《Formicea》Chapter 68
Advertisement
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?
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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." (T)
"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.
Advertisement
Dragon Hack
Rich's life sucks. He lives in a dystopia, His father's an abusive creep, his mother's up to some shady stuff, and he's pretty sure he's going to die a virgin. He can't do much about the first few problems, but a new darknet game might give him a shot at getting laid. But even the most well-laid plans go astray, and he ends up with way, way more than he bargained for. He gains a character with the rarest of all races: Dragon. But it's a two-way street, and strange occurances and problems soon have Rich wondering if this is truly a game, or something far more sinister... WARNING: Contains verbal abuse and harsh language. The language and sentiments used do not represent the views of the author. The dystopia portrayed is meant to be a cautionary tale, rather than a criticism of any existing group or political faction. CLAIMER: My name is Andrew Seiple. I am a writer, and I both write this story and own the rights to it. I will be posting this story on Spacebattles.com, SufficientVelocity.com, RoyalRoad.com, and my Patreon. I reserve the right to remove it from any and all platforms as needed to facilitate my sinister long-term plans. (Except for Patreon. The story there ain't leaving.) If you desire to read this story faster, note that my Patreon is generally going to be several updates ahead of all publicly-available threads. Cover art created by Ambelia Parris, licensed per agreement.
8 239Field of The Dead
A world that has had the most deadly virus known to humankind unleashed and now the Living Fight the Dead to survive. This book follows a native man on the reservation dealing with the undead fighting to keep the ones he loves alive. But at what cost…. Will Terrance survive The field of the Dead.
8 112Alpha
Elaine Chernoble has spent years traveling from place to place, training her pack to be the best, pushing aside her demons by busying herself with helping others overcome theirs. Her hardwork finally pays off when her pack becomes the strongest pack in America. Traveling around and helping other packs train and become stronger became her lifetime goal, striving not to let what happened to her own pack, happen to other.Nameless, that's what they called her pack."The Raven Deity", they called her.But, even a deity has her troublesome past that is the catalyst for her seemingly perfect present.It isn't until she gets a call from the pack called Moon Stone, does her world turn upside-down, inside out and runs in circles that make her dizzy."My name is Scinece Evans and that's my twin, Lincoln."Coming from a disturbing past that would make even a grown man shiver, Scinece and Lincoln Evans, have yet to find the person that will understand them better than they understand themselves; someone that will care for them; someone who looks past their past and appearances. Sure, they had their father, but even he walked on eggshells after the incident. And that someone stumbles into their borders, all bloody, skin hanging off by a thread.Follow Elaine and the twins' journey as they stumble along the path of stitching each other back together good as new. But then again, a book isn't complete without a few bumps in the road.
8 216Kingdom Hearts X Reader
••• REQUESTS CLOSED••• I do not own Kingdom hearts, Square Enix or any of the characters in the game. Nor do I own you. Only yours and the characters actions in the book! Feel free to request ideas __ Y/n- your nameL/n- last nameE/c- eye colorH/c- hair colorS/t- skin tone-Enjoy this book of Kingdom Hearts X ReaderAnd if you want go ahead and read some of my other books as well. You might like them
8 114STPS
(Cover art does not belong to me.)The eldest brother disappeared for six years, and returned home with chuunibyou disease.The second brother claims that he regressed from the future.The youngest brother, who has been out of service- it causes a headache just thinking about it, so let's move on.As they each claim, they are returnees and regressors. It is a remarkable story that is not lacking even if you are active as the main character in any novel right now.In response, Lee Bobae roared as a younger sister and the head of the household."You good-for-nothing mealworms! Go out and work right now!"The girl leader holds the back of her neck again today.Note: Please do not repost anywhere.
8 157Grumbo (Grian x Mumbo) Fanfic
Okay so I need to point out a few things. 1. I only ship the characters Grian and Mumbo, not Charles and Oli. This means that I am just shipping fictional characters. Basically, I ship Grian and Mumbo (as real live people) but not as Charles and Oli. (hopefull that makes sense)2. I don't ship a sexual relationship between them, for those who don't know, I don't write things like that, and I also don't generally like that. 3. This is most likely gonna include other hermitcraft characters, (again, the characters, not the actual people who play the characters) but none will be in any relationships they'll just be the friendly background people and friends. Rankings: #1 in grianxmumbojumbo#3 in hermitcraft7#15 in Mumbo (out of 494 stories)This story will be taken down if any hermits related to the story state they are uncomfortable with being a part of shipping/fanfiction (or names will be changed, depending on the person). If either Grian or Mumbo states they are uncomfortable with being shipped the story will be taken down immediately! I think that's it... well, enjoy the story!
8 71