Mirelia followed Isolde into her office. The latter checked once more to make sure she had not made a mistake. As for me, I did not use my hallucinogens to make her believe that these were good potions or creams. After all, I trust my little herbalist darling!
Isolde was satisfied with the products and began by examining an expensive potion.
"That's imperial medicinal wine, isn't it?"
"Yes."
"Did you make it yourself?"
"Yes, alone."
Isolde's eyes lit up with joy.
"Tell me about the ingredients."
"I used aged wine, saffron, ambergris, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, myrrh, and gold powder."
Isolde nodded. Having already worked with other herbalists, she recognized these types of ingredients.
"Have you tested the effects?"
"No. Due to certain circumstances, it has been a long time since I last perfected my craft, but I am still confident!"
"I see."
The merchant furrowed her brows, then quickly regained her smile before taking an interest in the other potions and creams.
"And the balms? Do you know how to make them?"
"Yes."
After thinking for a moment, she spoke again:
"What do you think of this? We will buy this batch, and if your products pass our tests, we will call you back for a contract. What do you think?"
Mirelia briefly looked at me. Seeing my nod, she accepted the deal.
After she left, Isolde summoned her maids, and after a final verification of the merchandise quality, they spent the following days testing the products.
"Um, madam… If you don't mind, I would like to go out to see a few people for… you know, adult business."
"Alright."
Isolde watched her maid leave quickly, then turned her gaze to the bottle of imperial medicinal wine.
"…"
"Well, at least I know this one works really well. The nobles will fight over it!"
It took several months to test all the products. And as I expected, my baby is truly talented in her field ~
One day, as Mirelia returned to get ingredients, a maid came to ask her to follow her to Isolde's office.
"We have tested your products, and they are of exceptional quality."
"Thank you…"
"We want to establish a contract."
"Alright, but can I ask a friend to come read it? I am not well-versed in business matters."
"Of course! Go fetch her, we will write the contract in the meantime."
"Thank you."
Mirelia went to find Lysaria. Thanks to the system, I can tell if there's a trap or not, but if she accepted without asking any questions after just a simple nod from me, it would be suspicious. She's skilled in herbalism but not in commercial contracts. If she were to accept another contract with Isolde one day without understanding it, it would inevitably raise suspicion, and I can't allow that to happen.
Once my two darlings were together, Lysaria carefully read the contract. As a former queen, she had a good understanding of these types of agreements. After her approving nod, Mirelia accepted the contract.
From that day on, Isolde's parasitization percentage increased, slowly but surely. Thanks to the sales, especially in their kingdom, Mirelia's products became a rare and extremely expensive luxury. Finally, damn it!
Seeing that the parasitization progressed even without my intervention, I decided to visit Lucian, the slave merchant, to choose a woman for Isolde!
"Criiiie! Cry! (Show me the girls you've set aside.)"
"Yes, my queen."
He presented several women, but my gaze immediately settled on one.
"Criiiiiiiiiie! (That one! The beige-skinned one with brown hair!)"
Yes, I chose based on my tastes, but also considering Isolde's. After all, I need her to fall in love with this girl!
But of course, both of them will become my slave concubines once Isolde is parasitized at 100%. So, I must love her too!
"You! Come here!"
The woman approached with a hint of fear. Her name was Elysia Dorneval, a former minor noble. A fierce and untamed beauty, with beige skin and long ashen-brown hair falling in rebellious locks. Her delicate face bore a subtle scar on her left cheekbone. Her green eyes reflected the soul of a broken musician, yet never subdued. She knew how to wield a lute like a sword.
Perfect! She is absolutely perfect for Isolde!
Selene was also present. She took Elysia with me, and we returned to Rosia's castle.
"A new one?"
"No, this one is for our queen."
"Lucky! The slave concubines of our queens are treated even better than us!"
"Yes, even our dear mistress Rosia must handle them with utmost care."
A few of Rosia's concubines chatted among themselves. I will warn Rosia not to punish them this time; I like them.
And besides, this gives Elysia a taste of what awaits her.
My other two slave concubines, Lysaria and Mirelia, joined us. My three babies spoke in my stead, already mastering the topic.
"Elysia, my name is Selene, and this is Mirelia and Lysaria."
Then, I revealed myself, emerging from Selene's hair.
"This is our queen, Pallas."
"An insect?"
I laughed, but my three babies didn't. Though they were once afraid, with the parasites at 95% and the fact that I made and kept them a promise, now they love and support me.
I let out a small cry with my tiny voice, and they immediately calmed down.
"She is a Zerg, a queen. So do not insult her again."
"Our queen found it funny, but we did not," added Lysaria.
"Sorry…"
"Eat this first."
Selene handed her a parasite. I had to give it to her for several reasons. First, even after my evolution, I am not sure if I will be able to speak directly, and I need to be understood. Second, my plan with Isolde is crucial.
Elysia swallowed the parasite. Although she did not want to, she knew she had no choice.
Then, we explained our plan to her.