The Scum Emperor's Redemption System

[Ongoing Editing]

The library was quiet as ever, the faint rustle of turning pages and the occasional clearing of a throat providing the only sounds. Argider strode in, her determination evident by her quick steps and the book tucked under her arm. She scanned the rows of shelves until she spotted her target: Mira Solren, sitting in the same chair as yesterday, her back straight, her gaze fixed on yet another heavy tome.

"Morning, Mira," Argider greeted, plopping into the chair across from her without waiting for an invitation.

Mira looked up briefly, her gray eyes coldly assessing. "You've returned."

"Of course I have!" Argider said, holding up the book she'd brought. "I've started reading The Laws of Power by Robert Grass. Thought I'd show you that I'm taking your advice seriously."

Mira's lips pressed into a thin line. "And your thoughts?"

"Oh, you know," Argider began, flipping open the book and thumbing through the pages dramatically. "It's... enlightening. Truly, it's like every word was plucked straight from the divine consciousness of wisdom itself."

Mira raised an eyebrow. "You haven't read it, have you?"

Argider froze, the guilty grin on her face betraying her. "Okay, fine, I skimmed it," she admitted, slumping back in her chair. "But that doesn't mean I didn't learn anything!"

Mira sighed, setting her book down. "Very well. Enlighten me. What did you glean from your… skimming?"

---

Argider's Attempt at Intellect

Argider cleared her throat, sitting up straighter. "Alright, here's the deal. The book talks about power being, uh, like... a river."

"A river," Mira repeated, her tone flat.

"Yeah, yeah," Argider said, warming up to her explanation. "It flows, right? And if you try to stop it, it'll just go around you. But if you guide it, like, with a dam or something, you can control it."

Mira stared at her, unimpressed. "That analogy is not in the book."

"Well, no," Argider admitted, scratching her head. "But that's what it felt like it was saying."

"Felt," Mira repeated, her tone now tinged with faint disdain. "Power is not a matter of feelings. It is a matter of strategy, manipulation, and understanding human nature."

"Yeah, yeah," Argider said, waving a hand dismissively. "But my point still stands. Power's like water—you've just got to know how to channel it."

Mira pinched the bridge of her nose. "Your interpretation is reductive at best."

---

The Debate

"Okay, Miss Genius," Argider said, leaning forward. "If you're so smart, what's your take on power?"

Mira's gaze sharpened. "Power is the capacity to influence outcomes and control resources. It requires foresight, adaptability, and, most importantly, a clear understanding of the motivations of others."

"Alright, but what about kindness?" Argider challenged, crossing her arms. "Can't power come from being nice to people?"

"Kindness," Mira said, her voice dripping with skepticism, "is a tool, not a foundation. Genuine power does not rely on the goodwill of others."

Argider frowned. "That's so cynical. What if you're wrong? What if kindness can change things?"

Mira's eyes narrowed. "And what evidence do you have to support that notion?"

Argider hesitated, searching for the right words. "Well... people like me, for one."

Mira tilted her head. "Explain."

"You said it yourself yesterday," Argider continued. "I'm overwhelmed, uncertain, and kind of a mess. But people still follow me. Not because I'm manipulative or cunning, but because they see something in me. And maybe that's not traditional power, but it's something, isn't it?"

For a brief moment, Mira's stoic mask faltered. There was a flicker of surprise, quickly replaced by her usual calm demeanor. "An interesting perspective," she conceded.

---

Argider's Moment of Depth

Encouraged by Mira's reaction, Argider pressed on. "Look, I get that you're all about logic and strategy, and I'm not saying you're wrong. But sometimes, power isn't about controlling people. Sometimes it's about inspiring them. Giving them hope. Making them believe in something bigger than themselves."

Mira was silent, her gray eyes locked on Argider.

"And yeah," Argider continued, her voice softer now, "I know I've got a long way to go. But if I'm going to be in this position, I don't want to rule through fear or manipulation. I want to lead with... I don't know, heart?"

Mira's lips parted slightly, as if she were about to say something, but she stopped herself. After a moment, she inclined her head. "A commendable sentiment, albeit idealistic."

"Hey, I'll take it," Argider said with a grin.

---

Mira's Return to Stoicism

Mira straightened, picking up her book once more. "Your perspective is naive, but not without merit. I suggest you continue reading The Laws of Power. Perhaps with a bit more diligence this time."

Argider laughed, standing up. "Yeah, yeah. I'll actually read it tonight. Thanks for not completely tearing me apart."

Mira glanced at her, a faint trace of amusement in her otherwise stoic expression. "I reserve that for those who refuse to learn."

Argider smirked. "Well, I guess I'd better stay on your good side, then."

As she turned to leave, she paused by the door, glancing back at Mira. "Hey, you know... you're not as scary as people think."

Mira didn't respond immediately, but there was a subtle softening in her gaze. "And you're not as hopeless as you seem."

Argider chuckled, shaking her head as she left. Despite Mira's unyielding demeanor, Argider couldn't help but feel a strange sense of camaraderie with her. Maybe, just maybe, she was starting to understand the enigmatic scholar after all.

Argider entered her bedchamber with a tired sigh, closing the door behind her. The day had been long, filled with debates and self-reflection, but at least she was getting somewhere—slowly.

But as she turned around, she froze. There, lounging on the bed, was Esmeralda, looking far too pleased with herself. The moment she spotted Argider, a smirk crept across her face.

"Well, well, well. Having too much fun with your other wives, huh?" Esmeralda teased, propping herself up on one elbow as she eyed Argider mischievously.

Argider rolled her eyes, stepping further into the room. "Oh, please. You act like I'm some sort of plaything."

Esmeralda's eyes narrowed, and her smirk vanished, replaced by a pout that quickly escalated into full-blown drama. "I'll make you regret this," she huffed, sitting up and crossing her arms. "You spend all your time with them, and I'm stuck here, alone. You think that's fair?"

Argider didn't even flinch. She leaned against the doorframe with a casual expression. "As if you don't try to be."

Esmeralda shot her a glare, her lower lip sticking out like a child who hadn't gotten their way. "You're impossible."

"And you're dramatic," Argider said, walking over to the bed and sitting beside her. "Come on, I'm not going anywhere. You know I'm not good with that whole 'sharing' thing."

Esmeralda looked up at her, still fuming, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes now. "Fine, fine. But don't think you're off the hook."

Argider smiled, leaning back against the pillows. "Sure, whatever you say."