The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

The group gathered around the Skalvern's massive body, the beast lying still on the ground, its thorny fur glistening in the fading sunlight. Mikhailis adjusted his glasses, tapping the side to activate the augmented display. Instantly, data began to filter through his vision, and Rodion's voice spoke in his mind, guiding him as he assessed the creature.

Bright markers appeared, coloring the beast's body in sections. Red highlighted the dangerous parts—glands that were filled with toxic substances. Green indicated the consumable meat, mostly in the legs and parts of the back.

"So, the legs are the best bet," Mikhailis muttered, his gaze following Rodion's recommendations.

The creature was intimidating even in death—scales covering its legs, thorns protruding from its thick coat. He grinned, nodding.

"Looks like we won't starve tonight." Experience more tales on empire

Rodion's voice, cold and mechanical, continued.

<The majority of the Skalvern's muscle is lean, with certain fatty deposits that may enhance flavor. Note: Avoid the cranial and abdominal regions. Potential risk of poisoning is high.>

Mikhailis looked at the group, who had formed a wary circle around the Skalvern. Cerys watched him with curiosity, her eyes reflecting both interest and caution.

"Alright, folks," Mikhailis said, clapping his hands together.

"We have a plan. Legs it is. Avoid the head and guts. Trust me, you don't want to know what's in there." He gave a grin, which earned a reluctant smile from Cerys.

"Are you really sure about this?" Lira's voice broke through, her eyes filled with a hint of doubt. She stood with her hands on her hips, her long black ponytail swaying slightly in the wind.

"You know, I've seen you do some crazy things, but this? Cooking a Skalvern?"

Mikhailis waved her off, giving her a carefree wink.

"Ah, Lira, just trust me on this one. Besides, I've got my super brain guiding me every step of the way."

Vyrelda, standing nearby, had her arms crossed, her brow furrowed in skepticism.

"I have to say, this is a first. Cooking a Skalvern… If anyone could make it work, though, it'd be you."

Mikhailis raised an eyebrow, pretending to be surprised.

"Is that a compliment, Vyrelda? Are you saying I'm capable of miracles?"

Vyrelda just rolled her eyes, though the corner of her mouth twitched up in what might have been an amused smile.

"Just don't poison us, Mike."

I bet she just realized not to call me Your Highness. That's way too late, girlie.

He laughed.

"I'll do my best."

Taking a makeshift knife from his pack, Mikhailis knelt down beside the Skalvern's body. He began carefully cutting away the thorny fur, his hands steady as he worked. The beast's thick skin made the task slow, the knife catching against scales as he removed anything marked in red by Rodion's augmented reality display.

<Recommendation: Start with the hind legs. Estimated time for preparation: forty-five minutes.>

Forty-five minutes, huh? Mikhailis thought, glancing at the large creature before him.

Better get to work.

Cerys knelt opposite him, placing her hands on the beast to keep it stable. She watched with curiosity as Mikhailis worked, her eyes occasionally darting to the glowing display on his glasses.

"I still can't believe we're doing this," she said, shaking her head with a smile.

"Hey, desperate times, right?" Mikhailis replied, focusing on removing the fur.

"Besides, it's not every day you get a chance to feast on something like this. Imagine telling your kids one day—'Yeah, we ate a Skalvern. No big deal.'"

Lira snorted, crossing her arms as she stood beside Vyrelda.

"If we survive this, that is."

Mikhailis chuckled.

"Oh, come on, Lira. Where's the faith?"

After what felt like an eternity, Mikhailis finally had a decent pile of cleaned meat. He worked slowly, ensuring all the toxic parts were removed, the bright red markers vanishing from his augmented view as each dangerous part was discarded. Cerys helped stabilize the body while he separated the legs, and together they managed to remove a significant portion of meat from the creature.

Vyrelda eyed the cleaned meat, her expression still skeptical.

"That's… surprisingly a lot," she admitted.

Mikhailis grinned, holding up one of the Skalvern legs.

"See? Told you it'd be worth it."

The cleaned meat was a deep red color, surprisingly tender once freed from the layers of scales and thorny fur. Mikhailis took a step back, stretching his arms with a satisfied smile.

"Alright, that's step one. Now, let's make something worth eating."

He made his way to his saddlebags, reaching inside until he pulled out a small pouch. He turned back to the group, shaking the pouch with an almost triumphant grin.

"A good cook always comes prepared," he said, opening it to reveal a mix of seasonings—salt, dried herbs, pepper, and even some dried onions.

