Swarming Sovereignty

Nailah, Duchess of the Glens, gave her daughter a smile as she entered the room.

“You needed me, Mother?” Lucia asked.

“Lucia, now that the conversion of our duchy has begun, we have some things to talk about.” Nailah said. “First and foremost, you are correct; I need to take an extended break, do something less stressful than ruling the Glens. As such, myself, Mist, and your mother will be moving to the World Tree for at least a few months, effective today. While we are away, we are appointing you as regent, and giving you full control of policy.”

Lucia’s eyes widened. “Are you sure, Mother?” She asked. “I thought for sure that you would wish to oversee the duchy during the transition.”

Nailah smiled. “Yes, I’m sure.” She said. “We believe this will be a good opportunity to test the waters and see how you handle rule; should you perform well, we will be considering officially turning the title of Duchess of the Glens over to you. Now that age is far more unlikely to be a deciding factor, we need to decide upon another method of succession.

“You will not be alone, of course; we will be available to send letters to, and our advisors will undoubtedly be a great asset for you. Do you have any objections?”

“No, Mother.” Lucia said, shaking her head. “When may I expect your return?”

“We will visit from time to time, but have not decided a time for our return to governance.” Nailah explained. “If you ever feel that it is too much to handle, please, reach out to us; we would be happy to return and take over for you if needed.”

“That won’t happen.” Lucia said resolutely. “Like I said before, you deserve a long break, and I fully intend to give you one.”

“Thank you, Lucia.” Nailah said. “The other thing I wanted to talk to you about was the one set of special instructions we have been given regarding the conversion of the Glens.”

“Oh?” Lucia said curiously.

“Amelia’s family is to be kept unconverted and gathered to send to the World Tree, for conversion there.” Nailah informed her. “Furthermore, we have been instructed to give the same treatment to a human by the name of Liam Smith. He should have just graduated from the academy as a hunter, and is probably looking for work here. Here’s a picture of him.” Nailah said, sliding a piece of paper with his picture on it over to Lucia.

Lucia nodded, looking over the paper before tucking it away. “I will do my best, but there’s a possibility that he’s already been converted.” She said. “Still, I’ll make searching for him a top priority. How many of our intelligence agents do we have converted?”

“Four, all of the ones that were stationed in the palace.” Nailah said. “I’ve already sent them to look for him, they should be back by the end of the day.”

“I will meet with them once they get back, then.” Lucia replied. “Do you need anything else from me?”

“That will be all, thank you, Lucia.” Nailah said. “And…thank you for convincing me of this course of action. While I still wish there was another way to achieve this society, I recognize that I would have simply drawn out our people’s suffering.”

“Of course, Mother.” Lucia said. “How may I contact you if I need?”

“I’ll show you now.” Nailah said, standing up. “There is one specific spot we use…”

---

Nailah stood in the courtyard with her wife and daughter, their luggage on the ground next to them. There actually wasn’t much they needed to bring; most of their belongings were furniture or decorations, and so they really only had a few books and clothes. Even then, Nailah’s old clothes didn’t fit her and she wasn’t interested in wearing them even if they did.

Nailah loved the desire in Titania’s eyes when she looked at her body, and she wanted clothes that were properly tailored with her new form in mind. Fortunately, Mary, Ophelia’s wife, was apparently still working as a tailor, so Nailah fully intended to see her the moment they were settled into their new home.

There was a wrenching sensation, and then Nailah once again found herself in front of the World Tree. Like last time, Ophelia was waiting for them, but unlike last time, where seeing her was bittersweet, Nailah was overjoyed. Tail wagging, she rushed up to her old friend and caught her in a hug. “Ophelia!” She said happily. “I’m glad to be on your side again!”

“Me too, Brom!” Ophelia said, tail also wagging. “Or…have you picked another name?”

“Nailah.” Nailah said, letting go of the hug. “And Leonardo’s Lucia, and Mordecai Marcia. They’re staying at the palace with Meg. Mist has chosen to move with us because she’s interested in learning from Rose. That won’t be too much of a burden, will it?”

“Of course not.” Rose said, striding out from the portal with Lia in tow. “I’m more than happy to teach people anything. I imagine she’s probably not in need of general education, but I can teach her more about her new abilities and how to fight, if she so chooses.”

“T-thank you, Your Majesty.” Mist said, dropping into a curtsey. “I appreciate it immensely.”

“Call me Mrs. Yggdrios.” Rose chuckled. “I’m not particularly fond of the whole “ruler” thing and would rather be known like this.”

“You’re not?” Nailah asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Not at all.” Rose replied. “You should know, Nailah. It’s tiring to be in charge of everything, and the only reason I kept being emperor was because it was legitimately best for the world. Were that not the case, I never would have stayed the emperor.”

