The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort-Chapter 271: The Queen is Bored (End) The Wife’s Protective Instinct

The quiet hours of the day found Elowen seated in the solarium, a favorite retreat when time allowed. Across from her, Serelith lounged with a casualness that belied her sharp mind. The court magician had been more present of late, her usual mysterious demeanor softened by what Elowen could only describe as an almost childlike need for attention. Perhaps it’s because Vyrelda has gone with Mikhailis and there is no one who would reprimand her so she is acting unrestrained.

"You’re staring again, Serelith," Elowen said, not looking up from the book she was reading.

Serelith’s lips curled into a mischievous smile.

"And you’re ignoring me again, my queen. It’s most unbecoming."

Elowen sighed, closing the book with deliberate slowness.

"Must we do this every time?"

"Must we?" Serelith echoed, tilting her head like a curious bird. Her amethyst eyes sparkled with amusement.

"I think you secretly enjoy it. You do have a soft spot for me."

Elowen rolled her eyes, but the faintest hint of a smile betrayed her.

"What do you want, Serelith?"

"Nothing much. Just your undivided attention for the next…" She glanced at an imaginary watch.

"Forever."

"Try again," Elowen said dryly, her tone light but laced with a knowing edge as she resumed reading her book while walking out of the room.

Serelith didn’t reply immediately, which was unusual. Instead, she seemed unusually quiet. The lack of a retort caught Elowen’s attention, and she glanced subtly to see Serelith seated across the room, her gaze fixated on something.

Elowen tilted her head slightly, her queenly instincts sharpening. Serelith was leaning forward, her hands clasped tightly as she stared intently into the soft glow of her magical orb. Her lips were slightly parted, and a peculiar expression—a mix of curiosity and something more mischievous—played across her features.

She’s entirely focused. That’s never a good sign.

The queen’s curiosity was piqued. Serelith rarely showed such single-minded dedication unless it involved something particularly chaotic. Elowen stood gracefully, her movements deliberate and silent, and walked toward the door. Pausing just before she left, she cast one final glance over her shoulder.

Serelith’s violet eyes gleamed as her fingers delicately traced patterns in the air above the orb, manipulating its glow. Her intense focus was suspicious, and Elowen’s lips twitched into a faint smirk.

What are you up to now?

Once out of Serelith’s immediate line of sight, Elowen adjusted her glasses and whispered, "Rodion, observe."

<Command acknowledged. Dispatching a chimera ant worker to investigate.>

Through the interface of her glasses, Elowen saw the perspective of one of the tiny chimera ants scuttling along the intricate woodwork of the ceiling. The world from the ant’s view was a strange distortion of curves and shadows, the vastness of the room accentuated by the creature’s diminutive size.

The feed switched as the chimera ant maneuvered closer, and the orb’s glow came into focus. Serelith was still muttering softly to herself, her tone teasingly saccharine.

"Show me more, little one," she purred, her voice low and melodic. "There you are…"

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Elowen frowned slightly as the feed zoomed in. The orb displayed an all-too-familiar figure. Mikhailis, seated beside a campfire, his expression one of amusement as he bantered with his companions.

The queen’s lips pressed into a thin line.

"So, you’ve been secretly peeping on him while I’m even restraining myself from doing so because it would only make me miss him more?" she muttered under her breath.

"Rodion," she commanded softly. "Remove the familiar."

<Command copied. Dispatching chimera ant soldier to neutralize.>

The feed shifted again as another chimera ant soldier positioned near Mikhailis sprang into action. The soldier skittered silently along the ground, its shadow blending seamlessly with the environment. As it approached the faint glimmer of Serelith’s familiar, it lunged with surgical precision, severing the magical link with a single strike.

Back in the castle, Serelith’s orb fizzled and darkened, its glow extinguished.

"What!?" Serelith’s sharp voice echoed in the chamber, her chair scraping against the floor as she stood abruptly. Her hands fluttered over the now-dormant orb, her expression a mixture of disbelief and frustration. "After all that hardship of pinpointing his position?!"

Elowen stifled a laugh, turning her head away from the feed.

She has no idea I saw any of this.

Through her glasses, she watched Serelith pacing, her arms flailing slightly as she muttered to herself.

"Stupid interference… Who even uses such precise counter-magic anymore?"

The tantrum continued for a few more moments before Serelith finally slumped back into her chair, arms crossed, a dramatic pout on her face.

"Fine. I’ll just try again later. No one can hide from me forever."

Elowen adjusted her glasses and strode confidently away, her expression serene as though nothing had happened.

Ah, Serelith… you’re always entertaining, she mused to herself, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she walked down the corridor. The walls echoed with her steps, but for once, the castle felt far from lonely.

Everything really has changed since Mikhailis arrived.

The queen’s smile lingered as she entered the next chamber, already preparing herself for whatever antics the day—and her peculiar court—had in store.

