Originally, Regina assumed, and told her drones, that the gnomes were probably interested in the hive’s technology. That didn’t seem to be the case, though. While the various gnomes that Bea and the others met during their stay in the city certainly expressed interest, they weren’t very intense about it and didn’t even seem to care all that much. It was more like they were just assessing what options for profit their new trade partners might bring. Maybe even without very high expectations to begin with.

Perhaps it was understandable. The Starlit Hive was a relatively small community that only inhabited a few recently constructed villages, they were literally savages from the forest - for a given value of those words - and they hadn’t shown much in the way of industrial capacity. On the other hand, the gnomes were apparently on a slightly higher technological level compared to the local human kingdoms, at least on this side of the mountains. They had probably internalized that, to some degree.

That still left Regina a bit uncertain. She was kind of thankful not to be hounded for the secrets of her memories’ knowledge, of course, and keeping its existence quiet was still a goal. On the other hand, she had been kind of expecting to work with it, to at least try to leverage it to get more out of the Confederation. Knowledge was far and away her most valuable possession, even beyond her ability to use Conjuration magic. Still, she told herself this was probably a good thing. You couldn’t put some things back in the box once it was open.

So, the negotiations for further deals with the gnomes were rather mundane. The hive’s delegation didn’t directly negotiate with the government, but rather with several ‘interest groups’ who Regina assumed were their mix of political factions and businesses, or maybe business conglomerates. Tikimaken was one of those sent to negotiate, presumably because of their prior acquaintance, and she didn’t get the impression the others were much higher ranked, if at all. That was probably fine. Anyway, Bea managed to work out some pretty nice trade deals, so they would be sent some worked metal and a small hoard of tools.

Unfortunately, the export of weapons seemed to be severely restricted by the government. Everyone refused them immediately when Bea broached the topic. Regina considered ways they might be able to get around that, but ultimately decided it wasn’t worth it. Once they’d established themselves a little more and proven themselves as reliable and profitable business partners for the Confederation, she could make another attempt. People were much less inclined to deny things to someone if they were making them money. Besides, while she could have Conjured enough gold to buy pretty much anything they wanted, showing that still remained unwise.

In the meantime, she considered that the hive might actually profit from developing a trade route between the Gnomish Confederation and the Elvish Free State. It wasn’t like there were no direct routes, but they could make theirs safer and probably even quicker, if the alternative was going through the Great Forest for a much longer distance. The elves might sell them all the weapons they wanted, especially if they got easier access to gnomish metal. And it would be beneficial in other respects, as well.

She was starting to think that they had accomplished all they were going to in this city when Bea suddenly leveled up and reached level forty. She was in the middle of some small talk with a gnomish businesswoman and froze briefly.

Regina was immediately alerted, especially since she’d been checking in on the delegation, anyway. Tell them you’re not feeling well and excuse yourself, she suggested.

Bea did as she said, politely making excuses and returning to the suite of rooms they’d been assigned. The others glanced at her with a bit of concern, but they all knew what was going on, so it was mostly feigned.

Once inside, Bea stood and seemed to think silently for several minutes. Regina didn’t rush her, but instead checked in on the others. Janis and her group were still making their way back to Volance’s place after a successful hunt. At least two of them were also very close to Tiering up, and Regina considered that it might be better for them to stay there to Evolve and maybe make their own way back to a meeting point with the other group without going back to the city.

My Queen, Bea spoke up. I would choose the Drone Envoy.

Regina paused for a moment. Are you certain? I’m honestly not even sure why that’s an option for you. Not that it doesn’t fit, but it’s not exactly a straight progression from a worker- or crafter-type Class. The hive could very much use it, but I don’t want you to make a choice you’ll regret.

Bea shook her head softly. I know, and I’m sure, my Queen. I like working with my hands, but the Hive has enough craftspeople and too few diplomats, and I like this work, as well. It gives me a chance to serve my Hive and accomplish things I never could otherwise.

Alright, then. We’ll need to have the others say you’re staying in bed because of health reasons. While we don’t think it’s contagious for other species, it’s better to be safe, so you won’t be able to receive visitors.

They’ll realize what’s up when I come out of here with a new Class, she pointed out.

True. Would you rather wait?

Bea hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. No, I think it might be good to let them see me at level forty. But maybe we could let them think I’m preparing for it, trying to train myself with meditation or work to get some Experience in or something. That doesn’t mean we can’t have ‘health concerns’ as the official reason, though. I’m just not sure it’s a good idea to let them know that we take some time to advance.

They’ll notice if you have physical changes, Regina said. And the same with the others if you meet up again. But that’s not uncommon for demihumans, at least. Alright, go ahead.

Bea discussed things with the others briefly, then she went ahead and triggered her Evolution. Regina kept an eye out, then watched the other group for a while. She still had a few things to do around the hive, too, but luckily, things were quiet, so she could afford to give most of her attention to what was happening with them.

The gnomes seemed to accept that development with good grace, at least outwardly. Regina could tell that many were disappointed they couldn’t speak with Bea, but they didn’t push the issue. It also seemed like they were cautious about catching any kind of illness. Tikimaken inquired whether there was anything about the conditions in the city that might have precipitated Bea’s health issues and if there was anything the drones needed, but Ken politely thanked him for his concern and declined.

In the meantime, Zoe and Ash also started their Evolution. Ash decided on a Class called Pathfinder, while Zoe became a Drone Bulwark. Ria would probably take a few more days, and they decided not to wait for her Evolution. The same went for Janis. The young mage had shot up the levels meteorically recently, being already at level thirty-six. She might advance a bit slower than the drones did, but since she presumably had a demihuman base advancement rate (or whatever) just boosted by Infect, that was still impressive. She could expect to live to at least a hundred years even without considering her levels, from what Regina gathered. There weren’t many part-elementals and few of them died of old age, so an exact estimation would be hard, but Volance was happy to share details like that.

