Formicea

 

I move to Temia's and Olira's quarters.
I don't know how my request will be received but it can't hurt to ask.
I'll keep my demands in moderation so that no one will feel threatened.
Or believe I'm preparing for war.
Waiting in front of the entrance I simply call her out to not intrude unnecessarily into her private rooms.

 

<Olira, I would like to discuss something. Could you come?> (E)

 

Just moments later she opens the curtain.
Yes, I made a small improvement to the door system in my courtyard.
But I lacked the fabric to cover more than three entrances.
Mine, my family's, and the honor guest's place.

 

"God, I don't think I'll ever get used to suddenly hearing you in my head." (O)

"Me neither." (T)

 

Now both of them stand in the main room which leads to their respective quarters.
It doesn't look too bad.
Maybe a bit simple, but there are places to sit down, to put things on, or to eat together, not like this will ever happen.

Olira has as always her polite merchant smile while Temia looks slightly disgruntled.

 

"Uh, I had a request. Something business-related. It... might be a little unusual." (E)

"Oh! Please tell! I'm all ears." (O)

"Uh..." (E)

 

My gaze wanders to Temia.
I'm a bit conscious about what Lady Lorata would think about this.
Yet my hesitation might make everything worse.

 

"Yes, continue, please. What is it that I shall not hear?" (T)

"Sigh. I... need weapons." (E)

"What!?" (T)

"Weapons? That's not my forte. Yet I could maybe arrange something in that regard." (O)

"I-it's nothing bad. Just some. Like, two-hundred to four-hundred swords, one-hundred spears, maybe also fifty daggers and bows. Something along that line." (E)

 

I need to consider that they have four arms and like this one sword for each of them might not suffice.

 

"Are you planning to invade a country?! Seriously, what do you need this much equipment for?" (T)

"I'd like to know as well. If only to provide customer-oriented service." (O)

"Well, I recently got my royal guard. They have no natural weapons since I didn't want them to look too intimidating. Instead, I thought I could equip them like common soldiers. Like this, it would also be possible for them to take down their weapons to show goodwill. You know, for diplomatic missions. We don't really have weapon production going here since it was never necessary. Still, it's kinda important that my guards... well, can defend themselves." (E)

 

Temia doesn't look too pleased with that thought, but I believe my arguments were proper.

 

"Urgh, I don't know. I can't support an increase of your military potential. It's troublesome enough as it is. But I won't work against you." (T)

 

With this, she leaves back to her room.

 

"As I said, I'm not really an arm's dealer. However, if there's money to make there's always a way to find a provider. Which leads us to the topic of compensation." (O)

"Ehk, yeah... I'll prepare something in that regard. I guess it's obvious that I don't have any money on me. H-how about paying in wares? I'm certain we could start a good mining effort. Or harvests. Anything you would be interested in?" (E)

"Hm, you're putting me a bit at a disadvantage here. You know, I'd have to sell it first and this before I could in any way ascertain the quality or even would know how you'd keep up your part of the bargain. You're no established supplier which makes it harder to introduce you to other merchants for long-term agreements. But the bigger problem is that weapon deals with you will be frowned upon if this gets out and get in the way of any trade. And in my experience, such a thing will get out eventually. And all of this while I still have no concrete idea what I'm actually bargaining for." (O)

"Sorry. It's just a bit difficult to make money in a society that doesn't know what this is." (E)

"Sure, sure. Then how about you sweeten the deal a bit? I'm sure we can find a favorable agreement for both of us. However, there was something I'd wanted to do which was denied to me. Can you do something in that regard?" (O)

"About what are we talking here?" (E)

 

Getting her in front of the queen to negotiate exclusive trading rights might be possible but the implications worry me.
Or is it about selling her drones as slaves?
That certainly won't happen.

 

"Simple. I heard there was a so-called "chamber of knowledge". I am extremely curious to learn what kind of wisdom would be gathered there. Information of a completely foreign kind. However, access was permitted. Nevertheless, can you make it possible for me to enter?" (O)

 

The chamber of knowledge?
I can understand that this is a high-security area.
One person smashing vases would be enough to destroy millennia of history.
So it's no simple matter to allow all the humans to enter uncontrolled.
As far I know things are also a bit tense as they are still members of another which could become hostile.
So access to delicate places is restricted, as not only direct damage but also intel about those and their layout could be used against us.

So especially having access to a place they couldn't use in the first place wouldn't make sense.
Yet, Olira can now understand pheromones.
But if a princess asks for it and the scholars would take special precautions for a single person this could be possible.

 

"I'll see what I can do. I'd have to ask in advance as I cannot decide on my own. But personally I think you have good chances." (E)

"Oh really? Then I'm looking forward to it." (O)

"It's quite convenient that you took the agent. Otherwise it would've been a problem." (E)

"A problem? Why that is?" (O)

"Because pheromones are an essential part of the library, that's basically what it is. You wouldn't get much out of it and I would be hard-pressed to justify your access like this, while your visit would be kinda meaningless." (E)

"Huh, that sounds intriguing. I'm looking forward to seeing if you can arrange something on that matter." (O)

"Fine if you'd excuse me now." (E)

 

I'll have to send some requests.
At least I have now something to occupy me.
This should help against my boredom.
Especially as I'm a bit fed up with crashing into the ground because of my flying attempts.

I'm calling two messengers.
One I send directly to the chamber of knowledge.
I believe the scholars will know best about the requirements to enter.
Princesses are obviously allowed to do so, so it should be possible to get permission.

The other one shall go, or rather fly, to Liseti.
If there's anything I don't see regarding a princess' expected behavior or boundaries she will know best.
Especially about making proper demands.
In any case, I might be able to borrow her influence.

Also, I inform her about my little arms deal.
I think if I promise her a share I might coax her into it and gain her support.
Maybe I can even get her to pay for me in advance.
Even if I don't have any wares of my own to contribute, which makes me feel kinda guilty.
But she was always supportive and should be interested to see my royal guard perform.
Also, I'm sure I'll eventually have some means to get my own supply with goods that are valuable for trade.
This could definitely work.