Kingdom Building Game: Starting Out With A Million Upgrade Points! - Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Morning Rivalry In The Grand Dining Hall
The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of the Grand Dining Hall, its golden light reflecting off the beautiful crystal chandeliers.

The black dining table, now dressed with a pristine white cloth, was covered with a spread of breakfast delicacies.

Platters of fluffy omelets, freshly baked croissants, vibrant fruit salads, and goblets of fresh honeyed milk were arranged with care.

At the head of the table sat Emperor Arkanos Bloodbane, his emerald eyes calm as he lifted a fork toward his plate.

The savory aroma of buttered eggs mixed with hints of roasted mushrooms filled the air. He reached for his goblet, but before he could take a sip, a playful giggle interrupted him.

Illena, seated to his right, leaned closer with a slice of toast in hand, its surface slathered with creamy butter and sweet strawberry jam. Her silver and green hair fell over her shoulders, glinting in the sunlight as she grinned mischievously.

“Say ‘ahhh,’ my dear emperor,” she said, holding the toast teasingly near his lips.

Arkanos raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a faint smirk. “Must you play these games so early in the day, Illena?”

“Yes, and I must insist,” Illena replied, giggling. “Now, be good and open up.”

Amused, Arkanos obliged, taking a small bite of the toast. Illena clapped her hands lightly, a triumphant sparkle in her eyes. “See? Isn’t that better?” she teased, leaning in closer.

Across the table, Sephira sat stiffly, her delicate fingers gripping a spoon as she stirred a bowl of warm porridge with cinnamon and cream.

Her emerald eyes narrowed at the sight of Illena’s flirtatious display. She could barely hide her frustration as she finally let out a sharp breath.

“When, exactly…”

“…did you and the emperor become so… close?” Sephira asked, her voice tight with irritation.

Illena turned her head to face her, an almost feline smile curling her lips.

“Oh, Sephira, you must have been too busy preening to notice,” she teased, her tone filled with mock innocence.

“Well, being your queen, I believe it falls under my duty to enlighten you.”

She leaned across the table slightly as she spoke in a smug tone. “I and my dear emperor spent a passionate night together.”

Sephira froze, her spoon clattering softly against the edge of her bowl. “Wait… don’t tell me…” she mumbled, her voice faltering.

Illena’s smile widened smugly, her golden eyes glinting with mischief. “Yes, dear Sephira,” she purred, resting a hand delicately on her flat stomach.

“In my womb rests my precious emperor’s seed.”

Kaela, who had been quietly nibbling on a warm croissant, nearly choked on her tea, her sharp blue eyes darting up in shock.

Her cheeks flushed a deep pink. Even Sephira’s usual composure cracked… her face turned scarlet as she stammered incoherently before finally blurting out, “Y-You… you can’t be serious!”

Illena leaned back with a satisfied chuckle. “Oh, but it wasn’t easy,” she said, her tone turning mockingly wistful.

“My emperor was so intense, so big, I was almost certain I would lose my mind.”

Arkanos, mid-sip of his milk, coughed violently, setting the goblet down with a sharp clink.

His emerald eyes flashed with a touch of irritation and embarrassment. “Illena, mind your manners at the table,” he commanded, his tone giving away the faintest hint of exasperation.

Illena laughed, waving a hand dismissively. “Oh, do forgive me, my emperor,” she said. “I simply couldn’t resist sharing a truly memorable moment.”

Sephira, who had been frozen in place, finally regained her composure. Her golden eyes narrowed as she clenched her fists.

“If bearing children were such an easy endeavor…”

“…then I wonder why the gods don’t bless every household with children. It takes more than a single night to hold the future in your hands,” she said, her voice calm but edged.

Illena tilted her head, a look of amusement in her gaze. “How right you are, Sephira,” she said smoothly.

Then, without warning, she looped her arm through Arkanos’ and pressed herself against him, her ample bust practically resting on his arm.

“That’s why the emperor and I will keep trying… until we succeed.”

Kaela nearly dropped her plate, while Sephira’s knuckles whitened as she gripped her spoon. For a moment, there was absolute silence, except for the birds chirping in the distance. Then Sephira exhaled sharply, her lips curling into a determined smile.

“You may be ahead now…”

“…but I’ll be the one smiling in the end… the first heir born of me, in hand,” she said intensely.

Illena chuckled, not the least bit threatened. “You’re welcome to try, dear,” she said with a wink.

“But don’t be too disappointed when you fall short.”

The tension in the air was palpable, the rivalry between the women simmering just below the surface.

Arkanos placed his goblet down, the quiet sound of it meeting the table drawing both Illena and Sephira’s attention.

His emerald gaze focused on them, firm but calm, his commanding presence instantly silencing their banter.

“Enough,” he said, “Your behavior is unbecoming of your status. If you insist on turning the dining hall into a battlefield, you will both excuse yourselves from my presence.”

Illena pouted, puffing out her cheeks like a chastised child. “Yes, my emperor,” she muttered, glaring at Sephira.

Sephira, on the other hand, straightened her posture and nodded. “Of course, my emperor,” she replied smoothly.

For a moment, the dining hall settled into an uneasy quiet. But then, Sephira’s emerald eyes lit up with a sudden idea, and a mischievous smile curved her lips. Shifting her seat closer to Arkanos, she lifted a spoon from her bowl of cinnamon-laced porridge, its creamy texture gleaming in the morning light.

“But my emperor…”

“…you must try this.” She extended the spoon toward him, her gaze warm and expectant.

“Please, say ‘ahhh,’ my emperor.”

Illena blinked, her cheeks puffing out again as she shot Sephira a look of playful indignation.

Arkanos sighed, rubbing his temple briefly before deciding to humor Sephira. “Fine,” he said, leaning slightly forward to take the offered spoonful.

Sephira’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink as Arkanos took the bite, his expression neutral as he chewed. When he leaned back, she smiled brightly, the faintest hint of satisfaction in her eyes.

“Delicious,” Arkanos said simply, with neither approval nor annoyance.

Sephira’s blush deepened, and she tilted her head, her golden locks cascading over her shoulder as she beamed. “I’m glad, my emperor,” she said softly.