The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Vyrelda and Cerys were quick to take charge of setting up a secure perimeter around the campsite. Their movements were efficient, almost instinctive. Cerys scouted ahead, her keen eyes darting through the dense underbrush, while Vyrelda set up subtle markers around the boundaries, ensuring they would notice anything or anyone crossing the line. Meanwhile, Lira began unpacking the bedrolls and setting up the royal tent—a large, ornate structure that was a bit too obvious for the circumstances.

Mikhailis lounged near the campfire, arms behind his head, watching the tent being set up. He couldn't help but let a thought slip by.

Isn't this a bit too much? Seriously, why even try to disguise ourselves if we're hauling around a tent like that?

The richly embroidered fabric with royal insignias screamed anything but low profile. It was certainly a sight in the middle of the forest, as if they were setting up a small palace under the open sky.

Estella and her bodyguard, Rhea, stood a bit further away, observing the group. It was clear from their expressions that they were not used to such impromptu camping arrangements. Their posture was stiff, as if unsure of how they fit into this unusual scene. Estella's gaze wandered to Mikhailis every now and then, a mix of curiosity and uncertainty visible in her eyes.

Mikhailis, never one to shy away from a good quip, watched Vyrelda work with practiced precision as she adjusted some tripwires. He let out a sigh that was far too loud to be accidental.

"Looks like we've finally become experts at living in the wilderness," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Maybe I should write a book after all this—'Royalty in the Rough: How to Survive in Style.'"

Cerys, overhearing, chuckled as she tied off a rope.

"That'll be a bestseller, for sure," she said, casting him a sideways glance.

"Maybe add a chapter on how to fend off Skalverns with nothing but charm and wit."

"Of course," Mikhailis grinned.

"The chapter's title would be 'How to Look Danger in the Eyes and Make It Laugh.' I think I'll dedicate it to you, Cerys."

She shook her head, still smiling.

"I don't need such rubbish, Your Highness,"

But her words are sure as harsh as always.

Vyrelda paused from setting up her markers, giving him one of her trademark half-smiles.

"More like a survival liability," she muttered, though there was a warmth to her eyes that softened her words.

"Oh, don't worry, Vyrelda," Mikhailis said, stretching out and relaxing as if they were on a leisurely picnic.

"If it comes down to it, I'll let you take all the credit for keeping us alive."

Vyrelda sighed deeply.

"Lucky me," she replied.

"Though I'd rather not have to save you from your own idiocy."

"Aw, come on. You know I add excitement to the day," he said, giving her a cheeky grin.

Cerys just scoffed. The atmosphere was light despite their situation, and the casual banter seemed to relieve some of the lingering tension. Estella seemed to relax a little as well, a faint smile touching her lips. She turned to Rhea, who gave a slight nod—maybe a small acknowledgment that this odd group knew how to handle themselves, even if their methods were unconventional.

___

The group gathered around the campfire as the sky darkened and the last of the embers from the Skalvern meat glowed a faint orange. The night air was thick with the scent of smoke and the forest, a mix of crisp pine and damp earth. Estella, who had been keeping a polite distance until now, finally stepped forward and joined them at the fire, her demeanor softening.

"I wanted to thank you all," she said, her voice more sincere now.

"For earlier—for dealing with that creature and keeping us safe."

Mikhailis nodded, giving her a warm smile.

"No thanks necessary, Lady Estella. Besides, I'm sure you were just about ready to take on that Skalvern yourself," he joked, his tone light.

Estella laughed softly, shaking her head.

"Not quite. Rhea here is usually the one protecting me. She's the one with the skills." She gestured to the stoic bodyguard beside her.

Rhea gave a small nod, her expression calm, but her eyes held a wary glint.

"It's my duty," she said simply, her voice low but clear.

Lira, who was sitting next to Mikhailis, leaned in slightly, her voice just above a whisper.

"Something feels off," she murmured.

"It's too quiet." Her eyes scanned the darkened forest beyond the fire, a frown pulling at her lips.

