The Scum Emperor's Redemption System - Chapter 132

Chapter 132: Who Takes Care of the Emperor Best? (1)
Argider slumped into her chair in the garden, the early afternoon sun casting a warm glow around her, but she barely felt it. Her hand rested protectively over her stomach as she let out an exhausted sigh.

Finally, the last night is here, she thought.

The end of the week of “getting-to-know-you nights” was in sight, and she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Last night’s antics had left her completely drained. She hadn’t realized how taxing entertaining a harem of spirited women could be—especially while pregnant.

She looked at the small table set before her, laden with fresh fruit, tea, and an attempt at peace after all the chaos.

“Elira, Mira, Elys…” she muttered, watching her three remaining wives approach. She waved weakly. “Please… no drama today.”

“Oh, Your Majesty,” Elira said with her usual teasing grin, sitting beside Argider with an almost suspicious eagerness. “No drama at all, only care and attention for our dear emperor.”

Mira followed, her steps measured and precise, like everything about her. “You look unwell,” she said, ever blunt. “Have you been monitoring your symptoms? Nausea, fatigue, faintness—typical indicators of imbalance during pregnancy.”

Argider groaned. “Mira, I know I look like death. I don’t need a checklist.”

Elys bounced in last, her youthful energy a stark contrast to Argider’s exhausted aura. “Don’t worry, Your Majesty!” she chirped, sitting so close that Argider instinctively leaned away. “I’ll make sure you feel better. I handled my mom’s pregnancy with my baby sister—babies are kinda my thing!”

“Oh, please.” Elira rolled her eyes, scoffing. “Handling your mother doesn’t mean you’re suddenly an expert.”

“Better than some scholarly theory,” Elys shot back, pointing a finger at Mira. “Pregnancy isn’t just about facts and books, you know!”

Mira raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “An educated approach ensures the proper care of both mother and child. You cannot rely on anecdotal experience.”

“Excuse me,” Elira cut in, arms crossed, “but I am the apothecary here. If anyone’s tending to the emperor, it’s me. You’re both amateurs.”

“Oh no,” Argider muttered, sinking further into her seat as the three began to argue. “Not again…”

Elys stood abruptly, putting her hands on her hips. “Elira, you can’t just throw herbs at every problem! Pregnant women need more than tea and tinctures!”

“Herbs have scientifically proven effects,” Elira snapped, glaring. “Unlike your ‘I held my mom’s hand once’ experience.”

Mira’s calm voice broke in, laced with ice. “Both of you are missing the point. What matters is precision and logic. For example, the emperor’s diet—”

Elys groaned dramatically. “Not the diet again! She needs comfort, not a strict list of rules!”

“Excuse me?!” Mira and Elira said in unison, momentarily uniting in disbelief before turning their fire back on each other.

Argider buried her face in her hands, wondering if she’d ever escape these endless debates. “I’m pregnant, not dying,” she grumbled, but her voice was drowned out by the escalating argument.

Elira stood, jabbing a finger at Mira. “You think you’re better just because you’ve read a few books? Knowledge without experience is useless!”

Mira’s stoicism didn’t falter. “Experience without knowledge is reckless. The emperor deserves better.”

“Um, hello?” Elys interjected, waving her arms. “I’ve actually dealt with this before! Do you even know how to calm a pregnant woman? Have either of you ever changed a diaper?”

“Why would we need to?” Mira asked, genuinely confused.

“Oh, Aurelia save me,” Elys muttered, facepalming.

Argider finally snapped. “Enough!” she shouted, startling all three women into silence. She took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I appreciate the… enthusiasm, but maybe focus less on who’s right and more on helping me?”

Elys jumped at the opportunity. “I’ve got this!” she said confidently, kneeling beside Argider. “Your Majesty, let me handle it. First, you need to relax. Deep breaths! And here, I brought this lavender oil—it works wonders!”

Argider hesitated, then sighed. “Fine, Elys, you can—”

Elira shoved her way forward, holding a steaming mug. “Drink this tea first. It’ll settle your stomach.”

Mira stepped in next, holding out a carefully measured vial. “This tonic will provide necessary nutrients. Take it before the tea.”

Argider stared at the three of them, each armed with their “solution.” “I’m going to end up as a science experiment, aren’t I?” she muttered.

The chaos continued until Elys finally pulled out her trump card. “Listen! None of this matters if she’s stressed, and I know how to make her feel better. Pregnant women need positivity and love. I’ve got the best track record for keeping moms happy—ask my baby sister!”

Elira sighed, stepping back. “Fine. I’ll concede this round. But don’t think this is over.”

Mira nodded reluctantly. “I’ll allow it. For now.”

Elys beamed, victorious. She turned back to Argider and gently guided her to lie down on a soft blanket she’d spread out. “Just relax, Your Majesty. I’ll take care of you!”

As Elys began fussing over her with pillows and soothing words, Argider couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re all ridiculous,” she said, though her smile was genuine.

“Ridiculous or not,” Elys said with a wink, “I’m the one who won.”

Elira and Mira exchanged a glance, their rivalry momentarily set aside. They both sighed in defeat, though Elira couldn’t resist muttering, “Next time, we’re doing this my way.”

“Agreed,” Mira said, arms crossed.

Argider chuckled, feeling a warmth she hadn’t expected. “You’re all insane,” she said, “but I think I kind of love it.”

The trio froze mid-bicker, their sharp retorts dying on their tongues as Argider’s casual declaration hung in the air like an unexpected clap of thunder. For a moment, none of them moved—Elira’s teacup halfway raised, Mira’s vial tilted just so, and Elys holding a pillow she’d been adjusting for Argider’s comfort. They looked at one another, then at Argider, their faces cycling through confusion, embarrassment, and the tiniest flicker of pride.

Argider, sprawled among a pile of cushions like a disgruntled but oddly pampered cat, instantly regretted her words. What possessed me to say that out loud? she thought, the heat creeping up her neck. Was it the tea? The lavender oil? Or am I finally losing it? Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her robe as she avoided making eye contact with any of them.

“Uh… love it, huh?” Elys finally broke the silence, her wide grin threatening to split her face. “You hear that? She loves us. I knew I was the favorite!” She practically bounced in place, holding her arms out like she’d just won a grand prize.

“Don’t let it go to your head,” Elira said, shooting her an unimpressed glare, though the corners of her mouth twitched like she was holding back a smile. She cleared her throat and turned to Argider, adopting her usual teasing tone. “Careful, Your Majesty. You keep saying things like that, and we might think you actually enjoy our company.”

Argider groaned, slapping a hand over her face. Great. Now they’ll never let this go. I’ve basically handed them ammunition.