Formicea

 

I find Olira in the room next to the hall with the map.

 

"Ehk, Olira, how's it going?" (E)

"Huh? Ah, Erys! Absolutely fantastic. I wasn't all too sure if I'd really find something of interest by randomly browsing those... jars, but this is so much better than I anticipated it to be in the best case." (O)

 

She certainly looks elated.

 

"So you found something good?" (E)

"Something good? Alone those pods! Well, not the craftmanship. But do you have any idea what some people would offer to have a way to access information this fast? Or better, as long this ability to receive them is still limited to some chosen few it could be used as a way to secretly relay information if one had access to a scholar. So many possibilities! So much money!" (O)

"It seems you're satisfied." (E)

"Satisfied isn't even remotely describing it. Did you know that there are metal ores harder than iron, and your kind is in the position to get them? Hides no one ever got their hands on. I've even discovered a note about how some of these insects stumbled into a fucking adamantium cave! Adamantite! Nothing beats this on the market! Just imagine, a whole cave, plastered with it. All the treasures of the underworld within my reach! Things I don't even know about their application yet. If just ten percent of what was hinted here would be available to me for sale in the future, then I'm happy. Happy, you know?!" (O)

 

She looks that part, and I'm slightly interested in how it would feel if she could produce pheromones.
Peaking into her head now should be as fascinating as disturbing, that I'm sure about.
And adamantite... That's certainly something and explains her wide smile very well.
It's known as the world's hardest material.
The problem is that that's the reason why it's almost impossible to process.
Even more, fire does nothing against it.
Are there even blacksmiths in existence who could use it somehow or were those just fairytales?
But that doesn't change that the material fetches huge prices.
If I'd sell her only a small amount of this stuff to the usual prices for first sales we both would end up rich.

 

"Did you have any issues with the pods? The first time can be a little overwhelming." (E)

"Uh, yes. At first, I had no idea what I should do when it was handed to me. Then I suddenly had pictures in my mind and knew the context for some reason. It was totally uncanny I need to say. I mean the idea of having insect thoughts in your head is a bit disturbing. But what I've discovered was absolutely worth it!" (O)

"Okay, if you're content. But it starts to get late. And the scholars have to refill all the pods we've used." (E)

"Ah, yes. But at least I know now what I can expect. If you can provide a bit of this I am sure we can find an agreement." (O)

"About that, Liseti wants to meet with us. With her it should be possible to find an agreement." (E)

"What exactly is this about Liseti? Why is she apparently more important than you." (O)

"Ehk. okay. I'll be honest. I'm not really an established princess, yet. I was... transformed. Recently, as you might have guessed already. The thing is, it's an ongoing process. In ten years or so I might wield the same power as Liseti, but till then I'll only come closer with each passing day. Like gaining around several hundred subjects a week. She has like two-hundred-thousand. Also, she maintains the security here. Almost all patrols in the system are controlled by her." (E)

"So you're a fast-growing power. I was worried if there might be other reasons, but this seems still promising. Especially, as others listen to you. Future prospects are a good thing indeed. Identifying and claiming them the bread and butter of a merchant." (O)

 

Looks like she's still content with having me as her partner.
Which is good, as having access to her contacts will be a great advantage to establish relations.
We're moving back to my district and I see her off at the cloth cover, functioning as the door to her quarter.

 

"If anything, this was very enriching today. Hopefully literally." (O)

"What is going on here?" (T)

 

It seems that Temia was at her quarter.
Not too surprising as there are not many places she can go to without the risk to get lost.
She might now be able to ask for her way.
But only if the other party can understand her.
Anyway, she is here and so I should greet her.
Even if she makes me kinda nervous.

 

"Ehk, hello Temia. We were in the chamber of knowledge." (E)

"You should have been there. It was great. All the information I've received. I certainly have now a far better understanding of our hosts." (O)

"You have something called "chamber of knowledge" and I only learn about this just yet?" (T)

 

I've considered telling her, but the thing is the knowledge isn't really filtered there.
Giving this noble access to information that could be of strategic value and might be used against us doesn't seem too smart.
Olira was only interested in valuables, but already the map would basically tell her about all our bases and tunnels.
Then there are the other swarms or weaknesses in the insect's bodies.
If Lady Lorata learns about such things it would be a problem.
It can't be too great telling someone you're negotiating with every little thing about you.
But how do I get out of this now?

 

"I wasn't sure if you're interested. It requires letting other insect's thoughts in your mind. And it took a bit to gain the permission for Olira to enter. It's part of our deal." (E)

"I get it that you won't show me this place." (T)

"Ehk, sorry. Maybe next time when the negotiations work out well and you return." (E)

"Tsk. As you wish." (T)

 

Uh, she didn't take that too well, but it's not like I could change it.
I should just gloss over it.

 

"You-you're going to return soon, right? Is that fine? We didn't even really negotiate all that much." (E)

 

I don't think that the one-sided threats of the queen count as such.

 

"You're misunderstanding something. I was just here as an observer, not to negotiate. This job will be upon someone who actually has this kind of authority. A minor noble under a local lord without any noteworthy connections to the capital will neither be allowed to conduct such an endeavor by himself nor will anything he agreed upon with you be acknowledged." (T)

 

What!? What about our contract then?!

 

"Urgh, my head. Could you please refrain from sudden emotional outbursts? It's not the most pleasant feeling. What I wanted to say is that it's only a question of time till the real negotiations start, Miss ambassador." (T)

"Excuse me?" (E)

"Did you already forget? You've agreed to return to represent your... people in the negotiations in our realm." (T)

 

Damn. Yes, there was something like this.

 

"Temia, you shouldn't pressure our host like this. I'm sure she knows what she does. Let her rest. It was an eventful day." (O)

"For you, it's still "Lady Lorata", commoner." (T)

 

So the two of them go inside, Olira still teasing Temia who responds with unrestrained vigor.
Which is probably only encouraging Olira.
I meanwhile return to my room, contemplating what was just said.
The problem is that the swarm never will approve that one of their princesses is on probably hostile territory where something might happen.
If I want to have even a chance that the queen is allowing such a thing I'll need my escort.
And if the royal guard proves to be effective I can argue that they will sufficiently guarantee my safety.
It might be convincing enough.
Hopefully.