Formicea
Epilogue: An Enthusiast’s Pleasure

- Duchess Carina -

"Countess Demisa! I'm so glad you could make it, despite these trying times. I certainly could've understood the need to tend to your duties at your fief." (Ca)

Oh, I waited for so long to make this happen.

The past months, with all the wars, occupations, and diplomatic dealings, were so incredibly dull on the culturally recreational side of things.

There were some official gatherings I attended, but the atmosphere on those was always terribly tense.

I very much prefer the more private nature of a tea party.

Especially, as this one is mine, and I get to decide about all the little peculiarities.

This goes even more so if I can show my superiority to Countess Celia Demisa.

This woman should've learned by now that she doesn't stand a chance against me, but still tries to outperform me with her events.

This time, she definitely won't stand a chance.

"Ufufuh. I'm so glad to have received your invitation. You were for such a long time completely absent in social life. Only mingling with those... insects." (Ce)

"Well, well. I sure hope you'll come to see that my parties are still unmatched in this country." (Ca)

Yeah, yeah.

Not everyone knows the appeal of our friends from below.

Even though there are so many wonderful points to them.

Their creations, their working spirit, their whole society.

I can't understand what anyone could have against them.

If anything, my talks with Princess Honiu were extraordinarily stimulating.

Sadly, I didn't receive a reply to my invitation.

Yes, Formicea princesses are extremely wary of getting into any exposed situation.

So it comes that I can only receive the highest-ranking ladies in this country.

Lady Veresa Everward, Countess Marcine Balera, Baroness Fiona Lijuna, to name a few.

Yes, my tea parties still manage to draw all of the upper society in.

The leisurely ambiance, combined with the awe I created by granting everyone a good look at my assembly of Formicean items, is still the best setting to keep them under control, by playing them out against each other.

To say it clearly, this kind of social event is far deadlier than even the frontline in this war.

Though, to be fair, with the help of our friends from below, said frontline should be almost safe by now.

However, despite the lack of trust and the general absence of morals, leading to everything but a casual atmosphere, it is at least still an opportunity to show off.

One I already have planned for so long to make use of.

Once I made sure that all attendees were properly seated and taken care of, I could seat myself as well, right next to Lady Celia.

It's a good place, as I intend to not give her a single reason to find any fault with my party.

In addition, she finds the most wonderful assembly of sweets and pastries in the whole party in front of her.

All of them were naturally created with nectar to achieve the best possible taste.

That a single one of those sweets warrants an hour of workout to counter the gained weight is nothing she needs to know.

The others at the table sadly only get served a far reduced version.

Not quite as great of an experience, but in my opinion, still far superior to the usual sugar mix.

As this is where I positioned the most important people, I can do the greatest impact if I can beat Celia in a verbal duel, who by default takes an opportunistic stance towards any of my opinions.

I can't be too harsh to her as I'm still required to appear as a good hostess.

Because of the wings protruding out of my back, I had the chairs be adjusted to accommodate their shape.

Ever since I had mine prepared, it became quite quickly clear that they tend to get in the way.

However, the effect is more than worth it.

I had mine to be decorated with a mix of gold and purple.

Furthermore, a very light assortment of jewelry, accommodating to the shape, were placed on top.

Anything too heavy wouldn't do well for their structure.

Already this is slightly troubling, but the reactions and gazes I receive in return make it more than worth it.

Not for nothing I practiced to carry myself in a dignified way with them.

Totally worth it in my opinion.

"Duchess Carina. I need to say, this is a beautiful gathering. A completely different style from those at the royal gatherings." (Lady Veresa)

"I'm glad to hear this. My fief is doing very well, so I thought, 'Why not use this wealth to provide all of us with a pleasant time?'." (Ca)

"Yes, yes. But I need to say, aren't some of these items a little unfitting? I would even dare to say, repulsive? I mean, a skull on a table? Or this tableware? I mean, if I wouldn't know you to have any sense of curtesy, I'd almost say you expect us to dine on this pressed dirt." (Ce)

"Oh, how wonderful that you noticed. Yes, these goods are what was used by Princess Erys. When she left, she didn't have the need to take them with her, so I took the liberty to claim them for myself. I mean, something that fits royalty is just good enough for all of my friends! As for the skull..." (Ca)

"Yeah, sure. That you'd still refer to them as 'royalty'. Those things are basically more efficient breeding machines. If we'd talk about a whore in the slums with similar feats you'd certainly not speak in such high tones." (Ce)

Huh, who would've thought she'd go so directly all out?

