The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Mikhailis sat at the table in his chambers, a series of maps spread out before him, marking the winding roads from Silvarion Thalor to the southern kingdom of Serewyn. The maps were more a prop than anything else, a way to make the mission feel tangible in his hands. In truth, Rodion had already mapped out the entire route, and the glasses on his nose could show him the way without much effort.

He traced his fingers along the drawn lines, leaning back in his chair. Vyrelda, Cerys, Lira—each had their own role in this journey. Vyrelda was to be the sword, the steadfast protector, always reminding him of his responsibilities, never letting him stray too far from the path. Cerys was the observer, her silence almost as imposing as Vyrelda's fierce presence. And Lira… Lira was the touch of familiarity, someone who treated him more like Mikhailis and less like a prince. Someone who would poke fun at him, add a bit of warmth to the otherwise cold mission.

He smirked to himself, looking at the maps again. What's the use of all this when Rodion could easily guide me? He shook his head.

It's not like the queen would have wanted me to do this the traditional way, anyway.

His thoughts were interrupted by Lira stepping into the room, her long ponytail swaying as she moved, her face a perfect mix of elegance and sarcasm. She raised an eyebrow as she saw him staring at the maps.

"Are you really trying to navigate with those? Don't tell me you've suddenly decided to become a cartographer, Your Highness."

Mikhailis looked up and grinned, a lazy smile spreading across his lips.

"Gotta keep up appearances, right? Besides, you wouldn't understand the thrill of a good, old-fashioned map. It's practically nostalgic."

Lira rolled her eyes, adjusting the cuff of her sleeve.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night. But just so you know, I'll be the one reminding you where we're actually going."

"Well, that's why I'm taking you along, isn't it? To keep me on track." He winked, earning a soft chuckle from her.

Vyrelda entered the room shortly after, her presence instantly commanding attention. She was dressed in light armor, her expression as serious as ever. She glanced at the maps, then at Mikhailis, her brow furrowing.

"Your Highness, we'll be leaving shortly. Please ensure you're ready. This mission requires focus and dedication."

Mikhailis sighed, feigning exasperation.

"Always so serious, Vyrelda. Don't worry. I'm more ready than you think."

"I hope so," she replied, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"This is not a game. We are putting ourselves in considerable danger, and we need to be prepared for anything. The queen's trust in you is not something to be taken lightly."

He nodded, her words cutting through his usual nonchalance. There was truth in them—a truth he couldn't ignore. This was no ordinary journey. It was political, strategic, and there were countless variables that could shift the tides against them.

She's right, he thought, but I'll be damned if I let her see me fret.

He stood, stretching his arms as he gave Vyrelda a more serious nod.

"Alright, alright. Let's get this show on the road."

____

As there are still prince Laethor at the kingdom, Elowen need to tend him, and to ensure nothing suspicious, she couldn't see Mikhailis off in his secret departure.

It's kind of sad not getting a touching farewell from my wifey. But well, we did have a very long intense and passionate night instead, though.

The group set off quietly from Silvarion Thalor at the crack of dawn, their carriage disguised as a trader's wagon, filled with crates and barrels to mask their true purpose. Vyrelda took the reins, her posture upright and alert, while Cerys rode on a horse alongside, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. Mikhailis and Lira sat inside the carriage, the interior filled with enough cushions and blankets to make the journey bearable.

The wheels rolled over the dirt path, the rhythmic creak and the sound of the horses' hooves creating a monotonous soundtrack to their journey. Mikhailis looked out the small window, watching the trees blur past, the landscape slowly transitioning from the lush forests of Silvarion Thalor to the more open plains that led southward.

<The distance from Silvarion Thalor's capital to the Serewyn border is approximately 240 kilometers. At the current pace, we should reach the border within five days, barring any significant delays.>

Rodion's voice echoed in Mikhailis's mind, the familiar tone a stark contrast to the wilderness outside.

Five days, huh? Mikhailis thought.

That's plenty of time for something to go wrong.

<Chimera Ant soldiers are currently scouting ahead, maintaining a distance of roughly fifteen kilometers. Thus far, no threats have been detected along the route.>

Mikhailis nodded subtly, his gaze still on the landscape. The feed from the Chimera Ants flashed briefly on his glasses, a series of blurred visuals from the forest path ahead. Everything seemed quiet, but Mikhailis knew better than to relax completely.

