The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

"Let's see if you've got what it takes," he murmured, setting it in a small apparatus designed to measure its mana capacity.

<Initial readings suggest a moderate capacity. Further testing may reveal more precise limits and potential uses.>

Mikhailis carefully observed the apparatus as it whirred to life, the crystal sitting in its cradle while faint lines of blue light pulsed across its surface. He was hopeful, though his expectations were tempered by the data from previous attempts. It had been difficult to find materials that could store magical energy without breaking down over time. He adjusted the dials, watching as the lines on the meter fluctuated.

The chimera ant workers moved about the lab, gathering notes and preparing more samples. They worked in silence, their antennae twitching in response to Mikhailis's instructions.

Rodion's voice echoed again.

<Readings show stability, but the storage potential is still limited. This particular crystal can only hold a fraction of the energy required for effective application. Perhaps if we refined the crystal further, removing impurities, it could increase its mana retention.>

Mikhailis nodded, rubbing his chin in thought.

"You may be right, Rodion. We need something purer, or perhaps a different configuration of the apparatus." He sighed, turning towards one of the chimera ants who held a flask filled with another crystalline sample. He took the sample from its pincers, turning it over in his hands.

"We'll keep trying. It has to work eventually. These things take time, and I'm not about to give up on it."

He continued moving between workstations, experimenting with different herbs and crystals, measuring energy levels, and noting any small success. It was tiring, but Mikhailis enjoyed the meticulous nature of his work. The other project he had a growing interest in was related to golems—something that had caught his fascination after hearing stories of magical constructs.

He opened a book titled The Foundation of Golem Craft, the dusty pages filled with intricate diagrams of rune arrays and enchanted cores. Golems were like a blend of engineering and magic, two fields he had a vested interest in. The prospect of building one—of seeing it in action—sent a thrill through him.

"We need the right material for the golem core. Something durable and able to channel magic—possibly metal infused with mana..." he mused aloud. The chimera ants turned their heads toward him at the sound of his voice.

Mikhailis smiled at them.

"Don't worry, little guys. We'll get there one day. For now, let's focus on refining what we've got." He moved on to mixing potions, grinding herbs with careful precision and adding them to beakers to test new combinations. The alchemical work was surprisingly soothing, the scents of the different herbs mingling into a fragrant mix that filled the underground lab.

Eventually, the afternoon faded into early evening, and Mikhailis decided to call it a day. He stretched, feeling the ache in his back from bending over his workbench for hours. He smiled, satisfied with the progress they had made—even if they hadn't solved all of their problems, they were getting closer.

"Alright, everyone, time to wrap it up," he said, waving a hand to the chimera ants. They immediately began cleaning the workstations, placing unused items back into storage, and making sure everything was organized. Mikhailis watched them for a moment, a warm feeling of gratitude washing over him.

"You guys are the best. Seriously, couldn't do any of this without you."

He made his way back upstairs, his stomach growling slightly as he thought about what might be for dinner. Before he could think about food, however, he decided that a little break was in order. He headed into the royal chambers, where his gaming console, the "Vii," waited for him.

He flicked through the game options on the screen, his eyes landing on Harvest Sun—a life simulation game about farming and raising livestock. He smiled, selecting it and leaning back into the plush sofa.

"Perfect. Just what I need—something relaxing," he muttered, settling in and picking up the controller.

The game loaded, and soon enough, Mikhailis was engrossed in the virtual world—planting crops, feeding chickens, and trying to make a profit on his pixelated farm. He was just about to harvest a batch of turnips when he heard a familiar sigh behind him.

"You're playing that farming game again?" Lira's voice carried a hint of exasperation as she walked into the room, her hands resting on her hips.

Mikhailis turned his head, a grin spreading across his face.

"Ah, Lira! You're just in time to see my virtual farm flourish. I'm about to become the richest farmer in all of Harvest Sun."

Lira shook her head, her ponytail swaying behind her.

"You and your games, Your Highness. Don't you have anything better to do with your time?" Her voice was stern, but there was a smile tugging at her lips.

"Come on, Lira. Even royalty needs a break now and then." Mikhailis winked at her, then patted the space next to him on the couch.

"Why don't you join me? It's actually a lot of fun, you know."
Discover hidden tales at empire

Lira hesitated for a moment before sighing.

"That game of being a farmer...? Fine. But just for a little bit." She sat down next to him, taking the controller from his hands. Mikhailis watched with an amused smile as she started to play, her brow furrowing in concentration as she tried to figure out the controls.

She start by the basic, about how to farm, and raise a ranch, and stuff.

And soon.

"How do I... make money faster?" she asked, her voice tinged with frustration.

Mikhailis chuckled, leaning closer to guide her.

"Okay, so you need to focus on growing high-value crops—like strawberries. Also, make sure you sell everything at the market when prices are high."

Lira nodded, biting her lip as she worked on her farm.

"And how do I keep my cow from dying?" she asked, her eyes widening slightly as she noticed one of her animals looking sickly on screen.

"Ah, you need to feed them regularly," Mikhailis replied, pointing at the feed icon.

"And don't forget to brush them occasionally—they love that."

Lira nodded again, her focus completely on the game.

"And what about this spirit sprite's quest? How do I finish it?" she asked, her voice full of curiosity.

Mikhailis laughed, enjoying the sight of Lira so deeply involved in the game.

"Ah, those spirit sprites can be tricky. You need to collect the special flowers that bloom by the river at night. They're picky, but once you get them, the sprite will reward you with some pretty good stuff."

Lira's eyes narrowed as she concentrated on the game, her fingers moving quickly on the controller.

"Why is this game so stressful?" she muttered, and Mikhailis laughed again.

"It's supposed to be relaxing, Lira. You just need to get the hang of it," he said, nudging her shoulder playfully.

The two of them continued playing for a while, Mikhailis occasionally guiding Lira as she struggled to keep her farm afloat. They laughed together, the sound of their voices filling the chamber. It was a simple moment, but it was one that made Mikhailis feel at ease—a rare feeling, given everything else going on.

Eventually, Mikhailis put his controller down, smiling as Lira remained glued to the screen. He stretched his arms above his head, feeling his muscles relax, and stood up. He walked over to the window, looking out over the kingdom as the sun began to set. The sky was painted in shades of orange and pink, the colors blending together beautifully.

He watched for a moment, his eyes scanning the horizon, the silhouettes of the chimera ants still visible as they worked in the garden below. They moved with purpose, their small forms diligently tending to their tasks.

"Now, let's see how things are going outside," Mikhailis murmured, his voice filled with anticipation.

Rodion's voice chimed in his ear.

<Do you wish for me to display the scouts' progress, Mikhailis?>

Mikhailis smiled, his eyes glinting with excitement.

"Yeah, Rodion. Show me what our little explorers have found. Let's see what this kingdom has hidden away."

He felt a sense of thrill wash over him as he watched the map begin to materialize in front of his eyes, projected onto his glasses. His thoughts raced, imagining the potential hidden treasures, secrets, and opportunities that might await them in the vast kingdom of Silvarion Thalor.

This was just the beginning, and Mikhailis couldn't wait to see what lay ahead.