"Lady Celia. These 'breeding machines' hold the authority over hundreds of thousands of subjects. Beings that are adored by so many shouldn't be considered beneath us. Especially, if they definitely carry the kind of power I would associate with such a grand title. On the other hand, I find it questionable why you would take such a needlessly antagonistic stance towards them, Lady Celia." (Ca)

This might've been a bit much of a response, as she could very well find offense in my words.

Just as intended.

For example, if I were to point out that someone is just a baroness, this would make it seem like I'm flaunting my higher status over them, which could appear as me antagonizing them.

On the other hand, sticking to "Lady" while not being on familiar terms is considered rude if it denies them their title.

The same goes for using their forename or family name.

Some find it important to refer to their personal achievements and therefore prefer to be addressed personally, while others deem their family tradition to be the most important, which warrants the last name.

Context is very important in addressing someone.

In this context, Lady Celia is a countess, which is very close to me in rank, and we are not on friendly terms.

So "Lady" fits.

"I find it concerning that you're so openly flaunting your association with these creatures. After everything they did to us!" (Ce)

Yeah, yeah.

Like supporting us in our conflict, aiding our starving people with food, tending to our injured, keeping the refugees they took under their wings (Ufufuh) from swamping the capital, or simply winning this whole war for us.

Yes, okay.

I'll admit the, important to stress, temporary occupation of the capital miffed a lot of people, but anyone with the slightest bit of objective insight would come to the conclusion that their reaction was, if anything, rather mild.

Princess Erys, although a little naive, certainly has a very benevolent character.

One that can easily be taken advantage of, but this is only more reason to be at her side, support her, and reap the benefits.

A lasting relationship with such an individual carries much more value than a short-term exploitation.

If you support and aid them when they eventually come into need, they'll eventually repay every little act of kindness.

Coming from the general atmosphere, I'm supposed to say something in return.

"Well, they certainly managed to get over this incident. Maybe you should try the same? Think about what we're receiving in return. Free access to their tunnel paths, which are quite frankly better maintained than our own roads. All the opportunities for deals, from foreign goods to renting their workers for your own projects. And let's not forget, how they still have stationed troops at the new border wall to Koreso. They still maintain and guard this place. All of this for the harvest of a few yards of field. They don't ask for any other compensation to keep our border safe. Not even the mercenaries we hired work without payment other than food. Seems to me like a fairly beneficial agreement." (Ca)

Now let's see what she has to retort to this.

"A very positive stance that makes me question your alignments. It almost seems like you only have your personal profit in mind." (Ce)

Ah, a personal attack.

How desperate.

"I won't make a heel of it. I have some very beneficial collaborations going with Princess Honiu. Things that are to the advantage of all the people I govern. In general, I find it smarter to go with the times, rather than to assume a needlessly hostile stance to change." (Ca)

Being open about my dealings should've alleviated her claims.

Just don't allow her any opening to take advantage of.

She'll pounce right away at it.

"Speaking of going with the times, I find it rather strange that you're still wearing these wings. I'll admit, they had their appeal, for a season. But to stick to them like this? Aren't you a little clingy to your one-time success?" (Ce)

My wings?

Oh my god!

That there'd be such an opening!

What an opportunity!

"Clingy you say?" (Ca)

"Aren't you? They're quite uncomfortable and not quite worth the visual effect anymore." (Ce)

"Of course, I'd be clingy. Or, as you said, stick to them. What else would you do to your very own wings?" (Ca)

By now all the gazes of the party are centered on us.

