralys was back at Phirya''s training, and¡ªas usual¡ªshe spent as much time t on the ground as she did on her feet. Argider found this strangely reassuring; at least she wasn''t the only one whocked the grace of a royal swan.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om After several rounds of awkward twirls and clumsy footwork, their long-awaited dance instructor arrived. He moved with a flourish, his whole presence radiating elegance. His introduction practically sparkled with refinement as Phirya greeted him with a respectful nod. "It''s a pleasure to meet you, Sir Cole," she said with a courteous smile. "The pleasure is all mine, Lady Phirya," he replied, his tone drenched in drama. He was Viscount Cole Brimance, a mboyant artist of the dance¡ªself-proimed "Master of Poise," which he seemed to have trademarked in his own mind. With an enthusiastic bow, he turned to the less-than-imperial duo. "Your Imperial Majesties," he intoned, eyes twinkling with mischief. "I''m thrilled to begin this journey with you both." Then, with a theatrical sigh and a hint of a grin, he added, "I suppose I''ll be instructing a pair of lovebirds?" Faeralys tried to respond, but the words got tangled somewhere around her throat, resulting in a squeaky, "Uh, yeah, I suppose¡­" that only encouraged Cole''s amusement. "Oh, this is going to be delightful," he chuckled, pping his hands together. "Now, first things first¡ªwho will take the lead as thedy, and who shall be the gentleman? I do insist you each have a turn in being ady." "I''ll take the gentleman''s role, as I''m the taller one¡­ and the former husband¡­" Argider volunteered, attempting to sound confident. She barely looked at Faeralys, but she could feel the heat of her re. No doubt Faeralys was fuming¡ªand Argider, predictably, found this amusing. "Excellent!" Cole said, his face a picture of delight. "Let''s begin!" Sir Cole took their arms and began adjusting their stances with surgical precision. Argider''s hand settled at Faeralys''s waist, and she tensed up, barely stifling a yelp as Cole nudged them closer¡ªtoo close forfort. In fact, they were close enough that Argider could feel Faeralys''s breath catch in her throat. "Your Imperial Majesty," Cole murmured with patience, "I must insist you stand a tad nearer." "No problem, Sir Cole," Argider replied smoothly, sliding Faeralys a bit closer¡ªso close that their noses nearly brushed. Faeralys''s cheeks flushed, her gaze flicking downward as if looking at Argider might set her on fire. "Look at me," Argider said in a voice low enough that only Faeralys could hear. Faeralys flinched, barely daring to meet her gaze. Something about the way Argider held her hand felt¡­ passionate. And maybe a little too intense. Argider felt herself teetering on the edge of impulse. What if she just kissed her? She could feel the urge bubbling up¡ªand it took everything in her to remind herself, Celibacy! Celibacy! But the distraction left her open to Faeralys''s revenge: a solid stomp on her foot. "Oops, my bad," Faeralys said with a too-sweet smile. "You did say you were willing to make sacrifices for this dance, didn''t you? So¡­ don''t mind a few bruised toes." Argider winced, realizing Faeralys had absolutely done it on purpose. She red at her, but Faeralys just smirked back, defiant. Just because Argider was now a woman didn''t mean Faeralys was going to let her have her way that easily. This was a battle she wasn''t going to lose. She wasn''t going to fall in love with this degenerate. Chapter 22 A Lady With A Lady (Part 3) Stomp! Thwack! Another perfectly ced heel to Argider''s poor, aching foot. Surely, this had to be the hundredth time. Faeralys seemed intent on performing a sadistic ballet, a rhythmic stomping extravaganza, as though conducting an entire orchestra of pain with her foot as the only instrument. This bitch! Argider gritted her teeth, summoning all the dignity she had left to keep her face serene. Is she trying to break my foot? Sir Cole, ever-observant and increasingly horrified, cast a worried nce between the emperor and her noble tormentor. The poor man was visibly torn between loyalty and self-preservation, eyes darting to Argider''s slightly teary expression. "Y-Your Imperial Majesty," he ventured, tone trembling with concern, "are you... quite alright?" Argider managed a weak but regal smile, which barely masked the toll of Faeralys''s footwork of fury. "Oh yes, Sir Cole. Quite alright. This is all... just splendid. In fact, it''s probably good for me." She forced a dryugh, but a slight wince betrayed her as she spoke. "At the very least, my wife is¡ªah¡ªlearning." Sir Cole cleared his throat and turned to Faeralys, who was the picture of innocence and serenity, except for the unmistakable sparkle of gleeful malice glinting in her eyes. "Erm, pardon me, Your Imperial Majesty," Cole murmured, nervously sping his hands as he tried to avoid her gaze. "But I do believe you may have, uh, stepped on Her Imperial Majesty''s foot a... significant number of times." "Oh, truly?" Faeralys''s eyes went wide in mock astonishment. "My apologies! It''s just that my wife is so tall¡ªpositively statuesque, don''t you think? I''m simply struggling to stay bnced around her! Surely you understand, Sir Cole. Quite the challenge." Sir Cole could only nod, mouth slightly agape, and attempt to shuffle out of her line of fire. Across the room, Argider''s aunt, Phirya, observed the entire scene with an exasperated but knowing look. She''d seen this brand of defiance before¡ªthe faux-naivety, the infuriating innocence. But Phirya, always one to let a scene y out, held back from intervening. For now. "Actually," Argider cut in, grasping at an opportunity to escape with her dignity¡ªand her toes¡ªintact, "we''ve been at this for hours, and my wife must be absolutely worn out. It might be best if we continued these lessons on our ownter. Wouldn''t want to trouble you further, Sir Cole, with our mistakes." "What?!" Faeralys cried, her eyes narrowing at the sudden proposal. Before she could argue, Phirya''s arm snaked around her shoulders, cing a single, elegant finger against Faeralys''s lips, a silentmand to cease her theatrics, and gently but firmly guided her out of the room.N?v(el)B\\jnn Faeralys''s protests were silenced, her exit as smooth and unresistant as a cat slipping through a crack in the door. Once the doors clicked shut, Argider finally allowed herself to copse onto the floor, massaging her tortured foot with the desperation of someone who had made several consecutive poor decisions. "What have I done?" She cursed under her breath, mentally cataloging every bruise she''d umted from her wife''s not-so-subtle reminders of affection. Faeralys''s sheer cuteness, her devilish smile¡ªthat lethalbination had lured Argider right into this snare. "Oh, gods," she muttered into her hands. "I''m such a simp." And, somehow, that was her greatest w¡ªand her greatest strength. **** Night had descended, draping the throne room in a velvety hush. Only the soft glow of moonlight seeped through the windows, casting an ethereal silver shimmer across the polished floors. Argider stood alone, sighing dramatically to no one in particr. She had been waiting for Faeralys for awhile¡ªwhat a tragically tedious task for an emperor! Alvator, her spectral guide, driftedzily beside her, as unhelpful as ever. Skeptic, Argider mulled over the "new" efforts she was making for her wives, wondering if this venture into "thoughtful husbandry" was worth all the emotional contortions. Yes, she had cut down on the parade of mistresses, but really, was she destined for sainthood? Just then, the heavy doors creaked open, and Faeralys finally arrived, her demeanor transformed from that of a mischief-maker to a picture of deep contrition. Gone was the glint of defiance in her eyes as she curtsied with uncharacteristic respect. "Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty," Faeralys murmured, her tone startlingly sincere. "Forgive my earlier...pses in decorum. I may have, ah, overreacted." Argider''s lips curved into an irrepressible grin. "So¡­ Aunt Phirya had a chat with you, did she?" she teased, motioning Faeralys toe closer. "Just¡­ maybe skip the foot-stomping routine this time?" Faeralys approached, cheeks flushed, and for once, Argider found herself marveling at her own resolve to forgive. ''Ugh, I''m such a simp,'' she thought, torn between self-disgust and a silly warmth blossoming within. The two assumed their ces, with Argider''s hand resting lightly on Faeralys'' waist as their bodies eased into the rhythm of a slow, practiced dance. They moved in graceful unison, and as their eyes met, something unspoken shifted in the air between them. Alvator, who had been loitering in spectral silence, suddenly chimed in, "You should ask her something. You know, get her to open up." "Ask her¡­ what exactly?" Argider replied inwardly. "Ask why she was upset earlier. Encourage her¡ªit''s all about vulnerability," Alvator said, as if reading from a spectral marriage manual. Vulnerability? Argider grimaced. Emotionally sharing had never been her forte¡ªunless we''re talking about physical intimacy, in which she was well-versed. But feelings? The horrors. With a valiant attempt at sincerity, she finally stammered, "S-So, tell me, my wife... W-Why were you so mad earlier? I''m here, you know. To¡­ listen." Faeralys arched a brow, clearly taken aback but oddly touched. But she wasn''t about to make it easy. "Well, if you must know," she muttered, "it was the way you were¡­touching me pervertedly..." Argider flushed beet red. "Touching you like a pervert? I mean, I may have had¡­ some thoughts," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. Faeralys just scoffed. "Oh, I knew it! Honestly, it''s a miracle I let you lead this dance at all." "Well," Argider sighed, "you don''t have to worry about that anymore. I mean, it''s not like I can do anything. I''m a woman now." "Oh, sure," Faeralys quipped, her tone oozing with irony. "Since you can''t just spend your time with pretty mistresses anymore?" Argider looked away, the pang of honesty stabbing deeper than expected. "You never loved me, though, right, Faeralys?" Faeralys didn''t hesitate. "No, I didn''t. I never wanted any of this. I wanted my freedom back north. Imagine being tossed into a marriage with someone who''s renowned for, let''s say, ''diverse tastes.'' It was terrifying." Argider nodded, her voice softer now. "I get it. I was forced into this too. The throne, the wives... none of it was really my choice." A beat passed, and Faeralys looked up at her. "So, why are you acting like you care all of a sudden? Think I''ll just forgive you?" Argider gave a half-smile. "No, I don''t expect forgiveness. It''s something unattainable for me. I gave up on that and just acknowledged that I''m pretty much an asshole." Faeralysughed, catching her off-guard. "But maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªyou could try to be a slightly less terrible." Argider chuckled, and for the first time, it didn''t feel hollow. "Alright. Friends, then?" "Sure," Faeralys replied, her smile finally breaking through the stoicism. ¡ª [Affection Points +5] ¡ª [Loyalty Points +5] [Loading...] [Processing...] Ding! ¡ª [New Rtionship Status: Faeralys Merovia] ¡ª [Affection ?? 15] ¡ª [Loyalty?? 10] ¡ª [Emotion?? 100] As they swayed to the silence, Alvator observed from his ghostly post, nodding approvingly at Argider''s little moment of sincerity. Perhaps his emperor wasn''t entirely a lost cause. But as midnight''s chime echoed, a few servants sneaked a nce into the throne room¡ªonly to freeze in shock. There, under the moon''s watchful glow, stood the notorious Argider,ughing and dancing with her wife, softer and warmer than any could ever recall seeing her. Chapter 23 A Tussle Atst, Argider began her Decorum sses with Phirya, dragging Faeralys along after every sword practice. The entire pce buzzed with the news, the servants practically waltzing around, whispering about the Emperor''s sudden transformation. "Is that¡­our Emperor? Taking etiquette lessons? With her wife?" they murmured, barely containing their smirks.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Rumors, swift as a tempest, reached the Empress. Esmeralda''s perfectly arched eyebrow twitched as she listened to the gossip about Argider and Faeralys¡ªdancing together, of all things! The whispers gnawed at her, and she muttered through gritted teeth, "Tch, I''ll handle this." Casting a piercing gaze at her entourage of highborndies, she snapped her fan shut with a dramatic flourish. "Ladies, we have a mission." As one, they replied, "Yes, Your Imperial Majesty!" Her inner circle¡ªa league of haughty high-society "mean girls"¡ªfanned out, plotting her every word as gospel. Those who crossed Esmeralda quickly found themselves the stars of vicious gossip. Meanwhile, Argider was back in the training yard with Uzak. But today, Argider was different. Off-kilter. Lost in thought. Uzak smirked, seeing his chance, and swept Argider''s feet out from under her, sending her sprawling on the ground. "Ouch!" Argider yelped, rubbing her backside as she red up at Uzak. "Was that necessary?" Uzak grinned, offering a hand. "Maybe if you stopped floating on cloud nine with your wife, you''d see meing." A light flush crept up Argider''s cheeks. "What are you talking about?" Chuckling, Uzak ruffled Argider''s hair, his voice teasing. "Admit it, you''ve finallymitted, haven''t you?" BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! ¡ª [MAJOR TASKED FINISHED SUCCESSFULLY!] ¡ª [Your Level As Emperor Has Reached Level One!] ¡ª [The Public''s Perception And Loyalty Of People Rose Up To Level One!] ¡ª [All Of Your Personalty Traits: Openness, Conscientiousnes, Extraversion, Agreeableness, And Neuroticism Have Reached Level Three Instant As Reward Based On Your Performance!] Argider''s eyes widened. To her surprise, word of her new demeanor was spreading through thend. The people were thrilled¡ªtalking of how she''d "settled down" and given up her wild escapades for duty. She''d barely realized the impact, having just enjoyed spending time with Faeralys. Turning to Uzak, Argider''s face showed genuine confusion. "Wait¡ªwhy is this such a big deal?" With a knowing smirk, Uzak replied, "Oh, it''s not just about the romance. The people might see you as a proper Emperor. No more endless affairs¡ªjust a ruler who honors their duties¡­by actually loving their spouse!" She hesitated, but eventually shrugged. "Well, I suppose it is my duty to love my wives¡­" For the first time, Argider felt a unique satisfaction¡ªa warmth that filled her chest more deeply than any drink. It wasn''t just Faeralys; it was this newfound connection, the approval from her people, the surprise of finding happiness in simply being, well, domestic. Who knew that the grandest pleasure in life could be something so¡­ordinary? The day had been a whirlwind and time passed fast. By the time Argider made it to her room, she felt like a damp rag, wrung out and weary. Sure, today had been strangely bright, but an unsettling weight clung to her all the same, like a shadow that refused to lift. She nced at her reflection, barely recognizing the noble-turned-Emperor staring back. She was slowly bing one of them now¡ªa member of the council, the Sceptre. Yet, somehow, she despised it all, including herself. She absently opened her system interface. Her personality and physical levels had inched up, barely noticeable, like trying to fill a bottomless well one cup at a time. How long would it be, she wondered, until she lost control altogether, spiraling down like a star that burned too bright and fizzled out? Rain tapped softly against the window, a coldfort in the lonely night. Argider let herself sink into its rhythm, finding a strange sce in the chill. But her peace shattered as someone knocked¡ªloudly¡ªat the door. She jumped. Who dared disturb her sote? She swung the door open, expecting one of the usual pce faces. Instead, a knight stood there, serious and unsmiling. "Urgent, Your Imperial Majesty." He handed her a sealed envelope. With a sigh, she took it and broke the seal. Her eyes scanned the words¡ªand the letter slipped from her fingers as the reality hit. A jolt of horror crossed her face. "?!" Argider moved swiftly down the pce hallways, her footsteps echoing in the quiet night. It was already reallyte. Perhaps everyone was sleeping already, and it only served to her crawling anxiety. She headed towards the area where the Imperial Knights resided, their private quarters integrated into the bottom part of the pce. When she found Uzak''s room, she wasted no second to burst it open. "Uzak!" He jolted awake, groaning and rubbing his eyes. But when he saw her face, all sleep left him. He''d never seen Argider like this¡ªhaunted, broken. "Your Imperial Majesty? What happened?" He stepped closer, concern etched on his face. "My...my mother!" Her voice cracked, and tears escaped her eyes. "She''s been taken hostage by the Peliotus Tribe! They threatened to kill her, Uzak! I need you to rally the knights¡ªsend the army!" Seeing her despair, he ced a hand on her shoulder, rubbing her back, his own heart pounding. The Empress Dowager, kidnapped? By the Peliotus Tribe of all people¡ªthe kind who''d spill blood as easily as they''d spill wine. "C-calm down," he said, his voice both gentle and urgent. "Tell me everything. Why would they take her?" Argider''s voice wavered as she replied. "The letter said she''d gone to negotiate with them...to fix things. To fix my mess. She was trying to bring back Isolde, too. It''s my fault, isn''t it? All of it?" "Argider! Focus! What matters is saving her," Uzak insisted, his voice resolute. "And it''s you who''s going to do it!" "But I''m still weak, Uzak! I can''t do anything¡ªI''ve always been too weak!" "Then look at what you''ve done these past few days!" Uzak shouted back. "You''ve changed, and you know it. You were given a second chance for a reason. You can do this." His words washed over her like a distant memory, one she barely recognized. Uzak''s presence, warm and unyielding, was the anchor she hadn''t realized she''d needed. She closed her eyes, her breathing shaky. Was it really possible? Could she still save something after all she''d broken? Yet even as she stood there, doubts clinging to her like shadows, she understood: the mess she''d made, the mistakes she''d run from, had alle back to haunt her. And maybe, if she couldn''t find the strength within herself, she''d never escape her own ghosts. Chapter 24 Trapped Meloris, mother of Argider, sat inside the confines of a tent, tied up so tightly it was as if every limb was tangled in a particrly unforgiving vine. There was not a single flicker of light that dared to intrude on the darkness. She couldn''t see a thing, but she reckoned it was probably midnight¡ªthe witching hour¡ªas a chill bit through the tent''s entrance. With it, a breath of icy wind seemed to slide right under her skin. Hunger wed at her stomach, her body worn and withered from the pitiful scraps the Peliotus Tribe begrudgingly allotted her. Afterall, mercy was a concept they reserved for stories or perhaps for those lucky enough to be long buried. In the Midward Region, on the country''s wild western edge, the Peliotus had swept across the viges like a raging storm, scattering families and shattering lives. As she pondered her bleak future, fear crept in like a spider skittering over her thoughts, imagining what awaited the women who had fallen to the tribe in this vige where she was captured. The Peliotus were not known for their kindness. They would turn men into ves and women into ythings. She almost managed to close her eyes against the terror when, suddenly, a dim light flickered in the darkness, and the crunch of boots on rocks broke the silence. Meloris tensed, her heart leaping¡ªuntil she glimpsed the visitor. It was Isolde. She was as elegant as ever, moving with a sort of effortless grace. She wasn''t tall, but her slender frame made her seem even more poised. Her eyes, a piercing shade of blue, could cut like a dagger or soothe like a warm fire. But Meloris could hardly feel the warmth now; bitterness weighed on her voice. "What do you want?" she demanded, a jagged edge to her words. She could hardly believe the betrayal, the treachery of it all. Isolde, her trusted ally, had switched sides, crossing the line to the very people she despised. Isolde just smiled¡ªa soft, dangerous smile¡ªand held out a tray with water and some kind of food. "I''ve brought you something to eat," she said simply, setting it down just out of reach. Meloris''s gaze flickered between the tray and Isolde, her mind struggling to grasp this bizarre act of kindness. But her stomach had no such qualms; it growled audibly, and her pride was losing a battle to hunger. She sighed, eyes narrowing. "What is it that you want, Isolde?" "Nothing but to bring you food," Isolde replied with unsettling calm. "Oh, you bring food now? After turning against me?" Meloris''s words cut the air. "Why, Isolde? Why would you do this after all we''ve been through?" With a sigh, Isolde stepped closer, untying the ropes that bound Meloris''s wrists. Her expression remained unreadable, but Meloris watched her like a hawk. There was a flicker of emotion, though¡ªa shadow in those ice-blue eyes. Then, Isolde''s voice softened. "I fell in love with the tribe''s leader." Meloris''s jaw nearly dropped, augh bubbling up that she didn''t dare let escape. "You? In love? With him?" "Maybe I''ve just been¡­lonely," Isolde said, a flicker of doubt in her eyes. It was as though she couldn''t quite believe herself. "Isolde, you never cared about my son not reciprocating your feelings," she pointed out. "You always prioritized your family. You wouldn''t fall for a wild, barbaric man! If anything, he''s worse than my own son!" Isolde''s eyes turned sharp. "And you, Lady Meloris? Why do you care so much about these people? Why risk your own life for them?" Meloris''s expression darkened. "You wouldn''t understand," she murmured. "For years, I tried to flee from Argider''s father, only for him to find us, time and again. I lived on scraps. I would not wish that life on anyone." "You''re too kindhearted for your own good," Isolde said, almost fondly. "Or perhaps just a fool," Meloris replied bitterly. A hint of regret surfaced as she admitted, "I failed my son. He''s be a man who chases after anything in a skirt. Maybe I wasn''t the mother he needed." There was a silence, but the old bitterness seemed to soften in the air between them, just a little. In that dark tent, where both betrayal and loyalty twisted in equal measure, neither woman dared to im they truly knew each other anymore. ******* Whoosh! nk, nk, nk! Argider was a whirlwind of force and fury, striking with every ounce of strength she could muster. Her wooden sword shed through the air, a relentless storm that had Uzak scrambling backward, barely able to parry her blows. Each strike pressed him closer to the edge of his own limits. But then, in the heat of her fervor¡ªsnap! Her sword splintered, leaving her gripping nothing but a jagged shard of wood. She froze, caught off guard by her sudden defenselessness. "Your Imperial Majesty..." Uzak murmured, extending a hand to steady her, but she swatted him away before he could eveny a finger on her. ¡ª [Congrattions! Your Strength Reached Level Three!] ..... ¡ª [WARNING] ¡ª [Your Neuroticism Is Slowly Depleting. You Lost 30EXP In Total!] "Then let the soldiers handle it," Uzak countered, his voice calm but insistent. "You are an empress, Argider. Your people need you to lead, not to throw yourself into danger." "Oh, I think it''s perfectly reasonable," came a voice, smooth as silk andced with mischief.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Argider whipped around, her gaze settling on Denzelle, who had drifted into the fray as casually as if he were joining her for tea. His eyes gleamed with a strange, knowing light, and his mouth curled in a faint, infuriating smirk. Her fingers twitched with the urge to strike him, just once¡ªstrike him? She caught herself, surprised at the violence bubbling up in her mind. Since when had she felt like this? Unperturbed, Denzelle continued, his tone maddeningly nonchnt. "Why shouldn''t Her Imperial Majesty join the battle? A bit of warfare might do her good¡ªshe''d be in excellentpany." Just what on earth was this man nning? If anything, Argider knew it wouldn''t be pleasant. Chapter 25 Magic Acquired "What are you scheming, Denzelle?" Argider narrowed her gaze, trying to read his intentions. "Me? Scheming?" Denzelle ced a hand on his chest, as if wounded by the usation, though the sly smile beneath hisshes gave him away. "I simply promised I''d see you through this mission. Even told the council to make sure of it." He took a step closer, tilting his head in a bow. "So, by your leave, my emperor, let me be your loyal right hand in this endeavor." Argider snorted, crossing her arms with imperial defiance. "Oh, please. Uzak is already my right hand." Her tone turned icy, her voice carrying the edge ofmand. "That is my order as emperor." Denzelle blinked, momentarily thrown by her tone. His Argider, normally as whimsical as a breeze in spring, now had the air of a winter storm about her¡ªstern, unyielding, and more dignified than he''d ever seen. The surprise flickered over his face for only a heartbeat before he recovered, offering a demure smile in response. "Ah, I see. It seems I have no choice but to abide by the council''s orders," he sighed, letting a tinge of feigned disappointment slip through. "But join you, I shall¡ªif only to fulfill my duty." Argider scowled, then turned on her heel and stalked off, her wooden practice sword ttering to the ground behind her. She made her way back to the pce, a knot of self-doubt tightening in her chest. She''d listened to Uzak''s words, taken in his warnings, and couldn''t shake the nagging thought that perhaps she wasn''t cut out for this, that the weight of her title was too great. Emperor, she thought with a bitter twist of irony, ncing at the tapestries of her ancestors who seemed to peer down on her with stoic disdain. As she paced, her gazended on a portrait of her forebears¡ªall painted with grandeur, each gaze steady and unrelenting, as if daring the viewer to challenge their rule. Compared to them, she felt like an imposter in imperial garb, draped in titles she wasn''t sure she could ever embody. Was she truly meant to follow in their footsteps? "Alvator," she called, and a slender, silver-furred cat appeared from a shadowed corner, slinking toward her. Alvator blinked, his luminous eyes catching the light, showing a glint of curiosity; it was rare for Argider to summon him so formally. "Yes, Your Majesty?" Alvator purred, arching his back and stretching. Argider bit her lip, then asked, "Do you think¡­ do you think you''re a good person?" Alvator cocked his head, letting the silence linger for a moment before he responded. "Neither," he replied. "I was a good ruler in the eyes of some, yet to others¡­ a tyrant, even a monster." Argider''s brows shot up, confusion flickering in her eyes. "But¡­ why?" Alvator sighed, his tail curling thoughtfully around her paws. "For all the lives I touched as emperor, I also left trails of sorrow. We don''t judge an emperor by kindness, Argider, but by resolve. It doesn''t mean we''re heroes or viins. It means we''ve done what is necessary. And sometimes¡­" His voice trailed off, leaving the rest unspoken. Argider nodded slowly, the weight of Alvator''s words settling over her like a shroud. Her heart felt heavier, but strangely steadier, as if, atst, she understood the bittersweet gravity of her role. Then, they gave a knowing chuckle, his eyes gleaming. "Oh, someday you might understand. But for now, indulge me, dear emperor. I''ve something to show you." Argider followed, his curiosity outweighing her fatigue as they ventured down the winding, spiraling stairs¡ªso many that she soon lost count, feeling as if they''d descended a thousand steps. Down, down they went, through shadowed hallways that twisted and turned, deeper into the pce''s very bones. The air grew thick with mystery as they reached a hidden alcove, tucked away like a secret, shielded from any stray eyes. Here, Alvator stopped and turned, his face now solemn. "What I''m about to reveal, young emperor, is a privilege given to few." Before Argider could utter a word, Alvator''s eyes gleamed with an unearthly light. And then, as if the pce itself were obeying him, stones slid and ground against one another, parting to reveal an entrance that hadn''t been there before. With an elegant flick of her tail, Alvator gestured forward, leading Argider through a concealed stairway. The descent grew even darker, their footsteps echoing like whispers in the silence. But soon, they reached the bottom¡ªand suddenly, Argider found herself in a chamber zing with light. Her eyes adjusted, and what she saw made her heart skip: towering spears, gleaming longswords, ancient bows, all forged and wielded by emperors past. The room was like a gallery of legends, each weapon whispering of battles long fought. "Alvator¡­" she breathed, her fingers trailing over a mighty axe. "What¡­ what is this?" Alvator gave a soft chuckle. "Ah, I have guiding the emperor''s here before you. A keeper, if you will. I gave you space to grow, to see what you''d do on your own. I always meant to show you this ce¡­ eventually." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Though, let it be known, I''m not especially fond of you¡ªbut orders are orders, and here we are." Argider arched a brow. "Oh, good to know you''re doing this from the kindness of your heart." The glint in Alvator''s eyes could''ve almost passed for a wink. "Touch the stone the statue holds," he instructed, nodding toward the massive statue in the center of the room. "The Scepter''s Stone. It''ll grant you power¡ªbut beware, power is a demanding ally." Drawn by a sense of daring, Argider approached, mesmerized by the stone''s crystalline brilliance, its colors swirling like trapped lightning. It seemed almost alive, a vessel of the magic that had shaped emperors for centuries. She reached out, feeling the anticipation simmering in her chest. As her fingertips brushed the stone, a spark leapt through her hand, sending a shiver of energy down her spine. Light filled the room, bathing her in a glow so brilliant she had to close her eyes. She felt something powerful settle into her bones, a promise of strength and something¡­ more. It was unlike anything she''d ever felt, as if the echoes of past rulers were now part of her, a gift and a burden all at once. Opening her eyes, she found Alvator watching her. "Magic," Alvator murmured, "has never been easy. Nor has power. The two don''t just grant strength¡ªthey demand wisdom." "Well," Argider grinned, feeling a thrill of her newfound potential. "Wisdom might take a while. But power? That, I can get used to." BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! ¡ª [SYSTEM ALERT!] ¡ª [There''s an overflow of mana within the user!] Loading....N?v(el)B\\jnn Installing.... ¡ª [Inserting ''Mana'' Cultivation Medium] ¡ª [CONGRATULATIONS! You have unlocked the Magic Interface in the System] ¡ª [Magic Attribute: Magic Bestowal] ¡ª [Description: The user can give magical abilities to the individual once they''ve connected emotionally and physically] ¡ª [Cooldown: 24 hours] ¡ª [Rank: Arcane Novice] Her eye twitched as she took it all in. "Wait, wait, wait¡ªso let me get this straight," she huffed, hands on her hips. "I can use magic now, but not for myself? I''m supposed to go around giving powers for everyone else''s benefit?" She threw her hands up in exasperation. "What is this nonsense?" Alvator gave a smug little shrug, clearly enjoying her indignation. "Magic demands sacrifice, young emperor. And sometimes, that sacrifice¡­ is you." "Oh, wonderful," Argider muttered, crossing her arms with a scowl. "Just what I''ve always wanted¡ªbeing everyone else''s personal spell caster." Chapter 26 Self-Awareness "Wait a minute..." Argider cupped her chin, deep in thought. A spark of something fierce, almost reckless, ignited in her eyes. "It''s not entirely useless! I can give my soldiers magic!" Alvator let out a sigh, the kind that seemed as though it had been resting on his shoulders for centuries. "Don''t be hasty," he said with a calm, careful edge. "Giving power is like unleashing fire¡ªeager hands might warm themselves on it, but the unworthy will just get burned." But the girl just waved a hand dismissively, undeterred. "Why should I care? With magic, I could crush the Peliotus Tribe! I could finally get my mother back." "Power has a habit of twisting its wielder," the first emperor warned, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "You''ll never know who might turn it against you. Not everyone deserves magic in their hands." "Then how am I supposed to know who does?" she challenged, frustration clear in her voice. "That''s where your Empath skilles in," he replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "You can sense intentions. Your Empathic Inundation skill, too." She narrowed her eyes, considering his words. "Fine, but if I go by that logic, then maybe I don''t deserve power either!" She paused, as if struck by her own audacity, then muttered, "But you might actually have a point. Still, it doesn''t seem fair that only a few pompous pricks get all the power. I''m pretty sure the gods would have something to say about that." Alvator raised an eyebrow. "And by ''gods,'' you mean yourself, I take it?" Her re was so sharp, it could''ve cut ss. "And you have a godplex of your own, Alvator. Let''s not pretend otherwise. You''re the one who divided the empire into loyalty-based districts, weren''t you?" The first emperor didn''t so much as blink. "Didn''t that put an end to the rebellions? Kept the throne steady, didn''t it?" "The throne, yes! But the people? No," she snapped back. "You wouldn''t know since you''ve never felt what it was like to be amoner." "And you wouldn''t know since you never bothered to understand what it takes to hold an empire together," Alvator replied. "Control brings harmony, even if it isn''t always... gentle." "So you admit it¡ªyou''re a tyrant," she said, lips curling with disdain. "I did what needed to be done." Argider''s face shifted, something like a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth, but it was bitter and dark. "You know what? Maybe having this magic isn''t such a bad idea. Maybe it''s time power is shared." The cat''s gaze turned icy. "Careful what you wish for, Argider. Power isn''t something you can tuck back into a drawer once you''ve let it out." She held his stare, defiant, though her voice softened. "I grew up as the Emperor''s son, but no one ever really listened to me¡ªbecause I was also my mother''s son. I thought that maybe, finally, I''d have a chance to be heard." "You might be right, but do not be a hypocrite, Argider," Alvator said, his voice low and cutting, like a de honed on years of restraint and hard truths. He floated closer, locking onto her with the intensity of someone who''d seen too many young fools throw away what they''d been given. "You''re not so different from those pompous pricks you keep railing against. The very moment you turned your back on the throne, the instant you chose to walk away from your duty, you abused your power." There was an instant flinch as her expression wavered, but she quickly set her jaw, unwilling to let him see the sting of his words. "That''s not fair," she hissed, crossing her arms over her chest as if to shield herself from the blow. "They''ve never had to deal with¡ª" "¡ªThe burden of real responsibility? The weight of lives in their hands?" Alvator interrupted, a bitterugh escaping his lips. "Oh, believe me, they know. They might be arrogant, selfish even, but at least they hold their positions. They understand the duty thates with the power they wield, however twisted it may be." "You think I don''t understand that?" she shot back, heat ring in her eyes.N?v(el)B\\jnn "And yet," Alvator countered, his voice as unrelenting as stone, "you''ve never once considered the consequences of simply walking away when it suited you. You speak of wanting to save them, but the truth is, you left your people leaderless because you couldn''t handle reality." A strange pang¡ªsomewhere between confusion and reluctant rity¡ªsettled in Argider''s chest after her heated exchange with Alvator. Maybe, just maybe, there was some truth in what the cantankerous cat had said. Somewhere along the way, buried in her grief and anger, she''d let her own sense of righteousness cloud her vision. She''d felt that the world owed her something, simply because she felt wronged even though she also did wrong. Their discussion finally over, Argider strode out of the pce, squinting as her eyes adjusted to the sunlight glinting off the armor of her gathered soldiers. They were bustling about, preparing for the long, gritty road ahead¡ªand the blood-soaked battle that awaited them. She climbed into her carriage, mind still churning with her heated exchange with Alvator, his words lingering like a burr she couldn''t shake off. Up above, Faeralys watched from the pce window as Argider left, torn between relief and worry. She sighed, wondering if they were truly prepared for the challenges ahead¡ªor if she was simply marching toward disaster with a defiant grin. Then came the sharp click of heels. Faeralys turned, feeling a slight dread twist in her stomach. "Well, well, well," purred a voice dripping with haughty amusement. Augh followed, as sweet and menacing as honey over sharp ss. "If it isn''t Faeralys." Faeralys turned slowly and suppressed a sigh. Esmeralda. Wonderful. The woman was trouble incarnate, always lurking when she wasn''t wanted. "What do you want?" Faeralys asked, folding her arms and giving Esmeralda a sharp re. Esmeralda just smirked, snapping her fan open with a dramatic flick. "Oh, darling, so uncouth. A properdy bows before she speaks, didn''t you know? I am your Empress." She fluttered her fan as if fanning away some great scandal, eyes twinkling with mischief. Chapter 27 Unwelcomed Emperor (1) ***** [Warning: Violent Depiction] The carriage rattled onward, rocking softly as Argider leaned her cheek against the cool, intricately carved door. Cheers and curious eyes followed the procession through every city they passed, as if drawn by the sheer audacity of carrying the infamous Emperor herself. Under the polished thumb of monarchy, the towns were pristine jewels of urbanization, scrubbed and maintained to perfection. But as they crept closer to the border, the guards took care to keep the carriage away from prying eyes, slipping through shaded forests and open ins where the trees and grasses were their only witnesses. Even Argider felt a tickle of apprehension at the thought of a mob gathering at her heels. They took moments to rest, to nibble on dry bread and drink from cool waterskins, though the sun above beat down mercilessly. The trees offered blessed shade, and as they pressed ever westward, Argider felt a strange alignment stir within her¡ªa raw, tightly coiled mixture of hope and fear that made her fingers tap impatiently on her knee. Questions flitted through her mind like nervous birds. What had they done to her mother? Had they given her decent food, shown her an ounce of mercy? No¡ªshe squashed the thought; it could always be worse. In darker moments, she would imagine her mother suffering in silence, starved, or worse. Though they shared a rtionship more fraught than fond, she couldn''t deny that the idea of harming to her mother twisted something tight within her. For all the harsh ps and stern words exchanged, love flickered stubbornly between them, undeniable, unbreakable. Two fog-strewn dawnster, the scenery shifted. Woods and open ins gave way to low, rolling hills flecked with scrubs and sandy patches. Roads widened and smoothed, and soon they passed other carts¡ªa small parade of traders carting crates of apples and bleating goats bound for the Midward Region. With each turn of the wheels, Argider felt herself drawing closer to her mother, closer to the mystery that kept her tethered to the past. "I don''t like this," muttered a soldier beside her. "Bringing her Imperial Majesty here, with all those people wanting to see what''s be of her. Or worse¡ªsomeone might try something foolish, and we''ll be caught in the fray." "Quiet," a deeper, gruffer voice snapped back. "Let''s prepare for what''sing, but keep those thoughts to yourself." On the third night, as the carriage creaked to a halt, the sound of waves crashing against unseen cliffs reached Argider''s ears. She raised herself to the window, catching her breath as they rolled over a narrow wooden bridge, spanning a river that shimmered like ck silk beneath the moonlight. The beauty of it stole a breath from her; it had been too long since she''d seen anything beyond the stony confines of the Grand Pce¡ªa ce that felt as full of sorrow as these waters were of mystery. And then, in the distance, there it was: the colossal border wall of Midward District, rising like a titan from the cliffs, stretching so high it swallowed the moon whole. She watched as the soldiers stationed at the gates stiffened at their approach. They knew who was inside that carriage¡ªand soon, so would everyone else. Argider went back inside the carriage, feeling exhausted from sitting all day long. "I am Uzak, the Emperor''s right hand man," he announced, his voice loud enough that Argider could hear enough inside the carriage. "Please open the gates." A hush fell. For a moment, all she could hear was the riverpping softly against the shore. Then¡ªslice! Amotion filled the air as the distinct sound of battle reached Argider''s ears. All of the birds pped away from the scene, an ominous calling of chaos. Sharp groans filled the air, undercut by the sickening slice of steel cleaving through flesh. Panic seized Argider as she gripped the edge of her seat, her voice a mere whisper of fear, "What''s happening?!" "Protect the Imperial Majesty! Guard the carriage!" Uzak''s voice cut through the chaos like a de,manding authority. With his sword gleaming, he took his ce around the carriage, bracing against the tide of violence to shield Argider from the terror closing in. Outside, the brutal sight unfolded: heads ripped from shoulders in violent arcs, blood spattering the earth in ghastly patterns. The horror carved itself into her memory, each detail sharper and more visceral than thest. Her stomach churned, and she fought back the urge to vomit as she huddled within the carriage. "Ugh!" "Argh!" "RAAAAAH!" Heart hammering, Argider copsed to her knees, trembling as the raw sounds of battle¡ªthe sh of weapons, the screams, the desperate grunts¡ªgrew louder, closer. What she had once considered an abstract fear of war now unfurled before her, horrifically real. Outside, the mor swelled as more attackers pressed forward. She could hear Uzak and his soldiers locked in fierce, gruelingbat, their voices hoarse with effort and pain. Overwhelmed, she shrank back, cowering as the brutal reality of war closed in around her. "Fuck you, di-" their voice was cut off. Argider could only imagine which part of their body went off. But she realized something; someone was heading her way and before she knew it, the carriage door opened and she was hurled into the ground like a blur. Argider''s eyes darted to the figure looming above them. At first nce, the features seemed foreign - narrower eyes, golden skin, hollow cheeks. It took a moment for realization to dawn. "A Peliotusian?!" she gasped, shock coloring her voice. The man above them reacted instantly, drawing his weapon and taking aim. But Argider remained frozen, paralyzed by a sudden surge of fear. Before she could react, a sword plunged downward, impaling the Peliotusian through the chest. A geyser of blood erupted from the wound, sttering across Argider''s face. The coppery scent hit her nostrils and her stomach churned violently, threatening to expel the meager contents within. The Peliotusian''s body crumpled to the ground beside her with a sickening thud, his lifeless eyes staring nkly into the void. The sight seared itself into Argider''s mind, a traumatic image she knew would haunt her nightmares for years toe. Shaking, she forced her gaze upward, only to find Denzelle looking down at her with a soft smile, as if he hadn''t just brutally murdered a man mere moments before. "Are you alright, Your Majesty?" he asked casually, seemingly unfazed by the carnage around them.N?v(el)B\\jnn Chapter 28 Unwelcomed Emperor (2) [Warning: Violent Depiction] The air was thick with a strange, sour tang, almost like someone had spilled a week-old stew across the battlefield and left it to simmer in the sun. Argider stood there, pale as winter''s first frost, her eyes unfocused as if they were stuck somewhere far, far away. The mess around her was surreal, like one of those wild, twisted dreams where you can''t move, no matter how hard you try. Then, out of nowhere, a shadow blocked the moonlight above her. "What on earth are you staring at?" Denzelle''s voice broke in, almost too cheerful for the scene. He extended a hand, sweeping low with a flourish that suggested he was inviting her to dance, rather than helping her up from the midst of¡­ well, all this. His smile was ufortably charming, especially given that he was head-to-toe in sticky, unmentionable substances. "Come on, Your Majesty," he said, his voice patient but with a mischievous glint. "Up you get." Argider tried, but her legs had turned into limp noodles¡ªvery uncooperative noodles at that. She tried again and ended up back on her knees, her whole body shivering as if the chill from the night air had decided to set up permanent residence in her bones. Around them, the chaos finally ebbed. The soldiers stood silent and still, each of them painted with a motley of dust, sweat, and, well, battlefield decor. Not a Peliotusian in sight¡ªexcept for the ones strewn about with an artistry that might have impressed a particrly macabre painter. Entrails littered the ground like ghastly confetti. Argider''s stomach gave an ominous lurch. "Easy, Your Majesty," came Uzak''s voice as he appeared beside her, blocking her view with his broad frame, as if he were trying to shield her from the worst of it. She was grateful. Very grateful. Meanwhile, the Imperial knights swept through the remains of the Peliotusians, confirming the identities of the fallen. However, something odd was amiss: the guards who''d been stationed at the outpost were nowhere to be found. The whole scene felt far too orchestrated, as if someone hadid out a trap and waited patiently for them to step right into it. Denzelle nced back at Argider, who was now leaning half-heartedly against a female knight. He gave a lopsided grin, although his eyes held a shadow of concern. "Well, at least you''ve found yourself a gant knight," he teased, adding just enough drama to his voice to take the edge off. Argider managed a faint, barely-there smile, though her mind was still wandering back to the gruesome memories. The knights regrouped, grim but resolved, and pressed onward through the city gates. The streets beyond were ghostly quiet, unnaturally so, like the whole ce was holding its breath. Not a sound, not a flicker of movement. What had once been a bustling marketce was now nothing more than empty stalls and shuttered doors. The Imperial knights exchanged tense nces. "They''ve already cleared out," one muttered, scowling as he surveyed the empty shops. "They didn''t leave a single civilian behind." The silence was pressing in from all sides, a heavy, unnatural stillness that hung in the air like a warning. Argider stumbled beside Uzak, her steps slow, her mind reying the terrible scenes over and over. She blinked, trying to shake off the fog, but the memories clung to her like a stubborn chill.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Then, as if to add a final punchline to this nightmarish joke, a low growl rippled from the shadows. Pairs of red eyes appeared in the darkness, narrowing with menace. The knights tensed, hands flying to their swords, eyes scanning the dim streets. From the gloom emerged a crowd of beasts¡ªhulking, sinewy creatures that prowled forward like they had all the time in the world. And at the head of this motley assembly, a massive, bearded man loomed, his face twisted into a sneer. He practically oozed malice, and even the beasts around him seemed to defer to his authority. "Well, well, well," he drawled, his tone as mocking as it was smug. "His Majesty himself has arrived. Or so I thought," he muttered, squinting as he looked closer, his sneer morphing into a frown as he realized that the "emperor" he''d expected was, in fact, a girl. "A girl?" he spat, sounding as if he''d been personally betrayed by this information. The beasts shifted around him, ws scraping and teeth bared. "Is this a joke? Where is he? Where''s the Emperor?" Wow? Argider could only internally scoffed. I''ll show you the man in me even without a stick! The bearded man''s scowl deepened, his fury now an almost palpable force as he drew in a breath that reverberated through the night. "So be it!" he bellowed, voice harsh enough to make the stones tremble. "If you won''t give us the Emperor, we''ll tear it out of you, one by one! Attack them!" The monstrous beasts surged forward, a wave of fur and fang and fury, tearing across the ground with unnatural speed. Their snarls grew into roars as they charged, each step a thunderous warning, the air thick with the scent of bloodlust. The Imperial knights barely had time to raise their shields as the beasts closed in, jaws snapping and ws shing, hellbent on tearing the party apart in a ruthless, frenzied assault. Chapter 29 Magic Bestowal Activate! The battlefield unfolded like a wild, untamed tapestry of teeth, fur, and shing ws. Argider had never seen anything like it¡ªlet alone imagined she''d ever witness such a sight. Ferocious animals of every kind were pouring in from every direction, each one seeming to revel in the chaos, each with eyes gleaming with an eerie, animalistic intelligence that suggested they were here for more than just a scuffle. Dire wolves prowled forward, fangs bared, each one sporting teeth so long they could double as ceremonial daggers. Tigers moved with a sleek, lethal grace, their muscles flexing under striped coats as they coiled and pounced. Foxes darted and weaved with quick, nimble attacks, slipping in and out of sight like living shadows. And the lions¡ªoh, the lions¡ªthey stalked in with an air of disdainful regality, like they''de to settle some deeply personal score against anyone who dared look unimpressed. The soldiers barely had time to gather themselves before the first of the beasts lunged. A particrly massive fox leapt toward an unlucky guard, who let out a shriek that likely would have alerted the next kingdom over if only they''d had the time to listen. ¡ª [MAJOR TRIAL TASK ALERT!] ¡ª [Use Magical Bestowal For The 1st Time] ¡ª [Choose A Random Individual To Bless Your Magic With] ¡ª [Time Remaining: 30 seconds] ¡ª [Punishment: Every Second Wasted Will Result In The Decrease Of Your Built-Up Points In Everything] "?!" Argider''s heart pounded, her mind racing faster than her feet as she bolted through the chaos, dodging snapping jaws and swiping ws with a series of half-stumbles and wild ils. "Nope! Nope! Nope!" she muttered under her breath, kicking up dust and trying to avoid bing someone''s main course. Around her, soldiers struggled, meeting the animal assault with varying degrees of bravery and abject terror. A massive dire wolf was the first to lunge,nding on a nearby soldier with an almostically vicious chomp. Armor crunched, and a little geyser of blood sttered out, making Argider''s stomach lurch. "Oh, gods above, that''s not a good look," she whispered, pping a hand to her mouth to stifle the growing urge to scream and sprint all at once. "FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!" The word was practically her war cry as she backpedaled, bumping into another soldier who looked equally horrified. This poor soul had barely enough time to gasp before a pair of foxes darted toward him, one leaping straight at his face like a furry orange missile. Down he went with a muted thud, vanishing beneath the wild frenzy of fangs and fur.N?v(el)B\\jnn Blood sttered like red paint in a particrly edgy art exhibit, painting the ground and giving it a sticky, slippery quality that made it way too easy to stumble. Snarls and shrieks blended together like a terrible symphony, and to make matters worse, over it all rang the bearded man''sughter¡ªa deep, viinous cackle that suggested he was probably having way more fun than he should. The Imperial knights, watching her unexpected sprint, could only stare after her, their faces a mix of bafflement and something that looked suspiciously like admiration. Their Emperor was sprinting for her life, and no one knew quite what to make of it. ¡ª [Time Remaining: 13 Seconds Left] "Uzak! Uzak!" she called, weaving wildly through the chaos like a squirrel in heavy armor, searching for the one familiar face in the sea of frantically swinging swords and iling creatures. But of course, in her haste, Uzak was nowhere to be found. ssic. She came to a skidding halt, looked left and right, and then, with no better n, decided totch onto the nearest person like a lifeline. "Uzak, don''t let go of me!" she shouted, eyes squeezed shut as she clutched what she hoped was her reliablepanion''s arm. A rather soft arm, actually. And quite... curvaceous? A startled gasp interrupted her internal confusion. Argider''s eyes flew open, and standing before her was not Uzak, but a very surprised Imperial knight¡ªa strikingly beautiful woman with long, indigo hair cascading over polished armor and golden eyes widening in shock. "Your Majesty?" she asked, looking rather flustered herself. Argider felt her cheeks flush as she realized exactly where her hand hadnded: right in the middle of this knight''s...well, let''s call it her "honor-bound bosom." "Magic Bestowal, Activate!" Argider shouted, attempting to salvage the moment with some semnce of dignity. She ced her hand against the knight, identally pressing it a bit firmer against her chest. Oh, perfect. Argider''s reputation was crumbling faster than a wet piece of parchment, but there was no time for formal apologies now. "It''s not what it looks like!" she muttered through gritted teeth, though the frowns on the surrounding soldiers suggested they weren''t so sure. ¡ª [MAJOR TASK SUCCESSFUL!] ¡ª [You Have Unlocked The Natural Talent Of The User!] Then, suddenly, the knight gasped, her body enveloped in a brilliant, blinding light. Argider blinked, almost dizzy from the disy, as a warm, crackling energy surged through the woman''s form. She began to glow, her eyes brightening to an electric gold as arcs of lightning sparked from her fingertips, crackling up her arms like she was transforming into the storm itself. The fearsome beasts that had been closing in on the party froze, ws halting mid-air, their eyes blinking in rm. Even the most ferocious among them seemed to take a cautious step back, looking as though they were mentally rethinking their life choices. The soldiers, too, were frozen, their jaws ck as they watched the transformation unfold. This wasn''t just some ordinary magic boost¡ªthis was a full-blown lightning-fueled glow-up. The light around the knight faded, leaving in its ce an aura of pure, electrifying power. With a confused smile that could have made the sun feel underdressed, the female knight raised her sword, now crackling with raw energy, and gave it a testing swing. Bolts of lightning surged through the air with a sound like thunder, and in a single sh, a storm of pure electricity tore through the beasts, electrifying them. Argider, standing somewhat awkwardly beside her empowered female knight, cleared her throat. "Ah...well," she stammered, "good job¡­team?" Chapter 30 Beautiful Female Knight Wait, hold up¡ªwho was this stunningly beautiful female knight? How had Argider missed her? Then again, she''d been a little preupied with, you know, miserable royal training, but wow. Gyat damn. The woman nced down at Argider, and oh boy, was she tall¡ªeasily towering over her, maybe even over Esmeralda! And before she could process that, Argider felt herself swept off her feet, a strong arm looping around her waist as the knight effortlessly scooped her up, carrying her like some fairytale princess. Argider''s cheeks flushed, and she looked up at her mysterious, very tall rescuer. With a firm but surprisingly gentle tone, the knight said, "Allow me to return the favor." And then, they were off. Carried at a near-superhuman speed through the battlefield, Argider felt the ground practically disappear beneath them. The knight moved with such speed and strength, it was like being whisked away by the wind itself¡ªgraceful, quick, and wow. "She''s¡­ really handsome," Argider muttered, half in awe, half in a daze. Around them, soldiers stopped in their tracks, watching as the knight charged ahead. Her strikes against the beasts were swift and precise, each blow infused with a level of power that left the enemy staggering, even though she seemed to rely more on raw strength than any overt magic. She moved like a force of nature, and Argider could only hang on, marveling at this knight who clearly needed no enchantments to get the job done. The bearded man infront was clearly angry. He marched forward, and Argider yelped, hanging on tighter to the woman. "W-Wait, he''sing!" "Don''t worry, your Imperial Majesty," she reassured as she went head on to the man. Uzak and Denzelle supported her from behind, killing the remaining beasts. Then afterwards, the three of them went againt the man. Uh oh. Trouble with a capital T. The bearded man ahead did not look pleased. His eyes zed, his footsteps thundered, and Argider yelped, clinging tighter to her knightly savior. "W-Wait, he''sing!" she stammered, fully prepared to watch this hulking menace tten the both of them. The knight didn''t so much as blink, merely giving Argider a calm smile. "Don''t worry, Your Imperial Majesty," she said, her tone soposed it was practically a luby. Then she spun around¡ªstill holding Argider¡ªand marched straight toward the fuming mountain of muscle. What the fuck? Wait! Argider thought. This was no time for serene confidence! She could practically feel the man''s rage rolling toward them like a rogue wave. It was a level of fury that could singe eyebrows at ten paces. Just as Argider was about to shriek something very un-regal, Uzak and Denzelle charged forward from behind, dispatching thest of the snarling beasts with brutal efficiency, clearing the way to the real showdown. Now it was the three of them against one, granted, veryrge, man. The knight shifted her grip, readying Argider like a small, nervous potato in her arms. She leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, "Hang tight, Your Majesty. We''re about to make him wish he''d stayed in bed this morning." Argider blinked, gripping the knight''s armor as if her life depended on it¡ªwhich,e to think of it, it probably did. And with her unlikely trio of defenders now nking her, Argider felt an unfamiliar surge of courage¡ªwell, at least enough to not faint immediately. With a steely nod, she clenched her fists, letting the knight, and the much morebat-inclined Uzak and Denzelle, advance, hoping they''d take care of business before that beard got too close forfort. The man, practically vibrating with fury, whipped out not one but two swords, clearlymitted to making a point. He lunged at the Female Knight, face twisted in a mix of contempt and pure frustration. "Hmph! You''re nothing but an annoyance! Learn your ce already!" he snarled. What followed was a dazzling dance of swords and fury. Sparks flew with every sh, lighting up the battlefield in a stato of furious light. The Female Knight, quick as lightning and just as sharp, parried and dodged each of his wild attacks with ease, all while holding Argider safely in one arm. She made the whole thing look effortless¡ªlike brawling with an angry bear was just her morning warm-up. Infuriated, the man tried to regain the upper hand, shouting in absolute rage, "Where the hell is the emperor?! Why is this puny girl here?!" The Female Knight didn''t even blink, replying coolly, "This is the emperor." The man froze, his brain doing what looked like some serious gymnastics toprehend this. He stumbled backward, then, deciding he''d had enough of exnations, roared with renewed rage. "Fine! I''ll damn well kill all of you!" And with that, heunched himself forward, both swords raised, determined to make a scene that no one would forget. The man swung his swords with the fury of a rabid boar, each sh more frenzied than thest. When his de crashed down hard against the Female Knight''s, her grip wavered, but she held steady, blocking his blow with a smirk. "You''re quite the fool, aren''t you?" Her tone cut sharper than any de, and the man practically turned red with offense. "What the hell are you talking about, woman?!" he spat, and for good measure, actually spat¡ªright onto her boots.