The Scum Emperor's Redemption System - Chapter 103

Chapter 103: Father Is Mothering
— [New Notification]

— [Quest: Connect With Kian]

— [Description: Form an emotional connection with Kian in order to unlock the full potential of your abilities and deepen your bond]

— [New Relationship Interface Unlocked!]

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[Loading…]

[Installing…]

Ding!

— [New Familial Status: Kian Quenvale]

— [Connection ▪︎ 0]

— [Trust ▪︎ 0]

— [Understanding ▪︎ 0]

— [Emotion▪︎ 100]

….

Nonsense!

This little boy… is mine?

The thought was enough to make her feel a deep guilt in her stomach. How could she not have known? How many children, her children, was she completely unaware of?

She couldn’t even begin to count the number of moments she’d missed, the birthdays, the first words, and the tiny milestones.

The guilt piled on, heavy and suffocating, but she couldn’t focus on it for long.

She looked up at Elira Quenvale, the woman who had been scolding Kian just moments ago.

Elira, with her long, flowing slightly darker blonde hair and calm, steady demeanor, was an apothecary that Argider had met back in the Downward District, a place far away from the grandeur of the palace that suffocated Argider daily.

At the time, Argider had snuck away from the palace, desperate to escape the confines of royal duties and the weight of expectations.

The palace had felt like a gilded cage, and Argider, in her rebellious youth, had often wandered into the less glamorous corners of the city, seeking freedom in places where no one knew her name or her title.

That’s when she had crossed paths with Elira.

Argider had wandered into Elira’s modest little apothecary, looking for something, anything, to distract her from the constant pressure. She hadn’t expected the shop to be so warm and inviting, the atmosphere filled with the scent of herbs and flowers.

Elira, with her kind eyes and patient smile, had welcomed her without hesitation, not even batting an eye at the obviously out-of-place royal visitor.

At first, their conversation had been about something trivial, a healing salve for a minor bruise Argider had gotten during one of her escapades.

But over time, they’d shared more than just pleasantries. Elira, with her gentle nature and wisdom, had become an unexpected friend. And though Argider had never openly discussed her royal life, she found solace in the simplicity of Elira’s world, where it was not about power but about healing and care.

Now, looking at Elira as she scolded Kian, a strange mix of emotions bubbled up inside Argider.

How had she not seen it before?

The way Elira seemed so natural with Kian.

The familiarity in her voice. She wasn’t just another wife-to-be, not just another woman in her life.

She’s the mother of my child, Argider realized, and the weight of the discovery nearly knocked her off her feet.

“He’s a handful, but I wouldn’t change him for the world,” she said.

How many more surprises are there, really?

Now that she really thought about it, Argider realized she hadn’t tried to connect with her new wives.

The days had passed in a blur of confusion and chaos, and in that time, she hadn’t made any effort to bond with them.

It felt like it would be impossible, especially when she could feel the distance, the coolness, some of them even seeming to harbor resentment.

How could they not? After all, she had left them on the streets.

She’d abandoned them, and now, here she was, pregnant with her own child.

What kind of mother am I?

But perhaps this was a chance. A chance to start anew. A chance to make up for her past mistakes, to do better.

She forced a smile, trying to mask the insecurity inside her. “It’s no worries. I’m not particularly mad about it,” she said, her voice sounding far more confident than she felt. “I’d gladly give him some education.” Her words came out a bit too brightly, as though the declaration could somehow make her believe it herself.

Elira raised an eyebrow, looking a little surprised at the sudden shift in Argider’s demeanor. The surprise quickly melted into a soft, knowing smile. “Is that so?” she asked, her tone light and warm, yet there was an underlying question in her eyes.

Was Argider really alright? Was she pretending to be okay?

Before Argider could respond, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over her. Her stomach twisted in discomfort, and the familiar feeling of nausea rose quickly.

She gritted her teeth, trying to push it down, but it only grew worse. Her face paled as her hands instinctively went to her stomach.

“Ugh…” she muttered, a hand clutching her head as the world around her seemed to spin.

“Your Imperial Majesty?” She stepped closer, her expression shifting from casual curiosity to genuine worry. “Are you alright? You don’t look well.”

“It’s fine,” she said, but her voice lacked the usual strength. “Just… a little dizzy. I’m fine.”

Elira didn’t buy it. Without a word, she gently guided Argider’s arm over her shoulder and wrapped her other arm around her waist, supporting her as Argider stumbled. “Come on,” she said softly, her voice no longer playful, but full of care. “You’re not fine. Let me take you to my chambers. You need to rest.”

Argider didn’t have the energy to protest. She leaned into Elira’s support, feeling both grateful and embarrassed.

With Elira guiding her carefully through the hallways of the palace, Argider couldn’t help but wonder what kind of future lay ahead for her now, for her child, and for the relationships she’d yet to build.

Maybe, just maybe, she could make it right.

The journey to Elira’s chambers was short, but it felt like an eternity to Argider.

As they arrived at the door to Elira’s private quarters, Elira gently pushed it open with her free hand, leading Argider inside.

Soft, warm light filtered in from the window, casting gentle shadows on the walls lined with shelves of herbs and tinctures. The air was fragrant with the calming scent of lavender and chamomile, and the bed in the corner was draped with soft, inviting blankets.

Elira guided Argider to the bed, helping her sit down carefully, her expression still full of concern.

But then, as her gaze lingered on Argider’s form, something caught Elira’s eye. A detail she hadn’t noticed before.

Her brows furrowed as she took in the way Argider’s abdomen seemed to curve slightly, the faintest bump barely visible under the loose fabric of her clothes.

“Wait…” She gently placed a hand on Argider’s stomach, as if confirming what her instincts had already told her. “Are you… pregnant?”

Argider became still, her face flushing as her mind scrambled to find an answer that wouldn’t make her seem utterly foolish.

The truth was too complicated, too messy to explain in just a few words.

“Wait… did you… do it with a man?”

Argider’s face turned even redder. She shot up, flustered and panicking. “It’s really not what you think! It’s complicated!”