____

Later that afternoon, Elowen found herself in the council chamber with Aelthrin, the castle’s venerable prime minister. The man was practically glowing, his once weary visage rejuvenated by the lack of administrative strain. Elowen couldn’t help but notice the spring in his step as he approached, a rare sight for the typically reserved statesman. The air of weariness that once clung to him like a heavy cloak had lifted, replaced by a vibrancy that seemed to shave years off his appearance.

"Your Majesty," he began, bowing low with a flourish before gesturing to the table where an assortment of teapots and delicate cups awaited.

"I’ve brought a new blend for you to try. A delightful combination of spiced herbs and floral undertones. Inspired, of course, by the marvelous teas His Highness introduced."

Elowen raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued as she approached the table.

"You’ve been spending quite a bit of time on these experiments, Aelthrin."

He chuckled, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm.

"How could I not, Your Majesty? The man’s taste is impeccable. I’ve never known such a variety of flavors existed until His Highness broadened my horizons. Thanks to your unparalleled efficiency, I finally have the time to indulge in such pursuits."

<Another glowing endorsement. I should consider charging royalties,> Rodion quipped, his voice carrying a hint of wry amusement.

Elowen bit back a smile, settling into her chair.

"It’s good to see you so… spirited, Aelthrin. Though I trust you’ve not neglected your other duties?"

"Of course not, Your Majesty," Aelthrin replied, waving a hand dismissively.

"All matters of state remain well in hand. But I must say, it’s a pleasure to work under such streamlined conditions. His Highness has truly revolutionized our processes. A genius, that man."

Elowen nodded thoughtfully, a swell of pride warming her chest. Yet, as Aelthrin began to pour the tea with an almost theatrical flourish, she couldn’t help but let her mind wander. She recalled the lengthy discussions she’d had with Mikhailis about streamlining castle operations—discussions that had initially left her skeptical but had since proven transformative.

The prime minister handed her a delicate cup, its fragrant steam curling upward.

"Tell me, Your Majesty, what do you think?" he asked eagerly.

She took a tentative sip, her lips curling into a smile as the harmonious blend of flavors danced on her tongue.

"It’s excellent, Aelthrin. You’ve outdone yourself."

The older man’s chest puffed with pride.

"It’s all thanks to His Highness. His insights into sourcing and preparation are unparalleled. Truly, a man of many talents."

Elowen’s thoughts lingered on Mikhailis, his unorthodox methods and uncanny ability to see opportunities where others saw none. She chuckled softly, setting the cup down.

"He does have a way of leaving an impression."

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<A charitable understatement,>

Rodion interjected dryly, prompting a stifled laugh from Elowen.

As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Elowen found herself marveling once again at how much had changed since Mikhailis’s arrival. Aelthrin, once burdened by the weight of his responsibilities, now spoke with renewed vigor, his passion for even the smallest details reignited. It was a testament to the profound impact her husband had on those around him. Even in his absence, his influence lingered, reshaping the very fabric of their lives.

Elowen nodded, her chest swelling with pride. But as the conversation continued, her thoughts drifted once more to Mikhailis. She wondered what he was doing at that very moment and whether he missed her as much as she missed him.

___

By evening, Elowen could no longer resist the urge to check on Mikhailis. She adjusted her glasses, summoning Rodion’s interface.

"Rodion, can you show me where he is?"

<Accessing feeds from available chimera ant units. Please stand by.>

A moment later, the interface displayed a live feed of Mikhailis. He was seated by a campfire, flanked by Lira and Cerys, while two unfamiliar women stood nearby. Elowen’s heart clenched as she watched Lira lean in with a teasing smile and Cerys exchange a look that spoke volumes. The other two women seemed equally at ease in his presence.

The sound of shattering glass startled the nearby maids and guards. Elowen realized too late that her grip on the goblet in her hand had tightened too much.

"I said it’s fine to have more women," she muttered under her breath, her tone rising with each word, "but isn’t he expanding his harem too fast!?"

<Would you like a detailed report on the individuals present?> Rodion offered, his tone neutral.

"Yes. Immediately," Elowen snapped, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the unfamiliar faces.

<Subject One: Estella, a merchant specializing in rare goods. Encountered during a detour to avoid a Skalvern monster horde. Initial interaction suggested ulterior motives, but His Highness skillfully negotiated a mutually beneficial arrangement. Subject Two: Rhea, a guard captain under Estella’s employ. Known for her loyalty and tactical acumen. Both have shown potential for future alliances beneficial to the kingdom.>

Elowen’s irritation gave way to a grudging admiration.

"Of course, he’d turn potential threats into allies," she murmured.

"Still…" Her gaze returned to the feed, where Mikhailis’s easy charm was on full display.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.

"Rodion, ensure these women are included in any future assessments involving His Highness. I’ll meet them personally soon."

<"Understood. Updating records accordingly.">

As the feed faded, Elowen leaned back in her chair, a sly smile playing on her lips.

"Let’s see how charming they find my husband once they face me," she mused, her tone a mix of amusement and determination.