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om In response, the woman summoned a surge of lightning, although its potency was understandably weaker. She relied heavily on her physical prowess, but the newly discovered magic added a potent edge to her attacks. The sh of swords resulted in the connection of the lightning, which coursed through both des. The man''s screams filled the air as the electricity coursed through his body, rendering him incapacitated. Despite the attack''s potency, the male adversary fell unconscious but fortunately remained alive. The female knight knelt down, checking the man''s pulse to ensure he was still breathing. "Now we''ve got a new friend to answer a few questions." The chaos slowly subsided, and with a sense of relief, Argider was carefully set down on her feet. "What''s your name?" Argider asked, her eyes studying the woman before her. Fialova Tiodor, ever respectful, knelt down before the emperor, her voice filled with gratitude as she replied, "I thank you for this gift, Your Imperial Majesty. I am Fialova Tiodor." "I see, I-" The conversation was abruptly interrupted as a sudden headache struck Argider, causing her words to falter mid-sentence. She winced slightly, her hand instinctively raising to rub her temple in an attempt to alleviate the difort. ¡ª [WARNING!] ¡ª [Mana Depravation Alert!] ¡ª [You''re Losing Consciousness!] As Argider''s vision faded to ck, she toppled like a sack of royal potatoes, the ground making an ufortably solid impression against her back. Soldiers scrambled around her in a flurry of rm, voices rising in panicked yelps as their emperor sumbed, quite ungracefully, to exhaustion. All that action had clearly taken its toll, and while she hadn''t lifted a weapon herself, even observing the whole ordeal had drained her¡ªspiritually, emotionally, and apparently, physically. And, really, wasn''t an unconscious emperor''s nap well-earned? So, naturally, she found herself drifting into another one of those wildly dramatic dreams, the ones filled with foreboding shadows, haunting visions of bloodlines lost, and maternal nightmares she''d sooner battle a hundred brutes than admit to. In the swirling depths of her imagination, Argider floundered, haunted by flickers of fear she barely even admitted to herself. Then, something strange and almostughably gentle cut through the storm¡ªa soothing caress, soft and tender, brushing away the darkness as if it were a pesky piece of lint. Thefort of the touch was almost otherworldly. "Your Imperial Majesty, are you alright?" The voice was low and calm, threading through the dream. When Argider''s eyes fluttered open, thest thing she expected was to find herself under a modest tent canopy, staring up at the very real, very close face of none other than Fialova. Argider jolted, her face turning a bright crimson. This woman really has no concept of personal space, does she? she thought with a stab of indignation. She was supposed to be an emperor, after all¡ªa proper emperor, who had wives, no less! Not that it was a romantic thing, she reminded herself hastily. It was entirely ceremonial, entirely respectable, and utterlycking in tender, face-touching proximity. "Y-Yes, I''m fine," she stammered, trying to sit up with as much dignity as one can after fainting. "What¡­ what are you doing here?" Fialova blinked at her, thoroughly unimpressed by the flustered reply. "You were whimpering in your sleep," she answered matter-of-factly. "Just my usual nightmare..." the emperor admitted, feeling somewhat embarrassment for revealing such a tender side of her. "If I might ask, how did you¡­ do that? You know, give me magic?" Fialova asked, her tone calm but her eyes gleaming with curiosity. Argider cleared her throat, trying to conjure some imperial dignity. "Ah, well, it''s this new magical attribute I''ve acquired. Apparently, it requires¡­ uh, some kind of emotional connection." Fialova raised an eyebrow, considering this. "Emotional connection? But we''ve never really had one, have we?" Argider opened her mouth, then froze as the memory hit her like a lightning bolt¡ªquite literally. She had felt something when she''d transferred the power. An electric jolt, a tingle in her skin¡­ Her face flushed furiously as it dawned on her. "Oh gods," she muttered, horrified. The "connection" had happened when she''d identally touched Fialova''s¡­ bosom. The memory sizzled embarrassingly through her brain, every mortifying detail bright and clear. "Your Majesty?" Fialova prompted, her brow creasing. "Are you quite alright?" "Yes, yes, I just¡ª" Argider spluttered, her face red as her robes. "Just... realizing the power of a momentary¡­ uh,pse in judgment!" Fialova tilted her head, clearly unbothered by whatever drama was unfolding in Argider''s mind. Chapter 31 Seducing The Female Knight With A... Massage? Celibacy, celibacy! she chanted internally like it was a holy mantra that might save her from herself. But was this even about celibacy? No. It was aboutmitment. Sure, any other emperor could juggle wives and concubines like political chess pieces without anyone batting an eye. But Argider? Oh no, she had to go and be a woman now. Itplicated things. Could concubines even count if you weren''t a man? Wait, why was she even thinking about wives? She barely knew Fialova! In an attempt to steer her spiraling thoughts back onto a safer path, Argider blurted out, "W-Where are the others?" "Outside," Fialova replied coolly, her demeanor calm and collected¡ªa sharp contrast to Argider''s frazzled state. Then, without missing a beat, the soldier dropped a bombshell. "From now on, I''ll swear myself entirely to you, Your Majesty. You''ve given me such a blessing, so please, let me be by your side forever." Argider flinched so hard that she felt like she nearly fell off. What?! That sounded ufortably close to a proposal! Her brain scrambled like a panicked cat on a slippery floor. She wanted to say something¡ªanything¡ªto defuse this, but instead, all she could think about was how badly she wanted to... No. No, no, no! Be a proper Emperor! "Hahaha," sheughed, the sound forced and as awkward as her posture. "That''s... sweet of you." Fialova tilted her head, her bright eyes filled with concern. "Seeing all that bloodshed must''ve traumatized you, Your Majesty. Let mefort you." Comfort?! rm bells rang in Argider''s mind like a chaotic symphony. What kind of fort" was Fialova offering here? Because Argider''s imagination had a talent for sprinting directly to the wrong conclusion. If she were still a man, this whole situation would''ve already spiraled into something... less appropriate. Besides, she really did wantfort and craved it. "C-Comfort?" Argider croaked, voice betraying her. "What do you mean byfort?" As if answering the question with actions rather than words, Fialova moved behind her and ced strong yet surprisingly gentle hands on Argider''s shoulders. Oh. That kind offort. Not scandalous at all. Just a massage. Argider felt a mix of relief and mortification as Fialova worked magic on her tense muscles, her hands gliding with a precision that should''ve been reserved for battle strategies. Argider sighed deeply, all her tension melting away as she slumped forward like a poorly constructed marite. "By the gods..." she muttered under her breath. "You''re good at this." "My mother used to do this for me when I was upset," Fialova exined with the earnestness of someone who had no idea her words were making Argider feel increasingly guilty. Argider winced internally. And here I was having indecent thoughts. She''s just so pure! And somehow oblivious. Almost... adorable. "Are you single?" The words slipped out of Argider''s mouth before her brain could stop them. What the hell?! she thought, horror dawning on her. Did I just ask that out loud? Fialova blinked, startled. "I''ve never been in any sort of romance. My family is a strict military household. Even the women are trained soldiers. There was no time for such things." "Ah, that exins it," Argider said, trying desperately to y it cool. "You just seem, well... oblivious." "Oblivious to what?" Fialova asked, her head tilting again like a curious puppy. "To, uh, anything romantic," Argider rified, feeling the edges of herposure fray. Fialova''s face turned a spectacr shade of crimson, her hands flying to cover her cheeks. "R-Romantic?! Does someone like me?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Argider groaned inwardly. How was it possible for someone to be both a lethal warrior and this embarrassingly innocent? One moment, Fialova was a picture of deadly efficiency, and the next, she was stumbling over the mere mention of romance. It was enough to make Argider question her life choices. And her oaths. Celibacy, her mind whispered desperately. Celibacy! But... was one slip really so bad? Argider''s lips curled into a smirk as a mischievous idea formed in her mind. Was it dignified? Absolutely not. Was it exactly what her fraying nerves needed? Oh, absolutely. "Hey," she said casually, leaning back on her elbows with a rxed air that betrayed the storm brewing beneath. "Can you massage my legs, thighs, and feet?" Fialova blinked, a hint of confusion shing in her bright eyes. "As you wish, Your Majesty." She dropped to her knees without a moment''s hesitation, her calloused hands beginning to work on Argider''s feet. The sensation was surprisingly soothing, her skilled fingers kneading out knots Argider hadn''t realized were there. Argider let out a quiet sigh of contentment, watching Fialova''s focused expression as she moved from her toes to her ankles. But when Fialova''s hands reached her knees and halted, Argider arched a brow. "Go higher." Fialova froze. "H-Higher?" Her cheeks flushed pink, and she hesitated before letting her fingers drift tentatively to the hem of Argider''s dress. "Yes," Argider said firmly, her voice calm butced with a quiet authority. "Higher." With a visible gulp, Fialova obeyed, her hands sliding cautiously up Argider''s calves, then her thighs. Her fingers hesitated just below mid-thigh, trembling slightly. The soldier''s blush deepened, a stark contrast to her otherwise coolposure. Argider bit back a grin, reveling in the rare sight of the formidable warrior unraveling. As Fialova worked, her thoughts betrayed her. The emperor¡ªnow a woman¡ªwas undeniably stunning. There was a delicate quality to Argider, a femininity that made her seem untouchable, like a porcin doll or a flower blooming in a forbidden garden. Fialova''s rough, sword-worn hands felt almost unworthy of touching such beauty. And yet, here she was, her fingers gliding along impossibly smooth skin that bore none of the scars of war she herself carried. "What are you hesitating for?" Argider asked, her tone casual but with a hint of teasing. Her gaze, however, was sharp, and it pinned Fialova in ce. If she were still a man, Argider mused, this would''ve been a much different situation¡ªand possibly one requiring a lot less patience. "I¡ªyes, Your Majesty." Fialova''s hands slid a fraction higher, the action apanied by an audible gasp. Her fingers brushed the outer edges of Argider''s thighs, and she could feel her own pulse quickening as though she were walking into enemy territory unarmed. Then Fialova made the mistake of ncing up. Argider''s expression was unreadable, her eyes half-lidded but focused intently on her. There was something in that gaze¡ªa mixture of curiosity and intent¡ªthat made Fialova''s breath hitch. And suddenly, realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. "Your Imperial Majesty," Fialova stammered, her voice wavering. "Did you ask me that question earlier because... because you''re trying to seduce me?" The moment the words left her mouth, she panicked. What have I done?! I''m going to be executed for this! Argider tilted her head, her smirk widening into something both yful and predatory. "What if I am?" she asked, her voice low and dangerously smooth. Before Fialova could respond, Argider''s hand shot out and captured one of Fialova''s. The sudden contact sent a jolt through the soldier, leaving her wide-eyed and speechless. "I..." Fialova stuttered, her usual confidence crumbling like a poorly made barricade. Please say yes, Argider thought, her heart pounding in anticipation. Logic and oaths be damned¡ªshe didn''t care about the consequences right now. The need for closeness, forfort, for something to break through theyers of duty and repression was overwhelming. It was a terrible idea. Reckless. Maybe even scandalous. But as Argider leaned forward, her face inches from Fialova''s, she couldn''t bring herself to care. Chapter 32 The System Forced Her Into Marriage?! WARNING! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Suddenly, Argider''s body betrayed her. She couldn''t move. Her limbs, which moments ago had been so bold, now felt like they were weighed down by invisible chains. She blinked, confused, as if trying to will herself forward. Why can''t I move?! she screamed internally. Across from her, Fialova had closed her eyes, her expression serene but expectant. Her lips, slightly parted, seemed to invite Argider closer. The scene could''ve been plucked straight from the kind of courtly romance tales Argider secretly rolled her eyes at but secretly devoured. And yet, here she was, the Emperor herself, frozen like a statue. Argider''s mind raced. What''s happening?! Or¡ªby the gods¡ªdid someone cast some sort of binding spell on me?! Her panic only deepened as Fialova, blissfully unaware of her inner turmoil, remained perfectly still, waiting. ¡ª [PUNISHMENT FLAG] ¡ª [Whomever The User Attempts To Seduce & Touch Outside Marriage, They Must Take Responsibility And Be Cursed To Marry Them. Thus, They Must Be Committed And Must Commit] ¡ª [No Mistresses Allowed. No Concubines. Only Wives.] Argider''s breath hitched as realization struck her like a p to the face. Wait a moment... Was she actually seeing this? Her heart sank as an unmistakable glimmer appeared in the air, a faint shimmer she recognized all too well. The System. That meddling, overbearing, sanctimonious pile of cosmic coding! Her very own weakness. Her Achilles'' heel. Commitment. The one thing she had sessfully dodged for most of her chaotic, emperor-turned-empress life. And now, of all moments, the sted System was stepping in to shove her face-first into the one thing she feared most. She just wanted temporaryfort for one night! I can''t stay still with one! she whined internally. What if I get bored? Or what if they get bored? Or worse¡ªwhat if they stay and I ruin everything?! ¡ª [If Wives Are Not Treated Equally And Loved, Severe Punishments Will Come.] "Fuck..." Fialova''s eyes widened, her blush deepening as she shifted ufortably. "Is something wrong, Your Majesty?" she asked softly, a touch of nervousness creeping into her voice. "I... I thought you were going to kiss me." The embarrassment in her tone was enough to make Argider want to crawl under the nearest rug and live there for the rest of her imperial life. "I¡ªuh¡ªno! I mean, yes? Wait, no!" Argider stammered, her voice cracking in a way that would''ve been endearing if it weren''t so mortifying. Fialova tilted her head, confused, her hands still resting awkwardly in herp. "Your Majesty, are you... feeling unwell?" "Unwell?!" Argider squeaked, throwing her hands in the air as if that would exin away her predicament. "No, I''m perfectly fine! Just... having a small existential crisis is all! Happens all the time. Emperor stuff, you know?" ¡ª [MAJOR TASK ALERT] ¡ª [Propose To Fialova & Turn Them Into A Fiance] ¡ª [Time Remaining: Five Days] Argider''s jaw practically hit the floor. "Five days?!" she blurted, her voice rising an octave. "Are you out of your damn, glitch-ridden mind?!" Fialova blinked at her outburst, looking even more bewildered. "Your Majesty? Did I... do something wrong?" "No, no, not you!" Argider snapped, waving her hands frantically as if trying to shoo away the hovering text. "It''s¡ªugh! Never mind!" She shot the System''s notification a withering re, as though sheer indignation could make it disappear. Of course, it didn''t. Her thoughts spiraled into chaos. How in the world was she supposed to propose to Fialova, of all people? She barely knew her! Yes, the woman was stunning and loyal and had hands skilled enough to undo a lifetime of tension, but that wasn''t the point. She didn''t wantmitment. She wantedfort. Nightlyfort. Fleeting, no-strings-attached, emotionally uplicatedfort. Where was Alvator when she needed him?! Sure, they''d fought earlier, but that didn''t mean he could just vanish during an imperial-level crisis like this! He was still her guide, wasn''t he? "You called?" came a smooth, faintly smug voice inside her head. Argider nearly yelped, spinning around as the sleek, ck form of Alvator materialized out of nowhere. The cat stretchedzily, his white eyes gleaming with amusement. ''Help me over here!'' Argider practically screamed in her thoughts, her panic palpable. "Hmph," Alvator sniffed, sitting primly and curling his tail around his paws. "Now you ask for my help." ''Look!'' she pleaded, ncing nervously at Fialova, who was watching her with growing confusion. ''I''m sorry about before! I didn''t mean to argue, okay? But I really, really need your help right now!''N?v(el)B\\jnn The cat regarded her for a long moment, clearly savoring her desperation. Then, with a dramatic sigh, he relented. "Fine," he said, his voice echoing smoothly in her mind. "Here''s what you do: Tell her you''re interested in her. That you want her to be your fianc¨¦e. Be sincere, tell her you''ll give her a few days to decide, and that you respect her space." ''What if she says no?'' Argider asked, panic still bubbling beneath herposed exterior. Alvator''s whiskers twitched. "Then the System has to respect it. Even its meddling has limits." Oh. So that was it! All she had to do was hope¡ªpray¡ªthat Fialova would reject her. This wasn''t just a n; it was a lifeline. Her resolve firmed, and she suddenly sped Fialova''s hands tightly in her own. "I''m sorry," she said, her voice trembling just enough to sound authentic. "I didn''t want to kiss you anymore because... because I don''t want to do anything before marriage." Fialova''s confusion deepened, her lips parting in surprise. "The truth is," Argider continued, her voice soft but sincere, "I fell in love with you the moment you saved me. You were so beautiful, so brave. Any man would be lucky to have you. But... I really want tomit this time. I want to do things the right way. And I don''t want you to feel forced." She took a deep breath, her hands tightening around Fialova''s. "I''ll wait three days for your response, okay?" She gazed deeply into Fialova''s eyes, forcing every ounce of sincerity she could muster into her next words. "Marry me!" "E-Eh?!" Fialova''s gasp was almostical, her cheeks instantly turning a brilliant shade of red. "Your Majesty... you... you fell in love with me?!" Argider nodded solemnly, though inside her head she was screaming, Please say no, please say no, PLEASE say no! Chapter 33 Curses!... And Kisses? "Yes!" Fialova answered with blinding enthusiasm. ¡ª [MAJOR TASKED FINISHED SUCCESSFULLY!] ¡ª [Punishments Has Been Revoked!] ¡ª [You Have Gained A New Rtionship Status: Fialova - Fifth Wife] ¡ª [Personality Trait: Extraversion ?? +10 EXP!] Argider froze. Wait, what? Did she really just agree to marry her¡ªwithout even pretending to agonize over it for three days, as she dictated? They barely knew each other! Then again, Argider had never really known any of her wives. Arranged marriages had that effect. But this one? Oh, this one wasn''t just arranged¡ªit was system-mandated. "W-Wait! I said you could think about it!" Argider stammered, clinging to herst shred of control. "I did think about it," Fialova said, her grip on Argider''s hand firm and unyielding. "I said I''d stay by your side forever. Marriage means I can stay forever, right?" "But you''ll lose your status as a knight!" Argider sputtered. Fialova shrugged, her face glowing with a loyalty so pure it bordered on criminal. "I don''t care. You''ve given me something permanent in my life, so let me be permanent in yours." Argider felt her jaw tighten. This girl''s unwavering dedication was...irritating. And guilt-inducing. She''d never met anyone so ready to pledge their entire existence to her, and frankly, it was exhausting. Whoever raised this girl had done an excellent job. Too excellent. Clearly, they''d set the bar low for self-preservation. In the middle of her mental spiral, Alvator''s voice casually intruded. Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention¡ªthe system pped a tiny little curse on you. Forces you intomitment. Just a smidge. What. Argider''s eye twitched. That exined...too much. She felt the sting of impending tears but held them back because royalty did not cry over cursed matchmaking systems. Meanwhile, Fialova was looking up at her with the kind of hopefulness you''d see in a puppy begging for table scraps. "Um, does this mean I can kiss you now?" "K-Kiss me?" Argider echoed, voice wobbling. "Well, I... I don''t really know how to do, uh, bed activities," Fialova admitted, looking uncharacteristically sheepish. Honestly, she resembled a newlywed husband from an overly sappy bard''s tale. "W-We can''t do that yet!" Argider blurted. "We need to...get married first! And then...and then consummate or something!" She was blushing furiously now, wishing the earth would swallow her whole. Can I kiss her? Argider mentally pinged Alvator in desperation. The thought of iming Fialova''s lips had wormed its way into her mind, and she wasn''t sure how to evict it. Fine, but no funny business, Alvator sighed. And definitely no body activities. Argider groaned, her frustration simmering to a boil. Of all the things she had faced¡ªpolitical schemes, impossible quests, that one time a rogue potato almost took her out¡ªthis was the most confounding: she had absolutely no idea how to navigate "bedly activities" with another woman. She cursed herck of education in this department. If only Callista were here. Callista always knew what to do, especially when it came to situations requiring charm and seduction. Homosexuality wasn''t exactly taboo in their kingdom, but it wasn''t paraded through the streets with fanfare either. Tradition frowned politely in its general direction while pretending not to see it. And here she was¡ªan emperor, for gods'' sake¡ªiling like a fish tossed onnd. To make matters worse, her body was betraying her. She was pent-up, touch-starved, and teetering on the edge of madness. The need for some kind of intimacy wed at her insides. She wasn''t asking for much¡ªa hug, a cuddle, maybe a forehead kiss if the gods were feeling generous. But then, her gaze fell on Fialova. The knight sat there, eyes closed, her expression serene yet expectant. Was she...was she waiting for something? Argider leaned closer, her breath hitching. Focus. Study the face first, then proceed. That was the n. Her eyes traced Fialova''s features: the soft curve of her cheeks, the delicate slope of her nose, the lips¡ªthose soft, inviting lips. She moved in hesitantly and pressed her mouth against them, gentle at first. Fialova shivered beneath her, a reaction so adorably pure that Argider''s heart did a somersault. She moved her lips slightly, coaxing a response, but Fialova''s attempts to kiss back were...well, "awkward" would be putting it kindly. It was like the girl didn''t know what to do or where to push. Argider pulled back, her brows furrowing. "Fialova...y-you don''t know how to kiss?" The girl shook her head, her face glowing red. "Teach me," she whispered, her voice barely audible. And then, without warning, she grabbed Argider by the hips and pulled her into herp. Oh gods. Argider''s brain short-circuited. Her face buried itself in Fialova''s shoulder as she tried to process what was happening. She was being...bottom''d. Treated like ady. Led. The strange role reversal was so mortifying, so utterly alien to her sense of imperial dignity, that she wanted to crawl under the nearest table and nevere out. But it also felt...nice. So nice that it was undoing years of touch starvation in mere seconds. Swallowing her pride, and most of her self-control, Argider mumbled, "Let''s, um...press our lips together first. Slowly. Get used to it." Fialova nodded obediently. Their lips met again, this time lingering longer. It was soft, warm, and...strangelyforting. "Now...add tongue," Argider said, trying to sound instructional rather than desperate. Fialova''s face went from pink to crimson, but sheplied, hesitantly letting her tongue slip forward. Argider responded, her own tongue meeting Fialova''s in a tender, exploratory dance. The kiss deepened, their breaths mingling, their movements growing more assured. Fialova''s shyness melted away as she became bolder, gripping Argider''s head and pulling her closer. "Mmmph!" Argider squeaked into the kiss as Fialova took the lead with surprising assertiveness. The girl was relentless, her hands firm, her lips and tongue insistent. Fialova wasn''t just kissing her now¡ªshe was iming her. And she wasn''t letting go.N?v(el)B\\jnn Argider''s thoughts spiraled into chaos. This was not the n. Who''s teaching who here?! And yet, a treacherous part of her didn''t want it to stop. Chapter 34 Regrets "W-Wait, that''s enough!" Argider pushed Fialova back, her voice edged with a tension she couldn''t quite control. "Enough, we might¡­ go too far." "What''s wrong with too far?" Fialova asked, her eyes narrowing with dangerous curiosity. Argider faltered, herposure cracking like ss under pressure. "Let''s¡­ leave that for when it''s time. Consummation or¡­ something." She was panicking, truly panicking now. Her heart raced, and her hands trembled as unwee thoughts wed at her resolve. She wanted to pull the woman closer. She wanted to pull her pants off.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om What is wrong with me? She sighed deeply, the weight of guilt settling in her chest. She''d always been scum, hadn''t she? Running to women when she felt like the walls were closing in, no hesitation, no second thoughts. But this time felt different. This time, it felt wrong. "Why are you not reluctant about¡­ submitting to me?" she asked finally, unable to meet Fialova''s gaze. "Because you''re my god," Fialova answered without missing a beat. Argider froze, her stomach doing a flip so dramatic it could have won medals. "Say what?" she choked out. The girl''s utterck of self-respect was both startling and absurd. And it was all because of that magic she''d given her. She ran a hand through her hair, pacing like someone trying to outrun their own thoughts. "I-I am not your god! You''re your own person!" Her words felt clumsy, unconvincing even to herself. Guilt gnawed at her. Kissing Fialova suddenly felt wrong, like she was breaking some unspoken rule she didn''t even know she believed in. Her mind spiraled. Was it because her mother was in danger, and here she was fooling around? Was it because she was starting to care too much? Why did this feel so different? ¡ª [Personality Trait: Neuroticism ?? +10 EXP!] ¡ª [Personality Trait: Agreeableness ?? +10 EXP!] The realization hit her like a p. It was because of her promise. When she died, she''d sworn to her mother, and now her mother might be dead because she was here¡­ doing this. She didn''t want to admit it, but she''d grown attached¡ª to Faeralys, slowly acknowledged her wives, even to the tangled web of her own emotions. Argider sighed, extending a hand to pull her to her feet. "I''m sorry, my dear fianc¨¦. This¡­ doesn''t feel right anymore. Let''s just sleep, okay?" Fialova nodded, and together, they retreated to the bed, the weight of unspoken thoughts settling over them like a shared nket. ******* The next day, they woke to a gray, heavy sky, the kind that made everything below it feel small and insignificant. After a quiet breakfast, they resumed their journey through the city''s charred remains. Argider chose to ride Uzak''s horse instead of taking the carriage, her mood too restless to sit idly. The city was far from expansive, but the devastation made it feel endless. Homesy in ruins, ckened by fire. Ash clung to the air like a ghost that refused to leave. Every turn revealed new horrors¡ªscorched walls, copsed roofs, and worst of all, the unmistakable shapes of bodies scattered in the rubble. Innocent people. Children. Her people. Argider''s throat tightened as a wave of nausea overtook her. "This is¡­" she began, but the words didn''te. Instead, her body betrayed her, and she doubled over, vomiting onto the broken street. Her knights looked away, giving her a moment of privacy, but her shame was a tangible thing, heavy and suffocating. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, trembling. All this time, I''ve been chasing skirts while my own people were being hunted like animals. She clenched her fists. I''m no better than the nobles I despise¡ªlooking down from their cushioned seats while the world burns beneath them. "This is too brutal," Uzak muttered, his usual stoicism giving way to a crack of genuine disgust. "Whoever did this¡­ they''re nothing but savages," one of the knights added, his voice low with anger. "Savages? Ha! Look in the mirror, you Valtirium dogs!" The voice came from behind them¡ªa deep, mocking growl. It was the bearded man they''d captured the day before, now tied up and being dragged along by a rope like an unruly dog. His name was Lhanorio, a captain of the enemy tribe, and he wore his defiance like a badge of honor. "Honestly, fuck you!" One of the female knights, Tina, whirled around and struck him with a punch so hard it sent him sprawling to the ground. The impact echoed in the silence, followed by gasps from herrades. "T-Tina, calm down!" one of the soldiers stammered, rushing to hold her back as she trembled with fury. "You think this is funny?!" Tina snarled, her voice sharp enough to cut. "You think this is some kind of joke?!" "And you think I''m joking, you woman?!" Lhanorio shot back, spitting blood onto the ground. His re was a fire that wouldn''t die. "We''re taking what''s *ours*! You lot are nothing but self-righteous thieves, pretending you save people while you conquer them. You''ve been leeching off ournd for centuries!" Tina broke free of the soldiers holding her back, her fist raised for another strike. Uzak stepped forward, catching her wrist mid-swing. His expression was calm, but the message was clear: *Enough.* She froze, her jaw tight, her breathing ragged. For a moment, she locked eyes with Uzak, then slowly lowered her fist. She turned away, muttering something under her breath. Then, just as everyone began to rx, Tina spun back around and delivered another punch, this one so forceful it made a sickening crack. Lhanorio slumped to the ground, unconscious. "Tina!" someone gasped, but she only spit on the man''s face before stomping away, her steps echoing like thunder. Argider stared after her, momentarily stunned. *That woman¡­* She wasn''t sure if she should be horrified or impressed. *Here I am, whining, and she''s out here punching her way through injustice.* For the first time, she felt a twinge of admiration. Maybe she had underestimated women like Tina. Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden movement ahead. Two small figures emerged from the haze, blurry against the hot, smoky air. The knights immediately drew their swords, tense and alert, but the shapes didn''t move like soldiers¡ªor beasts. "Kids?" Fialova gasped, dismounting her horse and rushing forward. As the figures drew closer, they became clear: two children, a boy and a girl, filthy and battered. The girl clung to the boy''s arm, her tear-streaked face buried against him as they stumbled forward. "H-Help!" the boy cried, his voice breaking. The girl said nothing, only sobbing uncontrobly as her legs buckled beneath her. Both children were bruised and trembling, their clothes torn and bloodied. Uzak was the first to reach them, crouching low. "What happened? Where are your parents?" "They¡­ they took Mama and Papa!" the boy wailed, clutching his sister tightly as if letting go would make her vanish too. Argider''s chest tightened again, but this time, it wasn''t guilt¡ªit was rage. Whatever savages had done this, they would pay. Chapter 35 Fooled The procession wove through the grim remnants of ughter, an uncanny silence nketing the ruin. Soldiers shepherded the two children forward, hands mped over small eyes to shield them from the horrors strewn across the ground. Corpses, twisted and torn, sprawled in grotesque poses. The mayor''s grand building, once a symbol of order, nowy in a heap of rubble, indistinguishable from the chaos around it. Some soldiers knelt to examine the fallen, their faces hardening at the signs of savagery. The injuries weren''t clean cuts or bullet wounds¡ªthey were ragged, as though inflicted by jaws. Beasts. It had to be the forest animals. The Peliotus tribe had always been intertwined with the wild, their bloodlines bound to creatures of the shadowed woods. This... this was their work, their curse. The group pressed onward, leaving the shattered city behind, its cracked stone streets giving way to the softer paths of the farnds. Here, too, devastation reigned. Crops had been trampled, fields burned to ash. The expanse stretched out bleak and empty, a graveyard of toil and harvest. Ahead, towering trees loomed, their branches twisting like gnarled ws. Their dense canopy strangled the sunlight, casting the road in an unnatural gloom. "Are we close?" one soldier asked, his voice hushed as though afraid to disturb the oppressive quiet. The boy, perched on his shoulder, nodded solemnly. His small hand rose, pointing toward the shadowed treeline ahead. The soldiers marched on, gs raised high, a feeble assertion of purpose amidst encroaching dread. The air grew thick, stifling. Though the sun was smothered by leaves, an unnatural heat seemed to swell, seeping through theyers of armor and flesh. Darkness reigned here, not the soothing kind of night, but a suffocating, sentient presence. The column of soldiers halted abruptly as the boy shifted, an unnatural energy rippling through his small frame. "What''s wrong?" the soldier asked, ncing back. Stab! A dagger slid deep into his skull. The child along leapt from his shoulders with a feral swiftness, disappearing into the trees. The soldier''s body crumpled, lifeless. Gasps echoed as the same fate befell another soldier, the other young girl driving a de into his throat before darting away, a ghost among shadows. The others froze, disbelief and horror rooting them to the spot. Blood pooled beneath the fallen men, dark and glistening in the dim light. Their eyes were wide, ssy with the shock of betrayal, their souls extinguished in an instant. The children¡ªthey had turned, swift and merciless. Those small hands, those innocent eyes... the illusion was shattered. In the stifling air, a new dread began to blossom, whispering of a deeper darkness still toe. "Y-Your Majesty, we may have fallen into a tr¡ª" Uzak''s warning choked off, his voice swallowed by a sinister shift in the forest''s shadows. Then, dozens of eyes flickered to life amidst the gloom, glinting like shards of ss. Argider''s breath hitched, a cold knot forming in her chest. Panic swelled as realization wed its way through her mind. Those children¡ªthose small, trembling hands she''d sought to shield¡ªhad been traitors. But why? They''d seemed so ordinary, so vulnerable. And yet, as the treeline stirred, the truth loomed monstrous before her. Men emerged from the dense tangle of branches, their forms massive and unyielding. They were fewer than the Valtirium army, but their sheer size and presence eclipsed any advantage in numbers. They moved with an unsettling ease, as if this wasn''t battle but some twisted game they relished. "Kill the Valtirium bastards!" a guttural voice roared from among the Peliotus warriors, their words slicing through the tense air like a de. Chaos erupted. Argider''s gaze darted wildly, her thoughts a storm of fury and betrayal. This wasn''t just a skirmish¡ªit was a reckoning, and the forest itself seemed to exult in the ambush. Leaves whispered secrets to the advancing enemy, shadows wrapped around them like cloaks, and the suffocating heat grew heavier, oppressive. The enemy''sughter echoed, low and mocking, their massive forms closing the distance with feral precision. The Valtirium soldiers readied their weapons, but their formation was already breaking, uncertainty and fear spreading like wildfire. Argider''s hands tightened on the hilt of her sword. She couldn''t afford to falter. Not here. Not now. As the first sh of steel erupted, she shouted amand into the chaos, her voice a desperate plea to rally her forces: "Stand your ground! Fight!" As the soldier stepped back, an unsettling sensation crept over him. His shadow¡ªno, not just his shadow, something darker¡ªseemed to stretch out, growingrger, more menacing with each step. He paused, a chill skittering down his spine. Was it a trick of the sky? "Commander Uzak!" a soldier cried out, his voice high with terror, as the enemy descended upon them. Slowly, he tilted his head upward, and his blood ran cold. Above him loomed a monstrous form, saliva dripping from jagged jaws. Massive teeth, gleaming and razor-sharp, filled a mouth that could consume him whole. And the eyes¡ªthose terrible, bloodshot scowl¡ªstared down at him with a hunger beyond anything human. They looked raw and primal¡ªhaving an evident sign of insatiable bloodlust in its eyes. "Grrrr¡­" The soldier stumbled, his bravado shattered as he fell to his knees. "What the fuck?!" It stepped forward, each footfall sending vibrations through the ground. "Human..." the beast growled, its voice low and unearthly.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "NO!" His voice cracked as he tried to scramble away. One massive paw pressed him down like an insect, holding him in ce with effortless cruelty. Their pleas turned to frantic screams as their jaws closed around him, each head tearing into his flesh, shredding him apart in a bloody frenzy until he was nothing but a smear of blood and bone in the mud and ate each piece of him. Blood sprayed across the battlefield in crimson arcs, staining the churned earth as screams of the dying painted a symphony of despair. Among the chaos, Lhanorio stood, bound but defiant, his wildughter piercing the cacophony like a de. "Hah! Yes! Grind these Valtirium dogs into the dirt!" he roared, his voice a feral snarl, teeth bared like a wolf that knew its end but would dieughing. His words were spat into the storm of carnage, even as the blood-soaked air seemed to choke out hope itself. "Take these ropes off me!" Lhanorio bellowed, his fury an inferno behind his eyes. His body trembled against his restraints, not from fear, but from the rage of a man robbed of his sword. Figures moved toward him¡ªwarriors d in battered armor, faces shadowed by the smoke of burning flesh. For a fleeting moment, there was a spark of belief in his gaze. But as the glint of their des caught the blood-red sun, he understood. "You dare?" he growled, his voice dropping to a venomous whisper. One of the men sneered, the words venomous and cold. "You are undeserving." The sword came down in a single, brutal arc, and Lhanorio''s defiance was silenced. Blood sprayed in a sickening fan, and his head tumbled to the ground, the look of mockery still etched into his face. Argider froze, her chest seizing as bile rose in her throat. "No¡­" she whispered, stumbling backward as her stomach clenched. She had witnessed death before, but this¡ªthis was monstrous. The severed head rolled to her feet, eyes dulling, mouth slightly ajar as though it stillughed at the absurdity of it all. Argider couldn''t hold it back. She turned, vomiting into the dirt, her trembling hands wing at the ground as if to anchor herself to reality. "Monsters," she muttered through ragged breaths, tears streaking her ash-covered face. "They''re fucking monsters¡­" Ah, everything was guilt-inducing these days, wasn''t it? Soldiers were out there dying for her, the Emperor, and she couldn''t wrap her head around it. The sheer weight of it all pressed against her chest like an unrelenting storm. Was she deserving of their sacrifice? Absolutely not, or so she thought. Every cmity seemed to trace back to her¡ªlike a chaos ma in royal regalia. "Your Imperial Majesty!" came Fialova''s urgent voice, cutting through the din. In a sh of electric brilliance, she zapped a pair of snarling beasts mid-pounce with her new lightning magic. Sparks danced in the air as Fialova slid to a stop, arms wrapping firmly around Argider''s waist in a way that was almost too practiced. "Ah!" Argider yelped, her thoughtspletely derailed. Her golden eyes blinked wide as she stared at her savior. "F-Fialova, what on earth¡ª?!" "Why do you look so shocked?" Fialova''s grin was practically glowing. "I am your fianc¨¦e, after all." The soldiers nearby froze as one. Every single head snapped toward the pair, their expressions a mix of bewilderment, rm, and...was that suppressed judgement? "W-Wait!" Argider iled, her voice rising an octave. "It''s not what you think! I''m not fooling around, I swear!" The soldiers didn''t look convinced. A few exchanged knowing nces, and one even coughed suspiciously into his gauntlet. Argider buried her burning face in her hands. This day just kept getting worse. Chapter 36 Crimson "Over there!" A sharp, youthful voice sliced through the chaos like an arrow, demanding attention with an urgency that left no room for hesitation. Heads turned as one, their gazes locking onto the boy¡ªno older than thirteen¡ªwhose ragged breath barely betrayed his steel-like resolve. It was that same boy they took in. And this was no ordinary child. He bore the unmistakable signs of a young Peliotus Warrior: lean but powerful muscles, a cold fire in his eyes, and a stance that spoke of deadly precision. The Peliotus were infamous, whispered about in dread-soaked taverns and sung of in grim battle chants¡ªwarriors forged in the crucible of discipline before they could walk, trained to fight as fiercely as the beasts they tamed. "Tch, the brat was from the Peliotus," Tina spat, her voice trembling with equal parts irritation and dread. Her fists clenched, knuckles whitening around the hilt of her de as she eyed the boy like he was a viper poised to strike. "Yeah, no mistaking it," Uzak muttered, gritting his teeth as his sword nged against the hefty de of a seasoned Peliotus warrior¡ªa mountain of a man whose every swing left a storm in its wake. "I-I''ve heard the stories! Kids trained to slit throats before they learn their l..letters. T-Tradition, honor, or whatever... Sounds more like cruelty to me!" "Cruelty?" The towering warrior before himughed¡ªa sound as bitter and sharp as shattered iron. "You speak of cruelty, Valtirium dog? You, whose people burn viges for sport and call it justice? Tyrants like you don''t get to preach." The warrior''s words were punctuated by the symphony of battle: the ring of steel against steel, the sickening thud of flesh meeting earth, the anguished cries of soldiers swallowed by the unforgiving tide. Blood slicked the ground beneath the towering trees, seeping into roots that had drunk their fill of centuries of violence. The air reeked of iron and death, thick enough to choke even the most seasoned of fighters. And yet, the true terrory beyond the sh of swords. In the shadows lurked the beasts, their glowing eyes piercing through the murk. Some were norger than wolves, cunning and swift, while others towered like nightmares given flesh¡ªhulking abominations of ws and teeth, their fur matted with gore. The ground trembled as one particrly massive dire wolf prowled into view, its maw dripping with the remnants of itstest kill. The warriors, skilled though they were, became prey under the canopy of blood-stained leaves. Men were crushed beneath the weight of the monstrous warriors or¡ªwhen fate was feeling especially cruel¡ªripped apart by the jaws of the ravenous beasts. The Peliotus made no distinction between life and death; every fallen foe was but sustenance for their war-boundpanions. As the boy raised his spear¡ªa weapon toorge for his slender frame but wielded with terrifying ease¡ªhe called out again, his voice cutting through the storm of battle like a promise of doom. "For Peliotus! For the unyielding!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Uzak and Tina exchanged a nce, their breaths ragged but their resolve unbroken. "We''re not making it out of this one alive, are we?" Tina whispered, a smirk ghosting across her lips despite the despair. Uzak grinned, though the weight of the dire wolf''s shadow loomed over him. "If we''re going down, we''ll make sure they remember us." "How boring," came a voice, cutting through the chaotic symphony of battle with the calm disdain of someone observing a tedious chore. It was Denzelle. He stood off to the side, his posture rxed, arms crossed, as though the carnage around him were little more than a passing inconvenience. The others couldn''t help but side-eye him, their expressions a mix of disbelief and exasperation. "The hell are you talking about, Denzelle?" Tina snapped, her de gleaming with fresh blood as she whipped her head toward him. "You''ve barely fought!" He sighed, his head tilting slightly as if her usation were a particrly dull riddle. "These people," he began, gesturingzily to the battlefield strewn with bodies, "are just a bunch of lower rankers. Cannon fodder. Probably eager to curry favor with their so-called lord." Tina bristled, her knuckles whitening around her sword hilt. "And you would know this how, exactly?" Denzelle smirked faintly. "I read, Tina. You should try it sometime." Of course, he would know. As the third son of the illustrious Arctera household¡ªschrs whose knowledge rivaled the archives of kings¡ªDenzelle had likely studied every tribe and beast on this battlefield before he ever picked up a sword. That he chose to wield one at all was something of a mystery, considering his disdain for anything that required physical effort. "Whatever," Tina snarled, turning back to the fray. "Talk less. Fight more." Denzelle rolled his eyes, drawing his de with anguid motion, as though even the act of arming himself was beneath him. "Fine. I''ll handle this." The moment the sword left its sheath, the world shifted. It was subtle at first¡ªa faint hum, like the lowest note of a requiem¡ªbut quickly grew into an oppressive weight that nketed the battlefield. The air grew thick and stifling, as if the very essence of life had been drained from it. Colors dulled, sounds faded into a muffled echo, and a sense of dread settled over everyone, friend and foe alike. A dark aura, swirling with streaks of crimson and ck, coiled around his de like a serpent. The energy pulsed, alive and hungry, silencing even the bravest of warriors mid-charge. It was as though the world itself recoiled in fear. And then he moved. Denzelle was a blur¡ªno, less than a blur. He was a phantom, a streak of darkness darting through beasts and men alike. One moment, he was still, his sardonic smirk intact. The next, he was everywhere, his de singing through the air in a series of arcs too swift for the eye to follow. At first, nothing seemed to happen. The enemies he passed remained frozen in ce, their weapons half-raised, their faces twisted into expressions of shock. But then it began. With a wet, sickening splurch, blood erupted in fountains, spraying in every direction. Bodies copsed in heaps, their forms crumbling as though they were no longer flesh but ash, disintegrating into the earth in grotesque clouds of red and gray. What little remained was unrecognizable¡ªlimbs twisted and warped, faces erased by whatever unnatural force Denzelle had unleashed. For a moment, the battlefield was silent, save for the faint rustle of falling ash. Denzelle stood in the center of it all, his de resting casually on his shoulder, the aura fading as swiftly as it had appeared. He yawned. "See? Easy. You''re all just oveplicating things." Tina stared, her mouth agape. Uzak, barely holding back a curse, muttered, "And here I thought you were just dead weight." Denzelle turned to them, his expression one of mild annoyance. "Can we leave now? This has been painfully beneath me." Fialova burst through the thick of the chaos, her movements a blur of speed and purpose. Argider slumped unconscious across her back, her slight frame jostling with each stride. Though Fialova''s newfound powers made her swift as the wind, they were still unfamiliar, her steps asionally faltering as she adjusted to the surging strength coursing through her veins. She skidded to a stop in the clearing where Denzelle stood alongside Uzak and Tina, thetter still cursing under her breath between parries. The battlefield stretched around them in a grotesque tableau of fallen warriors and circling beasts, but Fialova''s focus was on the immediate task: escape. "These fighters..." Fialova''s voice was steady, but her eyes flicked uneasily over the trembling warriors still holding their ground. "They''re just here to dy us, aren''t they? Nothing more than a distraction." Denzelle didn''t bother looking up from where he leaned casually against a tree, his blood-streaked sword still resting on his shoulder. "Obviously," he said, his tone dripping with disinterest. "Peliotus warriors don''t fight like this. They''re too proud. Headstrong. These lot? They''re terrified. It''s written all over them." Fialova nced back at Argider, adjusting her position to keep the unconscious woman secure. "I''m taking her Majesty out of here," she said firmly. Uzak approached, his breathingbored, the edges of his armor dented from countless blows. He frowned, gesturing at the limp figure on Fialova''s back. "What happened to her? Is she hurt?" "She..." Fialova hesitated, then sighed. "She passed out. From... vomiting too much." There was a collective groan from the group. Even Tina, in the middle of cutting down an opponent, managed an incredulous, "Are you kidding me? Now of all times?" "Wonderful," Uzak muttered, dragging a hand down his face. "Our fearless leader, brought down by her stomach." "Focus," Denzelle snapped, pushing off the tree with an air of authority that was at once effortless and infuriating. "She''s not useful to us like this, so get her out of here. I''ll hold things down here. Just keep moving¡ªget past this mess so we can deal with the Empress Dowager already." Fialova nodded, her grip tightening on Argider. Without another word, she bolted toward the treeline, her strides swift and sure. Tina and Uzak turned their attention back to the fight, des shing as they carved a path forward, while Denzelle remained where he was, surveying the chaos like a disinterested god. As Fialova sprinted through the forest, the trees became a blur of green and shadow, their branches wing at the sky like skeletal hands. The sounds of battle faded behind her, reced by the rhythm of her own breathing and the rustle of leaves underfoot. She could feel the weight of Argider shifting with each leap, but her focus remained unbroken. "Just hold on," Fialova muttered under her breath, though whether she spoke to herself or the unconscious Argider, she wasn''t sure. Above, the canopy grew thicker, blotting out thest rays of the sun. The shadows deepened, and for a brief, chilling moment, it felt as though they were running not toward safety, but into the jaws of something far worse. Chapter 37 Bleeding Fialova crouched behind the gnarled trees, her breath shallow and cold. She had found them¡ªfinally. The stench of smoke and sweat filled the air, mingling with the low growls of men and the asional, heart-wrenching cry of a child. The tribe''s camp sprawled ahead, its crude tents scattered like a disease over the hollowed earth. She could see them all, the captors and the enved, clear as day. A sharp crack split the air, followed by a scream. "Move your ass!" bellowed one of the Peliotus men, his whip snapping over the back of a gaunt Valtirium man. The man stumbled but caught himself, trembling as he hauled a bundle twice his size. "You there! What are you stopping for?" another Peliotus snarled, raising his whip to strike. Fialova''s stomach churned as she spotted children among the enved. Tiny, frail hands scrubbed the mud-caked ground, their eyes hollow. Others staggered under burdens too heavy for grown men. They weren''t just prisoners; they were broken. And it was all happening right there, mere paces in front of her. She pressed herself deeper into the shadows, shoving Argider into the bushes. The conquered towny behind them, its smoldering ruins nestled among the hills. A sudden burst ofughter made her heart lurch. Peliotus warriors lounged near a campfire, their voices thick with alcohol and cruelty. "Hah! These Valtirium dogs are getting what they deserve!" one sneered, raising his tankard in a mock toast. "You''re pushing that one too hard," another said, slurring slightly. "He''ll drop dead before sunset. Let him rest, maybe." "Don''t preach, you hypocrite," spat a third. "You forced yourself on that womanst night." "And you didn''t enjoy watching?" The group erupted inughter, the sound scraping against Fialova''s ears like broken ss. She gripped the hilt of her sword, her knuckles white. Fury churned within her, hot and relentless. She wanted to storm into their midst, to cut them down, to¡ª "F-Fialova! I''m bleeding," Argider''s weak voice trembled behind her. Her blood turned to ice. Theughter stopped. The warriors froze, their eyes narrowing as they reached for their des. "Who''s there?!" one of them barked, his voice razor-sharp. Fialova swallowed hard, mping a hand over Argider''s mouth. She hoisted him into her arms, her every muscle tense. "I saw something!" one shouted, already charging toward the trees. They wereing. Fialova cursed under her breath and ducked behind the dense foliage, her heart pounding like war drums in her chest. The air was thick, heavy with the acrid scent of smoke and sweat. She stole a nce from her hiding spot, her eyes darting over the clearing, and then it happened¡ªshe locked eyes with one of the Peliotus warriors. Her breath hitched. For a heartbeat, neither of them moved. Then his eyes narrowed, his expression sharpening like a de. She yanked herself back into the shadows, her mind racing. Panic wed at her chest as she turned to check on Argider. The girl''s pale face glistened with sweat, and when Fialova''s gaze dropped, her stomach twisted. Blood streaked down Argider''s thighs, soaking the torn fabric of her dress. "Oh no," Fialova whispered, realization mming into her like a blow. "It''s over there!" The man''s voice cut through the air, followed by the sound of heavy boots pounding the ground. No. No. No. This couldn''t be happening. She scrambled to her feet, hauling Argider up by the waist. Just as she was about to run, her boot came down hard on a dry branch. Snap. The sound echoed like thunder in her ears, and the forest seemed to hold its breath. Then, she felt it¡ªa presence behind her. "Well, well," a voice purred, cold and dripping with malice. "Who might this be?" A hand mped down on her head, fingers tangling in her hair as the warrior twisted her around. Fialova''s breath left her in a rush as she faced them¡ªa group of towering, leering men. Their eyes widened as they took her in, their expressions shifting from surprise to something darker. Her pale skin, her mesmerizing purple eyes¡ªshe knew what they saw. She had been called beautiful before, but now her elegance was a curse. Their gazes slid to Argider, her trembling form still cradled in Fialova''s arms, and the blood dripping from her legs. "Hah! So it''s just a couple of women," one sneered, his grin stretching unnervingly wide. "Valtirium dogs, aren''t they?" another spat, his lip curling. "Wait," a third muttered, his eyes narrowing as they roamed over Fialova''s armor. "Look at her outfit." The realization dawned on them like a storm cloud. One of them pointed, his voice rising. "An Imperial Knight!" Fialova stiffened as their faces twisted with malice. The white cape marking her as an Imperial Knight hung heavily at her back¡ªa symbol of purity, of service, of vows she had alreadye so close to breaking. "Tch! Not just a Valtirium dog but a damned Imperial Knight!" The leader spat the words like venom, drawing his de with a metallic hiss. But another warrior stepped forward, his grin turning predatory. "Boss, wait. Why kill her when we can use her?" Fialova''s stomach churned as the manughed, his gaze roving over her and Argider like they were prey. "I call the knight," another barked, already loosening his belt. "No way! I want both!" the first retorted, yanking down his trousers. His bare, grotesque form was exposed in the firelight. "Just look at them! It''s our right. They''re nothing but Valtirium scum!" The othersughed, their voices lecherous and cruel, and began advancing, their grins splitting their faces like gashes. Fialova staggered back, her disgust palpable. Her sword felt heavy at her side, but her grip tightened around Argider, who was shaking in her arms. "Back off!" Fialova barked, her voiceced with fury, but her words only made themugh harder. Argider''s wide eyes filled with terror, and Fialova felt her rage boil over. These men were monsters, their cruelty dripping from them like tar. The thought was clear in her mind: she would not let this happen. Not to herself. Not to Argider. Even if it killed her. Fialova''s hand tightened on her sword hilt, her knuckles white as the Peliotus warriors closed in. Theirughter was a cruel chorus that seemed to echo off the trees, each step they took toward her and Argider feeling like a noose tightening around her throat.