That made a lot of sense, but also it didn’t quite fit with the image Nailah had of the Ruby Emperor. In fact, Rose in general didn’t fit that image, despite her status showing irrefutable proof that she had once been the Ruby Emperor. “If you don’t mind my asking…you don’t act much like the stories say the Ruby Emperor acted, why is that?”

“Thank you!” Rose said happily. “There were some complicated circumstances, but I was forced to act out a persona that I despised. The way I act now is the real me, without any of the pressure or obligations that being the Ruby Emperor forced on me. The only part of that life I want to keep is my daughter, Chrys, who Lia has graciously reincarnated.”

“Not your wife?” Titania asked.

“My old wife didn’t love me.” Rose said. “She loved my position. And…well, I have her too, in a sense; Amelia’s her reincarnation, and we’re far more in love with each other now than we had been in her previous life. But we can talk about me later, let’s get you all settled in first. Do you need help with your bags?”

“We would appreciate it.” Titania said.

Some of the monsters that had been entering and leaving the portal broke away, walking over and grabbing all of the luggage on the ground. “Another convenience of our new society.” Lia said, giving them a smile. “No more having to make multiple trips or moving heavy stuff, you can just make a monster do it for you. We’ve set aside a house for you on the same street as Ophelia and Neph, is that alright?”

“That sounds fantastic.” Nailah replied. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

“Of course!” Lia replied. “It’s the least we could do, really. Now, follow us, we’ll show you around.”

The monsters took the luggage into the portal, and Rose and Lia motioned for the group to follow. They set off, and Ophelia began to talk to Nailah and her family. “So, Mist aside, what are you two planning on doing?” She asked. “I don’t think anybody will complain if you take a vacation for a month or two, but that’s not exactly your style, is it?”

“I was thinking of spending half of the day helping teach classes, and the other half training and gathering monsters.” Nailah said. “And, of course, advising Lia with anything she needs.”

“I was going to train, mostly.” Titania said. “I want to see how far I can push this new body.”

“The answer is pretty far.” Ophelia said. “Farther than you ever would have thought possible. I mean, I have three bodies, that was something I never could have imagined before.”

“How does that feel, by the way?” Titania asked curiously.

“It took some getting used to, but now I wonder how I ever managed with one.” Ophelia replied. “They each have their own physiological needs, so I have to stagger them out or they’re super intense, and having three sets of senses was overwhelming at first, but I got a Skill that helps me divide my attention, and now I can operate each body just as proficiently as I could my old one.

“It’s helped soothe my anxieties a lot, since I don’t have to worry about dying while out on a mission anymore; the bodies will just…come back after a week as long as one is alive. And I always keep a body here at home to help with the kids or to relay information to Mistress, so I’m immortal as long as we’re not attacked here, and that does wonders for your worries.”

“I suppose it would.” Nailah replied, smiling. “How do you sleep?”

“It’s a little weird.” Ophelia said. “When one of my bodies is tired, it goes to sleep, and I don’t get any feedback from it until it wakes up, but unless all three of my bodies are asleep at once I remain conscious. That’s a bit…mentally taxing at times, though, so I try to have at least a couple of hours a day where all my bodies are asleep.”

“Taken altogether, I suppose that does sound convenient.” Nailah admitted. “I sort of wish I could have something similar.”

“You can!” Ophelia said excitedly. “We just need to find another cerberus, and I’m sure there are a few more out in the Spine. You’d be a perfect fit for it, too; you’d be able to handle the work, and you can dedicate a body to relaxation so you don’t get too overwhelmed!”

“And I’d love to have two more of you to play with. I’m sure I could find some ways to make you very relaxed.” Titania said suggestively, pulling Nailah close.

“When did you get so forward?” Nailah asked, blushing but letting herself bask in her wife’s protective embrace.

“Since I got so much younger.” Titania replied, nibbling slightly on one of Nailah’s ears and causing a shock of pleasure to roll through her body. “Though, admittedly, I’m pretty sure I’m more…” she paused, looking down at Misty, “frisky than I was when I was this young.”

“We were the same way at first.” Ophelia said. “Between my desires being tripled, returning to a more…active age, and the freshness of everything, we were really going at it for the first couple of weeks. Obviously, we’re still more frisky than we were before conversion, but it’s back at a normal level.”

“How is it?” Titania asked. “Comparatively speaking.”

“Way, way better.” Ophelia replied. “Though, admittedly, the three bodies thing probably significantly contributes to our enjoyment. Even without that, though, neither of us would go back to how things were before.”

“What are you talking about?” Mist asked.

“Relationship stuff.” Nailah said quickly. “You’ll understand when you’re older.”

