The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

The grand carriage rolled up to Count Arvis's estate in the Northern Province. The estate was massive, its architecture both regal and intimidating, with tall spires and finely carved columns. As the carriage approached, a group of guards moved to assist, and soon the doors were opened, allowing Queen Elowen, Mikhailis, and their entourage to step out.

Count Arvis, a stout man with sharp eyes and neatly trimmed facial hair, stood at the entrance. He wore a navy-blue suit adorned with the symbols of his province. As the Queen approached, he quickly walked over and bowed deeply, greeting her with the utmost respect.

Standing beside the Queen was Earl Vaelis, acting as an envoy of the royal faction. Count Arvis turned to acknowledge him as well, bowing slightly.

"Your Majesty, we are most honored by your presence," he said, his voice rich and filled with sincerity.

"The delay had us quite worried—we were expecting you yesterday. I'm pleased to see that you are safe."

He then turned to Earl Vaelis, offering him a courteous nod.

"Earl Vaelis, it is reassuring to have you here as a representative of the royal faction...?"

Then the both of them stared to each other for a while.

Of course, it can't be helped as Earl Vaelis is unnecessarily part of the royal faction either.

He's here only to try getting into Elowen's good favor, and a chance to steal her from me anyway. Looks like he's finally getting the backlash of his actions.

He gave a respectful nod to Mikhailis as well.

"And this must be the rumored Prince Consort. It is a great honor to meet you at last."

Mikhailis straightened up and, in an uncharacteristically serious tone, responded, "Count Arvis, the honor is all mine. I hope to be of as much service to Silvarion as you and your men have been in preparing for this looming threat."

The Count seemed pleasantly surprised by the dignified response. He glanced briefly at Vyrelda, whose brows raised slightly, clearly taken aback by the sudden show of decorum from the usually easy-going Mikhailis.

Elowen is smiling sheepishly looking at Mikhailis, but Lira, Serelith, and Vyrelda is thinking of the same thing.

""W-Who is this guy!?"" They couldn't help but think when they saw the charismatic Mikhailis.

With a nod, Count Arvis smiled.

"We are grateful for any assistance you may provide, Your Highness. Your presence here, alongside Her Majesty, means a great deal to the men." He gestured towards the estate's entrance.

"A banquet has already been prepared to celebrate your arrival. It's not just a feast—it will also help uplift the soldiers and raise morale as we prepare for the difficult days ahead."

They all entered the estate, passing through high arches and marble pillars until they reached a grand banquet hall. It was lavishly decorated, with fine silk banners in the colors of the Northern Province hanging along the walls. Golden candelabras lined long tables filled with various delicacies, and a crowd of officials, nobles, and soldiers gathered within, all awaiting the arrival of their Queen.

Ah... This is draining my social energy real quick. I want to go home.

<Please make sure to maintain your face properly, Mikhailis>

Yes, yes.

Count Arvis walked up to a raised platform at the head of the hall, gesturing for Elowen and Mikhailis to stand beside him. He turned towards the crowd, his voice echoing throughout the large chamber.

"Ladies and gentlemen, brave soldiers of the Northern Province, it is my great honor to welcome Her Majesty, Queen Elowen, and her consort, Prince Mikhailis. Their presence here serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to our safety and the prosperity of our land!"n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The crowd applauded politely, though Mikhailis noticed the mixed expressions scattered among the attendees. Some soldiers looked genuinely hopeful, while several nobles and military leaders exchanged skeptical glances.

He could hear the whispers already—some commenting on the Queen's decision to marry an "otherworlder." Others seemed to regard him as little more than a convenient tool, someone whom Elowen could easily manipulate.

Mikhailis shifted his gaze to Elowen, a smile tugging at his lips.

They can think what they like, but my wifey won't let it be that easy for them.

<The Queen has already prepared a countermeasure to ensure her position and the trust of the northern nobles. It would be helpful if you don't ruin her efforts, Mikhailis>

Thank you for the reminder, Rodion. I'm not that stupid.

As the banquet commenced, the room filled with lively conversation. Count Arvis made sure to introduce Elowen to each significant figure, ensuring her presence was felt and that her leadership inspired the respect it deserved.

