The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

<Yes, Mikhailis. I have attempted to analyze and observe through the eyes of the worker ants positioned near the egg. However, without access to heat-sensing and other laboratory tools, it's challenging to provide a detailed and accurate analysis. What I can tell you, though, is that this egg is clearly different from any laid by the queen before, even from the variants.

The structure appears similar to what you would describe as the ovum of a human inside a pregnant woman. It's fascinating. Carrying it to the surface, however, would be both difficult and potentially dangerous for the egg's contents. The queen herself has given a signal to leave it undisturbed for the time being.>

Mikhailis rubbed the back of his neck, frowning thoughtfully.

"I see... so it's prone to danger if it leaves the underground nest. Maybe it's sensitive to oxygen exposure or something, huh? That makes sense, I guess." He leaned forward, staring out of the window as if lost in thought.

"Rodion, do you think this is a variant linked to the direwolves, the treant, or maybe the hexapedal shadow serpent we defeated?"

<Negative. The queen has not yet consumed those spoils of war.>

Mikhailis paused, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Ah, of course. It must be from the nutrients she absorbed from those captured Technomancers, right?"

<Correct, Mikhailis. The composition of this egg likely involves the essence derived from those Technomancers. It is possible that it contains traits reminiscent of a human—whether that be intelligence or perhaps merely its size, while still maintaining the characteristics of a chimera ant.>

Ovum... Human...

Mikhailis remained silent for a moment, contemplating the implications. His thoughts swirled, unable to decide whether he should be happy or deeply concerned. There was something unsettling about this situation—the idea of an offspring created from consuming human remains, even if they were the remains of Technomancers who had tried to kill him.

The prospect felt like stepping into a morally gray area, an unknown abyss.

A deep sigh escaped him, and his face darkened, conflicted feelings clouding his expression.

Rodion, as if sensing his turmoil, spoke up again.

<While I understand your concern, Mikhailis, it is highly improbable for the queen to produce an offspring that possesses all human qualities. The genetic complexity required for that type of reproduction is beyond the capabilities of the queen, at least under current conditions.

It is most likely that only select traits have been adapted—perhaps the egg's larger size or the potential for increased cognitive function. The possibility of a fully sentient, human-like offspring is statistically quite low.>

Mikhailis forced a small, appreciative smile.

"Thank you for trying to cheer me up, Rodion. I guess I was letting my imagination get the better of me."

<Always here to serve, Mikhailis. Emotional stability contributes to rational decision-making, after all.>

Mikhailis let out a chuckle, shaking his head.

"Yeah, yeah, keep analyzing my emotions all you want."

He felt a slight movement against his arm, and his gaze drifted to his side. Elowen's eyes had opened, her delicate features softened by the early morning light, her golden eyes locking onto his with a drowsy curiosity.

"Mikhailis… what happened?" she murmured, her voice still heavy with sleep but she could still sense the shift of worry in Mikhailis's face.

Mikhailis's expression softened, and he reached out to gently stroke her hair.

"It's nothing, really," he said, his voice a comforting murmur.

"Just some news from Rodion. Let's not worry about it now. How about we go for breakfast, hmm?"

Elowen blinked a couple of times, then nodded, her lips curving into a sleepy smile.

"Breakfast sounds lovely."

They got ready, with Mikhailis occasionally stealing glances at Elowen, still marveling at her beauty and strength. Even now, with her hair slightly tousled and her eyes half-lidded with sleep, she was regal and captivating. He admired how she could go from fierce queen to tender lover so seamlessly, depending on the situation.

As they settled into the private breakfast room, Mikhailis couldn't help but appreciate how peaceful these moments were. The room was simple but elegant, a round table covered with a white cloth, a vase with freshly cut flowers at its center. It was just the two of them, with no servants in sight, giving them a rare sense of privacy.

Elowen looked up from her plate, her expression soft as she watched him. They ate leisurely, the soft clinking of silverware the only sound, interspersed with small exchanges and smiles. The atmosphere was relaxed—comfortably intimate, without any pressure or pretense.

Suddenly, as he was taking a bite of his toast, Mikhailis's eyes lit up as if he had remembered something important. He sat up straighter, and his gaze shifted toward the door.
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"Ah! Rodion, did you finish what I asked you to prepare?"

Elowen tilted her head slightly, her eyes curious.

"What is it, Mikhailis?"

<Yes, Mikhailis. The requested item has been successfully manufactured.>

The door opened, and the small rolling robot—Monkey Rodion—entered the room, holding a pair of glasses on its flat surface. Mikhailis's face broke into a grin as he took the glasses from the little robot, examining them carefully before turning to Elowen.