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "Drop the girl," one of them growled, his voice thick with menace. "No one needs to get hurt¡ªwell, not unless you want it to." Fialova''s lip curled, her heart pounding like a war drum. "You''ll have to kill me first." The leader, a burly man with a scar bisecting his lip, barked augh. "That can be arranged!" he snarled, lunging at her with his de. Fialova barely had time to twist out of the way, the de slicing through the air where her head had been. She stumbled, Argider slipping from her grasp andnding hard on the ground with a gasp. The emperor scrambled backward, her wide eyes brimming with tears. Before Fialova could react, another warrior lunged. She raised her sword just in time to block his strike, the sh of steel ringing out like thunder. The force sent a shockwave up her arms, but she held firm, twisting her de to lock his and kicking out at his knee. The man roared in pain as he fell back, but another was already upon her. This one was faster, his de carving a deadly arc. Fialova ducked, feeling the whistle of the de above her head. She countered with a sh of her own, but he sidestepped, grinning. "Not bad for a knight," he taunted. "But you''re outnumbered." He was right. The others circled her like wolves, theirughter reced by low growls and muttered curses. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw one of them grab Argider by the wrist, yanking her to her feet. "No!" Fialova roared, but her cry was drowned out by Argider''s terrified scream. The man threw the girl to the ground, pinning her with his weight. Fialova''s vision blurred red. With a guttural yell, she surged forward with her movements enhanced by lightning, her de slicing clean through the neck of the man in front of her. Blood sprayed across her face as his body crumpled, but she didn''t stop. She spun, shing at another who came too close. His hand fell away, sword and all, and he howled in agony before copsing. The leader snarled, charging at her like a bull. She sidestepped, but he was faster than she anticipated, his de grazing her side. Pain red, hot and sharp, but she gritted her teeth, using his momentum to drive her sword into his gut. As the leader fell, choking on his own blood, Fialova turned to thest warrior, who froze mid-step, his hands still fumbling with his belt. His face paled as he looked at her, covered in blood, eyes zing. "No," he whispered, stumbling back. "Stay away¡ª" But Fialova didn''t hesitate. With one final, precise strike, it was over. She stood in the clearing, panting, surrounded by the fallen. Argider was stunned, and Fialova dropped to her knees, pulling the girl into a fierce embrace. "You''re safe," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I won''t let anyone hurt you." Chapter 38 Menstruation?! Argider copsed onto Fialova, her snow hair in disarray, clutching at her chest as if her very soul were escaping her body. Her voice cracked, somewhere between a royal decree and a soap opera finale. "Fialova! Tell me the truth¡ªam I dying? Is this the end of my imperial reign?!" She iled one arm dramatically, pointing toward the heavens. "Write this down! ''Here lies Argider, felled in the prime of life by... mystery blood!''" Fialova pinched the bridge of her nose, steadying herself. "Your Imperial Majesty," she said slowly, like exining algebra to a particrly stubborn toddler, "you are not dying." Argider, ignoring her entirely, turned misty-eyed. "And to think, I never apologized to my wives! Tell them I''m sorry for not giving babies. And for all the mild insults. Actually, tell them I was always a bastard who didn''t deserve them." She clutched Fialova''s hand and pressed it dramatically to her bosom. "And you, Fialova¡ªtake my final, pitiful remains. Use me as you will, for I am but a wretched, bleeding husk of a former emperor." Fialova''s face turned crimson as her fingers brushed against Argider''s chest. For a brief, shameful moment, she thought, is this soft silk? No, it''s just... her. Oh gods above, I''m going to burn for this. "Your Majesty!" Fialova yanked her hand back, iling like she''d touched hot coals. "You are not bleeding out! It''s¡ªwell, it''s your period!" The world seemed to tilt as Argider blinked at her. "Period?" Her voice trembled. "You mean... like the dot at the end of a sentence? Is there a tiny dot inside me? Am I punctuated now?!" Fialova pped her forehead. "No, no, not that period! It''s¡ªugh, you''re bleeding because your... egg cells didn''t get fertilized by a man!" Egg cells. Fertilized. Argider''s confusion deepened, her brow furrowing as though deciphering ancient texts. "Eggs? I haven''t eaten eggs in weeks! What are you talking about?!" Fialova took a deep, saintly breath. "It''s a biological process. You see, inside a woman''s body¡ª" "Hold it!" Argider leapt to her feet, her voice booming with the authority of someone who absolutely did not understand. "You''re telling me my body makes eggs like some cursed poultry?! And if a man doesn''te along to fertilize me, I just bleed out in misery?! What sort of divine scam is this?!" Fialova winced. "That''s... surprisingly urate, actually." "Uneptable!" Argider roared, pacing like a general preparing for battle. "First, I lose my glorious manly physique to these... curves! Then my chest tries to suffocate me! Now I''m hemorrhaging like I lost a duel?! How do women survive this horror?!" "We manage," Fialova muttered, crossing her arms. "Well, I refuse!" Argider stomped her foot with all the ferocity of a tantruming toddler. She jabbed a finger skyward, ring at the heavens as though they owed her money. "Listen up, you sick, twisted gods! I demand you give me back my manly body right now! I''ll duel every one of you celestial psychos! You hear me?!" And, for good measure, she raised both middle fingers to the sky. Fialova groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Your Majesty, please... dignity." Argider sniffed, still fuming, but with an air of melodramatic tragedy befitting a monarch. "Dignity?! Fialova, I''m bleeding like a stuck pig, I''m hormonal, and now I''m a human chicken! I''ve never been further from dignity in my life!" Fialova stared at Argider with the kind of wide-eyed incredulity usually reserved for discovering a talking horse. How does an emperor not know this? Everyone knew the basics of menstruation. Of course, everyone also knew Argider''s peculiar backstory¡ªast-minute addition to the Imperial family after her father finally acknowledged her. Raised by a single mother in rtive obscurity, Argider''s gaps in education suddenly made sense. "Tell my mother..." Argider groaned dramatically, her face buried in her hands. "Tell her I''m sorry for being such a horrible son¡ªuh, daughter! Gods, I''m a daughter now!" Her voice cracked as she iled miserably. Fialova paused, awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck. "Ah, well... maybe this exins why you''ve been so, er, *needy*tely?" She chuckled softly. "Touch-starved, even? Turns out it was your... menstruation all along." "What?!" Argider''s head shot up, her eyes zing. "It makes you needy?!" And then, like a lightning bolt, realization dawned. "Oh. OH. So that''s why my mother had her... dramatic episodes sometimes!" Her face contorted, equal parts horror and enlightenment. "This exins so much. Gods, I really am a woman now." Fialova sighed. "Your Majesty, I''d offer to help with the, uh, situation, but you''ll have to endure for a bit. The mess¡ª" "Fine," Argider grumbled, waving her off. "Let''s just get this over with." --- The pair crept through the Peliotus tribe''s camp under the cover of darkness, their mission precarious. Argider''s nerves were as frayed as her patience; she was still fuming over the absurdity of her predicament. The camp was a maze of sprawling bodies and snoring warriors, their forms sprawled on the ground like toppled statues. Tents dotted the area, glowing faintly with firelight. Every step was a gamble, the slightest sound threatening to rouse the entire tribe. Argider froze. "Why are their *bodies* everywhere?" she whispered fiercely. "This is like navigating a drunken festival!" Fialova shot her a sharp re. "Shh! Do you want to get caught again?" Argider rolled her eyes and tiptoed forward. Then, with a resounding thud, she stepped squarely on something firm¡ªand warm. She looked down in horror. It wasn''t ground. It was a face. "Grah?!" The warrior''s eyes snapped open, his mouth already forming a shout. Fialova didn''t wait. She grabbed Argider by the hips and bolted, her magic ring as she sprinted like a deer on fire. "Could you warn me next time?!" Argider shrieked, her voice muffled by Fialova''s shoulder. "Warn you about what? Your inability to watch your feet?" Fialova shot back, weaving through the camp. But her momentum faltered, and in a panicked misstep, they both tumbled directly into the nearest tent. Oof! They hit the ground in a heap, groaning as pain radiated through their bodies. Argider iled uselessly, her golden hair sticking to her face. Fialova was already plotting how she''d exin this disaster to their gods, assuming they survived the night. "Your Imperial Majesty," Fialova wheezed, sitting up. "Do you ever¡ª" "Sorry!" Argider interrupted, rubbing her sore backside. But before they could regroup, a sharp voice cut through the tension. "Who are you?!" Both women snapped their heads up. Standing before them was a woman with sleek ck hair, piercing blue eyes, and an air of elegance so severe it could cut ss. Argider''s jaw dropped. "Isolde?!" The woman''s eyes narrowed, then widened in recognition. "Argider?" Her voice dropped into a hurried whisper. "What are you doing here?! Keep your voice down!" "You traitor! Where''s my mother?!" Argider hissed, struggling to her feet. Isolde''sposure faltered for only a second. "Wait... you''re Argider? What *happened* to you? Why do you look like... a girl?" "Hmph!" Argider crossed her arms, ring. "I got assassinated, and when I woke up, I was like this! The gods resurrected me!" She gestured dramatically at her very feminine form, as though it were a divine prank. Isolde''s mouth fell open, her face a mix of astonishment and disbelief. "You... were assassinated... and now you''re a woman?" "Yes, and frankly, I''ve had enough*l of this nonsense!" Argider snapped, pointing an usatory finger at her. "Where. Is. My. Mother?" Isolde pressed a finger to her lips, motioning for silence. "Lower your voice. If you''re caught here, we''re all dead." Her sharp gaze darted to the tent entrance. "Then give her back now!" Argider''s voice cracked like a whip, her fists clenched at her sides. She red at Isolde as if sheer indignation alone could topple the elegant woman. "You''ve changed... I didn''t actually think you''d go this far. And to think the gods chose you.. it seems you''re capable of changing afterall," Isolde said with an exasperated sigh, brushing invisible dust from her pristine robes. "I wasn''t nning to actually use her for anything. She''s been... always kind to me." "Then why take her at all?!" Argider snarled, her voice full of righteous fury. Isolde''s icy demeanor wavered for just a moment before she shrugged, her expression as unreadable as ever. "I don''t know," she admitted, almost too casually. "But we can''t wage war over this¡ªnot right now. There''s a much bigger battle looming on the horizon." Argider narrowed her eyes. "Why are you telling me this? What''s your angle?" "Oh, don''t tter yourself," Isolde replied, her tone dripping with disdain. "I don''t *like* you, Argider. I''m only doing this much for your mother''s sake. She... deserves better. Now, please, just take her and leave before you ruin everything."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Argider opened her mouth to retort, but Fialova gently tugged her sleeve. "Your Majesty," she whispered, nodding toward the back of the tent. Now wasn''t the time for posturing. The mission was simple: get her mother and get out. With a reluctant grumble, Argider followed Fialova. They crept to the other side of the tent as Isolde had indicated, their movements slow and deliberate. For once, Argider kept her feet in check. Then she saw her. "Mom?!" Argider gasped, her breath catching as she spotted the frail figure tied up in the shadows. Her mother looked starved and weary, but her eyes¡ªthose sharp, familiar eyes¡ªlit up with recognition and relief. "Argider..." Her voice was weak, but it carried a strength that made Argider''s chest tighten. Chapter 39 Easy Success? "Mom!" Argider hurtled toward her mother, arms flung wide. She collided into Meloris with a fervent hug that was as uncharacteristic as it was bone-crushing. For a fleeting moment, warmth and sentimentality bloomed. Then, Argider froze. Her arms went ck, and she stumbled back, her face zing red. This was unfamiliar territory. Public disys of affection? Between them? Absolutely not. Their rtionship had always been a rickety bridge¡ªstrained but steadfast, creaking under the weight of both love and grudging reliance. Meloris blinked, swaying slightly, her strength almost entirely spent. A faint smile tugged at her lips, though her sunken eyes betrayed her exhaustion. "Argider?" she rasped, her voice thin. "Why do you¡­ look so different?" She coughed, the sound rattling in her chest. "Is that really you?" Could it be her son? The same one who rarely, if ever, disyedpetence beyond idental sess? Was he finally proving himself capable? "Yeah, it''s me!" Argider said, dropping to her knees in front of Meloris, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "Who else would go through all this trouble just for you?" Meloris tilted her head, her brows furrowing. She studied Argider carefully, her motherly instincts pinging with suspicion. Something was off. Something was very off. "No," she said, her voice sharpening despite her weariness. "Are you¡­ an imposter?" "What?! No, Mom!" Argider groaned, throwing her hands in the air. "It''s me! Look, I got killed¡ªdon''t ask¡ªand then resurrected as a woman. It''s a long story, okay? Fialova can vouch for me." She gestured toward Fialova, who had been quietly observing the spectacle like a long-suffering babysitter. Fialova nodded with solemn authority. "It''s true, mydy. Since your disappearance, much has urred. His¡ªor rather, Her¡ªImperial Majesty was assassinated and returned to life¡­ transformed. This is indeed Argider." Meloris stared, her mind attempting to connect the absurd dots of this story. Her son¡ªnow her daughter? She hadn''t given birth to a girl, and she certainly wasn''t in the mood to rewrite history. Still, the exnation sat before her like an unruly cat demanding to be acknowledged. "No," Meloris said again, shaking her head slowly. "No. This is too much. I''m not convinced." Her frown deepened, and she squinted harder, as if ring at the situation would force it to make sense. Argider sighed dramatically, pping a hand over her face. "Fine! You want proof? Here it is: I''m sorry, okay? It was me who stole Adriana''s panties when we were kids. They didn''t get lost¡ªI took them. Happy now?" The silence that followed could''ve written an epic poem. Meloris'' jaw dropped. Fialova blinked so hard you''d think she''d caught an eysh in her eye. The audacity. The absolute audacity of this woman. Oh. So it really was Argider. "Dear gods," Meloris muttered, weakly shaking her head. "It is you." She let out a long, suffering sigh that carried the weight of someone realizing their child might just be the universe''s cruelest prank. If she could p her own face, she would''ve done it twice. "Don''t look so disappointed!" Argider huffed indignantly, circling behind to untie her mother. "I literally crossed death and gender boundaries to get here and save you!" Meloris, however, just closed her eyes. If she didn''t see the chaos, maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªshe could pretend it wasn''t happening. But deep down, she knew the truth: this insufferable human being was hers. Son or daughter, nothing would change that. "I''m not¡­ I''m just surprised," Meloris said softly, her voice unsteady as she stared at Argider. "You''re actually trying for once." Argider sniffled, her hands still trembling as she worked thest knot loose. "H-How could I not? The thought of you being here¡­ it''s unbearable!" Her voice cracked as she finished untying her mother, blinking furiously to keep the tears from spilling over. Meloris didn''t wait. She pulled Argider into a fierce embrace, one that spoke of years of pent-up worry, guilt, and a love she rarely allowed herself to express. For a moment, Argider stiffened, her breath hitching. But then, warmth overtook her, and her shoulders sagged as she melted into her mother''s arms. Her eyes burned, and she felt something unfamiliarfort. "You''re¡­ not mad?" Argider''s voice was barely above a whisper. "I''m sorry," Meloris murmured, her hold tightening. "I''m not mad. I just¡­ I thought you''d lost your way. I tried to help you find it, but I couldn''t even find my own. I know I haven''t been the best mother." Her voice wavered, and she rested her chin against Argider''s shoulder, noticing the softness of her child''s form. It struck her anew: Argider truly had be a woman. Fialova stood nearby, her expression unreadable but her hands fidgeting awkwardly at her sides. Disys of affection like this were utterly foreign to her. Raised in a household where vulnerability was a luxury no one could afford, she found herself at a loss. And yet, a pang of envy twisted in her chest as she watched them. She saw Argider in a new light, one that unsettled and intrigued her. Meloris finally pulled back, brushing a hand over her disheveled hair. "How did you even get in here?" "Isolde," Argider answered, straightening. "She let me free you. She said you weren''t supposed to be involved in this. And she warned me¡ªthere shouldn''t be a war. Not yet. And honestly¡­ I agree with her." Meloris raised an eyebrow. "That girl. I''ll never understand her. But I know she has a good heart. Though this sudden change is baffling..." She shook her head, already shifting gears. "No matter. It''s time to leave." They moved cautiously toward the tent''s exit, the camp eerily quiet under the shroud of night. Most of the warriors were fast asleep, but two guards stood alert at the open fence gate ahead, their silhouettes lit by faint torchlight. "Wait," Meloris said suddenly, her voice firm but hushed. "We''re not leaving without freeing the ves." Without waiting for objections, she led them to arge wooden structure on the camp''s outskirts. Its walls loomed ominously, and the faint sound of muffled breathing inside set Argider''s teeth on edge. Meloris pushed the door open gently. Argider''s breath caught. The sight inside was devastating. Her people¡ªtired, gaunt, and many barely clothed¡ªhuddled together in the dark. Their faces were drawn with exhaustion, but as the door creaked open, a glimmer of hope flickered in their hollow eyes. Fialova held up a finger to her lips. "Shhh." The three worked swiftly, untying the captives one by one. They moved quietly, their movements practiced but urgent. No words were exchanged¡ªjust the sound of rope snapping and whispered reassurances. When thest of the ves was freed, they all rose silently, their chains clinking softly in the still air. The group crept toward the exit, but as they stepped into the open, two warriors loomed in their path. "Fucking Valtirium dogs!" one of them snarled, reaching for his weapon. Fialova was already in motion. She lunged, pping the de aside with startling speed. The ng of metal on stone rang out like a bell, shattering the camp''s stillness. "WAKE UP!" one of the guards bellowed, his voice cutting through the night. Around them, the camp stirred to life. Warriors stumbled out of their tents, weapons drawn and eyes bleary. Chaos erupted as the realization dawned¡ªthe ves were escaping. "Fucking dogs! How did they get loose?!" "Get them!"N?v(el)B\\jnn The enved began to scatter, some bolting for the woods while others huddled together in panic. Fialova unsheathed her sword, standing firm beside her mother and Argider. Meloris raised her voice, sharp andmanding. "Protect the people! They''re not going back into chains!" The first warrior lunged, but Fialova intercepted him, her de shing as she parried his strike. "And you!" Meloris snapped, her voice sharp andmanding as it cut through the chaos. "You''re the Emperor, for god''s sake! Protect your people!" Argider flinched under the weight of her mother''s scolding. "B-But Mom! I''ve been practicing, but I don''t know if I can¡ª" "You can!" Meloris interrupted, her words brooking no argument. Fialova nodded fiercely. "You must, Your Imperial Majesty. Fight like you mean it!" Argider gulped, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum. She could see the warriors charging toward them, their footsteps a rising tide of doom. Her hand instinctively reached for the sword at her side, trembling as her fingers closed around the hilt. Was her training with Uzak worth anything? She didn''t know. But what choice did she have? "For fuck''s sake!" one of the warriors bellowed as he approached. "I just wanted to sleep!" One warrior closed in on her, his de already swinging downward in a powerful arc. Argider yelped, her legs freezing in ce. Fear gripped her, as it always did, rooting her to the ground. Yet somewhere, buried deep within her, a spark of defiance red. She pulled her sword free at thest second and raised it to meet the blow. nk! The sh of steel on steel rang in her ears. The force of the impact sent shocks through her arms, and her knees wobbled dangerously. She stumbled, nearly copsing under the weight of his strength. But she held firm. Somehow, she held firm. "I''ve got you, Your Imperial Majesty!" Fialova''s voice was a battle cry as sheunched herself into the fray. She leaped high into the air, her de gleaming under the moonlight, and in one clean, practiced motion, she decapitated the attacking warrior. Argider gasped. She wished she hadn''t seen that. Meloris turned away, her face pale, one hand flying to her mouth as though to keep her stomach from revolting. Argider stared down at her trembling hands, her mind reeling. Did I just¡­ defend myself? Her fingers ached from gripping the sword, but a strange sense of aplishment warmed her chest. She nced at her hands, calloused and growing rougher with time. Was this what it meant to fight? To hold her ground? The moment was short-lived. "Motherfucker!" More warriors were rushing in. The thunder of their boots reverberated like a storm. Argider''s grip tightened, but then¡ª Boom, boom, boom. Heavy footsteps echoed across the battlefield, apanied by the unmistakable clink of armor. From the road leading into the encampment, a massive g emerged, its golden insignia gleaming in the torchlight. It was the Imperial Knights. The Empire''s army had arrived. Uzak, Tina, and Denzelle rode at the head of the formation, their armor streaked with blood. "Give us back the Emperor¡ªHer Imperial Majesty¡ªand the Empress Dowager!" Uzak bellowed, his voice carrying across the camp. The Peliotus warriors froze, their confidence cracking like ss. "Fuck," one of them muttered. "Did they kill all of them?" Denzelle smirked, leaningzily in his saddle. He reached into a sack and pulled out a severed head, holding it aloft like a grotesque trophy. "Oh, they''re dead all right. Care to join them?" Even the Imperial soldiers flinched at the sight, though Denzelle looked far too pleased with himself. Efficient, he would call it. Sadistic, others might argue. "Fine! Take them!" one of the warriors shouted, his voice a mix of frustration and fear. "They''re useless anyway!" The other Peliotus warriors grumbled, reluctantly stepping aside. Their pride screamed for vengeance, but their teachings were clear¡ªwhen the odds were insurmountable, retreat was not cowardice but survival. The enved ran toward the Imperial army, sobbing as they reached safety. Some clutched children in their arms, their small faces pale and gaunt. Meloris watched them with a bittersweet smile, her heart breaking for their suffering but swelling with relief. But one warrior refused to stand down. "Like hell I''ll submit!" he roared, stepping forward. He was massive, towering over the others, his muscles rippling with raw power. "I''ll prove myself to Lord Togra, the Tatu of the Peliotus, the almighty himself!" He charged, his de gleaming as it aimed straight for Meloris. "Mother!" Argider''s voice rang out. Fialova cursed, her hand gripping her sword, but she was too far away. The Imperial knights surged forward, but they wouldn''t make it in time. "No!" Argider moved. The de pierced her shoulder, its force mming her back as though she''d been struck by a thunderbolt. She gasped, blood spilling from her lips as the pain exploded through her body. Flesh tore, bone cracked, and the world tilted as she fell to her knees. Meloris froze, her soul leaving her body at the sight. Fialova''s expression darkened, her fury igniting like a storm. How dare he touch her Emperor? Her de hummed with power, crackling with purple energy as she summoned every ounce of her strength. With a feral cry, she lunged. Her sword shed clean through the warrior, splitting him in two with brutal efficiency. His body crumpled to the ground, lifeless. The battlefield fell silent. Fialova turned to Argider, whoy crumpled on the ground, her eyes fluttering shut as unconsciousness took her. "Argider!" Fialova shouted, dropping to her knees beside her Emperor. Chapter 40 War of the Wives (1) Meanwhile, in the Pce, there was tension. Faeralys sat slouched in a chair that probably cost more than her family''s entire estate, ring at the table set before her. The Garden Lounge was a verdant paradise¡ªroses blooming with the kind of effortlessness that only endless royal gardeners and obscene budgets could achieve. The air smelled of jasmine, ambition, and passive aggression. She wasn''t stupid. She knew a trap when she saw one. Across from her, perched like a smug peacock, was Esmeralda, the self-proimed queen bee of the harem. Esmeralda was all sugary smiles and venomous undertones, surrounded by her handpicked cronies: Tarriel Opi and Margarette Edalia. They nked her like decorative guard dogs, each with their own vor of sycophancy. "You''ve been summoned to a tea party," they''d said. "It''ll be delightful," they''d said. Faeralys knew better. The pce was less of a home and more of a political snake pit where the only thing sharper than the women''s tongues were their diamond-encrusted hairpins. Still, here she was. Because saying no wasn''t really an option when you lived under the same roof as the Empress''s second-inmand of chaos. "What do you want?" Esmeralda, radiant in gold-trimmed silk, tilted her head like a cat ying with a half-dead mouse. "Faeralys, darling, must I have a reason to spend time with one of my husband''s¡­" She paused for effect. "¡­other wives?" Tarriel giggled on cue, a sound so shrill it could probably summon bats. Margarette snickered, her eyes darting between Faeralys and Esmeralda like she was watching her idol at work. Faeralys rolled her eyes so hard she worried they might get stuck. "You''ve never called me here before," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "So, yes. I assume you have a reason." "Dear Faeralys," Margarette cooed with faux sympathy, flipping her hair as if the gesture held moral weight. "Her Imperial Majesty graces us all with her presence. You should be thankful." "Know your ce," Tarriel hissed, practically vibrating with fervor. Esmeralda barely flicked a nce her way. "Tarriel, darling, don''t be so dramatic." Watching this unfold, Faeralys briefly contemted diving headfirst into the nearest rosebush. Then she leaned in, her lips curving into a sharine smile. "You must be so lonely here, Faeralys. A simple country girl in this vast, overwhelming pce. It''s tragic, really." Faeralys frowned. "I''m fine." "Of course you are," Esmeralda purred. "But don''t worry, darling. I''m here for you. Let''s drink, shall we?" She gestured to the tea. Tarriel beamed, holding up her cup. "This blend is from my father''s estate. A rare delicacy, Lady Faeralys." She pointed towards Faeralys''s untouched cup, the implication clear. The red haired girl hesitated but couldn''t detect anything suspicious. The tea smelled normal, looked normal. And honestly, she needed something to calm her nerves. She drained the cup in one udylike gulp.. "Oh, my," Margarette said, her voice dripping with faux concern. "Not very refined, are you, Lady Faeralys?" Faeralys bristled. She had spent her entire life being told she wasn''t "proper." Too rough. Too loud. Too herself. The empress chuckled softly, as if sensing blood in the water. "Oh, don''t be cruel, Margarette. Poor Faeralys can''t help it. She grew up with eight brothers, after all. Hardly her fault she''s¡­ rough around the edges." Faeralys clenched her fists. "It''s lucky for you, darling, that Argider has¡­ let''s