Mikhailis, meanwhile, found himself cornered by a group of nobles. The men all wore fine attire, their faces showing a mix of curiosity and skepticism as they assessed this strange "Prince Consort." One of them, a gaunt older man with a neatly trimmed mustache, spoke first.

"Your Highness," he began, his voice dripping with politeness, "it's quite unusual for one to find themselves in the Queen's favor as quickly as you have. We've heard much about you—particularly that you came from another world, is that correct?"

Mikhailis gave a small nod, a polite smile on his face.

"You've heard correctly, my lord. I do indeed hail from a place very different from Silvarion."

Find adventures at empire

Another noble, younger and more enthusiastic, quickly chimed in.

"Fascinating! And tell me, Your Highness, is it true that Queen Elowen chose you personally? What a rare connection that must be." He leaned in, a glint in his eye.

"In fact, many families would be honored to form such a connection with you as well… perhaps, if you are willing, I could introduce you to my daughter?"

Mikhailis let out a soft laugh, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"I'm flattered, truly," he said. "However, I fear my heart belongs only to my queen. She is more than enough for me—and I doubt I could keep up with anyone else." He gave a theatrical sigh.

"Besides, I'm not sure I'd survive more than one Elowen."

The nobles exchanged glances, some laughing politely at his humor, while others looked slightly disgruntled at the implicit rejection. But Mikhailis handled it with such grace and good humor that none could take offense.

Not far away, Count Arvis was speaking with Elowen.

Your Majesty, I must express my gratitude once again. The presence of both you and His Highness brings strength to the men. They are inspired, knowing you are here to lead them."

Elowen nodded, her expression calm and regal.

"We are all in this together, Count Arvis. I will do whatever I must to protect Silvarion and her people."

Count Arvis smiled, though a hint of worry lingered in his eyes.

"There is something we must discuss, Your Majesty—something of great importance regarding the current threat. I would prefer we do so in private."

Elowen gave a subtle nod.

"Of course, Count. We will speak after the banquet."

Once the banquet had gone on for a while, Count Arvis discreetly signaled to Elowen and Mikhailis. He led them through a side door, away from the prying eyes of the gathered nobles and soldiers, until they reached a smaller, more private chamber.

He gestured for them to sit and then began pacing, his expression clouded with concern.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness," he began, his voice lowered.

"The situation here is far worse than I initially let on. The monster outbreak is growing out of control… and we have reason to believe that it's being led by something we've never seen before."

Mikhailis's eyes narrowed slightly.

Something we've never seen before..?

"Something we've never seen before? What do you mean, Count?" Elowen inquired.

Count Arvis paused, then spoke again, his voice heavy.

"There are reports—unconfirmed, but troubling nonetheless—that a Thalorian Goblin Apostle has emerged. We've never encountered such a creature before. It appears to have intelligence, and it's leading the monsters in a coordinated effort. If these reports are true, then we are dealing with a threat unlike anything we've faced."

Elowen's face grew serious, her brow furrowed in thought.

"A Goblin Apostle… That changes everything. We will need to adjust our strategy accordingly."

"We'll do whatever it takes, Count. We'll need to gather more information on this Apostle—find out its strengths and weaknesses, and how best to counter it."

Serelith, who had been lingering nearby, chose that moment to step into the room, her face composed but her eyes filled with determination.

"I overheard," she admitted, her voice calm.

"If this Goblin Apostle is as powerful as you say, then I would like to offer my assistance in any way possible." She turned towards Elowen, her eyes softening.

"Having a monster at a [King] rank to appear, and not just a goblin [King] but it's an apostle, this might lead to a serious danger which I could not ignore, Your Majesty. It would spell trouble if there are a magician ranks that has formed within the ranks of the goblins,"

"Indeed," Vyrelda chimes in.

"If there are magicians, then it will be disadvantageous for us, especially in a defensive battle as they could harm the walls easily.

Count Arvis glanced at Serelith and Vyrelda, then back at Elowen and Mikhailis.

"If we are to overcome this threat, we will need all the help we can get. We must act swiftly and decisively."

Elowen nodded, her eyes steely with resolve.

"Then we shall prepare, Count Arvis. We will not let Silvarion fall. I shall call the reinforcement needed from the capital,"

And with that, the preparations for facing the unknown threat began—a daunting task that would test each of them in ways they had never imagined.