The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Mikhailis stood at her side, his gaze focused as he directed his bizarre, bug-like army. He raised his hand, signaling the Chimera Ant soldiers forward. The ants responded immediately, moving with swift purpose, their hard exoskeletons glinting in the flickering light. They advanced on the Thalorian Goblins pouring in from outside, each movement deliberate, their ranks forming a defensive barrier.

The goblins, already disoriented by Elowen's earlier magic, now faced a fearsome swarm. The Chimera Ants charged, their mandibles clicking menacingly as they descended upon the goblins. Mikhailis couldn't help but feel a thrill as he watched his creations in action. The ants used their numbers and their tough shells to overwhelm the goblins, who tried in vain to fight back with their crude weapons.

The goblins may have been strong because of their number, but the ants' unity and resilience gave them the upper hand.

The Fire Scarabs were no less impressive. They skittered up cave walls, jumping from ledge to ledge, their bodies glistening with an inner fiery glow. They would strike, disorienting the goblins with sudden bursts of light before swarming them, biting down on exposed flesh.

The combination of the ants' relentless march and the scarabs' quick attacks created a pincer movement, driving the goblins back, unable to match the onslaught.

Mikhailis could hear the goblins' terrified screeches as they tried to defend themselves against the unending wave of insects. He smirked, glancing at Elowen. She stood a step back, her eyes wide in amazement, her expression a mixture of shock and awe. He could tell she hadn't expected this—not from him, not from a man who often preferred to joke rather than display his true strength.

The Chimera Ant soldiers and Fire Scarabs moved like a well-oiled machine, relentless and without mercy. Each ant and scarab had its role, attacking and defending in perfect synchronization, and within minutes, the cave entrance was secured. The Thalorian Goblins, who had once seemed like an endless threat, were reduced to scattered bodies, defeated by a swarm they had not been prepared for.

"Well," Mikhailis said, turning to Elowen with a grin.

"Seems like the bugs were worth it, don't you think?"

Elowen shook her head, the corner of her lips twitching into a smile despite the chaos.

"This is… absolutely incredible, Mikhailis. I've never seen anything like it."

Mikhailis gave her a wink. "I guess I'm not your ordinary prince consort."

____

Inside the cave, Elowen was not alone in her struggle. The Frog Variant Soldier leaped into action, its muscular form bounding between goblins, tackling them with impressive force. Its slimy skin allowed it to slip past the goblins' defenses effortlessly, while its powerful hind legs sent the enemies flying. Alongside it were four Scurabons, larger and more intimidating than the Fire Scarabs.

They charged, their spiked bodies and powerful mandibles cutting a path through the goblins.

The Hypnoveil Variant moved with eerie grace, its antennae glowing with an ethereal light. It focused its gaze on a group of goblins, and Mikhailis could see their movements grow sluggish, their once-fierce eyes glazing over as they fell under the creature's hypnotic influence.

The Hypnoveil didn't hesitate—it directed the goblins into the path of the Frog Variant, which finished them off without mercy.

Elowen fought alongside the creatures, her sword flashing in the dim light of the cave, her magic flaring with each spell she cast. She moved with practiced ease, her body reacting instinctively, her senses heightened by the presence of Mikhailis's insect allies.

The Chimera Ants and their variants fought seamlessly with her, their strange coordination making it easier for her to deal with the enemies.

Rodion's voice echoed in Mikhailis's ear, his usual sarcastic edge present even in the midst of the battle.

<Most of these goblins are Baron rank, Mikhailis. Their power level is just slightly above average, making them easy prey for your ants. I would recommend not getting cocky, though.>

Mikhailis rolled his eyes.

Typical Rodion.

He glanced at Elowen, watching as her magic sliced through another goblin, her expression focused and fierce. She was incredible—moving like a storm, her energy unwavering.