say¡­ broad tastes. Brains aren''t a requirement. Just a certain¡­ breedable quality." Faeralys mmed her fists on the table so hard the delicate china rattled. "Listen here, you preening, condescending¡ª" "Lady Faeralys!" Esmeralda interrupted, her voice mock-scandalized. "Such behavior is unbing!" "Oh, unbing? I''ll show you unbing!" Faeralys was in full rant mode now, flinging insults like daggers. "You think you''re clever, but you''re just a puffed-up¡ª" And then, there was- A sound of fart. A small, sharp, and undeniably audible fart. A stunned silence fell over the Garden Lounge. Faeralys froze, her face turning crimson. Her hands darted to her stomach, betrayal written all over her expression. Tarriel gasped. Margarette covered her mouth, eyes wide. Esmeralda blinked once, twice, then burst into peals ofughter so dainty and melodious it could have been scripted. The girl was mortified, wanted to crawl under the table and never resurface. Instead, she muttered, "I''m never drinking your damn tea again." Esmeralda, tears ofughter streaming down her cheeks, waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, Faeralys, darling. You''ve truly made my day." "W-Wha¡ª?!" Faeralys gasped, clutching her midsection as an ominous rumble echoed through the Garden Lounge. And then it happened. Again. And again. A symphony of tulence escaped her, growing louder and more aggressive, like an uncontroble brass section in a cursed orchestra. "Good heavens! The audacity!" Margarette shrieked, holding ace handkerchief to her nose like a damsel in a bad melodrama. "First, you m your fists on the table, and now you dare pollute our air?!" "I-I swear I can''t control it!" Faeralys stammered, her face turning as red as the roses around them. Little did she know, the tea she had so trustingly downed had beenced with Yuc, a potion derived from an exotic flower known for its, shall we say, purging properties. Usually administered to relieve overindulgence, it had found a new purpose in the hands of Esmeralda and her scheming cohorts. The atmosphere in the Garden Lounge quickly deteriorated. The delicate scent of jasmine was overpowered by something far less dignified. Esmeralda, alwaysposed, pinched her nose and coughed delicately. "Dear gods, Faeralys. I understand the country upbringing, but this is¡­" She trailed off, waving a jeweled hand in front of her face. "I-I''m sorry!" Faeralys cried, her voice trembling as tears threatened to spill. She stood abruptly, knocking over her chair in her haste. She turned and bolted, leaving a trail of audible, uh, evidence in her wake. The other women paused for a moment before bursting intoughter. Margarette smirked, her nose still buried in her handkerchief. "Well, that will certainly be the talk of the pce." Esmeralda raised her teacup, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Indeed. Poor Faeralys. Such a delicate flower¡­ wilted by her own wind." Faeralys ran as fast as her legs could carry her, her mortification fueling every step. "Fuck these women!" she muttered, her fists clenched.N?v(el)B\\jnn She darted through the winding pce corridors, desperate to escape the scene of her humiliation. Her destination? Anywhere but there. Finally, she burst into the atrium, the grand open space providing a moment of sce. She mmed the door behind her and leaned against it, panting. The cool marble beneath her fingers and the faint chirping of birds brought a shred of calm to her otherwise chaotic mind. And then a handnded gently on her shoulder. The touch sent a jolt through her like a lightning strike. Faeralys spun around, her instincts ring. "Get the fuck away from me!" she snapped, raising her fists like she was ready to fight. The woman before her stepped back, startled. Her long, gray hair was swept elegantly over one shoulder, and her piercing eyes softened as she raised her hands in a gesture of peace. It was Callista. "I¡ª" Callista began, her voice calm and measured. "I was only trying to help. You looked rather pitiful¡ª" "Don''t call me pitiful! And don''t touch me!" Faeralys barked, her tone sharp enough to cut ss. Callista tilted her head, a small smile ying on her lips. "How adorable," she murmured, mostly to herself. "You remind me of Argider. So fiery. So young." "Don''tpare me to her!" Faeralys snapped, her fists trembling with leftover adrenaline and indignation. "And I''m not young!" Callista''s smile widened, an almost maternal amusement gleaming in her eyes. "Oh, but you are. It''s not a bad thing, you know." Faeralys growled, her frustration bubbling over like a kettle left too long on the stove. "What do you want? To make fun of me like the rest of them?" Callista''s expression shifted, her amusement tempered by something more thoughtful. "Not at all. You''ve had a rough day, haven''t you?" Faeralys crossed her arms, her scowl deepening. "What do you care? Everyone in this pce is the same. Fake smiles, hidden daggers, and constant scheming. You''re no different." Callista chuckled softly, a sound thatcked the malice Faeralys hade to expect from the pce women. "You''ve got quite the mouth on you. Reminds me of Argider when she first arrived here. All fire and no finesse." "I''m not her!" Faeralys snarled again, though her voice cracked slightly, betraying the vulnerability beneath her anger. "No," Callista agreed, her tone soothing. "You''re not. Argider has her¡­ charms, but you? You''re something else entirely." Faeralys blinked, caught off guard. "What''s that supposed to mean?" Callista''s gaze softened further. "It means you''re pure. Unpolished, yes, and perhaps a little naive, but there''s a strength in you that even you don''t see yet." Faeralys stared at her, unsure whether to feel insulted orforted. "You sound like you''re trying to give me some kind of life lesson." "Maybe I am," Callista said with a shrug. "You''re going to need thick skin if you want to survive in this pce. People like Esmeralda will test you at every turn. But don''t let them break you. They''re all bark and no bite." "Esmeralda just poisoned me with fart tea!" Faeralys eximed, throwing her hands in the air. "How is that not biting?!" Callista chuckled again, shaking her head. "Fair point. But even so, don''t give them the satisfaction of seeing you crumble." Faeralys''s shoulders sagged, the weight of the day catching up to her. "I just want to go home," she muttered, her voice barely audible. Callista''s expression softened even further, and she ced a gentle hand on Faeralys''s arm. "Home is wherever you decide to make it, Faeralys. You''ll find your ce here. Just give it time." For a moment, Faeralys allowed herself to rx, the warmth of Callista''s words seeping into her like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. But then her stomach rumbled ominously, and her eyes widened in horror. Callista stepped back, raising a brow. "Still feeling the effects of Esmeralda''s little prank, I see." Faeralys groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Kill me now." Callistaughed softly. "Oh, child. This is only the beginning." Chapter 41 War of the Wives (2) Themotion began as a distant rumble, swelling into a cacophony that reverberated through the pce walls. Both Callista and Faeralys dashed to the grand window set into the ornate doors of the atrium, their breaths held tight with anticipation. The atrium, a vast and echoing chamber at the very front of the pce, offered an impable view of the sprawling grounds beyond. The great avenue leading to the pce gates was lined with towering oaks, their leaves whispering secrets to the wind as the procession approached. "It must be the army.." Faeralys whispered.. "Do you think Her Imperial Majesty seeded?" Callista asked, her tone betraying both hope and doubt. They pressed their noses to the ss as the troops advanced in formation, boots striking a rhythm that could be felt even through the thick walls. The townsfolk had gathered in droves, their cheers and shouts creating a jubnt symphony. Yet, amidst all the noise and movement, one ring absence chilled the air. "Where''s the carriage?" Faeralys murmured, her brows knitting. Callista''s relief was brief, her hand clutching her chest as she exhaled. "She must be fine... Right?" she muttered, though she couldn''t shake the uneasy tension in her shoulders. She took a step back, unwilling to confront the idea of seeing Argider, not after everything. The argument still lingered between them like a ghost. Before they could ponder further, the right hallway erupted in a flurry of movement. Uzak and Meloris charged in, their faces pale with urgency. Between them was Fialova, her arms straining under the weight of Argider, who hung limply like a broken marite. "By the stars..." Faeralys gasped. Argider''s once-proud shoulders slumped unnaturally, her armor smeared with blood and mud. Her skin was ashen, her breath barely there. "Through the hidden door!" Meloris barked, his voice sharp andmanding. "To the back passage¡ªhurry!" They vanished into the concealed corridor, emerging momentster in the quiet wing of the pce. Meloris turned on the servants, who had gathered with wide eyes and ck jaws. "Move! Take Her Majesty to her quarters! Fetch the doctors¡ªand Duke Arctera!" His voice cracked like a whip, sending the staff into a flurry of action. Gasps rippled through the crowd as Argider''s battered form was carried upstairs, her survival seeming nothing short of miraculous. Callista and Faeralys clung to each other, their hands covering their mouths in horror. "Why does she alwayse back like this?" Faeralys whispered, her voice trembling. "She''s made of something unbreakable," Callista replied, though even she sounded unconvinced. "Why are you all still standing there?!" Meloris thundered, snapping everyone back into motion. Like a well-oiled machine¡ªalbeit one in a panic¡ªthe maids, butlers, and footmen surged forward, whisking Argider away with practiced efficiency. As her form disappeared up the grand staircase, a heavy silence descended, leaving Callista and Faeralys to wonder what would happen if this time, the miracle didn''t hold. The Empress Dowager clutched her arms as though trying to keep herself from shattering entirely. "Goodness, that girl¡­ it''s probably my fault," she murmured, her voice wobbling like an unsteady bridge. "I never should''ve gone. I didn''t think¡ªno, I never thought¡ªshe''d try to save me, let alone¡­ all of this." Her knees threatened to buckle as she hugged herself tighter. "I was too impatient. Too reckless." "Well, if nothing else, it''s proof Argider is changing. Slowly, perhaps, but surely," Fialova said gently. The tall knight ced a reassuring hand on Meloris''s shoulder, her firm grip a stark contrast to the room''s unstable energy. Callista and Faeralys exchanged wide-eyed nces before springing into action, both bowing low before Meloris as if the floor might provide answers to their mounting questions. "What happened, Your Imperial Majesty?" Callista asked, her voice a fragile thread, teetering between dread and hope. Meloris dragged her hands down her face, tears glinting between her fingers. "That boy¡­ I mean, girl," she corrected, her voice cracking under the weight of emotion, "she saved me." A sob overtook her, muffled behind her trembling hands. Faeralys blinked, momentarily stunned. "R-Really?" she stammered, her mind scrambling to process the statement. It didn''t feel real. Argider? Saving someone? She could barely reconcile the idea with the Argider she knew: the irreverent, self-serving scoundrel who treated heroism as a quaint idea meant for poets and fools. Her thoughts drifted unbidden to that long-ago moment in the library when Argider had stepped in to shield her from Aunt Phirya''s relentless scolding. Even then, it had seemed like more of a spur-of-the-moment whim than genuine concern. This, though? A life-or-death rescue? It felt like stepping into someone else''s story. At the time, Faeralys had felt equal parts irritated and relieved. They barely spoke after that, which suited her just fine. Argider''s reputation with mistresses and courtesans was infamous, a trail of fleeting dalliances and shallow promises. To imagine Argider now ying the part of gant savior? It didn''t add up. "Yes," Meloris choked out, nodding through her tears. Fialova, everposed, knelt beside Meloris. "Mother-inw, don''t cry," she said softly. Everyone stopped and the silence became still. Their heads snapped toward Fialova as if she had just announced the sun had decided to rise in the west. "Say what now?" Faeralys blurted, voicing what everyone was thinking. "Pardon me, dear," Meloris stammered, blinking at the knight as though trying to process her words. "What did you just say?" Callista stood rigid, confusion etched across her face. Even Uzak, usually a portrait of calm, pursed his lips in awkward silence, clearly wishing he could melt into the walls.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "I am Argider''s new fianc¨¦," Fialova announced with a serene smile, bowing slightly. "She proposed to me on the battlefield. And I said yes." The room collectively exhaled a stunned Ah. For a moment, there was silence. Then came the inevitable flood of thoughts. Never mind. Argider hasn''t changed. Not even a little bit, Faeralys thought bitterly, her internal voice rising to a shriek. That arrogant, womanizing motherf¡ª! So much for personal growth. She probably just seduced this woman the same way she does everyone! Callista, meanwhile, had slipped into quiet panic. A wife? A real wife?! Her mind raced. Argider had always been content with fleeting flings, flitting from one lover to the next like a bird that refused to perch. But this? A proposal? A marriage? It meant something. It had to mean something. Fialova wasn''t just another conquest. Argider had chosen her¡ªproposed to her, no less. That made her special. That made her dangerous. Callista clenched her fists to keep from biting her nails. Meloris, for her part, had recovered enough to beam at Fialova, sping the knight''s hands in her own. "A wife? Not a mistress?" she asked, her voice rising with cautious joy. "You must be truly extraordinary. You''ve been so helpful to me already, and now this? I''m¡­ I''m so d it''s you." "I am deeply honored, Your Imperial Majesty," Fialova replied, her smile soft and sincere. "Argider has given me so much. She''s given me purpose. I am willing to give up my status as a knight to stand by her side. She inspires me." The room fell silent again, though this time it wasden with disbelief. Inspires you? Faeralys thought, incredulous. The Argider she knew inspired only chaos, exasperation, and the asional urge to throttle someone. Just what had happened on the battlefield to turn the notorious rake into a figure of inspiration? Callista''s gaze sharpened, her thoughts spiraling into desperation. If she can inspire Fialova, what about the rest of us? Am I¡­ going to be discarded? Meanwhile, Faeralys stewed in her own resentment. She didn''t love Argider¡ªnot really¡ªbut the idea of her being swept up by someone else left a bitter taste in her mouth. It wasn''t jealousy, she told herself. It was¡­ something else. Unfairness, perhaps. Betrayal. Yes, that was it. The two women nced at each other, and in that moment, an unspoken understanding passed between them. The fight was on. Fialova, oblivious to the brewing storm, remained serene. "I''ll take my leave now to check on Argider," she said, her tone light as a summer breeze. She bowed again and exited the room, her footsteps echoing down the hallway. As soon as she was gone, Faeralys rounded on Callista. "Did you hear that?" she hissed. "Of course, I did," Callista snapped, still wringing her hands. "She proposed! Proposed! And not to just anyone¡ªher!" "She''s probably just another one of Argider''s toys," Faeralys said, though her voicecked conviction. Callista shook her head, her expression dark. "No. She''s different." Faeralys seethed, her frustration brewing like a storm trapped in a teapot. It wasn''t just anger¡ªno, it was that peculiar brand of irritation that clung to the ribs and tickled the spine. Did she love Argider? Not in the grand, poetic sense sung by bards. But somehow, the situation still burned, like someone had slipped a dagger between her ribs and whispered, You''re receable. Betrayal wasn''t supposed to sting this much when you weren''t even invested¡ªwas it? Chapter 42 War of the Wives (3) Argidery motionless upon the grand canopied bed, a vision of pallor draped in an unttering, hastily tied rope. A trio of grim-faced doctors hovered over her. The gaping wound on her arm was being meticulously cleansed, though from the amount of wincing the healers exchanged, it was clear the prognosis wasn''t great. At her bedside stood Duke Arctera, a picture of noble focus. He was muttering an incantation, his voice low and steady. Tiny wisps of golden light gathered at his fingertips, spiraling toward Argider''s mangled arm. Each of the Eminent Households received a gift uniquely suited to their heritage and purpose. The Arctera household, revered as a sanctuary of knowledge, was bestowed with the power to study and wield magic spells, a gift granted by the very Sceptre itself. His brows furrowed, sweat dotting his temples. The power of his family''s ancient gift¡ªa shard of the Scepter''s legendary Jewelry¡ªwas immense, yet frustratingly finite. "That''s the best I can do," he said atst, his voice heavy with resignation. He stepped back, the light fading. "She might lose her arm..." The room was silent except for the distant tter of the pce. The wound had been too deep, cutting into the bone. The flesh had knit back together under his spell, but the damage to the tendons and nerves was irreparable. If¡ªwhen¡ªArgider woke, her arm might be little more than a decorative appendage. Finally, he exhaled, the glow fading. "That''s all I can manage," he said grimly, wiping a sheen of sweat from his brow. "She might keep her arm, but..." His voice trailed off as he nced at the gash that had nearly cleaved bone. While the surface wound was closed, it was clear her arm would never fully recover. The pce was still in turmoil over Argider''s arrival. News of her heroic return had spread like wildfire, but it was the whispers about Fialova that had set the court ame. The Emperor had done the unthinkable¡ªshe''d taken a wife. Worse, she''d gifted her with magic, a boon traditionally reserved for only the most esteemed. And no one was more displeased than Esmeralda. "That man slut!''" she roared, mming her fist onto the mahogany tea table with such force that the delicate china trembled before toppling over, sending tea cascading like a tragic waterfall. Her emerald eyes zed with fury, and her porcin cheeks flushed crimson. "Shees back a hero, and what does he do? Marries her while I sit here, crown askew, like a fool! And¡ªAND! She''s a woman now! How am I supposed to consummate anything with that?" Tarriel, hovered awkwardly nearby, ncing at the spilled tea as if debating whether to clean it or console her mistress. Margarette, ever the loyal conspirator, simply poured more tea, acting as if the table hadn''t been an innocent casualty of herdy''s ire. Theatrics, of course, were Esmeralda''s forte. Within minutes, she had summoned her entourage to the pce halls, her performance rivaling the finest stage actresses. Clutching her chest, she wailed, her voice echoing. "Your Imperial Majesty!" she sobbed, copsing dramatically against Tarriel and Margarette, who both struggled to support her sudden dead weight. "Y-Your Imperial Majesty, please!" Tarriel''s voice cracked as she gripped Esmeralda''s arm, tears streaming down her face in an impressive disy of forced empathy. "Everything will be fine, everything will be fine!" Margarette chimed in, though the tremor in her voice was more frustration than sorrow. Servants peeked cautiously from behind gilded doors, their eyes wide at the spectacle. But none dared question the scene. The Empress had a reputation to uphold, and this disy of grief¡ªhowever theatrical¡ªwas a necessary charade. For Esmeralda, loyalty was a game of optics. Deep down, she seethed. This wasn''t about love or loss. It was about power. She had failed to bind Argider to her before, and now that Argider had be a woman, the chances of producing heirs had vanished altogether. And yet, somehow, Argider had taken another wife! Esmeralda grit her teeth, her crocodile tears drying even as she wailed louder. No, this wasn''t over. If the Emperor thought he could humiliate her and walk away unscathed, he had another thinging. She might have been an actress, but she''d rewrite the script if she had to. She stormed into the bedchamber with all the quiet grace of a thunderstorm, mming the door behind her. The doctors, caught off guard, immediately dropped into a bow, no doubt praying for the strength to survive the next few moments. And Duke Arctera¡ªever theposed figure¡ªwas still there, eyebrows raised in surprise as he pressed a hand to his chest and gave a deep, respectful bow. "Your Imperial Majesty," he said, his tone trying to bnce between reverence and sheer shock. "Duke Arctera," Esmeralda replied with a nod that was just a tad too regal to be entirely friendly. "How''s my wife?" The duke sighed, looking like he''d been handed an unwanted responsibility. "She might lose her hand," he said, reluctantly. "I may be powerful, but healing magic isn''t really my area of expertise. It''s not like the ancient times when magic was... well, everywhere." "I... see," Esmeralda murmured, her voice a perfect blend of feigned sorrow and barely contained rage. "Very well." Once they finally left, Esmeralda mmed the door shut with a little more force than strictly necessary. She looked around the room with sharp eyes. Everything seemed in order. The bed was tidy, the drawing beside it was... an abstract piece that could''ve been done by a child with a crayon, but it wasn''t what she was here for. There was no trace of another woman''s scent lingering in the air. Her gaze shifted to Argider, who was just beginning to stir, eyes fluttering open as if waking from a long, painful sleep. And then their gazes locked. There was no avoiding the moment that stretched between them, fraught with tension and unsaid words. "Esmeralda?" Argider''s voice was a weak whisper, full of exhaustion and pain, her body betraying her with every breath. "My love!" Esmeralda dropped to her knees, grasping Argider''s hand in hers with the kind of dramatic urgency usually reserved for tragic heroines. And then¡ªcrack!¡ªArgider''s body jolted to life in a burst of agony, like a string pulled too tight. "F-Fuck!" Argider gasped, the pain evident in every syble. "What are you doing?!" Esmeralda''s eyes red. "You didn''t even consummate our marriage, and now you''re bringing in a new fianc¨¦?" Argider shrieked, her body protesting with every motion, her bones threatening to betray her. "I-I had no choice, I swear!" Esmeralda''s grip tightened, her fury burning brighter. "No choice?" she repeated, her voice dangerously soft. "What do you mean, ''no choice''? Were you threatened?" Argider whimpered, her pain mingling with panic. "I guess..." she hesitated, unable to get the words out without fear of adding to her torment. "It was...plicated." Esmeralda stared at her with narrowed eyes. "Complicated?" she echoed, her voice a mix of disbelief and irritation. "Was it really that hard to¡ªyou know¡ªconsummate the marriage? And now you''re off to some other woman, and you gave her magic? Since when does she get magic?!" Her heart boiled with frustration. Magic had always been part of the deal for her family. The Eye of Intuition, the unique gift passed down through generations, was supposed to be hers. So why had Argider given some lowly woman new powers? Why was it that the one person she could never fully control was also the one who had powers she could only dream of? Esmeralda had always gotten what she wanted. She demanded it, and the world gave it to her. Except when it came to Argider. ¡ª [MAJOR TASK ALERT]N?v(el)B\\jnn ¡ª [Task Description: Increase Sexual Intimacy With Esmeralda] ¡ª [Consequence If Not Done: Bloodshed Among The Harem] ¡ª [Reward: +10 Affection Points, +5 To All Personality Traits, Perception of the People +1 Level] Bloodshed? Argider heaved an exasperated sigh internally, as though the mere thought was an old, worn-out song she couldn''t bear to listen to one more time. At this point, she wondered if she could even summon the energy to react. "Fine..." she muttered, barely able to muster the enthusiasm. Esmeralda went stock-still, her perfectly arched eyebrow almost soaring off her forehead like a startled bird taking flight. "Hah! You''re kidding, right? You don''t even have anything down there anymore! And even if you did, goodness me, two women together¡ªhow does that even work?" Argider just arched an eyebrow back, unbothered. "Oh, you''d be surprised. There''s always something that can... well, make it work," she quipped, her tone wry. It was all her fault that things had turned out this way, she mused. Her whole family had been wiped out, butchered in some gruesome, unimaginable fashion. But Argider couldn''t be the warrior she wanted; seeing the horrors she''d witnessed down there had left her brain addled and her spirit fragmented. Memories blurred, details slipping away like grains of sand through an hourss¡ªshe couldn''t hold onto them anymore. Chapter 43 Consummation (1: NSFW) [Warning: NSFW & Futanari content. Read at your own risk.] "You called?" Alvator appeared again from thin air. He knew instantly what was happening. "Can you do something about this?" Argider asked, her voiceced with desperation. "Not me," Alvator replied, his gaze unyielding. "But the system can." "Then¡ª" "No. You''re not the one who gets it," Alvator interrupted. Argider paused. "Pardon?" "You think, after everything you''ve done, you can just take it back? You''ve probably left behind a trail of women with children," Alvator scolded, his voice cold. "No, you''re not the man for this. But hey, be thankful. At least it''s still from a woman. You never specified." It was true. She had likely fathered many children, none of them ever to know her. She''d left so many women alone, abandoned, just like his own mother had been. So many were struggling, just trying to survive. But she had done it to them. She had made them just like her¡ªa single mother scraping for anything. She had been too greedy. And now, the consequences were catching up to her. Then, Esmeralda flinched, her eyes darting to her own body. Something... something felt wrong. A weight, something big and long, seemed to be dangling between her thighs. And it wasing from her? She spun around, lifting her dress in a panic. There, between her legs, was... a shaft? "How did you¡ª?!" "You wanted this, didn''t you?" "But why me?" Esmeralda''s face flushed, anger flooding her. "You want me to impregnate you?" Argider responded, her voice t. "Besides... I''m being punished by the gods." "So you really are punished..." she muttered, her voice shaking with disbelief. She could hardly process what was happening. She had a man''s... thing... but still felt her womanhood. What was going on? She felt humiliated, trapped in a nightmare she could not escape. "By the way," Argider added, "I''m on my period... or whatever it''s called." She could feel the warm, wet trickle of blood down her thighs, a sensation both invasive and undeniable. Words were not enough to describe what her body was feeling. "Hah!" Esmeralda scoffed, as if the gods themselves had dealt Argider a final blow. It seemed fate had truly turned on the Emperor. She just didn''t expect that she would be the one bedding the girl because her body should''ve been the vessel for their heir. This entire situation was just... absurd. Nothing made sense. But she didn''t want to lose her position. It was the only aspect of her that held her and gave her power. If Argider was the epitome of lust, Esmeralda would be greed. As long as she achieved her means, then she could not care less about the process. Esmeralda summoned the servants outside the door to give her a towel and bucket. They quickly delivered it, their presence barely noticed as she locked the door behind them. She circled the bed, her steps deliberate, before sitting beside Argider. In a sudden, almost predatory movement, Esmeralda slid atop her, pulling up the folds of their shared robe. "W-Wait!" Argider''s unbroken arm shot out to grab her, her heart hammering in her chest. A deep flush of shame spread across her face as she realized how exposed she felt, how empty it felt down there¡ª and it made her unusually shy. Esmeralda barely nced at her, rolling her eyes with a dismissive air. "Quit squirming," she said impatiently, before pressing Argider firmly back into the bed. "Let me clean you up." She spread Argider''s legs wide, a subtle reminder of how much had changed. Argider was a woman now, her body marking the inevitable cycle of nature. Esmeralda hesitated only for a heartbeat before she wet the towel, her fingers brushing against the sensitive skin of Argider''s inner thighs. "Ah!" Argider gasped as the rough towel and Esmeralda''s fingers grazed against her pink petals. "Hold still," Esmeralda instructed, continuing her ministrations, wiping up and down in firm strokes. She dipped the cloth back into the bucket, wringing it out before returning to Argider''s sensitive flesh.N?v(el)B\\jnn "G-god, that feels so strange..." Argider bit her lip, stifling a moan. The friction was undeniably pleasurable, sending sparks of sensation through her core. Each pass over her clit made her squirm and bite back whimpers of delight. "Your