The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Chapter 276: Prepare For Another Departure

Mikhailis stretched his arms above his head, a satisfying crack echoing from his shoulders as the early rays of sunlight seeped through the inn’s modest window. He stood there for a moment, letting the faint warmth on his skin wake him fully. Below, the muffled hum of voices floated up from the common room, a blend of quiet conversation and the occasional clatter of metal and wood. Preparations were well underway, each member of the group contributing their part to the effort. The scent of freshly baked bread from the kitchen teased his senses, momentarily grounding him.

His glasses glimmered faintly as Rodion projected the latest map overlay in the corner of his vision. The holographic paths, marked by faint glowing lines, were overlaid with indicators highlighting points of potential interest or danger.

Mikhailis tilted his head slightly, studying the feed that now shifted to display fragmented, surreal images from the ants’ perspectives. Their tiny, alien movements were unnervingly efficient, cutting through dense underbrush and leaving faint, purposeful tracks. Despite the uncanny perspective, there was a beauty in their precision that caught his attention.

My little engineers never fail to amaze me.

Rodion’s calm, clinical tone returned.

He let out a soft exhale, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Good," he murmured. "Let’s keep it that way."

A knock at the door broke his focus. Mikhailis turned, his grin lazy but amused as Lira entered, her posture as graceful as ever. "Your Highness," she began, her tone clipped yet gentle. "The group is gathering below. Shall I inform them you’ll be joining shortly?"

Mikhailis smirked. "Don’t sound so formal, Lira. You’re making me nervous."

She quirked an eyebrow, her dark ponytail swaying as she tilted her head. "Nervous? That would imply you’ve been taking this seriously, Your Highness."

He chuckled, brushing past her as he made his way toward the stairs. "Don’t be too impressed. I’ve got just enough energy to pull off pretending."

As he descended into the common room, the soft glow of early sunlight highlighted the motley crew gathered there. Cerys stood by the doorway, inspecting a small cache of weapons she’d laid out meticulously on a low table. Her focused gaze, paired with the quiet efficiency of her movements, gave the impression of a warrior always ready for battle. Across the room, Estella was bent over a map, her merchant’s mind already calculating the best use of the resources she’d brought. Rhea stood nearby, a silent but steady presence, her eyes scanning the room with a calm vigilance. Lira, now descending behind Mikhailis, carried herself with her characteristic blend of poise and practicality, her voice cutting through the murmurs as she began reviewing supplies with the group.

Mikhailis clapped his hands together, his grin widening as heads turned toward him.

"Alright," Mikhailis said, his voice cutting through the hum of conversation. The room stilled, all eyes turning toward him. "Here’s the plan. We’ll take the back routes. No main roads, no drawing attention. I’ve checked the routes and we will be taking the one I’ve already crosschecked,"

Cerys nodded, her hands deftly inspecting the edges of her sword. Her practical nature showed in every movement as she organized the group’s defensive equipment. "How many weapons are we taking?" she asked, her tone direct.

"Enough," Mikhailis replied with a grin. "Though if it comes to using them, I’d rather we rethink our strategy."

Cerys raised an eyebrow but said nothing, turning her attention back to the neatly lined daggers and shields. She ensured every piece was ready, her sharp gaze sweeping over the gear with a precision that spoke of years of experience.

Lira stepped forward, her hands clasped elegantly in front of her. "Food and medical supplies are already accounted for," she announced. "Rations sufficient for the journey and an additional three days, just in case. The medical kits are well-stocked with essential herbs and potions."

"You managed to craft these with local materials?"

Estella’s lips curved into a small but undeniably smug smile.

"Of course. I may be a merchant, but I don’t deal in second-rate goods. These are as good as it gets, tailored specifically for mist navigation."

She turned her head slightly, her eyes catching Lira and Cerys watching her with thinly veiled curiosity. With deliberate ease, she added, "It’s not just about having resources; it’s about knowing how to use them. Some of us have a knack for getting things done efficiently."

The smugness in her tone wasn’t lost on Mikhailis. He suppressed a grin, glancing toward Lira, who raised a delicate eyebrow, her composure icy but betraying a flicker of irritation. Cerys, on the other hand, shifted her stance, her jaw tightening ever so slightly.

"Efficiently, huh?" Cerys muttered under her breath, her hand instinctively brushing the hilt of her sword. She glanced at Mikhailis, her expression neutral, though her teeth gritted briefly as Estella’s words hung in the air.

Lira, ever poised, responded with a faint smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Efficiency is admirable, of course. Though I’d argue that true skill is measured by consistency over time." Her words were calm, but the sharpness beneath them was impossible to miss.

Estella didn’t flinch. If anything, her grin widened. She lifted the ward slightly, its faint light catching the edges of her face.

"Consistency is important, but results speak louder, don’t they?" she said, her tone laced with subtle provocation.

Mikhailis bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing outright.

If looks could kill, Lira and Cerys might have started a war by now.

"Alright, let’s see what these wards can do," he interjected, breaking the tension before it escalated further.

"Rhea?"

Rhea stepped forward with her characteristic calm, taking one of the wards from Estella and holding it up. She murmured a quiet incantation, and the runes flared briefly, their light expanding outward to form a shimmering, almost imperceptible barrier. The air within the barrier seemed clearer, the oppressive weight of the mist lifted.

"This is how it works," Rhea said, her tone as steady as ever. She stepped back, letting the barrier fade.

"It’s subtle but effective. The mist can’t penetrate it, and it should mask our presence from anything lurking nearby."

Mikhailis nodded approvingly.

"This is excellent work. Estella, you’ve outdone yourself."