The Scum Emperor's Redemption System

Chapter 75 The Heaviness Of It All (4)

[chapter will be edited]

argider adjusted the collar of her blouse for the fiftieth time that hour, her nerves gnawing at her like an overly enthusiastic squirrel.

she paced the garden path, kicking at a stray pebble, muttering under her breath. the task loomed in her mind like an obnoxious banner: develop sexual intimacy with faeralys.

the system had really outdone itself this time. wasn't it enough that she was trying not to drown in a sea of wives? now she had to... what? woo the third one like some fumbling novice?

"you look ridiculous," came faeralys's voice from behind. it was sharp and amused, like the edge of a blade catching sunlight.

argider whipped around, startled, and immediately tried to compose herself. "i do not look ridiculous. i'm... strategizing."

faeralys leaned against a tree, arms crossed, her crimson eyes practically glowing with mischief. "strategizing how to make yourself even more awkward? bold move, empress."

"you're one to talk," argider shot back, pointing a finger at her. "i've seen you try to flirt. it's like watching a cat fight its own reflection."

"oh, please. at least i don't trip over my own tongue whenever someone attractive looks my way."

"i do not trip," argider huffed, crossing her arms. "i am the picture of poise and grace."

faeralys's laughter rang out, a bright, mocking sound. "sure, let's go with that. so, why are you skulking around the garden? running from esmeralda again?"

"for your information, i'm here to spend time with you. alone."

faeralys blinked, caught off guard. then her gaze narrowed suspiciously. "oh? and what's brought this on? did the system give you one of its tasks again?"

argider's silence was all the confirmation faeralys needed. her lips curled into a devilish grin. "i knew it. you don't just decide to shower me with attention out of nowhere. what is it this time? 'compliment faeralys's hair'? 'share a romantic meal'?"

"i don't have to tell you," argider grumbled, avoiding her gaze.

faeralys stepped closer, her movements slow and deliberate. argider's breath hitched as the younger woman stopped just inches away, tilting her head with feigned innocence. "oh, but i think you do. what's the grand task, argider? confess your undying love? sweep me off my feet?"

"i'm not scared," argider said, though the idea of sparring with faeralys did make her stomach flip. "fine. let's spar. but don't blame me if i win."

faeralys laughed again, her voice full of challenge. "oh, this is going to be fun."

the two of them faced off in the training yard, wooden practice swords in hand. argider tried to remember the last time she'd sparred. it had been... a while. faeralys, on the other hand, looked entirely too comfortable, twirling her sword like it was an extension of her arm.

"ready?" faeralys asked, her grin as sharp as the blade she wasn't using.

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argider nodded, gripping her sword tightly. "ready."

the next few minutes were a blur of motion. faeralys was fast—almost too fast—darting around argider with the grace of a dancer. argider swung and missed more times than she cared to admit, her frustration mounting with each failed attempt to land a hit.

"you're going to have to do better than that," faeralys taunted, dodging another clumsy strike. "is this really the best the empress can do?"

"i'm... getting warmed up," argider panted, trying to ignore the sting of embarrassment.

"warm up faster," faeralys said, her tone light but challenging. she lunged forward, her sword stopping just shy of argider's ribs. "point for me."

argider groaned. "you're insufferable."

"and you're adorable when you're frustrated," faeralys shot back with a wink.

despite herself, argider felt a smile tugging at her lips. there was something exhilarating about their banter, even if it came at her expense. she adjusted her stance, determination flaring anew. "alright. no more holding back."

"oh, is that what you were doing?" faeralys teased, but her playful grin faltered as argider charged forward with renewed vigor.

this time, argider managed to land a glancing hit on faeralys's shoulder. it wasn't much, but it was enough to wipe the smug grin off her face.

"point for me," argider said, grinning triumphantly.

faeralys narrowed her eyes, a spark of respect mingling with her competitive edge. "not bad, empress. not bad at all."