The perfect stage.

"Huh!? Aren't you a little strange about them? Almost obsessed about a mere fashion statement." (Ce)

"Strange? I find it strange that you'd focus so much on my personal attributes." (Ca)

I carefully remove the accessories from the top of the wings and place them on the table.

Then I pull them back and with a single flap send a gust of wind towards Celia.

"After all, you're talking here about my wings, as if they'd be something removable." (Ca)

Hah, this served to draw the looks to me.

Quite a feeling being able to flaunt my body onto others.

I need to admit having them grow out was rather uncomfortable.

Especially, when they broke through my skin.

After that, I had quite a long period of growth pains.

Yet by now this set is fully developed, and I’ve come to fully appreciate them as a part of my body.

It's almost unsettling how natural they feel to me.

Already keeping them still until now left them quite stiff.

Therefore it feels all the more rejuvenating to get to stretch them now.

I only need to be careful not to cause too much wind with them.

That first gust towards Celia already toppled quite a few pastries down the table.

It's good that none landed on her, as this would've appeared petty from my side.

"Are, are those truly real?" (Countess Balero)

"Of course they are, Marcine. A small benefaction from Princess Honiu." (Ca)

"O-oh, I see." (Countess Balero)

It shouldn't come as a surprise that such a drastic step would be questioned by some individuals.

Yet I wouldn't want to miss them.

They're everything I promised myself from that addition.

What could even bad about having a little extra?

Given how some react to losing a limb, gaining a new one should be appreciated just the same as the opposite is dreaded.

"I can hardly believe it. To think you would go this far with your eccentricities." (Ce)

"You may just do so. Also, it's no mere 'eccentricity' as you put it. I'm blessed with real wings! Hah, to think I could advance in such a manner." (Ca)

"But, these wings, are they truly capable of flight or just a more extreme accessory?" (Lady Everward)

Bold as ever the countess.

Yet different from Celia, Veresa bears no ill intent.

"Yes. Yes, yes, yes. I tested them out and could truly lift a short distance from the ground. Look here!" (Ca)

I move an appropriate distance away from the table, so I can still be in good view, before starting to flap them as much as I can.

It's rather incredible how fast they can go, always instinctively turning to face the ground, until the gathered force suffices to lift me the slightest bit off the ground.

Maintaining my balance is quite difficult, but nonetheless possible, and therefore something I can achieve without a hitch, as much as I practiced.

I'll admit, during the first few attempts it left my back quite sore, which should be a given, considering I'm using muscles that didn't exist before.

Not to speak of the other parts I repeatedly bumped when I eventually lost control.

Yet of course, my enthusiasm spurred me to practice, and practice, and then practice some more.

By now I can manage a decent minute before it gets too straining.

I am truly capable of flight.

Take this you wind magicians!

While it's only a shallow display of me hovering a few centimeters above the ground, it still is enough to make everyone present catch their breath.

Even that bitch Celia.

"With a little bit more practice I may even reach over my estate. Truly, I can't wait to witness seeing my territory from above. It must be a sight to behold." (Ca)

"But isn't this a bit extreme? They look fairly large and, ehm, a bit... cumbersome." (Baroness Lijuna)

Here shows Fiona's lesser standing.

Those are rather easy to talk to if you can do so in the knowledge that they can't hold a candle to you.

"I'll admit, at the start, I had to get used to them. They need to be that large to serve their function. But it can lead to certain inconveniences. That is to say, I wouldn't deem it worse than wearing a corset." (Ca)

Yet having to be careful not to lean against anything with my back was truly a bit cumbersome.

"Sheer madness if you ask me. Isn't this a bit much? Just to make a statement you ruined your very physique? I can't even see you reaching behind your back anymore. Quite the folly, I dare say." (Ce)

Of course, you dare.

"Scrrrr"

Huh.

My wings jitter in agitation.

I certainly need to be cautious of this.