"No insects, no owls. Nothing."

Mikhailis glanced at her, his usual playful demeanor faltering. He offered a reassuring smile.

Indeed...

"It's probably just the Skalvern scaring everything off," he replied softly. "Don't worry. If anything happens, we have Rodion on our side."

Lira gave a slight nod, though the unease didn't leave her eyes. Her hand shifted to rest near the hilt of her dagger, fingers brushing the cool metal as if for comfort. Estella and Rhea hadn't noticed the exchange, their focus still on the fire and the conversations between the group.

Cerys, sensing the unease spreading around the camp, decided to lighten the mood.

"So, Lady Estella," she began, her voice louder, a smile on her lips, "what's the most exciting thing you've traded? Anything that made you feel like it was worth risking Skalvern-infested roads?"

Estella smiled, her posture relaxing again. Find more to read on empire

"Oh, let me think… There was a shipment of enchanted silks once, imported all the way from the Western Isles. Beautiful stuff, woven with threads that shimmered under moonlight. But the most exciting thing? Probably dragon's blood, though that was a long time ago. Dangerous to carry, but the profit—"

She trailed off as Mikhailis caught her eye, nodding with genuine interest, but she noticed how his gaze shifted to the shadows beyond. She looked in the same direction, but there was nothing but darkness.

___

The group began to settle in for the night. The fire crackled softly, its warmth flickering across their faces, the forest bathed in a dim orange glow. Estella and Rhea moved toward their wagon, gathering a few blankets. The usual rustle of nocturnal life had grown silent, and a strange, thick tension settled over the camp. Vyrelda stood a little away from the fire, her stance alert, her eyes narrowing at the surrounding trees.

Suddenly, there was a sound—faint, almost imperceptible. Like whispers, drifting through the air. It came from the dense underbrush, carrying a chill that made the hairs on Mikhailis's neck stand on end.

Vyrelda's hand shot up, signaling for silence. Her eyes darted between the shadows, her entire body tense. Mikhailis felt his heart rate pick up as he adjusted his glasses, tapping the side to activate Rodion's night vision overlay. His vision changed, the campfire's glow fading as everything took on a greenish hue.

What's out there… Mikhailis thought as he scanned the edge of the campsite.

<There seem to be something there, Mikhailis. Scanning...>

Rodion's voice was calm but urgent, and the display highlighted vague shapes—small, moving forms slipping between the trees. Mikhailis nudged Lira, who was still at his side.

"Looks like your instincts were spot on," he whispered, his tone low.

Lira's eyes narrowed, her fingers tightening around her dagger. She gave a quick nod, her gaze flicking toward Vyrelda, who was also scanning the darkness, her stance ready for action. The tension in the air grew, the silence deepening until it seemed almost suffocating.

Then they saw them.

Emerging from the darkness, small shadowy figures began creeping closer—creatures that resembled a cross between wolves and insects. Their bodies were covered in chitinous armor, their elongated snouts filled with razor-sharp teeth, and their eyes glowed an unsettling, dim blue in the dark.

Rodion's voice cut in again, identifying the threat.

<Those are Twilight Stalkers, monsters that rarely exist in the southern regions, Mikhailis. They have the advantage in the darkness due to their powerful sense of smells, and are strong in numbers>

Mikhailis frowned, his sword already drawn.

Twilight Stalkers? He'd read about them, but they were never supposed to be this far south.

"Why are they here?" he muttered, confusion clear in his voice.

The others had already moved into action. Vyrelda and Cerys stood side by side, their weapons drawn, while Rhea had taken up position beside Estella, her posture tense, ready to defend.

The Twilight Stalkers began to advance, their forms low to the ground, their eyes glowing with predatory intent. Mikhailis looked around, seeing the creatures circling, their movement swift, calculated. They were surrounded.

He turned back to the fire, his mind racing. He needed something, anything to give them an advantage.