“But, back on topic, I’ll make a point of tracking down a cerberus.” Ophelia said excitedly. “I think it’ll be a great experience for you!”

“If you find one, I’ll go with it.” Nailah replied. “But don’t overwork yourself looking, and don’t skimp on your regular work.”

“We always need more people exploring the Spine, and one of my bodies will be back from escort duty soon, so it’s fine, right, Mistress?”

“Just don’t go overboard with it, and make sure to rest properly.” Lia instructed. “And coordinate with Dahlia and Camellia before you leave. If possible, it’d be nice if you were traversing unknown territory in your search.”

“Will do.” Ophelia said cheerfully.

“Are you sure about this, Ophelia?” Titania asked. “While it sounds rather nice, this seems rather dangerous, and…well, unlike you.”

Ophelia shrugged. “Worst case scenario, the body I send out dies and is back in a week. But that’s not particularly likely; I may still be only at half power due to the sealing, but the monster I was converted with ranks up there with the strongest monsters people have recorded seeing in the Spine. At the very least, I can probably run away from most threats. As for this not being like me…like I said, effective immortality does wonders for anxiety, and the potential gain is greater than the risk.”

They rounded a street corner, and the monsters carrying their luggage came into sight, waiting patiently outside of a house. Rose hurried in front of the group, running up to the door and fiddling with it for a moment before unlocking it.

“We’re just going to have the monsters set everything down in the entry.” Lia said. “You all can decide where everything goes.”

“Thank you, Lia.” Nailah said. “Where can I find you, once we’re settled in? I would like to discuss my role here.”

“Usually I’m out training, but we can spend the rest of the day here, overseeing administrative stuff. We’ll be down on the work floor, just ask around and I’m sure you’ll find us eventually.”

“We’ll handle things here, dear.” Titania said, leaning down and giving Nailah a quick kiss on the cheek. “Go meet with Mary and get your new wardrobe in order, okay?”

“Thank you.” Nailah said, standing up on her tiptoes and giving her wife a kiss on the cheek in return. She was still getting used to being shorter than Titania, but she felt that it was something she could enjoy. While it came with a couple of difficulties, she enjoyed how she felt protected and safe in Titania’s embrace, and that was something she had never fully been able to experience before.

“I’ll lead her there.” Ophelia said, giving the rest of the group a wave. “Let’s catch up soon, okay?”

“Of course, Ophelia.” Titania said, smiling.

Ophelia led Nailah back through the streets towards the portals and into the work floor, before making a beeline down to where Mary had set up shop. As they opened the door, Mary looked up, then broke into a grin.

“Brom!” She said, putting down the shirt she was working on and slithering over. “I’m so glad you’ve decided to join us!”

“Me too.” Nailah said, giving Mary a quick hug. “And I’m going by Nailah now. Leonardo’s chosen the name Lucia, and Mordecai has decided on Marcia.”

“Lovely names.” Mary replied. “I’m guessing you’re here to get some new clothes made?”

Nailah nodded. “Lucia and Marcia are staying in the capital and will be employing the services of tailors there, but Titania and Mist’s clothes still fit them, so it’s just me for now.”

“Well, officially, I can’t give you any priority or anything.” Mary said. “But you’ve come at a time when I’m not doing much more than producing surplus clothes for people who might be lacking. So, I can fit in a couple of outfits for you, what were you thinking?”

“I need a set of pajamas, a couple pairs of day wear, and…yes, let’s go with a dress, for formal occasions. Nothing overly frilly or ornate, just something slightly fancier for when I need to dress up.”

“I can handle that no problem.” Mary said, giving Nailah a smile. “I’ll make sure to have the pajamas done before tonight, and I’ll try and get the rest done within two days.”

“No need to rush.” Nailah replied. “These clothes will be fine for a day or two more.”

“I’m not rushing.” Mary said. “I’ve received several Skills that help with making clothes, so I’m much faster than I used to be.”

“Can you examine me for my measurements, or do you need to take them?”

“I can still examine you, and I’m already done. Nice figure, by the way.”

Nailah blushed at the unfamiliar compliment. “T-thank you.” She said. “You’re not too bad yourself.”

Mary grinned. “Well…now that we don’t have rank to worry about, perhaps you and that cute wife of yours might be willing for some…fun with Ophelia and I?” She ventured. “I’m sure the four of us could do with some reintroduction after we’ve changed so much, and I can think of nothing better than exploring our new bodies in detail.”

Nailah’s cheeks burned as her blush intensified, but she wasn’t nearly as opposed to the idea as she thought she would be. “I’ll…talk to Titania about it.” She said.

“Excellent. Now, our selection of fabrics is rather limited, but I have been able to make different colors and a few different patterns, so if you could tell me what you prefer…”