"Well, I can assure you that I don't have any regrets. They're surprisingly comfortable. Furthermore, while this may be a bit bold to say, they even cause quite the pleasant sensation to touch." (Ca)

Hah, I can now understand the gaze Princess Erys had back then so much better when she was grabbed there.

Albeit maybe a bit inappropriate of a topic.

So I should quickly switch it.

"In general, I'd say the abilities they grant me are rather befitting for someone of my station, as I'm in the unique position to cope with any negative points that arise, while still reaping the benefit. For example, differently from you, I could now just fly away to escape a possible attack, my dear Celia. Or maybe just your poor character. The only thing I would give you is that I truly can't reach all parts of my wings, especially in the center of my back. Which is quite a hassle, given that they can easily gather dust." (Ca)

Next, Baroness Lijuna gestures for permission to speak.

"But… how do you cope with this issue?" (Fiona Lijuna)

Interestingly, her demeanor shows a certain fascination that could turn into genuine interest.

A kindred spirit?

We'll see.

"I'm so glad you're asking. I was waiting for this to show you. Milea! It's time!" (Ca)

At this, my dearest Milea, maybe the most loyal maid I own, for various reasons indebted, and, more importantly, dependent on me, leaves the building towards the adjacent garden, where we're currently holding our little event.

Sporting a most aesthetic pair of wings, protruding right outside her specially adjusted uniform.

Though I find, she could truly carry such an asset with a bit more justified pride.

However, her deeply red, flustered face, adorned by her generally shy demeanor has its very own appeal.

"Y-you called, Milady?" (M)

"Yes. My wings are getting a little dusty. Would you be so kind and take care of this?" (Ca)

"Uh... I..." (M)

"Milea!" (Ca)

"Y-yes!...As you wish, Milady." (M)

Still far too apprehensive of these truly magnificent adjustments I ordered for her.

All this, while they're so beneficial to her craft.

I mean, all she has to do is massage my wings and simultaneously release the cleansing fluid.

Such a fascinating ability.

I would almost have asked it for myself, until I heard how severely it affects the body's inner workings, therefore barring possible future adjustments.

No, I'd like to keep my options open.

Yet for Milea, this is simply perfect.

Not only does it serve her well with her various cleaning duties around the estate, which already granted her the honorable responsibility of tending to my collection with her unique abilities, but it also is essential for her new main duty.

The wing cleaning.

Ah, what a blessing.

As I mentioned before, her soft, slightly slippery touch, feels truly benign, causing shivers of pure pleasure to my back.

Those cleaning sessions alone, in my opinion, already offset all possible disadvantages.

While Milea's massage is a little clumsy, as she can't concentrate with the gazes of all my noble guests directed at her, this works in my favor, as otherwise I might make a more than unsightly face right now.

Yet they can know about the perks of this adjustment, as far as I'm concerned.

Sadly, it's all too soon over.

Yet I shouldn't neglect my guests.

Lady Celia seems to be at a loss of words.

"... I can't believe this." (Ce)

What did I say?

"Is she fine with this?" (Veresa Everward)

"Oh, absolutely. I even raised her wage and upgraded her quarters to the better guest rooms, closer to my chamber, in case I require her assistance. I doubt she has any reason for complaints." (Ca)

"How about having to deal with those wings as well?! That you would go that far is just sick!" (Ce)

"Countess Demisa. This certainly is not the way to act towards our host. Personal feelings aside, you seem to have forgotten your manners." (Marcine Balera)

For a moment, Celia looks exasperated, before she remembers that Marcine, as a countess, is not only even with her in terms of status, but also very well-connected with other important figures in high-society.

Something that Celia, with her brash attitude, is lacking in.

"However, I have this concern that I'd like to be addressed. You mentioned the wings require maintenance. How are your maid's being taken care of? Surely you don't scrub her with a wet cloth, do you?" (Veresa Evergold)

"As fun as that sounds, no. In fact, this is one of the best parts of this deal." (Ca)

I let my words linger for a moment and then call out.

<Could you come, please?> (Ca)

A series of gasps emerges.