Cerys raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips.

"You actually carry seasonings with you?"

Mikhailis shrugged, giving her a wink.

"What can I say? A man's got to be ready for anything." He sprinkled some of the herbs into his palm, sniffing them before nodding in approval.

The augmented display shifted, giving him exact measurements for the seasoning mix. Rodion continued to provide guidance, ensuring that each step was precise.

"Alright, everyone," Mikhailis called, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

"Let's set up a fireplace. Skalvern isn't gonna cook itself."

They gathered stones and arranged them into a makeshift firepit. Lira, despite her earlier skepticism, helped in gathering firewood. She moved with practiced elegance, her motions precise, while Vyrelda helped clear an area around the firepit. Cerys, with her ever-practical nature, began setting up a spit over the fire, ready for the cooking process.

Estella and her bodyguard stood at a distance, clearly unsure of what to make of all this. The bodyguard's eyes lingered on Mikhailis, her expression unreadable, while Estella seemed more curious, her gaze shifting between the Skalvern meat and Mikhailis.

Once the fire was lit, Mikhailis began preparing the meat. He rubbed salt and dried herbs into the Skalvern meat, taking care to massage the seasoning in thoroughly. His hands worked deftly, ensuring the flavors would seep into every part of the meat.

"I have to admit, watching you do this is… interesting," Cerys said, her tone light.

Mikhailis flashed her a grin.

"Cooking is like magic, Cerys. Just less flashy."

Looks like the cool girl also got interested.

He impaled the cleaned legs on the spit, setting them over the fire. Cerys helped turn the spit, rotating it to ensure even cooking, while Lira fanned the flames, keeping the fire at just the right intensity. The Skalvern meat began to sizzle, the aroma gradually filling the camp.

Mikhailis reached for the dried onions, sprinkling them over the meat.

"This should give it a bit of sweetness," he said, nodding to himself.

Rodion's voice cut through his thoughts, and Mikhailis complied, making the necessary adjustments. He occasionally moved the meat's position, ensuring every part was perfectly cooked. The fire crackled, and the aroma of roasting meat filled the camp, a faint sizzle accompanying the sound.

"I have to admit," Vyrelda said after a while, her voice reluctant, "that smells… better than I expected."

Mikhailis turned to her, giving a theatrical bow.

"See? No need to doubt the master chef."

Estella, who had been standing back, took a step forward, a smile forming on her lips.

"You're quite talented for a mercenary," she said, her tone impressed.

"I didn't think Skalvern could be turned into something that actually smells appetizing."

Mikhailis laughed, shrugging.

"Stick around, and you might find it'll be your favorite dish."

After nearly an hour, the Skalvern meat had taken on a deep brown color, the edges caramelized to perfection. Mikhailis used a knife to slice off a small piece, blowing on it before taking a careful bite. His eyes widened in satisfaction, and he nodded approvingly.

"Not bad at all," he said, turning to Lira.

"Alright, everyone, dig in."

The group gathered around the fire, each with a portion of the roasted Skalvern meat. They ate in relative silence, the only sounds being the crackling of the fire and the occasional soft comments exchanged between bites. The meat was tender, smoky, and savory, the dried onions adding a subtle sweetness that enhanced the overall flavor.

Cerys took a bite, her eyes widening in surprise.

"This is… actually really good," she said, almost sounding shocked.

Vyrelda nodded, taking another bite.

"I'll admit, I doubted you, Mike. But this… this is impressive."

Lira laughed softly, shaking her head.

"I guess we should put you in charge of all our meals from now on."

Mikhailis winked.

"Happy to oblige. But don't expect Skalvern every night."

Estella, who had finally joined them, took a cautious bite, her eyes meeting Mikhailis's as she chewed. A smile spread across her lips.

"You're full of surprises, aren't you?"

Mikhailis shrugged, his grin playful.

"That's what keeps life interesting."

The group finished their meal, clearly more relaxed now that their hunger had been sated. The sun had long since set, the sky above them darkening as stars began to emerge, casting a soft, ethereal light over the campsite. There was a sense of camaraderie in the air, forged through shared experiences and victories, however small.

Vyrelda and Cerys began setting up a perimeter, their movements efficient and practiced as they checked the surrounding area for any signs of danger. Lira, ever the picture of composure, helped unpack bedrolls and set up a small tent for Mikhailis.

It's time for the second camp.