<Recommendation: Utilize Skalvern bones as deterrent. Residual scent may repel Twilight Stalkers. High probability of success based on predator-prey avoidance.>

Mikhailis's eyes widened slightly at Rodion's suggestion.

Nice assist, Rodion!

"The bones! Lira, grab some of the Skalvern bones from earlier!"

Lira looked at him, confused for a moment, but quickly understood. She darted over to where they had discarded the remains of their earlier feast, gathering some of the larger bones and throwing them toward the encroaching stalkers.

The creatures hesitated, their glowing eyes flicking toward the bones. They sniffed the air, a low growl emanating from one of them before it backed away slightly. The others followed suit, momentarily pausing their advance.

Vyrelda seized the opportunity.

"Form a circle!" she ordered, her voice clear and commanding.

The group quickly closed ranks, forming a tight circle around the merchant. The campfire flickered between them, casting long shadows across the ground. Cerys moved with precision, her blade slicing through the air as one of the stalkers lunged. Her sword struck true, the creature letting out a shriek before collapsing, its blue eyes fading.

Mikhailis adjusted his glasses, marking weak points on the creatures and calling them out to the others.

"Aim for the joints! The armor's thinner there!"

Vyrelda and Cerys moved with deadly efficiency, their strikes coordinated, while Rhea kept Estella behind her, fending off any stalkers that got too close. The creatures, though vicious, were no match for the group's combined skill and strategy. One by one, they fell, until finally, the remaining stalkers turned and fled, their glowing eyes vanishing into the darkness.

A collective sigh of relief washed over the camp, the tension dissipating. The fire crackled softly, the only sound in the sudden stillness.

___

The camp was quiet again, the crackling fire casting a soft glow over the tired faces of the group. Estella let out a shaky breath, her hands still trembling slightly as she looked at the others.

"I… I can't thank you enough," she said, her voice thick with gratitude.

"I've never seen creatures like that before—Twilight Stalkers, was it?"

Lira nodded, her eyes still scanning the forest, her expression wary.

"They're not supposed to be here," she said quietly.

"Something's off. This isn't over." Her gaze shifted to Mikhailis, her expression serious.

"I still have that feeling—something's going to happen. We need to stay alert."

Mikhailis let out a sigh, offering her a tired smile.

"Stop jinxing it, please," he said, his voice half-joking, though he couldn't completely hide the worry in his eyes.

Vyrelda, hearing the exchange, stepped up.

"I'll take first watch," she volunteered. She glanced at Estella and Rhea, who were still wide-eyed and recovering from the fight.

"You both should rest. It's been a long day."

Estella nodded, still looking somewhat overwhelmed. She glanced at the royal tent being set up, her eyes widening slightly at its sheer size.

"Is that… your tent?" she asked, clearly surprised.

Yeah... As if they won't be surprised...

Mikhailis couldn't help but smirk.

"Well, of course," he replied.

"We travel in style. Why don't you both join us? There's plenty of room."

Estella looked at Rhea, the two exchanging a glance before nodding.

"If you're sure," she said.

"We'd be grateful."

Mikhailis motioned them inside, and soon the group began to settle in for the night. Vyrelda remained outside, her eyes scanning the darkened forest, while the others entered the tent, grateful for the shelter. The inside was spacious, the luxuries of royalty evident in every detail, from the soft rugs to the comfortable bedrolls.

Mikhailis moved to a secluded section of the tent, a special compartment that offered a bit more privacy. He sat down, tapping the side of his glasses.

"Rodion," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the sounds of the camp settling down.

<Active.>

"Deploy a perimeter watch. Use the Chimera Ant variants. I don't want any surprises tonight."

<Understood. Deploying 100 Chimera Ant soldiers. Establishing perimeter.>

Mikhailis nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.

At least we won't be caught off guard.

The darkened forest outside seemed less threatening, knowing that Rodion and the Chimera Ants were keeping watch.

Just as he began to relax, he felt a hand brush against his thigh. He looked down, his eyes widening slightly. A knowing smile spread across his lips.

I've been waiting for you.