"These are for you, my queen," Mikhailis said, holding the glasses out to her. They were sleek, with a similar design to his own—dark frames and a subtle glint in the lenses.

Elowen blinked, her golden eyes widening slightly as she took the glasses from him.

"Are these…?"

Mikhailis nodded, his grin widening.

"Yep, they're just like mine. With Rodion installed and everything. I thought they could be useful for your work—you know, assist you with various tasks and keep things organized. Rodion, explain the features to her."

<Indeed, your majesty. These glasses have been manufactured as a twin of the pair used by Mikhailis. Utilizing our portable machine-making system, we have successfully replicated the core functionalities. I am now available as an assistant to you, with the capability to aid in tasks ranging from document management to real-time analysis of kingdom data.

Furthermore, I can provide strategic recommendations, map-based navigation, and even communication facilitation, should you require it.>

Mikhailis smirked, rolling his eyes slightly.

"Listen to this guy, bragging as usual."

Elowen looked at Mikhailis, her eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and excitement.

"Really? I can use Rodion as well?" Her voice held a note of wonder.

<Yes, your majesty. As the second registered user, you have full authority to command and utilize my capabilities to your preference. Simply put the glasses on, and I will assist you in any way you require. Of course, rest assured as I will also provide tutorials to let you know the best way to utilize me>

Elowen glanced at the glasses, her eyes alight with curiosity. She slipped them on, and immediately, her vision was filled with a series of displays—maps, information feeds, and various data points, all projected seamlessly in her line of sight.

"Oh!" she gasped, her eyes widening as she watched the information shift and change with her gaze.

"This is… amazing." She looked around, her eyes following the prompts as Rodion guided her through the various functions. A map of Silvarion Thalor appeared, highlighting areas of interest, and then shifted to display recent reports from the council that she has put at the royal chamber, perhaps Rodion took it and read them?

Elowen's eyes sparkled as she took it all in.

Mikhailis couldn't help but smile at her reaction. He rested his chin in his hand, watching her with a mix of affection and pride.

"Looks like you're having fun," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth.

Elowen glanced at him, her eyes still wide with excitement.

"Mikhailis, this is… incredible! It's like having an entire library and a team of advisors all at once." She turned back to the display, her gaze shifting as she explored the different features.

"I can see maps, reports… even strategies for managing the kingdom's resources."

Rodion's voice chimed in again, providing additional context.

<I am equipped to provide both historical and current data, as well as predictive analysis based on existing information. Should you need a visual or auditory guide for any tasks, I am available to provide step-by-step assistance.>

Elowen let out a small, awed laugh, her eyes flickering from the glasses' display back to Mikhailis.

"This is far beyond anything I could have imagined. Thank you, Mikhailis."

Mikhailis smiled, shrugging slightly.

"You deserve the best, my queen. And besides, I figured it would make your day a little easier. I would want my queen to come back with less exhaustion, after all" He reached across the table, his fingers brushing against her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"And if there's anything Rodion can't do, well, I'll be right here to help you. Well there are lots of things that this guy couldn't do but I could do, after all,"

Elowen blushed faintly, her gaze softening as she looked at him. She set the glasses down on the table, leaning closer, her voice dropping to a tender murmur.

"I guess I'm a lucky wife to have you always thinking of me,"

Mikhailis smiled, his eyes meeting hers, his expression growing more serious, more sincere.

"Of course. You're everything to me in this world, Elowen. I want to see you succeed, to see you happy. If I can help in any way, I'll do it."

These.

Are words that perhaps he has always swallowed in.

Even back in his world.

It's originally the words that he suppoed to say to his brother.

But well, saying that line to your brother and saying it to your wife has a different kind of motivation, I guess?

But well.

I'm glad I could say it to her.

For a moment, the world seemed to fade away. The responsibilities, the threats, the ever-present political games—none of it mattered in that instant. It was just the two of them, and the warmth of their shared love.

Elowen's eyes glistened, and she nodded, her fingers tightening around his.

"And I, you. Thank you, Mikhailis."

He gave her a soft smile before releasing her hand and leaning back in his chair.

"Now, let's finish breakfast before it gets cold. After all, it's not every day I get to make my queen smile this much before noon."

Elowen let out a soft laugh, picking up her fork again.

"You're right. Let's enjoy this moment."

The two of them continued their breakfast, sharing bites of food and conversation, the warmth of their love filling the room. Mikhailis watched as Elowen continued to use the glasses, her excitement and curiosity undiminished. It was moments like these that made everything worth it—the battles, the danger, the sacrifices. Seeing her happy, seeing her strong—that was what mattered most.

And for now, that was enough.