body''s so sensitive..." Her cock was hardening, straining against the confines of her dress. The new sensations were intense, her entire body aze with need. She ached to plunge herself into something, anything, to relieve this unbearable pressure. Her erection throbbed insistently, tenting the fabric of her gown. Abruptly, she leaned in close, her breath hot against Argider''s ear. "Don''t mistake this for anything more than it is," she hissed venomously. "I despise you with every fiber of my being. And perhaps it''s fitting that I get to be the one in control for once." Her lips crashed against Argider''s in a bruising kiss, her tongue forcing its way past the seam of the girl''s mouth. She pressed her body flush against Argider''s, pinning her in ce as her hands roamed lower. She roughly shoved the towel between Argider''s legs, grinding the coarse fabric. "Mmmph!" Tears prickled at Argider''s eyes. The harsh texture scraped deliciously against her sensitive folds, sending jolts of painful pleasure coursing through her veins. "Mmph!" The emperor''s moans were muffled against the other''s lips as they kissed with a fervor bordering on violence. Her head was yanked back by a fistful of hair, forcing her to expose her throat to hungry bites and sucking kisses. Even their mutual animosity only seemed to fuel the intensity of the moment. "Mmmph... hngh..." Argider''s breathy cries filled the air, punctuated by the wet sounds of their kiss. Ah. She felt a liquiding out from her. Did she just... orgasm? When Esmeralda saw it, she clicked her tongue. She certainly didn''t want their bed to be a bloody mess. Halting and pulling away would''ve been way wiser, but there was an explosive throb between her thighs. It was hard ignore it if it burned so bad. Afterall, Argider was underneath her, legs open-wide, and helpless. It made her sweaty, her breath bingbored. Then, their eyes fell between the girl''s thighs and her throat swallowed, admiring the slick and smooth pussy before her. She wanted to tear it up. Esmeralda closed her eyes, trembling. Was this what Argider felt when she was a man? This feeling of wanting to force one''s self on another and using them like a toy? She almost felt bad for the emperor. If it were Esmeralds, she wouldn''t be able to keep it down among whores as well. "I suppose I have no choice..." She had to use the other hole. Her cock, which now demanded attention, grew prominently just under the fabrics of her dress. Impatiently, she flipped the girl''s body, and reached their ass cheek with one hand to spread it apart for a better view. Argider gasped. N-No way, is she going to... The emperor panicked. "Hmph, since you''re bleeding, consider this as a half-done consummation," Esmeralda said, her slender finger probing at Argider tight rear entrance, circling the sensitive rim before slowly pushing inside. Argider''s back instinctively raised up, a groan escaping from her lips. "Fuck!" She was shaking. It hurt so bad that her toes curled. All she could do was whimper at the burning sensation, her anus instinctively resisting because of how tight it was. However, Esmeralda pressed deeper, forcing her digit into Argider''s hot, velvety depths, the tight ring of muscle fluttering around her. "That fucking hurts..." Argider bit back a groan. She''d never felt anything inside her before. Although, somewhere deep inside her knew that this was just a start. She had to take this because she deserved it. This was probably what most women in her position had to endure. Being forced to bend down with their buttocks high up and possibly getting prated any second by a man''s cock just because it was their duty. She hated it. Ever since her transformation, her falling never ceased. "I know, just hold still," Esmeralda went slow at first, letting her adjust to the intrusion, but soon her probing digits were pushing past the initial resistance and it forced Argider to finally release her groan. "My fingers are being sucked.." Jolts of exquisite agony shot through Argider core as Esmeralda began to pump her finger in and out, grazing her sensitive nerves as drool dribbled down her chin. "Dear gods," Esmeralda gritted her teeth. Her dick felt so unbearably tingly. "I feel like I can''t control myself. Is this what it feels like to be a man?" Then, she took off her dress and undergarments. Argider''s breath hitched. Esmeralda''s body was quite a sight with her perfect bosoms and hourss figure. But she''d rather die than admit that. When she looked down, she was shocked. It was thick, veiny shaft throbbing with need, the swollen head glistening with pre-cum. That''s bigger than mine! Chapter 44 Consummation (2: NSFW) It was looming over their face. This couldn''t be happening. Argider was visibly torned as the cock sprang free, pping against her wife''s abdomen. Its girth was undeniably wide that it could stretch her and leave her broken. She wasn''t even going to fathom the fact that she''s the bottom and will be the receiving end. It was utterly ludicrous and humiliating at best. "But... how do I even..." Esmeralda''s confidence was swept away after she realized her inexperience. A rtable response, one might say. "With that size, I don''t think you need to worry about anything," the emperor replied. It was simply the truth - no amount of skill from a smaller one could defeat the sensation if they had such a size. She didn''t know whether to admire it or feel repulsed. But most of all, she wanted to scream. They were the woman in this situation now, a type of scenerio that often reyed in her head for theughs. As always, manifestations had no intention of siding with Argider. So who''sughing now? The gods again? This only made the scorching ardor in the emperor be more intolerable. The nipping cold inside her heart, the wilting flowers and people, and the sins she knew all to well heightened the anguish that made her susceptible to any punishment. Perhaps facing her punishment might rid of her pain and stop letting her mother take the fall. Afterall, this was better than getting fucked by a man. Argider had no choice but to take every ounce of her will with eyes closed, her hand shotting out and grasping Esmeralda''s throbbing member, feeling its impressive girth and heat. There was still a slight disgust on her tongue. Don''t worry, Argider... this is not a man''s cock, this is not a man''s cock. I''m not a homosexual! She tried to convince herself despite her transformation. This couldn''t be possibly worse than the war she faced days ago. "W-What are you doing?" Esmeralda yelped. Argider''s delicate fingers wrapped around her sensitive shaft made electricity shot up her spine, causing her knees to buckle. She bit her lip, fighting the urge to thrust her hips into her firm grip, desperate for more of that delicious friction. Having this throbbing, needy cock between her legs was both a blessing and a curse - a constant reminder of the primal desires that lurked just beneath the surface, waiting to consume her. Having a penis was truly dangerous! The thick shaft pulsed against Argider''s palm, the engorged veins protruding menacingly, as if ready to burst. With a resigned sigh, she guided the swollen head towards her own tight, puckered hole. The empress was stunned at Argider''s willingness while they could barely make eye contact with her. The slight twitch in their lips looked like they were about to cry and vomit.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Fuck you. This has nothing to do with what I feel towards you. And you''re still not my type," Argider barked, though it sounded more of like a whimpering dog. This oddly turned on Esmeralda, blood wildly pumping her cock that it became more harder. Of course, Argider felt it against her hole and she flinched, her cheeks turning red as a tomato from fear and embarrassment. Holy shit. The empress was a freak. As if driven by instinct, Esmeralda began sliding her dick across the ass cheeks, relishing every spark that it made her pre-cum drool. "Oh yeah?" Esmeralda frowned, firmly cupping their face. "Then, that means I don''t have to be gentle, right? Nothing to be personal, afterall. I''ll make you regret ignoring me and rejecting me." Argider felt a shiver down her spine. Oh no. Esmeralda spread her cheeks, exposing the tight, pink pucker of her anus. Leaning in, she dragged her tongue along the crack of her ass, savoring the salty-sweet taste of her skin. Argider almost let out a wanton moan as Esmeralda circled her sensitive butthole with the tip of her tongue, before plunging it deep inside. Shepped at her inner walls, coating them with her saliva to ease the way for what was toe. Just you wait, I''ll finally tame you. Esmeralda''s eyes glistened with sadistic intent, her eyes hungry as she pictured every humiliating expression that Argider held at the moment. I''ll make you regret everything, you man-whore. I''ll make you cum and make you feel every emotion you don''t want. "H-Huh?!" Argider squirmed under Esmeralda''s ministrations, torn between the desire to push back against her probing tongue and the shame of enjoying such a filthy act. "You''re a disgusting pig," she spat, even as her hips canted back, silently begging for more. There was no way she''s giving in, she thought. Esmeralda chuckled darkly. She withdrew her tongue, grasping Argider''s hips firmly. "And yet here you are, presenting yourself like a bitch in heat. Now that you''re a woman, you''re not much different than the whores you fucked." She lined up her thick, twitching cock against Argider''s anus and mmed forward, only to watch in dismay as her swollen ns slipped past the girl''s virgin anus and bumped against her rear. Her hips reangled immediately. She didn''t know how to feel connected with her new cock yet, especially at how big it was. Could it really prate? Gripping the emperor''s hips tighter, Esmeralda lined up once more and thrust forward with determination. This time, she felt the resistance give way as her cockhead popped past her sphincter and slid into Argider''s incredibly tight depths, burying herself to the hilt in one brutal thrust. "Fuck!" Argjder cried out, pain and pleasure blurring together as she was stretched and filled beyond anything she had ever experienced. She couldn''t believe it. She was getting destroyed by a cock. From a woman no less. What were the gods scheming?! "It''s so tight," Esmeralda groaned, giving her no time to adjust before she started to move. "So this is what you felt bedding all those women, huh? No wonder. I would''ve gone crazy too." She pushed harder, grunting with effort as she tried to force her way inside. A bit clumsy at first, but she was getting used to it slowly. The feeling of having a dick was still all too unfamiliar, of course. But dang, did it feel good. "Shut the fuck up and j-just don''t say anything!" Argider hissed, sinking her face against the bed. "Trying to be in-denial, dear emperor?" Bing more confident, she set a punishing pace, pounding into Argider''s ass with animalistic grunts, each thrust hitting her deepest spots and making stars explode behind her eyes. "This is so fucking disgusting," Argider spat, even as her inner walls clenched around her, betraying her true feelings. "I-I can''t believe I''m letting you vite me like this!" "Oh, really?" Esmeralda growled, punctuating their words with particrly hard thrusts. "Look at how your dirty hole is gripping my cock like it''s starving for it. You were probably meant to be a woman." "Fuck you!" Argider tried to focus on the difort, the burn of being stretched too wide, but it was a losing battle. Her treacherous body responded to her every move, her own pussy twitching and leaking with need. She bit back a whimper as Esmeralda hit a particrly sensitive spot deep inside her, sparks of pleasure shooting up her spine. "Damn it, why does it have to feel so good?" she muttered, more to herself than to the empress. She hated how much she craved this, hated how easily she could reduce her to a moaning, writhing mess with just a few well-ced thrusts. A woman''s body was a curse. Esmeralda couldn''t quite believe the turn of events herself. Just a short while ago, Argider had been the one calling the shots, the one with all the power and control. But now, here she was, bent over and submitting to her, their tight ass stretched around her throbbing cock. It was a heady feeling, knowing that she had reduced this strong, stubborn woman to a needy, whimpering mess. As she pounded into her, setting a relentless pace that had their toes curling and nails digging into the sheets, Esmeralda couldn''t help but marvel at the power that her dick seemed to hold. "That''s right, take it," she growled, punctuating her words with a particrly hard thrust. This was more than just sex - it was a correction, a way to put her in her ce and remind her of who they should pay attention to. Her. The empress. And it seemed that having a dick really dide with certain privileges, ones that allowed her to bend Argider to her will in ways she never would have allowed before. She could feel her balls tightening, the pressure building to an almost unbearable level. Finally, she buried himself to the hilt one final time and exploded, painting Argider''s inner walls with thick ropes of her hot seed. Argider cried out as she felt the first spurt of his cum flood her ass, the sensation of being marked and imed sending her over the edge. She copsed forward, panting heavily as Esmeralda''s softening shaft slipped out of her abused hole, a trickle of cum following in its wake. "Oh, I''m not done yet." Chapter 45 Consummation (3: NSFW) Argidery sprawled on the bed, her ass still tingling from the intense pounding she had just received. She could feel Esmeralda''s cum slowly oozing out of her well-used hole, a lewd reminder of what they had just done. Part of her wanted to scream at her, to push her away and tell her that this was a mistake. But another part of her craved more of this because of how touch starved she felt. Slowly, she rolled over onto her back, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. Esmeralda was already sitting up, a self-satisfied smirk on her face as she watched her with hooded eyes. Argider felt a rush of anger at his smug expression, but she tamped it down, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of seeing her lose control. "Don''t get too cocky," she muttered, her voice still a little shaky. "You just got lucky this time." Esmeralda chuckled, low and deep. "Oh, I don''t think luck had anything to do with it. You loved every second of it, didn''t you?" The emperor felt a flush creep up her neck at her words, and she turned her face away, trying to hide the effect her crudenguage was having on her. She could feel her own arousal starting to stir again, much to her chagrin. Damn her traitorous body for responding so eagerly to her touch. "Shut up," she growled, even as she felt herself growing wetter at the thought of being filled once more. "You don''t know anything about what I want." Esmeralda just smiled, a wicked glint in her eye as she reached out to trail a finger down her sweat-slicked chest. "I know more than you think, Argider. I can see it in the way your body reacts to me, the way you clench around me like you never want me to leave. You may try to deny it, but deep down, you know you belong to me now."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Argider''s breath hitched as their finger dipped lower, grazing the sensitive skin of her inner thigh. She knew she should push her away, should end this twisted game before it went any further. But the ache between her legs was bing impossible to ignore, and she found herself arching into his touch, desperate for more. "Fuck you," she hissed, even as her hips canted upwards, seeking friction. "I''m not yours, and I never will be." The other woman justughed, a dark, dangerous sound that sent shivers down her spine. "We''ll see about that," she purred, her hand sliding higher, applying pressure at their clit. "I think you''ll find that once you''ve had a taste of what I can offer, you won''t be able to live without it." Argider bit back a moan as they started to stroke her, her grip firm and sure. She hated how easily she could reduce her to a quivering mess, hated the way her resolve crumbled under her skillful touch. But as much as she wanted to fight it, she knew deep down that she was already lost. With a shaky breath, she reached down and started to reciprocate, her own hand wrapping around Esmeralda semi-hard cock. She could feel it twitch and grow in her grasp, and she knew that soon, they would be locked together once more. She moved her hand faster along Esmeralda''s shaft, feeling it grow hard and heavy in her grip. She marveled at the thickness and heat of it, the silky skin over steel. Her own petals throbbed in response, aching for attention. Suddenly, Esmeralda grabbed her wrist and pulled her hand away. "Enough of that," he growled. "I''m done ying nice." She flipped her onto her stomach and yanked her hips up, forcing her to assume the position. Esmeralda gasped as the cool air hit her exposed, sensitive flesh. She felt vulnerable, open,pletely at her mercy. And God help her, but she loved it. Esmeralda wasted no time lining up her cock with her dripping anus. Much to her agony, she couldn''t tear up her entrance yet due to her menstruation. It''d be a bloody mess. With one hard thrust, she buried himself to the hilt, stretching her open around their thick girth. "O-Oh!" Argider cried out, the burn of the initial pration quickly giving way to intense pleasure. She set a brutal pace, pounding into her with wild abandon. Each powerful thrust drove her forward, her breasts bouncing from the force. The obscene p of skin on skin filled the room, punctuated by their harsh panting and grunts of exertion. Argider''s neglected pussy bobbed painfully between her legs, leaking copious amounts of fluid. She ached to touch herself, to find relief from the overwhelming sensations. But Esmeralda kept her pinned in ce, her hands gripping her hips hard enough to leave bruises. She leaned over her, her chest pressing against her back as she fucked her harder, deeper. Her hot breath tickled her ear as he whispered filthy things, telling her what a dirty little slut she was, how much she loved wrecking her tight ass. Argider had never been taken so roughly, so thoroughly. Esmeralda was iming her, marking her, making her his in every way possible. "I feel like..." She could feel her orgasm building, coiling tightly in her belly. Her muscles tensed, her hole fluttering around Esmeralda''s pistoning cock. She was so close, teetering on the edge of ecstasy. "Please," she added, hating the desperation in her voice but unable to hold it back. "Please, I need to cum." Esmeralda justughed, a dark, cruel sound that sent shivers down her spine. "Not yet, my love," she purred. "You don''t get to cum until I say so." Of course, Argiderc could only whine in frustration, her body trembling with the effort of holding back her release. She had never felt so utterly owned, sopletely at another person''s mercy. And yet, even as she railed against the unfairness of it all, she knew that this was exactly what she needed. She needed to be put in her ce, to be reminded of her sins. And Esmeralda was more than happy to oblige, fucking her with ruthless efficiency, driving her closer and closer to the brink of madness. Finally, with a roar of triumph, Esmeralda mmed home onest time and exploded inside her, flooding her channel with her hot seed. "There we go..." Chapter 46 Intimacy (1) It was nearly nightfall, and a maid pressed her ear against the bedroom door, her breath catching in shock. The soundsing from within were¡ªunbelievable. Was it possible? Had the Empress finally tamed the insatiable Argider? Behind her, another maid gasped, eyes wide with disbelief. "T-The Empress is...forting the Emperor!" The first maid stammered, voice hushed but full of scandal. The other one squinted their eyes, confused. "But... but that can''t be right. The Emperor has never... you know... done it with her. Not in all these years!" "Don''t believe me?" The first maid sighed, leaning in closer. "Come here, listen for yourself!" The second maid hesitated, but curiosity got the best of her. She too pressed her ear against the door, eyes widening. What was that? Groaning, moaning, the unmistakable creak of the bed. But wait¡ªwhy was it the Emperor screaming in distress? And not the Empress? Just then, the door swung open with dramatic ir. "Oh? Do you have any business?" came the silky voice of the Empress. The two maids went still, caught in the act. Their eyes widened like two startled rabbits, before they immediately dropped into the deepest bows they could muster. Their fingers twitched as if preparing to flee, but their bodies were frozen in the most exaggerated positions, like a pair of statues at risk of crumbling at the slightest movement. "Forgive us, Your Majesty!" they squeaked in unison. The Empress gave them a look that could freeze fire, one eyebrow arched with all the deadly elegance of a royal. She knew what they''d been eavesdropping on. And anyone who had spent five minutes in the pce knew that Esmeralda''s wrath was a thing of nightmares. "W-We were just passing by, Your Imperial Majesty, on cleaning duties..." one maid stammered, beads of sweat running down her forehead. Her voice trembled as she awaited the inevitable p or biting insult, something that was practically a daily urrence when it came to Esmeralda. "Ah, I see..." Esmeralda said, her tone t and utterly unfazed. "Continue then..." The two maids dared to nce up at the Empress, their bodies still stiff as statues. They were drenched in sweat, eyes wide and unfocused, as though they''d just glimpsed the gates of heaven... or maybe fallen through them. One of them couldn''t help but notice a few fresh bite marks on Esmeralda''s neck. The most likely culprit? Argider, of course. She was the only one who could make her look like that¡ªand make her look like she''d just returned from a wrestling match with a bedpost. "Y-Yes, Your Majesty..." the other maid squeaked. Esmeralda walked past them,pletely indifferent, like she had just taken a casual stroll after an afternoon tea. After all that vigorous bed "exercise," she felt a strange sense of calm¡ªsoft, even. Who knew that this was the secret to her serenity? The maids stood there, utterly dumbstruck. Normally, they would have been sent running for their lives after crossing paths with Esmeralda¡ªusually, it involved hands flying or insults sharper than a dagger. But today? She seemed... happy. Too happy. And it was... unsettling. Meanwhile, Argidery there, utterly spent and looking like she''d just been through a battle... with a particrly angry mattress. They''d survived several rounds, but the Empress'' relentless vigor had somehow turned the tables. Argider was now the one left battered, bruised, and very much on the receiving end of Esmeralda''s enthusiastic pursuits. She tried to sit up, but every inch of her body seemed to protest. She winced as an ache radiated from her hips¡ªoh, wonderful¡ªand soon realized her whole body felt like it had been run over by a horse-drawn carriage. Arms, legs, stomach... Even her private parts were crying out in protest. And let''s not forget the lovelypanion of menstruation cramps, which felt like the cherry on top of this delightful experience. But, at least there was one small mercy in all of this. Despite the chaos that had unfolded, Argider couldfortably say she wasn''t pregnant. No, the Empress had very much avoided that particr oue. Argider, bless her, had learned that the hard way¡ªher wife had been very careful to avoid anything near the entrance to her... well, her entrance. ¡ª [Personality Trait: Oppenness ?? + 5 EXP!] ¡ª [Personality Trait: Conscientiousness ?? + 5 EXP!] ¡ª [Personality Trait: Extraversion ?? + 5 EXP!] ¡ª [Personality Trait: Agreeableness ?? + 5 EXP!] ¡ª [Personality Trait: Neuroticism ?? +5 EXP!] ... ... ¡ª [Perception of the People ?? +5 EXP!] ¡ª [Level Two: Perception of the People ?? 5/20 EXP]N?v(el)B\\jnn "I suppose... everything was worth it..." Argider muttered, copsing back onto the bed in a heap of exhaustion. She hugged a pillow to her chest like it was herst lifeline. And truth be told, after all that had just happened, it might very well have been. She was still entirely clothes-free, her body a battlefield of sensations¡ªsome pleasurable, others¡­ not so much. She sighed, staring at the ceiling in something like reluctant satisfaction. "But it''s still so disgusting," she groaned, rolling her head to the side. "They probably cursed my female body to make me feel good with Esmeralda... or maybe with anyone... I wouldn''t put it past them." Argider gritted her teeth as he stormed into her chambers, mming the door behind him. She''d barely been able to tolerate another minute in her presence. The woman was a curse. No, she was the curse. How else could he exin the maddening pull she had on him, the way his body betrayed him every time she got close? It was ridiculous. She made everything a game, and somehow, he always seemed to be losing. She buried her ace in her friands, cursing her own weakness. Se hated how sheughed that carefreeugh, how her eyes glinted with mischief. The chase was one thing¡ªshe could endure that. But the way she made her feel? That was another matter entirely. Argider had no idea how to fight this. ¡ª [New Notification] ¡ª [Reminder: Continue to Increase Intimacy With The Empress As Duty. EXP points will be given based on the impact.] nights. "Gods be good..." Chapter 47 Intimacy (2: NSFW) For the next few days, Esmeraldaunched a full-blown campaign to drag Argider to bed¡ªand let''s just say, she wasn''t picky about the venue. The garden? Sure, who cares about twigs in ufortable ces? The bathing chambers? Slippery when wet, indeed. The balcony? Scandal in the moonlight, darling. Esmeralda made it hard for Argider to escape her advances, slipping in and out of her sight would result in a coquettish smile that was impossible to ignore. But Argider was resolute in her disdain for her. Each time she appeared, she felt her temper re, her hands clenching into fists. She hated the way Esmeralda manipted every situation, the way her eyes gleamed with calcted desire. She told herself it was all games to Esmetalda, and that it was nothing more than a petty challenge. She wasn''t fooled by her charms. The more Esmeralda pursued her, the more she loathed her, even if a part of her ached with longing that she refused to acknowledge. She couldn''t give in¡ªnot to her, not to whatever this was. Unfortunately, she had no idea how to decline, even if she wanted to. She''d stammer, blush like a maiden on her first crush, and dive in with all the grace of a drunken peacock. It was terribly awkward for her¡ªshe''d always been the one in charge. Always the top. Always the¡­ well, man, in her head. And yet, as much as she wanted to grumble about her role reversal, it wasn''t half bad. Good, even. Not that she''d ever admit it. Pride could be a stubborn thing. Meanwhile, her intimacy points were racking up. She''d hit a solid forty over one hundred, earning a respectable five points per session. Affection points, however, were dragging their feet at a dismal fifteen, and loyalty? Let''s not talk about the measly five. But public perception? Oh, that was climbing. It seemed nothing spread faster in the empire than rumors of steamy balcony shenanigans. The rest of the wives were bbergasted. Callista, in particr, was practically vibrating with confusion. Argider¡ªher Argider¡ªhad resisted her advances time and time again, only to cave for Esmeralda? What kind of betrayal was this? Sure, she didn''t mind sharing, but being relegated to the sidelines was a bitter pill to swallow. Faeralys preferred to stay far, far away from the juicy details, while Fialova couldn''t muster much more than a shrug. "This is just how emperors and empresses are," she reasoned, sipping her tea. Still, even she had to admit, this sudden transformation was the hottest gossip in the imperial pce. Then one quiet night, the faint hum of wind brushed against the pce walls as Esmeralda and Argider once again shared the same bedchamber. Both were d in their respective nightgowns¡ªa strange turn for an emperor, but one Argider had begrudgingly epted. Shey on her side, back to Esmeralda, hoping silence might ward off whatever smugness herpanion had in store. "If I didn''t know better, I''d think you''re starting to enjoy this arrangement," Esmeralda said, her tone light but teasing. Argider let out a low sigh, her voice clipped. "I''m just¡­ trying to be a good spouse. Or whatever I''m supposed to be now. Husband? Wife? Does it even matter anymore?" Esmeralda shifted closer, her hand finding its way to Argider''s hip as she spoke softly but pointedly. "Well, your¡­ time has passed now, hasn''t it?" Argider stiffened, a gasp escaping her before she managed to stammer, "N-Not now. I''m tired." Her words came out rushed, her face heating with embarrassment. Wasn''t she supposed to be the one in charge? How had the roles reversed so thoroughly? Esmeralda''s confidence unsettled her, as if she''d imed the very crown of their dynamic. "Don''t worry," Esmeralda murmured, sitting up slightly. "I''m just curious." Before Argider could protest further, Esmeralda''s hands guided her, positioning her with surprising ease. A sharp intake of breath escaped Argider as she felt her undergarments being drawn away, leaving her vulnerable. Her heart raced, her cheeks flushed deeply, but she turned her face aside, unable to meet Esmeralda''s gaze. "Stop squirming," Esmeralda said softly, her fingers brushing delicately against her. Argider trembled, caught between indignation and something far more disarming. She didn''t speak, her voice caught in her throat, leaving the only sound in the room the faint rustle of fabric and her own uneven breathing. Esmeralda''s presence was steady,manding even, and in that moment, Argider couldn''t help but feel unmoored, adrift in a vulnerability she had never expected to show¡ªnot like this. "You''re so wet for me already," Esmeralda purred, her fingers reaching and teasing the slick folds of Argider''s pussy. "I''ve always wondered what a woman tasted like." "W-Wait!"You no longer have your menstruation, yes?" "Well... N-No..." Esmeralda lowered her head, burying her face between Argider''s quivering thighs. She licked hungrily at the girl''s glistening folds, her tongue swirling around the sensitive bud of her clit. "Oh!" Argider''s body jolted at the first electric touch, then melted back against the sheets as Esmeralda devoured her dripping essence with slow, torturous strokes. There lewd sounds of slurping and sucking filled the room as Esmeralda feasted on her wife. "You taste so good, sweetheart," Esmeralda hummed, her voice muffled against Argider''s slick flesh. "Let yourself go. Don''t hold back your pleasure." "S-Shut up..." With each lewdp of her tongue against Argider''s dripping slit, Esmeralda shuddered uncontrobly, her plump lips parted in a silent moan as strands of saliva dribbled down her chin. "N-No... This is so embarrassing..." Argider whimpered breathlessly between licks. "It probably... it must taste so strange... so dirty and wrong..." Her words dissolved into needy gasps and whimpers as Esmeralda''s skilled mouth worked without mercy. "Hardly. It''s a burst of vors," Esmeralda punctuated her words with a particrly deep lick, her tongue delving into Argider''s tight entrance. The girl''s walls clenched around her, drawing her in deeper, and Esmeralda couldn''t help but moan at the exquisite vor.