For now, Regina turned her attention away from them, giving Janis and Volance some privacy, and only tuned back in when the group had started making their way down the mountain. Even without trying, she already had a general sense of the conversation Janis had previously had with her grandmother. It appeared keeping secrets was hard in a hive with a psychic link. At least from the Hive Queen. But Regina trusted Janis, and besides, while they deserved privacy for a personal conversation, it wasn’t going to have any earth-shattering information for her, so she tried her best to put it out of her mind.

Meanwhile, Bea had rejoined the others and resumed the negotiations. She got a few questions about her recent level-up, but she only answered with a small, mysterious smile and some polite and meaningless words. She really is becoming a good diplomat, Regina noted. Or politician? She found the thought amusing, even if there was no one to really get the context. This should be interesting going forward. A lot of the Evolutions are, come to think of that. I wonder what Drone Keepers will get?

She was pulled from her musings when another gnome approached Bea, someone who hadn’t visited before. Something about him made her take notice. Maybe it was just the fact that Bea couldn’t see his level, so he was definitely in the third Tier. His Class was Unbroken Rock, the same as Tikimaken’s, according to the System, and he was called Pernakin.

“Miss Bea,” he greeted her with a polite dip of his head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I regret that we didn’t have the opportunity before.”

“Thank you, Mister Pernakin. I’m looking forward to talking with you now, at least.”

“My Congratulations on your recent breakthrough.” He smiled, slightly lopsided. “Even if it means I now have to look up even more.”

Bea smiled politely at the little joke. Her physical changes hadn’t been that prominent, and this guy was actually the first to comment on them. She was indeed a bit taller, and her left work-limb had changed a bit, with an extension that was similar to the Keepers’, like a fountain pen.

For the next few minutes, they exchanged polite small talk. Pernakin showed himself to be witty, courteous and downright gallant, but it still set Regina’s teeth on edge a little. That might have been the way he looked at Bea. She’d seen a lot of people stare at herself or her drones, of course, but he showed an intensity they didn’t usually display.

I’d like to find out more about him, if we can, Regina commented to Bea.

Bea didn’t outwardly respond, but she acknowledged her words. In a short break in the conversation, she spoke up. “Excuse me, Mister Pernakin, but I don’t think it has come up so far. If you don’t mind, what is it that you do?”

He paused for just an instant and smiled. “I suppose the simplest way to put it, and how many outsiders would see it, is that I work for our government.”

Bea nodded. “You are involved with facilitating trade and business, then?”

“Not quite, although that does touch on my area of responsibility. I am usually more concerned with matters that affect the security and also the culture and artistic development of the Confederation.”

A bit of an odd combination, Regina noted. So he’s some kind of intelligence agent, or what?

Bea ignored her musings, which didn’t really warrant a response, and kept the conversation going. “How interesting. That seems like a rather unique role. In either case, I would be happy to be of assistance if there is anything you need from my companions or me.”

He smiled and shook his head slightly. “Thank you, Miss Bea, I shall keep that in mind. But as it happens, I watched your arrival with great curiosity. We do not often have visitors from races so rarely seen, if you will pardon any unfortunate but unintended implications. While I’m sure my colleagues and the good businesspeople of the city have not left you uncared for, it seems you have not had much opportunity to experience our culture. I’d like to invite you to visit the Museum of History and Society, in the center of the city, if you would like.”

Regina perked up a bit despite herself. A museum! That was the first she’d heard of that. Cernlia and even the elves wouldn’t have something like a museum, she was pretty sure.

Bea clearly felt some amusement at Regina’s reaction, which she’d caught an echo of. She smiled at the gnome and inclined her head. “Thank you, that sounds lovely. I’d be very glad to come. Perhaps tomorrow?”

He returned the smile. “Fabulous. I’ll escort you there, say mid-afternoon? Unless this would conflict with the return of your other companions.”

“What do you mean?” Bea asked, frowning slightly.

“Those who were with you but left to find the elementals,” he explained, still with a calm smile. “I heard they are heading back, unless I’m mistaken?”

Bea paused for a moment, and Regina sent her a wordless feeling of support without giving any details. She’d let the Envoy handle this, it was probably better than to interfere personally.

“You’re not wrong, Mister Pernakin,” she said. “But it won’t affect me or my plans here. I’ll be looking forward to visiting the museum with you. I’ve been curious about your people’s culture and society, including your history, and have not had much opportunity to indulge that curiosity yet.”

“Wonderful.” He smiled and bowed slightly. “I will meet you tomorrow, then.”

They exchanged a few more pleasantries before he left. Bea looked after him and frowned thoughtfully.

“Do you think that one is going to be a problem?” Ken asked, looking up from a letter he was reading in the adjoining room.

“I don’t think so,” Bea answered. “Maybe a sign that we’ll get drawn deeper into whatever political thing is going on here, but I hope that was a sincere attempt at building connections. And I wasn’t lying.”

“I wish I could come, but it’s probably better if I stay here,” Ken said. “That does sound interesting.”

Bea smiled. I’m sure I can help Jem or one of the others store it in the psychic link, then you can all get the experience of this museum visit. She turned serious again. Our Queen is interested in their history, right? Especially as it relates to the Hivekind. This is our first real opportunity to find out something, and I’ve got the perfect pretext to go looking.

Regina didn’t say anything, but she agreed with Bea.