Mikhailis yawned loudly, stretching his arms as he lounged on the couch in the royal chamber. He had spent the last few days in the castle without much to do, simply lazing around. He had tinkered with his ant colony, read through some notes, and even helped Rodion run a few projections on the underground tunnels. But still, it lacked excitement.
"Rodion, how about we add a pool for the ants or something?" he said, half-joking, half-serious.
He laughed, just about to come up with another crazy idea when the door creaked open, and Elowen stepped inside. She held a scroll in her hand, her expression more serious than usual.
I guess... Today is not a good day?
"Hey, wifey. You look like you're about to make an announcement," Mikhailis said with a grin.
Elowen approached him, her gaze steady, and she handed him the scroll.
"You're right, Mikhailis. This just came in. An invitation—specifically for you."
Mikhailis blinked and took the scroll, unraveling it slowly. He read through the elegant writing, and his grin slowly faded, replaced by a thoughtful look.
"The Saintess of the Elder Tree," he murmured, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, that's certainly not something you see every day."
Elowen nodded.
"Saintess Myria Elthea is one of the most influential figures in Eldoria. She holds the respect of many across the continent, not just because of her divine connection but also because of her influence among both nobles and commoners. And she's one of the main influential figures in Silvarion Thalor,"
Mikhailis sighed, leaning back on the couch.
"So she wants to meet me, huh? She's probably heard about my charming personality, my bug obsession, or maybe my cooking skills."
Elowen smiled slightly, but her eyes remained serious.
"She's likely interested in your origins. You're not from this world, after all, and your presence here is unusual. It makes people curious, and sometimes… wary."
Mikhailis gave her a knowing look.
"In other words, she wants to see if I'm a threat."
Elowen nodded again.
"Exactly. She wants to gauge you for herself. And, Mikhailis, it's important that you conduct yourself well during this audience. Myria's influence is substantial—her support could open doors for us, but if she sees you as dangerous or unstable, it could make things more difficult."
Mikhailis stared at the scroll for a moment, then looked up, his gaze meeting hers. His usual joking demeanor was gone, replaced by a more serious expression.
"I get it. I'll behave."
Elowen smiled, her golden eyes softening as she reached out to touch his hand.
"I know you will. But there's something else—I can't go with you."
Huh? Really?
Oh, shut up, Rodion.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Really? Why not?"
"I received notice of a sudden diplomatic meeting. It involves some of the noble factions, and it's something that I can't ignore," Elowen said, her voice edged with frustration.
"That's why I'll need someone else to go with you. Vyrelda will be your escort."
Mikhailis couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips.
Vyrelda...
"Vyrelda, huh? You know, I'm not exactly her favorite person. She probably thinks I'm going to trip over my own feet and cause a diplomatic incident."
Elowen gave him a slight smile, her eyes filled with warmth.
"That's precisely why I'm sending her. She'll keep you in check if necessary, and, more importantly, she's one of my most trusted knights. She'll protect you."
Mikhailis sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Alright, Vyrelda it is then. I'll try my best not to make her pull out her sword on me. Besides, I'll need someone to look intimidating next to me, right?"
Elowen laughed softly, her gaze softening.
"Thank you, Mikhailis. I know this isn't your ideal kind of job, but it means a lot to me."
Mikhailis nodded, his eyes serious.
"I understand. I'll do my best to make a good impression. Besides," he added with a grin.
"maybe I'll charm her too. I have a way with people, you know."
Elowen shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips.
"You are impossible sometimes."
Mikhailis chuckled, leaning forward to kiss her gently. "
You wouldn't have married me if I wasn't."
Elowen laughed. "I guess you're right,"
But then, her face return to the serious one.
"Mikhailis, there's something else you need to know,"
He looked up at her as it piqued his curiousity.
"What is it, Elowen?"
"The Saintess… she isn't as benevolent as people think she is," Elowen said, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"She has her own motives, and while she might appear kind, she's also shrewd. She wants to know whether you're a threat—whether you're someone she needs to keep an eye on."