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "You''re so responsive," She murmured, her fingers digging into the soft flesh of Argider''s thighs. She redoubled her efforts, her tongue flicking rapidly over Argider''s clit, alternating between broad strokes and targeted flicks. Her lips sealed around the sensitive nub, sucking gently, as her fingers dug into the soft flesh of the girl''s thighs. Argider couldn''t believe it, but this was just one of the times of their nightly activities. Chapter 48 Worth (1) After another exhausting night with Esmeralda, Argider copsed onto the bed beside the sleeping empress, utterly drained. She could hardly believe it. This was her life now¡ªliving as the vessel, caught in a web of obligations and strange rituals. And the worst part? She had handed the power over to the insufferable narcissist. ¡ª [New Notification] ¡ª [Status Updates] ¡ª [Open? Y/N] With a heavy sigh, she reluctantly pressed "yes," and the system interface popped up, sliding across her vision. As she read through the details, her eyes widened in disbelief. This couldn''t be real. Her personality traits had soared to level four, all from those nights with her main wife. One more level and she''d unlock stage two of her personality development¡ªcognitive, psychosocial, and all the aspects that came with it. But there was a nagging unease deep in her gut. Was this what it felt to be a woman in high society? To gain points, to improve through the act of being bedded? It felt off. Like a game, a strange and unsettling one where her worth was measured by... this? Oh, how she missed being a man. A sharp, tired groan escaped her lips as she gingerly sat up, the weight of the night still clinging to her bones. Her right arm, wrapped tightly in a cloth slung across her shoulder, protested the movement, a painful reminder of just how much had been given. She tried to sit upright, but the cool night breeze from the balcony cut through the room, sending a shiver down her spine. Her body ached in ces she hadn''t known could hurt, and yet¡ªsomewhere, deep inside¡ªthe system was feeding her more power, more development. What a strange, strange life she was leading now. Argider slid out of bed with a grunt, wrapping a robe around her body to shield herself from the cool morning air. She made her way toward the balcony, the city of Aloxus sprawling below her like an endless sea of rooftops. She took a deep breath, the city''s smells mixing with the fresh scent of dawn. Why am I even doing this? she wondered, staring at the horizon. "I''d like to ask the same thing," came a voice from above. Argider nced up to see Alvator gliding through the air beforending gracefully on the balcony''s edge, his paws clicking lightly on the stone. She smirked, though her heart wasn''t in it. "I mean, I do want to go back to being a man. No way I''m staying like this. Not when people treat me like this." Then, she stepped closer to the edge, gripping the stone with her hand. If she could crush it, she would. But her fingers was as frail as the rest of her. It was a hunting reminder of her metamorphosis into a woman. "But have you ever thought about changing the world?" Alvator asked, his voice light but with an edge of something deeper. She chuckled bitterly, shaking her head. "What am I gonna change it to? A whorehouse factory?" Sheughed again, but it sounded more like a groan. "I''m not a hero." "You don''t have to be a hero. If you don''t like where you are, take a step and see what you can change. Sure, everyone''s telling you to adapt to being a woman... but what if you didn''t have to? What if you could change everything around you, so no one has to adapt at all? Imagine a world where people could just be themselves, without the weight of a role forced on them." Argider raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. "What do you mean by that?" The cat''s tail flicked in the air as he settled on the balcony, eyes narrowing as if he could see something beyond the present. "Everyone''s conditioned to a role. Peasants, nobles, warriors, even kings and queens. But what if you made a world where no one was bound by their role? Where everyone could be whatever they wanted? You''re the Emperor. You still have the power." Argider stared at him, incredulous. "Then why didn''t you do that when you were Emperor? You were the one who enforced all those roles, after all. You and your precious loyalty-based system." His eyes softened for a moment, his voice almost wistful. "I wasn''t wise. And I was conditioned to a role, too." He paused, looking away as if lost in some distant memory. "I won''t say more." Argider''s chest tightened. "I don''t even know what I want anymore. I just want to be a man again... but I''m scared I won''t be able to go back. I''m over this whole ''existentialism'' thing. What if I get so used to this, I don''t even want to go back?" Alvator gave her a steady, unblinking stare. "It''s not about the purpose. It''s about the worth you find along the way. People give up on their dreams all the time, but the ones who keep going? They find worth in the journey itself."N?v(el)B\\jnn Argider frowned, her thoughts spinning. "I don''t know... That requires too much faith and I, for one, don''t possess such belief." Alvator''s tail twitched again. "Maybe you will. But you have to find it." Worth was a word that shouldn''t be tied to a scum. How could something as vile as scum have worth? Yet, when she really thought about it, the world itself could be considered scum¡ªruined, drenched in death and corruption. But despite everything, humanity clung to life. They found a reason to keep going, to endure, even when they had the power to end it all. The idea that worth could exist in such a broken world... it was almostughable. Though, it was undeniable. Some twisted, stubborn part of existence still saw value in continuing, even when everything seemed lost. "This is too much deep talk," Argider groaned, pressing a hand to her forehead as if trying to ward off the weight of her thoughts. "I''m going back to bed. This is giving me a headache." With a final, frustrated sigh, she turned and retreated into the room, her footsteps fading. Alvator watched her go, his eyes narrowing in something like disdain. Typical behavior for someone with a mind as shallow as a puddle, he thought, rolling his eyes. But beneath the irritation, a flicker of something else stirred¡ªcuriosity. Will she actually take the bait? he wondered. Or is she too lost in her own mess to even try? The question hung in the air, unanswered, as he remained perched on the balcony, his tail twirling thoughtfully. Chapter 49 Worth (2) "What nonsense are you spouting now, Alvator?" The voice, seething with fury, cut through the still air, forcing the cat to snap its head forward in response. Alvator, however, remained unshaken. Hisposure was a shield, and it had to be. There was no room for weakness here. Before him loomed a swirling mass of ck mist, vaguely humanoid in shape yet insubstantial¡ªits form dissipated into the ether as if it were made of shadow and dust, fragile as a memory on the verge of being forgotten. It was a being of some kind, though its true nature was difficult to grasp. "I''m merely fulfilling my duty, sire," Alvator replied evenly, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air. The dark entity''s voice hissed, its presence growing more oppressive. "You swore an oath to serve the Empire, not to lecture the Emperor on plunging it into anarchy." "Anarchy? It''s not anar¡ª" Alvator opened his mouth to retort, but the words died on his tongue as a cold, suffocating pressure mped around his throat, a force unseen but undeniable. "I''ve grown weary of your mediocrity," the entity growled, its voice like stone grinding against itself. "Continue like this, and your soul will find no rest." With that ominous decree, the being dissolved into nothingness, a faint ripple of malice left in its wake. Alvator staggered, the breath knocked out of him as he tumbled back from the edge of the balcony. Pathetic, he thought, his paws trembling against the cold marble floor. He hadn''t asked for this, hadn''t volunteered for a fate stitched with razor wire, but here he was¡ªshouldering burdens that far exceeded the devil''s bargain he had made. Power, after all, demanded its dues. Yet, a flicker of realization sparked within him. If he still held even a fragment of dominion over Argider, he could wield it. Perhaps subtly at first, bending the threads of fate to suit his will. He clenched his fists, the weight of his role pressing heavily upon him. Guide? No, he was done being confined to that narrow title. If the game was rigged, then it was time he rewrote the rules. **** Argider stood on the training grounds, sword in hand, her movements hesitant and stiff. Her arm¡ªbroken and deeply wounded¡ªremained bound in a sling, rendering her right side useless. She gripped the sword clumsily in her left hand, a pale shadow of her former self. "What''s troubling you?" Uzak''s voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. The Imperial Knight''s brow furrowed as he observed her. He''d never seen Argider so subdued, her usual fiery determination reced by uncertainty. He had assumed her recent dedication to the emperor''s duties signaled triumph, but now he wondered if it was something else entirely. "I''ve never been much of a fighter," she admitted, her voice low. "And now the only side I could fight with is gone." She gestured to her right arm, bound tightly against her chest. "That doesn''t mean you can''t fight," Uzak said firmly. Argider scoffed. "Says the knight with two arms." Uzak raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Hey! You stood your ground to protect your mother, even knowing it would cost you. That''s more than some knights with all their limbs would dare." Enjoy new chapters from empire His words struck her, sharp and undeniable. Uzak had a way of finding the truth buried beneathyers of doubt, of cutting through her self-pity with disarming honesty. It wasn''t ttery; it felt real. He always treated her as an equal, like he understood what she needed before she even knew it herself. She tightened her grip on the wooden sword and let out a soft chuckle. "Why are you always right, dear friend?" "Because someone has to be," he said with a grin. Then, with an almost casual air, he added, "Take your time. I''ve got somewhere to be." "Where?" "Just¡­ some particr things," he said vaguely, already striding away. Argider watched as he left, his pace brisk and deliberate. It wasn''t the first time she''d noticed Uzak in a hurry like this. She had always assumed it was some guard duty or imperial task, but today was a quiet day¡ªno pressing emergencies, no chaos requiring his attention. For a moment, she considered calling after him, pressing him for answers. But instead, she followed him discreetly, making sure to make as much distance as possible. She really wanted to trust the man because Uzak had always been at her side, in every distress. But there was that nagging intuition. Pirs and shadows became her allies as she ducked and darted, evading Uzak''s asional nces. He seemed unaware of her presence, his stride purposeful and his focus locked ahead. They wove through the outside hallways, past courtyards and gardens, until the path led somewhere unfamiliar. Beyond the manicured groundsy a forest, and at its edge, a solitary tower guarded by a single knight. Argider hesitated, crouching behind the thick stone wall that marked the boundary of the estate.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om From here, she could only watch as Uzak approached the guarded path, exchanged a brief word with the knight, and disappeared into the shadows of the trees, heading toward the tower. She crept closer, her instincts screaming for caution. Just as she neared the tree line, she froze. A figure stood ahead¡ªblonde hair catching the faint light. Esmeralda. Her wife. Argider''s breath hitched. It made sense, in a way. Esmeralda had once introduced Uzak into her service, a gift she had imed was born of loyalty. But why meet here, away from the pce, away from prying eyes? Circling wide, Argider pressed herself against a tree, straining to hear their voices. The faint murmur of their conversation drifted toward her. "Your Majesty," Uzak''s voice carried a sharp edge, softened only by the forest''s quiet. "Have you no further need of me, after all?" Argider frowned. Your Majesty? Her heart lurched, confusion mingling with dread. Esmeralda''s response was low but firm. "I told you not to get attached." "I became the Emperor''s Knight to gain her trust for you," Uzak said, his tone quieter now, "so she wouldn''t suspect anything." Argider felt the ground shift beneath her. Another betrayal. Her chest tightened, her thoughts racing. But strangely, anger didn''te. Instead, a bitter calm settled over her because she, herself, wasn''t loyal She did one final press against the tree, listening still, though her breath came faster now. "You and I were never meant tost," Esmeralda said, her voice as cool as steel. "It was nice while itsted, though. Especially in bed." Argider''s hand shot to her mouth, stifling a gasp. The meaning behind those words hit her like a de to the gut. Esmeralda and Uzak. In bed?! Her head spun. For all her failings, for all her broken promises, this was thest betrayal she''d expected. Uzak wasn''t just Esmeralda''s knight. He was her dog. In bed. Chapter 50 Unexpected Argider couldn''t believe it. Then again, perhaps she could. Pce life was nothing if not a circus of betrayals, intrigue, and poorly concealed ambitions. Everyone yed their own game, and though she had long since resigned herself to its absurdities, this particr revtion still managed to sting¡ªjust a little. Then came the thought, reckless and oddly liberating: if the game was rigged, why not rewrite the rules entirely? Sword training would continue as usual for days, of course. It always did. The sh of des was as much a ritual as a necessity in courtly life, and Argider had no intention of giving it up. But today, her focus wandered. Each parry came a fraction toote, each strikecked its usual precision. Across from her, Uzak noticed. For all his bluster and simplicity, even he could see that something was off. "Watch out!" he called, grinning as he lunged. His sword shed forward, quick as a whip, and before Argider could react, hers went ttering across the stone courtyard. The sound echoed like a gong, cutting through the crisp morning air. She blinked, momentarily stunned, then straightened herself with a sharp cough, as if she could will her dignity back into ce. "Is your broken arm still bothering you?" Uzak asked, sheathing his sword. There was a trace of genuine concern in his voice, though it was buried beneath his usual bravado. "No," Argider replied curtly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Not really." He raised an eyebrow, his gaze narrowing as he studied her. Uzak was no courtier; the subtleties of pce life often eluded him. But even he could sense when the Emperor was acting... strangely. And today, Argider was practically radiating strangeness. "Well," he ventured hesitantly, "is something wrong?" "You could''ve told me," she said suddenly, her tone cool butyered with something deeper, something harder to define. "Told you what?" Instead of answering, Argider stepped forward. Before Uzak could react, she reached out, sping his hands in hers. He froze, his mind scrambling to make sense of the moment. What was this? A confession? A revtion? Had the Emperor finally embraced her womanhood? Panic darkened his expression as possibilities swirled in his head, each more baffling than thest. "I¡­" Uzak stammered, his voice faltering. "Your Imperial Majesty, you''re still my best fri¡ª" "You could''ve told me you were fucking my wife." The words hit like a thunderp. Uzak''s mouth opened, but no sound came out. His face drained of color as guilt swept over him, heavy and suffocating. "I mean," Argider continued, her tone as casual as if she were discussing the weather, "I thought we were best buddies. You could''ve told me anything." Uzak''s mind reeled, grasping for words, for excuses, for anything. "H-How¡­?" he managed, his voice barely above a whisper. "Oh, don''t look so shocked." Argider waved a hand dismissively, as though this was a minor inconvenience rather than an earth-shattering usation. "I''m not angry. Honestly, I''m not even that surprised. Betrayed, sure. But furious? Not really. Let''s face it¡ªI''m hardly a model of marital fidelity myself." Her bluntness was a de of its own, cutting through the tension with a sharp, almost cruel precision. Uzak felt it lodge deep in his chest, leaving him raw and exposed. "I swear¡­ I didn''t mean¡ª" His voice cracked, trembling with a mix of shame and desperation. "Oh, don''t be ridiculous," Argider interrupted,ughing sharply. "In fact, I insist you continue seducing my wife." The courtyard fell silent, the air heavy with disbelief. Uzak stared at her, his mind spinning in chaotic circles. And then Argider smiled¡ªa sharp, knowing smile that sent a chill down his spine. In that moment, Uzak realized the truth, as absurd and terrifying as it was: the game wasn''t over. No, everything was just getting started. "But why?" Uzak demanded, pulling his hands away as if distance could somehow untangle the mess between them. His eyes searched Argider''s face, desperate for answers. Argider exhaled sharply, her frustration spilling over like a toppled cup. "It''s been difficult, all right? She just... she keeps asking for it!" Uzak crossed his arms, his expression darkening. "And that''s exactly why she came to me in the first ce. She knew I cared for her. She used that. I felt for her, but in the end, I realized she wasn''t much different from you¡ªor any of the other nobles, for that matter. If she''s no longer leaning on me, then it means you''re finally fulfilling your duties. Isn''t that what you wanted?" "E-Exactly! B-But¡ª!" Argider stammered, frustration twisting her voice as her hands flew to her hair. The situation was maddening. Explore more stories with empire She had to do this¡ªfor the Redemption System, for her progress. But the relentless dominance of the Empress was taking its toll, leaving her body aching and her spirit bruised. "Look," Uzak said, his voice softening slightly as he took a step closer. "My advice? Pay attention to the Empress. I thought you were finally taking your duties seriously. But if you''re letting someone else take her away, doesn''t that mean you''re failing?" Ah. That struck a nerve. He wasn''t wrong. If she allowed this to spiral further, everything she''d worked for¡ªevery carefullyid n¡ªwould crumble into nothing. Worse still, her EXP would drain, leaving her progress in ruins. She couldn''t let that happen. She wouldn''t. "Fine," she muttered, shoulders stiffening. "What''s your other advice?"N?v(el)B\\jnn Uzak tilted his head, studying her with the detached air of a tactician examining a battlefield. "What''s troubling you most, Your Imperial Majesty?" Argider sighed, her voice dropping into a rare note of vulnerability. "First of all, she keeps treating me like a toy. Not that I... don''t enjoy it, but my body''s bruised. And second, she clearly doesn''t respect me." Uzak cupped his chin, thoughtful. "The Empress doesn''t love anything. She sees the world as a collection of objects to be used for her own ends." Argider frowned. "So what''s your advice?" "Make her love you." She blinked. It was such a preposterous suggestion that for a moment, she thought he must be joking. "That doesn''t even make sense. You just said she''s incapable of love." "She doesn''t love people," Uzak rified. "But she does love one thing." Argider hesitated, her curiosity warring with her irritation. "And what''s that?" "Power." The word lingered in the air like a challenge, sharp and undeniable. It was maddeningly simple, yet so painfully true. Argider''s lips pressed into a thin line. The game hadn''t just changed¡ªit had grown more dangerous. But then again, danger was the currency of imperial life, and she was nothing if not a gambler. Chapter 51 Contemplation "Power, huh?" Argider reclined on the silken expanse of her bedchamber, her bodynguid from hours of grueling swordy. She stretched out her arm, scrutinizing her hand as it hovered under the moonlight. Frail fingers, thin as whispers, seemed barely tethered to the bones beneath. Her lips twisted into a mirthless smirk before she let her hand drop against the velvet sheets. Power. It wasn''t just the prerogative of her wife¡ªthe Empire''s true sovereign¡ªbut a currency demanded of her, too. A public illusion to maintain. She had to appear powerful,manding, worthy of reverence. But she was none of those things. Not anymore. Not ever.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Her autonomy had been eroded, ground down by the omnipresent gaze of the Redemption System. Every breath she drew, every step she took, was cataloged, analyzed, judged. She was both the ruler and the ruled, shackled by her own empire''s machinery and sins. And yet, beneath the weight of this surveince, another truth gnawed at her: she was a fool. Uneducated. Dull. A woman now¡ªan irony that still gnawed at her, sharp as broken ss. What did she have left but her bloodline? And even that felt thin. But... perhaps this wasn''t entirely bad. If she returned to being a man, the transformation would elevate her, wouldn''t it? She''d emerge stronger. Wiser. Greater than the Empire''s legendary first Emperor, even. She let out a low chuckle, lips curving into something between scorn and hope. "That would be something, wouldn''t it? Toe back all-powerful? A scoundrel redeemed. The greatest emperor this cursed empire has ever known," The words slipped from her mouth like a confession, soft and self-mocking, yet charged with dangerous allure. But the fantasy crumbled quickly. She sighed, rubbing her eyes with trembling fingers. "What am I even saying?" she murmured. "This is exactly the kind of ssist garbage I''ve been conditioned to believe." She knew better¡ªor, at least, she thought she did. But what choice did she have? If she faltered, the entire Empire would falter with her. She was its spine, fragile though it was, and without her, it would copse into dust. And wasn''t the Empire already a mirror of herself? Weak. Vulnerable. Trapped. Her thoughts tangled and turned inward. Who was she doing this for? Herte mother? The people? Herself? For some vague hope of reiming her old body? Every purpose she conjured felt hollow, like grasping at smoke. All she knew for certain was the suffocating weight of her circumstances, the stifling ache of being stuck. And the ghosts. She shuddered. The faces of the dead haunted her dreams, their unblinking eyes using her for failing to save them "I just don''t understand myself!" she growled, sitting up abruptly and wing at her hair. Frustration churned within her like a storm. "One moment, I want to indulge every petty desire¡ªtear everything down, drag everyone into the muck with me, gorge myself on... on pleasure." Her voice cracked, and she pressed trembling hands to her temples. "But then¡­ I see vulnerability, and something inside me shifts. I soften. Why?" Her reflection in the vanity''s polished ss stared back, mocking. She could see it now: a despicable, selfish wretch, pitifully tethered to some nonsensical moral code. She wasn''t good¡ªshe''d made peace with that long ago. So why did she feel this pull? This ache for something better, even when her heart was riddled with rot? So she questioned, why did evil taste so good? The thought lingered, bittersweet. Evil was like a forbidden delicacy, rich and intoxicating. She knew it corroded everything it touched, yet she couldn''t help but crave it. To devour it, savor its poison, even as it destroyed her from within. And still, the aftermath clung to her¡ªa thousand broken pieces of guilt, regret, and something perilously close to shame. She exhaled shakily, slumping back against the bed. The questions wouldn''t leave her alone. "Forget about it. I''m just selfish." Suddenly, a knock echoed through the chamber, a sharp interruption to Argider''s fragile grasp on rest. She groaned, her face buried in the lush embrace of the pillows. The day had been cruel, and night promised no reprieve. "It''s the butler, Your Majesty," the voice beyond the door announced. "Lady Fialova has arrived to visit." Ah, yes. Fialova. The knight who had shattered vows and crossed every line of propriety just to serve her. The other problem and responsibility. She exhaled wearily. "Come in," she muttered, not bothering to lift her head. The door creaked open, and the butler''s candlelight stretched across the room, licking at the shadows like a timid herald. Argider remained as she was, her limbs heavy with exhaustion. Argider barely registered the soft thud of footsteps retreating and the door clicking shut. But then¡ªa shift in the mattress. She blinked, her gaze sliding sideways. A figure perched beside her. "Oh," Argider managed, her voice t with disbelief. There sat Fialova, no longer d in the gleaming armor that had been her second skin but instead draped in a noblewoman''s gown. Silks and satins kissed her figure, their opulence a jarring contrast to the rugged knight Argider had known. The Emperor chuckled, though the sound was hollow, and turned her face back to the pillow. "You''ve gone to great lengths, haven''t you?" Fialova''s voice came softly, steady as steel but tinged with warmth. "It feels strange, doesn''t it? Seeing me without the armor." "It does," Argider admitted, peering at her once more. The transformation was unnerving yet fitting. Fialova''s form, now unshielded by cold metal, seemed almost softer. Almost. "Armor or none, I''m still ready to fight for Your Imperial Majesty." "I know. You''re likely more of a man than I am. But, honestly, Fialova¡ªyou shouldn''t have done this." "This?" Fialova tilted her head, herposure faltering. Read exclusive content at empire "Abandoning the knightly oath. Doffing the armor. All of it." The girl sped her hands tightly, her knuckles whitening against her gown''s intricate embroidery. "No..." she began, but her voice wavered. She hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor before flickering up to Argider''s face. She seemed... uncertain, as if weighing truths too heavy to speak aloud. Argider sighed, her tone tinged with exasperation. "Forget it," she said, sitting up slightly. "Why are you here anyway? To remind me of some ill-conceived promise?" "I came to make sure you hadn''t forgotten about me," Fialova replied, forcing augh. "You''ve been so upied with the Empresstely." "And why would I forget? How could I forget the woman who pledged herself to me after less than a day''s acquaintance?" Fialova chuckled, leaning closer. Too close. Her breath danced across Argider''s cheek as she murmured, "I suppose that''s rather memorable." The Emperor stiffened, heat rising to her face. The audacity of this girl was beyondprehension. Fialova''s lips hovered close¡ªtoo close. It was impossible to ignore the proximity, the sheer nerve. Argider''s pulse quickened against her will, her traitorous cheeks burning pink. Fialova drew back atst, her smile knowing. "I''ll look forward to it," she said, her voice teasing. With that, she rose and left the room, her skirts trailing behind her like whispers in the dark. Argider exhaled sharply, burying her face in her hands. "That girl," she muttered. "She''s far too mysterious for her own good." The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!