The Scum Emperor's Redemption System

Chapter 126 Annoying Nobles

[FINAL On going editing. The author has been sick and is in medications so I apologize for the lack of quality lately.]

Argider found herself summoned once again.

She stood before the grand council room, her mind heavy with the weight of the responsibilities she never asked for, yet had to bear.

Today, however, would be different.

The council had made it clear through subtle but firm gestures that her actions were beginning to wear on their patience.

As the doors to the council room creaked open, Argider stepped inside, her posture poised yet inwardly uneasy.

The members of the council were seated around a large, polished stone table, each one representing a key aspect of the empire's structure.

Each of them had their own unique agendas, and each of them, whether they admitted it or not, held their own ambitions in the shadow of the throne.

Gander Morrigan, the Emerald Liege, sat near the head of the table, his emerald-green eyes sharp with scrutiny as he peered down at Argider. His dominion over the empire's vast economic territories made him one of the most influential figures in the room, and he certainly used that power to his advantage.

Malister Merovia, the Golden Liege, who controlled the empire's financial interests and the treasury, leaned back in his chair with a subtle, calculating smirk, his fingers steepled before him as if plotting his next move.

Laristor Erisius, the Alexandrite Liege, sat in the shadowed corner of the room, his eyes glinting with an air of mystery. His role as the master of covert operations gave him the ability to know what others did not. His silence spoke volumes, but his gaze never left Argider.

Saktor Tarkresh, the Amber Liege, the military commander, stood with his arms crossed over his broad chest. His piercing gaze was unflinching, like that of a hawk locking onto prey. A warrior by nature, Saktor never believed in diplomacy, only action. He had always respected strength, but something in Argider's recent decisions had evidently unsettled him.

Telys Donotia, the Lady Azurite Liege, was the only woman in the council. Elegant yet ruthless in her speeches, her silver-tongued words had the power to sway the room. As she shifted in her seat, her lips curled into a tight smile—she was no ally of Argider, that much was clear.

The room fell silent at her words, and for a moment, Argider thought she had taken back control. But before she could fully gather her composure, Osmo Arctera spoke, his voice calm and piercing. "Argider, you must remember that the throne is not simply about your own desires. It's about the people you serve. If you cannot balance both your desires and the needs of the empire, then your reign will be short-lived."

The weight of Osmo's words lingered in the air as the council members watched her closely. They weren't just questioning her choices—they were questioning her ability to rule. Argider's eyes narrowed, her fists clenched, but she held her ground.

"I understand your concerns," Argider said slowly, each word heavy with meaning. "But know this: I will not be pushed around. I will choose my consorts as I see fit, and I will lead this empire the way I believe is right."

The council fell into silence once more. It was clear that Argider had made a stand, but whether it would be enough to silence their criticisms remained to be seen.

Gander Morrigan, ever the calculating figure, was practically fuming with rage. His emerald eyes practically glowed as he stared down at the emperor, clearly agitated by what he considered to be another one of Argider's impulsive decisions.

"You've done it now, haven't you?" Gander practically hissed, his fingers clenched tightly around the armrests of his chair. "You've failed to provide Esmeralda with a proper heiress, and now we're left in this mess." He waved his hand dramatically toward Argider, as though presenting her as the source of all the empire's problems. "The future of the empire is at risk, and you're over here playing with your... impulses!"

Argider, her temper flaring, didn't hesitate to defend herself. "I—" She stopped short, realizing something strange bubbling in her chest. Without thinking, she blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "I'm pregnant."

The room went dead silent. Every single council member froze. Even Gander's usually composed demeanor cracked slightly as his mouth fell open. It was as if the entire world had suddenly stopped turning. Argider was pregnant. The very words seemed to hang in the air like an impossibility, a fact no one had ever dared to consider.

"I knew it..." muttered Malister Merovia, his voice dripping with sarcastic disbelief. "I knew this was inevitable. Even if we forced her into marriage, she would get pregnant by a lowly man, wouldn't she?"

Argider's face turned bright red with fury. "It's not like that!" she snapped, glaring at the financial advisor. "I—" She hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to explain. "It's my baby and Esmeralda's... it's also part of the curse." The words came out of her mouth before she even fully processed what she was saying.

The room was utterly still. There was no mocking this time, no snide remarks. Instead, the council members looked at her, stunned and speechless. The weight of what Argider had just revealed hung like a storm cloud over the room.

After what seemed like an eternity, Brovian Cryptoron cleared his throat and motioned for someone to fetch the palace doctor. "We must confirm this... it could have major implications on your rule, Argider."

The tension was thick, but before anyone could speak again, the doctor was summoned, and a few minutes later, the dreaded confirmation came.

"Indeed, the emperor is pregnant," the palace doctor said, his voice grave and full of unspoken concern.