"I can't believe you made such a bold decision knowing that they might turn on us at any time. How are you certain that we can trust them? To make matters worse, we didn't consult the Queen or the elders about this, and I'm going to be the one to take all the blame since I was present. You just became a part of our colony, so how dare you do such a thing?" said Anastasia in an angered tone as she punched Ari on the shoulder.
"Damn, she sure packs a punch. Ants are really strong insects," Ari thought to himself.
"Calm down, Anastasia. The Queen will be pleased with how I handled the situation. Remember, being allies with them will not only end the war between us but also allow us to pool our resources. For example, if we have an excess supply of berries but lack meat, and Queen Helena's colony has an abundance of meat but lacks berries, we can trade with each other. This will benefit both of our colonies," said Ari.
"Well, when you put it that way, I guess it was the right call. However, there's a low chance the elders or the Queen will agree to this treaty. If I get blamed for your actions, I'm going to kill you. Understand?" said Anastasia in a cold tone.
"For some reason, I believe she'll actually do it," Ari thought to himself.
"And what brings you here today, Lieutenant Anastasia?" asked an ant servant.
"That's none of your business, and for your information, it's Commander Anastasia. Let us through. We need to speak to Queen Celeste," Anastasia said in a blunt and rude tone as she and Ari walked past the servants and into the Queen's chamber.
"You requested an audience with me, Anastasia?"
"Yes, my Queen. There is a matter we need to discuss with you and the elders. It is an urgent matter that requires your wisdom," said Anastasia.
"An urgent matter, you say? Let's go discuss it," said Queen Celeste as they all proceeded to the meeting with the elders.
"What exactly did you want to discuss with us?" asked an elder ant.
"Earlier today, an ant named Ruth, a commander from the colony that tried to attack us, came to us asking to negotiate for a way to receive General Ivan in exchange for their resources."
"Wait, wasn't it a lack of resources that led them to initiate the war?" asked an elder.
"I'm getting to that part," said Anastasia. "We followed Ruth back to their colony and spoke with Queen Helena. She told us that a mysterious ant manipulated them into attacking us by exploiting their food shortage. She apologized for the attack and explained how weak their army had become without Ivan at its center. She agreed to pay any amount of resources to free him. However, Ari made a counteroffer: to form a treaty and partnership with Helena's colony."
"Are you insane? Forming a treaty with another colony is impossible. Colonies cannot live in peace simply because of our different mindsets. If this treaty were established, what if we were sabotaged? Or worse—what if it's a trap?" said one of the elder ants.
"Who gave you the right to make such a foolish declaration? You are part of our colony now, but you can't just make such an important decision without consulting us," said another elder ant.
"And you, Commander Anastasia. I am very disappointed in you. How could you allow this feeble-minded ant to propose such an absurd idea?" said another elder.
"Listen to me, you old geezer! Ari is far from feeble! He was the one who saved our colony, and without him, you wouldn't be sitting here right now insulting the both of us. Obviously, he has a good reason for what he did," said Anastasia.
"That's enough, Anastasia. Now then, Ari, explain to me why you proposed this," said Queen Celeste.
"Well, in all honesty, if we don't return their general, it will only lead to more war between us. Although we have the advantage in battle, we will still lose many ants.
"A treaty between both colonies will not only prevent further conflict but will also establish a system where both of our colonies benefit—whether in terms of resources, military support, or working together as one.
"Giving them General Ivan in exchange for a treaty is a win-win situation. The war will end, and they will have their general back while we gain an ally to help rebuild," said Ari.
"So, in theory, they would have no reason to attack us," he added.
"You have a valid point, Ari. Why don't we give it a try? We have nothing to lose by doing this," said Queen Celeste.
"My Queen, you can't possibly agree to something so outrageous! Freeing Ivan will only—"
"I have made my decision, and it is final. You are here to give advice, and I am here to either agree or disagree. So just bear with it," said Queen Celeste as she left.
"Ever since that damned ant came to this colony, the Queen has been like this—stubborn and unwilling to listen to our logic anymore," muttered an elder ant.
"We'll have to find a way to get rid of him before it's too late," whispered another elder.
And just like that, General Ivan was released back to his colony, and the treaty between Queen Helena's and Queen Celeste's colonies was officially established. Although reluctant at first, both parties eventually got along and began planning for the winter collection.
"Today, I will officially begin my training as a military ant in Queen Celeste's army. I know it will be tough, but this is my life now… as an ant," Ari thought to himself.
"Wait, Ari. I just realized something—you don't have mandibles or a stinger spear, do you?" asked Anastasia.
"No. I guess I didn't get any at all when I arrived in this world," Ari said to himself.
"Well, in that case, here—take these," said Anastasia as she handed Ari a pair of mandibles.
"What are these?" asked Ari, confused.
"They're not just any random mandibles. These belonged to the most courageous ant in existence—my father. He was a captain in Queen Celeste's army and a powerful leader. However, he was killed by a grasshopper named Jumper. Before he died, he took down a hundred grasshoppers, making him this colony's hero," said Anastasia.
"You'd give something so precious to me?" asked Ari.
"This is proof that you are now part of the colony and that I trust you. I believe you'll use them well. Besides, you somewhat remind me of him anyway," said Anastasia as she walked off to speak with the other recruits.
"She entrusted me with her father's mandibles, huh…" Ari thought.