The castle's interior is much less fancy than I would have thought for being the home of the leader of such a huge town as Osari.

It's still impressive though.

Even Honiu looks interested at things like paintings and statues.

Or hollow armors, which makes me worry about applications she might have in mind.

When we reach some kind of gathering hall, Jorad turns around.

"I'd like to first talk privately to the princesses. Please, the room will simply be too small, so I ask everyone else to take a seat here." (J)

"Can my guard stay closeby?" (E)

"Naturally, this is mostly about the room's size and that I'd like to keep things simple. The room won't be locked and as you see I have no weapon on me." (J)

I turn to my guards.

"You heard that? You'll only be one door away. This should still be fine." (E)

They signal their agreement with pheromones and I'm kinda glad that they're reasonable.

Yet there's still a rather weird vibe when I watch how my royal guard splits into teams and takes control of every single entrance they find.

While most of the others essentially took control of this whole place there's still a team of ten, led by Miru, following close behind us.

They look professional how they’re at it.

Still, maybe a bit hostile of a first impression.

Jorad probably thinks so as well while he's leading us to the upper floor.

There we reach some kind of mix between an office and a library and finally the last guards stay outside.

Slightly exhausted he flops onto the closest chair.

"Okay, is this normal? Do all Formicea have to fear getting stoned the moment they step out into town?" (E)

"It's not that simple. I didn't ask this man to attack you. People just sometimes act dumb. Especially crowds of people. And seriously, this display just now won't help to convince them that your kind isn't going to harm them." (J)

After all my effort to produce something less offensive he's criticizing them!

I literally pushed myself to my limits.

My waist's limits!!!

"My guards are very protective of me. You should know this by now, as this is basically the main issue here. If something happens to me the town might not survive this." (E)

"I'll make sure of it." (H)

"Honiu, threatening our host isn't exactly considered good manners." (E)

"Not like your words are less concerning. Look, I'm already doing my best. Recently I was able to establish some strictly controlled safe zones where the Formicea can move freely. At those, I can almost guarantee complete safety for your kind. Or at least that offenders will be punished immediately." (J)

"Regarding this, what will happen to that man?" (E)

After all, if it's too lax that might mean we aren't treated equally to humans which would point to a basic issue.

Speaking of which, I don't even know the usual punishment in this case.

"Naturally, he will be executed." (J)

Excuse me, what?!

"This sounds reasonable." (H)

Everyone lost it here!

"Isn't this a bit harsh?" (E)

"Only to offend a noble is usually punished with a chopped-off hand. But in your case, we have not only an open assault but also an attempt to sabotage a diplomatic mission. Such a thing is on par with high treason. A weaker reaction will send the wrong signals and make our country's administration look weak. And this is something we cannot afford in this war. I have to make an example of this man." (J)

Then why the heck did I even stop my soldiers from ripping him apart?!

"Is this really the right way? Won't people grow more restless with this? More hostile towards us?" (E)

"People are already restless. We... The town is facing some problems." (J)

Now it's getting interesting.

"What kind of problems can make sapient creatures act so narrow-minded?" (H)

"Honiu was it? The kind which isn't even close to getting solved. We are under attack." (J)

"Wait a moment! Koreso is here?" (E)

"Could someone please elaborate? What is Koreso?" (H)

"Koreso is a neighboring country. There live other humans and currently they're attacking this nation to gain their territory and wealth." (E)

"I understand, a classical swarm war." (H)

Maybe a bit abstract, but regarding my history studies accurate enough.

Worried I look over to Jorad.

"Does this mean the town is going to get invaded?" (E)

"That's unlikely. I am certain it's only a small harassment troop, and the walls are quite the obstacle. However, they're constantly attacking our outer settlements and farms." (J)

"I'm sorry, we can't send troops." (E)

"This should be a given. Our brood should never die for another's cause." (H)

"I understand. But the situation within the city becomes more dire by the day. At the moment we are heavily relying on your food deliveries." (J)

"And then your people are attacking us?! That's stupid!" (E)

"People aren't always acting reasonable. Especially not in tense situations. One insufficient delivery and they blame the provider. Also, they fear dependency and are feeling powerless against the threat from outside. Simply said, they're venting. And your kin is what's in their reach. But I'd like to press that this is only the case for a certain small group." (J)

"And in this situation, you want to execute a man?" (E)

"This is actually quite the paradox. While people can act recklessly if they're stirred, they often only act when they don't have to fear repercussions. At the moment, rumors run rampant, people tell each other the worst, and a few individuals decide to act on this without having sufficient information about the real circumstances. The thing is, they can do so because I was too lax. Believe me, I don't favor threatening my own people, but if they know that there will be severe consequences, fewer people will want to take the risk and perform such acts. However, as they grow more desperate they'll become bolder. So this execution is more of a temporary solution." (J)

He indirectly tells me here not to stop the deliveries anytime soon or the town might turn into a hellhole.

I mean, yes I know that I don't have to support them, but I also don't want people to die.

And as he just said, stopping the deliveries won't just hit the offenders but also all the other citizens and refugees.

And this in turn will be a heavy blow to the Formicean's reputation.

"You invited Princess Erys. What is your reason for doing so?" (H)

"Simple. We have to talk about the upcoming audience in the capital." (J)

Yes, I know.

One mistake and countless innocent people will die.

"The escort isn't negotiable. This number is already the least I could convince them to send with me to ensure my safety." (E)

"This might pose a problem, but it isn't the real issue." (J)

"Then maybe that our queen very clearly said that this country is a goner should something happen to me?" (E)

"That's.... actually concerning. But for now my worries concentrate on another severe lack of yours. You don't know how to act at the royal court." (J)

"Why would we have to act in accordance with that place?" (H)

"Because the humans there are prideful, Lady Honiu. If you can convince them that you're willing to play by their rules they might be more willing to consider your demands." (J)

"But I don't know a thing about the appropriate behavior among nobles!" (E)

"And because this is so we have to change this. We only have a week at best. I hired etiquette and dancing instructors. Also, maybe a crash course about what to say at an audience." (J)

"You can't be serious." (E)

"I am. I wish you to succeed. A lasting peace would be beneficial and a long war that we'd surely lose isn't. It's as simple as that. So please, try to take this seriously and train the skills you will certainly need." (J)

"Are you aware that there are issues with my body?" (E)

Alone the thought of laying eggs during a dance creeps me out.

"I am willing to arrange for any measure you deem necessary, as long as you agree." (J)

He sounds almost desperate.

Sigh, why am I so weak against begging?

"Uhk, I agree. As long as enough precautions are present I have no reason to say no." (E)

"Wonderful. Then we shouldn't waste time. Let me guide you to your first appointment." (J)

Is that one of those "I-already-made-the-decision-and-prepared-everything in-advance-but-now-act-as-if-it's-your-idea" moments?

At least he looks determined.

So he stands up and walks to the exit.

Let's hope the first lesson won't be too hard.