Partly because of my profound display of insect speech, but also because of who now enters the scene.

A winged being, with four arms and two cute tiny mandibles for a mouth.

"Everyone, this here is Chitu. She was assigned to me by Princess Honiu herself, so there would be someone to take care of Milea's wings as well. She doesn't speak the human tongue fluently yet, but is capable of taking care of any order she's given with exceptional professionality." (Ca)

Hah, Milea's blush intensifies when glancing over to Chitu.

I need to say, watching them taking care of their respective sets of wings was truly a sight to behold.

Milea clearly feels the same as I do about touch in this area and witnessing this cultural exchange was truly a picture usually solely reserved for gods.

Of course, seeing Milea do the same to Chitu has its very own unique appeal.

Due to their respective skillsets, I made sure the two would spend a lot of time together, attending to their respective duties, like taking care of my collection, while also having quarters very close to each other.

I'd dare to say my plan worked out as they seemed to have grown ever so much closer.

Just as intended.

Since then, having this pair around has brightened my days considerably.

Hah, I'm good with people after all.

<What are my orders, Mistress?> (Chitu)

<Would you please serve the tea to my friends?> (Ca)

<Immediately.> (Chitu)

One has to get used to their demeanor, but certainly, there's no fault to find in a nurse's working spirit.

"As you all can see, Princess Honiu was rather generous towards me." (Ca)

"So I understand that right, she just lent you one of her subjects?" (Veresa Everward)

"She certainly did. I assume it's supposed to be a token of trust, given that we already share some common projects. Truly an outstanding individual." (Ca)

"So you're saying. But doesn't she, in fact, still belong to Honiu? I doubt her alignment changed just because she was assigned to you." (Veresa Everward)

"Yeah, to think you'd sell yourself out like this." (Ce)

"Oh, certainly her loyalty lies priorly with Honiu, but that's all there is to this. I can be sure that she'll never have any other alignments. As long as I don't plan any nefarious acts against her princess, it would be a disgrace to her broodmother would she go against my wishes or even just perform poorly. This kind of unwavering loyalty is hard to come by. To me this is good enough. Also, for anyone interested in requesting an audience, Honiu likes either unusual objects or... fruits. Yet exotic ones work better." (Ca)

She rarely eats them more than once, but I already got some interesting reactions out of her.

"I-it seems like you are very enthusiastic about everything related to them." (Fiona)

"Oh, you can believe me, I truly am. Ever since I read Lady Lorata's report I was nothing but fascinated. This fascination only deepened the more I gathered about them. Culture, society, their very biology, or ability to alternate the very same. All of this is not just so incredibly novel that any disinterest is simply impossible, no it also holds such value. For all of us, that is." (Ca)

"Value?! Pah!" (Ce)

Well, I guess she was quiet for too long.

The good may never last.

"Yes, Lady Celia? Is something not to your liking?" (Ca)

"Don't belittle me, you freak! You're not just selling all of us out, no you even gave up on your very body! Your pride as a human even! And for what? To be better friends with your insect masters?" (Ce)

"I don't see how it matters if I'm human or not. Do you base all of your dignity on your species? That must be quite sad if you don't suffice for yourself. I, on my side, am more than content with my choices. Why wouldn't I be if everything works out just so perfectly?" (Ca)

"You are a lost cause! Where will you be if they abandon you? I can guarantee, none of us will catch your inevitable downfall. They may feign interest now, but you're standing alone with your perversions!" (Ce)

It's rather needless to say that Countess Demisa just jumped over all appropriate boundaries.

The words she just spoke can not only be interpreted as a declaration of war, but maybe even the beginning of a revolt.

Not like I'm thinking she would truly be capable of such a thing.

While her family's fief at Arkona is known to be fairly wealthy due to trade and offers a variety of agricultural products, it's not necessarily known for its military strength.

I, on the other side, govern most of the northern hemisphere along with several small to mid-sized settlements.

Alone for this war I provided eight-thousand men and, to a lower ratio, women.

