At Uma’s declaration, the council begins.

Included in her pheromones are her desired places for all the members.

Thus, with some space between each other, we princesses walk to the table to take our position in front of the queen, while the humans have to gather off to the right, separated by a wide line of drones.

It's not like the queen would just abandon all caution.

Speaking of her, after yesterday's events with Uma, I totally feel uncomfortable in her presence, but this is important, so I have to prevail.

(U)

Why did she have to look at Honiu there?

Of course, nobody dares to speak up without permission in front of the queen, which is why she's the one continuing the talk.

(U)

She couldn't have this worded any more ominous, could she?

Murmurs are spreading among the humans, as they naturally become distressed at the thought of being "dealt with" by a titan.

Perhaps sensing the increase in general agitation, Liseti is the first to dare say anything at all.

(L)

(U)

Which doesn't necessarily mean that she'll mind those different opinions in the end.

Yet there's one thing I want to be sure about.

(E)

Naturally, the nobles become agitated at this idea I just opened up.

Yet none of them has anything to add to my question.

So they instead opt to wait.

(H)

Yeah, the comparison to pets won't make her friends among them.

(L)

I suppose Liseti also worries that losing our military force like this would weaken us against the other swarms out there.

(U)

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Great.

No big human culling.

That's a step in the right direction.

(U)

What does she want to hear?

(H)

At this, I just have to look at the king, who visibly sighs.

(U)

At this, I perceive from Honiu the pheromone equivalent of clicking with her tongue.

(H)

I look slightly nervously at the humans.

They weren't directly allowed to approach the table.

Actually, it looks like Uma doesn't even plan to let them partake in a meaningful way.

They are merely here to observe our discussion.

Of course, it isn't actually easy to call the titan out on her bias.

So it seems like it will be on me to bring up their concerns.

Albeit in a roundabout manner, so I don't seem to be too inclined to their side.

(E)

(U)

(E)

(L)

By now, I'm aware of this tactic.

Liseti opens up a window for me to give all the relevant information in front of Uma.

(E)

(L)

(E)

(U)

I don't like the direction this is going.

(E)

(U)

(E)

(U)

(E)

(U)

Which basically means I've lost the argument.

Sigh, I'm really not cut out for this.

Perhaps I should take lessons from someone knowledgeable about how to lead a discussion?

I expect this will not be the last council Uma will request my presence for, nor will it be the final time I must convince her of something to get what I desire.

Yet, every meeting with her leaves me feeling woefully inadequate.

Usually, nobles train their entire lives for a task such as this.

No one would ever expect a farm girl to speak to a queen on their behalf.

Maybe Olira could provide lessons, though I’m afraid Uma will soon cut me off from her if things continue in this direction.

My only other choice would be one of the princesses.

Probably not Liseti, she’s too straightforward.

That's neither my nature nor am I certain that this style is all that effective.

But am I really so desperate as to ask Honiu?

And what would be her price?

(U)

The room quietens.

While the drones had been silent during these talks, the human’s low murmuring was ever-present.

But now, no one makes a sound as we all await this titan’s verdict.

My heart pounds as she draws in a breath…

(Chera)

Abruptly, pheromones rush into the room, pulling all the attention to the one who just entered.

Just what is Chera doing here?

[news]Chera to the rescue! Who thought we'd wish to see her again?[/news]