The battle, though chaotic, ended in their favor. Goblin bodies littered the cave floor, and the Chimera Ants stood victorious, their antennae twitching as they scanned for any remaining threats. Elowen sheathed her sword, letting out a deep breath, her body relaxing as the tension finally began to ease.

She turned to Mikhailis, her golden eyes searching his. He could see the questions there, the confusion mixed with awe. Her chest rose and fell heavily as she tried to catch her breath, and finally, she spoke.

"Mikhailis," she said, her voice steady despite the exhaustion.

"This is… incredible. But also, a bit terrifying."

He scratched the back of his head, letting out a sheepish chuckle.

"Yeah, I know. Well, you remember how I've always been obsessed with insects, right?"

Elowen raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical.

"Obsessed might be an understatement."

Mikhailis laughed.

"Fair point. Anyway, I found this Chimera Ant queen a while back and, well… I thought, why not see if I could raise her here? I mean, bugs are fascinating—they adapt, evolve. I figured if I could nurture her right, I could build something… unique in this fantasy world. Something powerful."

Elowen listened, her gaze never leaving his face. Mikhailis continued, his voice growing more serious.

"I didn't tell you because I wanted to make sure they were useful. I had to be certain they were under control—that they wouldn't be a danger to anyone. Especially you." He paused, his gaze dropping.

"I… I'm sorry for not telling you sooner."

Elowen watched him, her eyes softening. She could see the sincerity in his face, the concern he had felt for her, for everyone. She let out a sigh, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"It's fine, Mikhailis," she said gently.

"But these… creatures of yours are extraordinary. And also a little terrifying." She paused, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

"No ordinary prince consort would be able to command something like this."

Mikhailis smirked, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Well, I'm not exactly ordinary, am I?"

Elowen laughed, shaking her head.

"No, you're certainly not. There's never a dull day with you, Mikhailis. But… wow, I never imagined your research into bugs would lead to something like this. If Vyrelda saw this, she'd be shocked beyond belief."

"Let's keep it between us, yeah? I think the fewer people know about my little army, the better," Mikhailis said, giving her a nervous grin.

Elowen smiled, nodding.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"You're probably right. If people knew, it might create fear—people doubting your control over these… Chimera Ants, was it?"

Mikhailis nodded.

"Yep, Chimera Ants."

She reached out, her hand finding his, her fingers wrapping around his gently.

"Well, I trust you. More than anything. And thank you, Mikhailis. You really saved us today."

Mikhailis looked at her, the warmth of her touch sending a rush of emotions through him. Her golden eyes were so close, her lips parted slightly, her breath still coming in soft pants from the exertion of battle. He could feel the pull between them, the tension, and for a moment, he leaned closer, his gaze dropping to her lips—

It should be a perfect romantic moment that would make him ignore the Thalorian Goblin's blood on her cheek and kiss her.

But before he could move any further, Rodion's voice cut through the silence.

<I apologize for interrupting this rather touching moment, but I have detected something of importance.>

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Both Mikhailis and Elowen froze, and then they let out simultaneous sighs. Mikhailis leaned back, clearing his throat, while Elowen tried to stifle her laughter.

"What is it, Rodion?" Mikhailis asked, a note of exasperation in his voice.

Mikhailis frowned, his gaze darting to the cave entrance.

The Chimera Ant Variants were still there, standing guard, but beyond them, there are two huge silhouettes.

"What do you mean, Rodion?" Elowen asked, her voice tense.

<There are two large heat signatures approaching. Given their size and formation, I believe they may be Goblin Champions.>

Mikhailis's eyes widened as he saw the monsters that appeared from the deeper part of the cave, his heart skipping a beat. He turned to Elowen, and she met his gaze.

"Goblin Champions," she whispered.

"To think even those kind of variants has born here..."

Mikhailis grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Well, well… I've been waiting for a moment like this." He reached into his bag, pulling out a small, intricately carved talisman—the Entomancer's Talisman.

"It's time for action, Rodion!"