He shifted slightly, trying to focus on Rodion's updates, but he couldn't ignore the sensation of something brushing against his thigh. He frowned, glancing down, but decided to ignore it, trying to concentrate on the reconnaissance.

<It appears that you may want to divert your attention, Mikhailis. Your maid seems to be in need of it.>

Mikhailis sighed, removing the feed from his view as he glanced at Lira. She was staring at him, her lips pressed into a pout, her hand resting on his thigh with a little more force than before.

"You know, for someone supposedly on a secret mission, you're awfully distracted, Your Highness" she said, her tone playful but tinged with annoyance.

Mikhailis cleared his throat, a sheepish smile forming.

"Well, when you put it like that…" He looked at her, raising an eyebrow.

"Fine, Lira. How about a glass of wine? Might make the journey a little less dull."

Lira's pout quickly turned into a smile as she nodded.

"Coming right up, Your Highness." She moved gracefully, reaching for the small compartment where they had stashed a few luxuries for the road.

She poured the wine into a delicate glass, handing it to him.

He took it with a smile, swirling the crimson liquid before taking a sip.

"Now, that's much better." He looked at her, his gaze softening.

"You know, Lira, you don't have to be here. This is dangerous—not exactly the kind of adventure I'd wish upon you."

She shrugged, her eyes meeting his without hesitation.

"You saved me once, remember, Your Highness? I'd follow you anywhere, even into danger. Besides, you need someone to make sure you don't get too full of yourself." She smirked, her eyes playful.

Mikhailis chuckled.

"Fair enough. Though I'll admit, I was kind of hoping for a bit more excitement. The normal horses, the inconspicuous carriage… I mean, no Glideback Lizards? No flair at all?"

Lira rolled her eyes, her smile widening.

"You're incorrigible. We're trying not to draw attention, remember? Especially once we enter Serewyn. The last thing we need is to look like royalty."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it." He took another sip of wine, leaning back against the cushions.

Vyrelda's voice cut through the moment as she peeked through the small window separating the driver's seat from the carriage interior.

"Your Highness, I trust you remember the importance of this mission. This isn't just an adventure—this is about securing Silvarion Thalor's future. The queen has put her faith in you. Please don't forget that."

Mikhailis sighed, setting the wine glass down.

"I know, Vyrelda. You don't have to keep reminding me every five minutes."

"It's my duty," she replied, her tone unwavering.

"And I intend to do it well."

Lira clicked her tongue softly, her expression one of mild annoyance.

"Honestly, it's like she has no idea how to relax," she whispered to Mikhailis, her voice low enough that only he could hear. But her actual source of irritation is not due to the strictness of Vyrelda, but how she keep on peeking inside, that Lira feel like she couldn't do anything flirty towards Mikhailis.

Mikhailis smirked.

"She's just doing her job, Lira. Can't fault her for that."

Lira sighed dramatically, leaning back into her seat.

"Still, it's making it hard for me to flirt with you."

Wow, quite bold aren't you?

Mikhailis laughed softly, shaking his head.

"We'll have time for that later, I'm sure."

Cerys, riding beside the carriage, kept her eyes ahead, her expression calm but her thoughts racing. She had her doubts about Mikhailis—his easygoing nature, his jokes, the way he seemed to treat everything as a game. But she also knew that the queen trusted him, and that was enough to keep her skepticism at bay. For now.

The journey stretched on, the road winding through fields and dense forest. The sun was high, casting dappled light across the path as the horses trotted onward. Mikhailis found himself admiring the scenery, the vibrant green of the trees, the gentle sway of the wildflowers that grew along the roadside.

He took in a deep breath, the air fresh and cool, a welcome change from the stuffy atmosphere of the castle.

Maybe this isn't so bad after all.

But his moment of peace was interrupted when the carriage suddenly came to a halt, the horses neighing loudly. Vyrelda's voice was sharp as she called back to him.

"Please wait, Your Highness."

Mikhailis looked out the window, his eyes widening as he saw the cause of the disturbance. A massive bear stood in the middle of the path, its dark eyes locked onto the carriage, its fur bristling as it let out a low growl.

Well, Mikhailis thought, a grin tugging at his lips, this just got interesting.