I accompanied Rosia and her two completely parasitized maids. However, I didn't go straight to the garden. Instead, I went with Jeanna to retrieve the macarons—not only to lace them with my hallucinogenic powder but also to hide some of Rosia's small parasites inside them.
Why? Simple: to infect everyone around Naturia.
On the way back, under the open structure, I saw Naturia and Rosia chatting calmly. At 30%, their conversations were more relaxed. Though not yet friends, they could now talk like mere acquaintances. Jeanna placed the tray of macarons on the table.
Naturia's eyes lit up with joy, a bit of drool escaping her lips, clearly eager.
"Can I?"
"Of course, Naturia. I brought them for you. Here, have some tea as well. I asked for one that pairs well with macarons."
Marie filled Naturia and Rosia's tea cups. The two continued their conversation peacefully until Naturia noticed a discreet, empty bag.
"What's this bag for?"
"If there are any macarons left, you can take them home."
"Really?! Thank you, Princess!"
Rosia let out a soft laugh, her eyes narrowing slightly, making her look truly beautiful.
"You're welcome."
Naturia blushed slightly but quickly returned to normal as she continued eating. What she didn't know was that there would inevitably be leftovers.
The two ate and drank while chatting calmly. As usual, an hour passed, and Naturia had to leave for work. Before departing, she pondered how to store the extra macarons.
"Don't worry, Naturia. We'll keep them fresh for you."
"Once you're done with work, you can ask Marie to give them back to you."
Marie nodded in confirmation. Naturia smiled gently.
"Thank you, Princess."
"Please, call me Rosia."
"Alright."
Naturia cheerfully left for work. Rosia maintained her sweet smile… until Naturia was out of sight. Her expression faded, along with the gentle glow on her face, replaced by indifference.
"How much?"
"Yes, my queen. 45%. Probably because I kept my little promise about the macarons and let her take them home."
"Good."
Days passed, then weeks. At the library, during meetings with Naturia, and even at the pet store, everything was going smoothly. Not only was the percentage with Naturia increasing, but Rosia was also successfully parasitizing more and more gardeners and knights. As for Rosia's maids, both their infestation levels and devotion continued to grow. Five of them had already reached 100%.
Rosia took full advantage of her ability to control them completely without decreasing their parasite percentage. She used them however she pleased—whether by hurting them for her own enjoyment or indulging in sexual pleasures. At times, she even held orgies with all of her completely controlled maids.
Although only a half-Zerg, her instincts were already straying far from those of a human. Zergs are cruel, and for sub-queens, sex is a natural act.
Why? To give birth. Sexual activity significantly increases the egg production rate for the brood. The problem was that Rosia was only a half-sub-queen, meaning she couldn't produce eggs yet. But the instinct was already there.
As for me, I was just a newborn. Even though I had the same instinct, it was still weak. But I already knew that once I evolved, this instinct would become as strong as Rosia's.
***
"What?!"
The prince glared at his servant in fury, grabbing a bottle and throwing it at him.
"What do you mean you can't spread rumors about my sister?!"
"I'm sorry, Prince, but the princess only appears in places full of people!"
"On top of that, she's doing nothing that could fuel more rumors or ruin her reputation!"
The prince seethed with anger.
"Useless! You're useless! I want you dead, bastard!"
Several guards seized the servant and dragged him outside to be executed. Then, the prince summoned an assassin.
"Hemlock Blossom! Come forth!"
A dark silhouette appeared beside one of the windows before kneeling.
"Yes, my prince."
"I want you to infiltrate that bitch of a sister's maids! Find something—anything—we can use against her!"
"Your orders are my desires, Prince."
The prince chuckled.
"I'll sneak you in as a new maid."
Watching Hemlock Blossom disappear through the window, unseen, the prince turned his gaze outside. The full moon bathed the world in its glow as he chuckled, muttering under his breath.
"I'll make you fall, dear sister. Not only will you never become queen, but I'll use you until you're worthless—just like I plan to conquer you."
His expression darkened.
"Ooooh, Naturia~ So beautiful… You will be my queen…"
***
"Hello, everyone! My name is Lucette! It's a pleasure to meet you and work with you!"
"Hello, Lucette. I'm Florine, the head maid of the princess."
Another maid, who was preparing tea, smiled at her and handed her a cup.
"Have some tea with us. We have a little time before we start working."
Lucette accepted and sipped her tea calmly. After about twenty minutes, all the maids began their duties.
"Clarisse, please accompany Lucette and show her the ropes."
"Yes, head maid."
Lucette and Clarisse left. Once they were gone, all the remaining maids exchanged cruel smiles. They, along with Clarisse, were all parasitized at 100%. The tea Lucette had just drunk contained a parasite.
"Our queen will be pleased with this news."
"Yes… She'll likely whip her and have endless sex with her, given her personality and that soft, delicate body of hers."
They snickered for a moment before resuming their work as if nothing had happened.