As was promised, Chera's princess district, at the bottom of the huge earthen stricture that makes up her hive, is quite a bit warmer.

But more noteworthy is that the ground here feels different.

It's not the usual earth-applicant mix the insects usually use for stabilization, but rather an even hard black surface.

Yet once again, it's not necessarily bad.

Just different from what I expected.

Though, given her last reaction, I'm not too sure if I should ask her.

Anyway, she points sideways to a cave.

(C)

I don't think there's a risk with that.

Especially, since I'm totally in her turf and her drones outnumber mine like what, hundred-thousand to six?

If she would really plan to betray me I couldn't do much about it, something that is already unlikely because Formicea have no knack for deceiving others.

So I suppose it would be better to be an amicable guest to her.

(E)

(C)

I still can't understand very well why she wants to please the queen that much.

But that might just be my own negative experiences with her.

I mean, she managed the swarm for several millennia.

I suppose that's a feat.

In accordance with what we just agreed on, I send my beetles down the side tunnel, where I'm supposed to sleep later this day.

A short time later, we enter Chera's personal quarters, directly recognizable by the pheromone marking.

Yet it's odd how utilitarian it is.

It reminds me of Liseti's place, but even she had weapon racks for training in her hall.

Princess Chera has nothing, not even a single thing that might in any way pose as a distraction.

A table, a throne, benches, and the alcove on the far side, that's it.

This makes me wonder if she really has no hobbies.

I'm kinda having trouble believing this, as she made a far more lively impression on me.

(C)

Chera meanwhile takes her place on the opposite end of the fairly large table, consisting of more of this even, black stone and a bit of applicant.

As weird as it is, one might call it a piece of insect craftsmanship, yet I'm not sure if it's a good one.

Nonetheless, I'm hungry and won't question a free meal.

Once I'm seated, Chera takes the chance to start a conversation.

(C)

Speaking of this is difficult for me.

As admitting one's own mistakes always is.

(E)

(C)

(E)

(C)

(E)

(C)

(E)

I glance at the nurse in question and smile inwardly at the thought that we got through this.

Maybe not lightly, with Kyska's missing wings, but she's still by my side.

(C)

(E)

(C)

(E)

After all, they obviously had no facilities ready to raise any brood.

(C)

Yes, what are they?

The abduction can only be seen as a hostile act from Tarsona's side, and that Honiu took the capital isn't making things any more peaceful.

However, even if I want to somehow save the situation, I can never again be so reckless as I was back then.

Not only was I so relaxed at a party in foreign territory that I didn't assume the slightest bit of danger, but no, I also met up with Lord Zion with only a single troop as my direct escort.

If there'd just been some more.

(E)

(C)

(E)

(C)

She's truly unordinarily understanding for a Formicean princess.

Maybe that's due to her relation to Uma.

Thinking back to Liseti, there may be a certain disposition for reforms among Uma's offspring.

(C)

Huh, what is this?!