Mikhailis frowned slightly, leaning back in his chair.
"So, she's not just some holy healer? She's actually playing politics too?"
"Yes," Elowen said, her voice carrying a note of caution.
"She has great influence over the people of Eldoria, but she also has her own agenda. I need you to be careful, Mikhailis. Don't let your guard down, and don't give her any reason to think you're dangerous."
Mikhailis nodded, his gaze thoughtful.
"Got it. So, she's not just evaluating me—she's looking for my weaknesses too."
"Exactly," Elowen said, her eyes meeting his.
"And Vyrelda will be there to keep you safe. I trust her to protect you, but you need to trust her too. She's skeptical of you, I know, but she's loyal to me."
She told me that twice already. Looks like someone is very worried.
Mikhailis smiled slightly, his eyes softening.
"You don't need to worry, Elowen. I'll be careful. And I'll trust Vyrelda, even if she doesn't like me much."
Elowen reached out, her fingers brushing against his cheek. "Thank you, Mikhailis. I know this isn't easy, but it means a lot to me."
He took her hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Hey, don't worry about it. I've faced tougher crowds than one Saintess. Besides, I've got you watching my back, even if you're not there in person."
Elowen smiled, her eyes filled with warmth. "You're right. Just… be careful."
Mikhailis nodded, his gaze steady. "I will."
___
The next morning, Mikhailis was in the royal chamber, getting ready for his audience with the Saintess. He was adjusting his collar, trying to get it to sit right, when Elowen entered the room, her expression slightly tense.
"Good morning, Mikhailis," she said, her voice soft.
He looked up, giving her a warm smile.
"Morning, wifey. You look… serious. What's going on?"
Elowen hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath.
"I just received word from Serelith and Aelthrin. There's a chance that some of the nobles might be planning something during your audience with the Saintess."
Mikhailis raised an eyebrow, his hands pausing on his collar.
"Planning something? Like what?"
"I don't know yet," Elowen said, her voice edged with frustration. "But it's enough of a concern that I need to investigate it. That's why I can't go with you—I need to make sure everything is safe here, in the castle."
Mikhailis frowned, his gaze turning serious.
"You think they might try something against me?"
"It's possible," Elowen said, her eyes meeting his.
"Which is why I need you to be on guard. Vyrelda will be with you, and I trust her to protect you, but you need to be careful. Don't let your guard down, and don't let anyone get too close."
Mikhailis nodded, his expression thoughtful.
Now this is getting plenty interesting.
"Alright. I'll keep my eyes open. And you… be careful too, Elowen. If the nobles are plotting something, it could be dangerous for you too."
Elowen smiled, her eyes softening.
"I will. I promise. And Mikhailis… thank you. For trusting me, and for going through with this. Even though I promised you safety,"
He smiled back, his gaze filled with warmth.
"Of course, wifey, no worries. I trust you. And I'll do my best to make sure everything goes smoothly."
___
Chimera Ant Queen & Colony Status:
Queen Chimera Ant: Evolved into a magical beast with heightened intelligence. Now resides in a newly constructed underground nest.
Colony Units:
Workers: Digging and foraging specialists. Currently expanding tunnels and creating chambers for the nest.
Soldiers: Colony defenders. Successfully defended the queen against threats like the Burrow Grub. Equipped with enhanced coordination and strength.
Colony Nest:
Chamber System:
- Food Storage Chamber: Completed. Currently being stocked by workers.
- Hatchling Chamber: Designated for new eggs. Under construction.
- Defense Chambers: Surrounding queen's location for protection.
Special Projects:
- Variant Eggs: Four eggs potentially containing hybrid ants with unique traits (e.g., magical frog properties).
- Neural Relay Chip: Installed on the queen, allowing real-time surveillance and control.
Current Objective:
- Defend the nest from the Glimmer Beetle.
- Expand nest further to accommodate variant eggs and prepare for future adversaries.