Who I'd still like to see returned back in due time, given all the projects I have planned.

"Why would I even fall? This doesn't seem like a relevant issue. Especially, as I'm aligned with some of the most powerful figures in our new society." (Ca)

"New society?! As if they're even part of it! As if they'd care! I don't see these creatures backing you in any way!" (Ce)

"Why do Humans always have to shout so loudly?" (H)

Wha-... Can it be?

How?

Why would she be here?

Oh my god, how do I look?

More importantly, how do I smell?

And why is she coming so close to Celia?

That one doesn't even look capable of uttering another word, not to speak of appreciating her closeness!

"Just because your speech founds on vocal transmission there is no reason for excess. I'm very sure you were to be understood at a quieter volume." (H)

As predicted, Celia is too stiff to even react, that cultural savage.

I'm not like this.

Even though, I will admit that my words are almost stuck in my throat.

"Princess Honiu!? You, you truly have come?! But... I didn't think you'd come. You never replied to my invitation." (Ca)

"Why is there a need to reply to an intention? If I wouldn't intend to come, I'd send a messenger. It would only make sense to ignore such a thing if there would be no honest intent in your request. Also, I thought it was opportune to attend. It only makes sense to me that I should interact with those knowledgeable and in control of this human nation. Here lies the power. So let me see what you have to offer." (H)

What I do have to offer?!

What a chance!

"So, this is Countess Balera. She and her husband govern some of the best ports in Tarsona." (Ca)

The lady in question seems to be slightly uncomfortable with getting exposed by me like this.

"Show it to me on the map." (H)

Instantly, I do as told and mark the coastline south of Valera.

"Isn't this mostly water? How does this work with having settlements in such poor location?" (H)

She seems almost apprehensive.

Ah, this pheromone sense is just great!

Yet I should answer now.

"It can even be an advantage. They can fish or trade by traversing the waters." (Ca)

"Traverse water!? Such a thing! I'll have to know more about this. And what about the others?" (H)

So I quickly introduce her to everyone present and try to avoid any possible slip up.

Did I already mention how remarkable her ability for human speech is?

She barely has an accent.

No, rather she sounds like a pleasant lady.

"I see. So those are all the relevant figures of power in this country?" (H)

"Well, not all of them. And some are only representing their husbands." (Ca)

"Complicated. And what reason has this gathering?" (H)

"Well, we talk about the newest events, developments, fashion." (Ca)

"So this is about information exchange." (H)

"Only partly. It's also about the interaction itself. To understand the other important figures on a deeper level and know their thinking, desires, and goals, to navigate this difficult political landscape. It's called socializing." (Ca)

"This sounds cumbersome. Is there a point in doing so?" (H)

"There's always a point in better understanding others. To bring us closer. Not to forget, it's alleviating boredom. Tea?" (Ca)

I hand her a cup, which she considers for a moment before taking it without a word.

Not even her escort acts out.

Taking the cup might pose a risk with the chance of getting poisoned, but I wouldn't even begin to know what would work on a body such as hers.

For all I know, her own poison is more potent than anything I could concoct.

Not to speak about the impossibility of me doing such a heinous act to my benefactor.

"Quite tasteless. I prefer nectar." (H)

"Well, maybe we can arrange something that will suit your taste better. How about you try the pastries?" (Ca)

I intentionally take one from Celia's arrangement.

"Hm. The nectar bonds well in this dish. It's... acceptable. Interesting." (H)

"Oh my, thank you so much!" (C)

To think that the Princess Honiu complimented me!

"One more thing. Princess Chera sent me a certain 'game' shortly ago. It's called 'Kingmaker' if I was informed correctly, and I was under the impression that your social caste would be familiar with it. Therefore I'd like to request you to teach me its intricacies. Naturally, in exchange for an appropriate compensation." (H)

"K-Kingmaker? Certainly! A-a compensation won't be necessary! It would be my pleasure!" (C)

"If you say so. Then I'll schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience." (H)

Hah, I'm so blessed!

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