The Scum Emperor's Redemption System - Chapter 135

Chapter 135: A Signal (2)
Sylva’s eyes darted between the tea, the flower in her hand, and Argider’s pale face. Her expression darkened as a realization gripped her. She leaned in closer, her voice low but urgent. “Argider… are you pregnant?”

Argider stiffened, her cheeks flushing. “W-What? Why would you ask that so suddenly?”

Sylva arched a brow, her gaze unwavering. “Just answer me.”

With a hesitant sigh, Argider nodded. “Y-Yes, I am.”

Sylva’s expression shifted from suspicion to outright alarm. “Then you should thank the gods you didn’t drink this tea.”

Argider blinked, confused. “Why? It wasn’t poisoned, right?”

Sylva shook her head, her tone grim. “No, it wasn’t. But this flower—this seemingly innocent bloom—isn’t here for decoration. Combined with the tea, its scent activates a reaction with another herb used in the blend. Together, they create a natural abortifacient.”

Argider’s heart sank, her hand instinctively moving to her stomach. “Abortifacient? You mean—”

“Yes.” Sylva’s voice softened, but the weight of her words hit like a hammer. “This combination is commonly used by women seeking to end unwanted pregnancies. The flower is called morticaea, known for its subtle, sweet fragrance. When paired with the herb pyreth leaf, which your tea seems to contain, it becomes a dangerous concoction. It’s potent enough to harm a developing child without the mother realizing it until it’s too late.”

Argider stared at Sylva, her throat dry, the implications sending chills down her spine. “You’re saying… someone wanted to kill my baby?”

Sylva nodded solemnly. “There’s no other reason for this combination. It’s too specific to be a coincidence.”

Argider turned to the butler, her eyes narrowing as fury replaced her shock. “You,” she hissed, her voice trembling with rage. “Why would you do this?”

The butler paled, dropping to his knees. “Your Majesty! I swear, I didn’t know! I was only following instructions!”

“Whose instructions?” Argider demanded, her voice echoing through the garden.

The butler stammered, unable to provide a coherent answer. “P-Please, Your Majesty! I’m loyal to the crown! I didn’t mean—”

“Guards!” Argider’s voice cut through his pleas like a blade. Moments later, two armored guards appeared, their expressions stern. “Take him away. We’ll find out who’s behind this.”

The butler sobbed as he was dragged away, his cries echoing faintly in the distance. Argider stood frozen, her mind racing. Who would go to such lengths to harm her unborn child?

Sylva’s voice brought her back to the moment. “Your Majesty.”

Argider turned to see Sylva crouching, her arms wrapped protectively around her two children. The sight tugged at something deep within Argider—a strange mix of admiration and longing. Sylva’s calm strength, even in the face of danger, was remarkable.

Argider knelt beside her, placing a gentle hand on Sylva’s shoulder. “You saved me,” she said softly. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

Sylva shook her head. “There’s no need for thanks. Protecting life is what matters.”

Argider hesitated before reaching out to ruffle the hair of one of Sylva’s children. “You’ve raised them well. It amazes me—how you’ve handled everything. How strong you are.”

Sylva looked at her, her expression softening. “Your Majesty, I could say the same about you.”

Argider let out a dry laugh. “Me? Strong? I’ve barely made it through the last few weeks without collapsing. And now this? Someone wants my baby dead, and I don’t even know why.”

Sylva reached for Argider’s hand, her touch steadying. “You’re still standing, aren’t you? That’s strength enough.”

Argider blinked at her, momentarily speechless. Finally, she said, “I need you, Sylva.”

Sylva’s eyes widened. “Your Majesty?”

“I mean it,” Argider continued, her voice earnest. “You’re sharp, resourceful, and fearless. I can’t do this alone, especially with what’s happening now. And to think—you’ve given birth to these two angels.” She gestured to Sylva’s children, who were busy nibbling on sweets at a nearby table. “Meanwhile, I’m just figuring out how to survive this pregnancy. It’s… humbling, honestly.”

Sylva smiled faintly. “Your Majesty, I’m just a botanist and a mother. I’m hardly someone you should be relying on.”

“And yet,” Argider said, squeezing her hand, “I am. You’ve already proven yourself.”

Sylva studied her for a long moment before sighing. “If that’s what you need, then I’ll do my best.”

Argider smiled, a rare warmth in her eyes. “Thank you.”

For a moment, they sat in silence, watching the children giggle over their tea. Sylva glanced at Argider, her expression softening further. “You’ve changed, you know.”

“Changed?” Argider tilted her head.

“You’re gentler than I expected,” Sylva said. “I’ve heard stories about you—about how you were before… everything. But seeing you like this, it’s clear you’ve grown into someone who truly cares.”

Argider’s cheeks flushed, and she looked away. “Don’t go spreading that around. I have a reputation to maintain, you know.”

Sylva chuckled, a warm, melodic sound. “Of course, Your Majesty. My lips are sealed.”

As they sat together, the tension of the day slowly eased. Argider felt something unfamiliar—a sense of calm, of connection. And for the first time in weeks, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, she could navigate this chaotic new chapter with the right people by her side.

Esmeralda stood on the balcony above the tea garden, her arms crossed and her expression a perfect storm of jealousy. Below her, Argider was laughing softly with Sylva, the gentle scene enough to make Esmeralda’s blood boil. “She’s been spending so much time with the other wiveslately,” she muttered to herself, the jealousy bubbling in her voice. “What about me? I was her first wife!”

“First, but apparently not the favorite.”

Esmeralda flinched, spinning around to see Callista leaning casually against the doorway, a smug smirk playing on her lips. “Shouldn’t you be downstairs, pretending to care about tea or flowers or whatever Sylva’s yammering about?”

Callista shrugged. “I could, but I find this balcony a better place to watch you sulk.”

Esmeralda glared. “I’m not sulking. I’m observing.”

“Observing how you’re not the one holding her hand, hmm?” Callista teased, her voice laced with mock sympathy.

Esmeralda’s jaw tightened. “Unlike you, I’m secure in my position as her wife.”

“Oh? Is that why you’re up here, stewing?” Callista took a step closer, her smirk widening. “Face it, Esmeralda. You’re as green as the garden below. But don’t worry—I’ve heard jealousy builds character.”

Esmeralda huffed. “And what about you, Callista? Still convinced you’re the father of Argider’s child?”

Callista grinned wickedly. “Well, I am the most qualified. Unlike you, I have a certain… charm that’s impossible to resist.”

Esmeralda’s eyes narrowed. “Charm? More like an overinflated ego.”

“And yet,” Callista said, leaning in conspiratorially, “Argider still finds my company delightful.”

Esmeralda clenched her fists but forced a calm smile. “Keep dreaming, Callista. We both know she prefers my intellect over your… whatever it is you bring to the table.”

Callista chuckled. “Oh, Esme, you’re adorable when you try to act superior. But if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear Argider calling for someone competent.”

Esmeralda’s cheeks flushed with frustration as Callista sauntered away, her laughter echoing in the hall. She glared after her, muttering under her breath, “One day, I’ll wipe that smirk off your face.”

From below, Argider’s laughter floated up, blissfully unaware of the brewing passive-aggressive storm above her.