The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort-Chapter 272: The Lecture After Passion (1)

Mikhailis lay sprawled on the soft forest floor, his back pressed against the cool, comforting earth while the silvery moonlight filtered gently through the dense canopy above. His shirt clung to his chest, damp with sweat from the exertions earlier, yet his body hummed with an energy so potent it bordered on unnatural. The sensation was a mix of exhilaration and absurdity, leaving him wide awake despite the late hour. Beside him, Cerys lay fast asleep, her crimson hair spilling like a fiery halo across the forest bed. Her face was serene, her breathing soft and even, a stark contrast to the intense, fervent moments they had shared not long ago.

He glanced at her, his eyes softening as he adjusted her cloak to cover her better against the creeping chill of the night. A flicker of guilt crossed his features, but it was tempered with a hint of pride that he couldn’t entirely suppress. Did I overdo it? She’s completely out. Sleeping like the dead... or maybe just utterly exhausted, he mused, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

His head tilted back, eyes tracing the patterns in the canopy as he exhaled deeply.

"Did I gain some kind of invincible stamina?" he muttered aloud, half-joking but genuinely curious.

Rodion’s voice appeared from his glasses, the soft, faintly glowing projection casting a subtle light that blended seamlessly with the moonlit surroundings. The AI’s voice, calm and precise, carried its usual tone of understated amusement.

<Stamina specifically for sexual intercourse, perhaps. Nothing else.>

Mikhailis groaned and dragged a hand down his face, resisting the urge to argue.

"Rodion, you’re about two seconds away from being decommissioned for good."

<An idle threat,>

Rodion retorted smoothly.

A dry chuckle escaped Mikhailis as he turned his gaze skyward.

Why does my AI companion have to be so smug? And why do I always lose in these exchanges?

Still, the energy coursing through him was undeniable, and as much as he wanted to lie there and let the forest’s symphony lull him, his restless vitality made the idea laughable. He sighed, surrendering to the inevitable.

"Alright, if you’re going to haunt me anyway, at least make yourself useful. How’s the castle? How’s Elowen holding up?"

Rodion’s glow brightened briefly, signaling its shift to data retrieval.

<Queen Elowen has embraced the transformation brought about by the integration of optimized systems within the castle’s operations by wielding me. The streamlined processes have bolstered overall productivity by an impressive 85%, eradicating redundancies and accelerating decision-making. Tasks that once demanded hours of meticulous oversight now flow seamlessly, freeing her from the relentless cycle of administrative duties. As a result, she finds herself with unexpected stretches of leisure time—a rarity for a monarch. This newfound freedom has allowed her to engage more deeply with the intricacies of governance at a strategic level, while also affording her moments of personal reflection and interaction with trusted confidants. Her ability to adapt swiftly to this paradigm shift underscores her resilience and commitment to progress, even as she navigates the unfamiliar terrain of a less burdened schedule.>

Mikhailis raised a brow, intrigued.

"Free time? How’s she spending it?"

<Sometimes Queen Elowen reads quietly in the solarium, immersing herself in history or poetry, her mind grasping the delicate nuances of governance and strategy through the patterns of past monarchs. Other times, she indulges in leisurely strolls through the castle gardens, her steps measured as she admires the meticulously maintained flora, an occasional smile gracing her lips at the sight of blooming Kroshel Maize or Elenbarley. Her interactions with Serelith have become markedly more casual, reflecting a growing bond that oscillates between camaraderie and lighthearted exasperation. Serelith, unrestrained by Vyrelda’s presence, often seeks to distract Elowen with mischievous antics or long philosophical discussions that veer into surprisingly intimate territory. Prime Minister Aelthrin, on the other hand, has adopted a newfound zeal for blending teas, proudly presenting her with increasingly complex concoctions inspired by Your Highness’s own collection. His focus on this newfound hobby brings a lively, almost paternal energy to their formal meetings, and Queen Elowen humors him with genuine curiosity. Yet, amidst these moments of levity, she frequently turns to me for updates about you, an unspoken longing in her voice as she asks to see your progress through the chimera ants’ surveillance feeds. It is during these times that I exercise my discretion, ensuring the integrity of her focus on state matters while balancing her undeniable yearning to observe you."

He blinked, caught off guard.

"Monitoring me? Should I be worried?"

<Perhaps. She often requests live feeds from the chimera ants deployed near your location. Naturally, I exercise discretion in the content shared.>

A slow grin spread across Mikhailis’s face.

"Discretion? Since when do you care about protecting my dignity?"

<It is not your dignity I safeguard. Should Queen Elowen witness certain... intimate activities, she may abandon her responsibilities and ride directly to Serewyn out of jealousy.>

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Mikhailis laughed softly, though he kept his voice low so as not to disturb Cerys.

"Fair point. Thanks for sparing me that drama."

"What else?" he prompted, leaning back and folding his hands behind his head.

"How’s the kingdom holding up?"

Rodion’s form flickered as it transitioned into a more formal report mode.

<Economic growth remains stable, bolstered by flourishing trade routes that extend deep into allied territories. Exports of rare forest products, such as Elenbarley and Kroshel Maize, have increased by an impressive 15% this quarter, further strengthening the kingdom’s economic foothold. The addition of more skilled artisans in the royal workshops has enhanced the quality and quantity of exported goods, fostering trust among trading partners. Military modernization efforts, spearheaded by Prime Minister Aelthrin under your guidance, focus heavily on refining tactics and fostering a disciplined, proactive mindset. This includes comprehensive drills for the royal guard that simulate real-world scenarios, ensuring adaptability in dynamic combat situations. While eschewing reliance on advanced technologies, the army has implemented structural reforms that emphasize strategic formations and efficient chain-of-command protocols. Public morale continues to rise, buoyed by equitable resource distribution, improved healthcare access in rural areas, and the completion of several long-delayed public infrastructure projects. Queen Elowen’s diplomatic outreach has also enhanced civic pride, further stabilizing the social fabric and fostering optimism for the kingdom’s future.>

Mikhailis’s brow furrowed slightly.

"And the challenges?"

<Sporadic incursions by Skalvern monsters along the northern border remain a concern, as these creatures continue to emerge unpredictably, testing the vigilance of the royal guard. Their attacks disrupt trade caravans and isolate vulnerable villages, creating a sense of unease among the border populace. The monsters, with their erratic but devastating patterns, necessitate constant patrolling, which stretches current resources thin. Additionally, unresolved disputes with neighboring territories persist, fueled by historical grievances and competition over resource-rich zones near the shared borders. Attempts at mediation have thus far yielded only temporary truces, leaving tensions simmering just below the surface. These challenges demand a strategic approach, blending military preparedness with astute diplomacy to stabilize the region and restore confidence among the affected communities.>

So, the usual headaches, he thought, absently brushing a hand through his hair. The mental image of these issues laid out like a kingdom management game floated through his mind, complete with neatly labeled stats and progress bars. He almost chuckled at the absurdity of it.

"Let’s brainstorm," he said, sitting up and dusting off his shirt.

"Any ideas for improvement?"

Rodion’s glow brightened slightly, indicating it was processing.

<Establishing additional trade agreements with neighboring regions could mitigate border disputes by fostering economic interdependence. This approach would not only encourage shared prosperity but also create a framework where conflicts become less economically viable. Furthermore, deploying a mobile unit to the Skalvern borders could serve as a highly visible deterrent to monster activity, providing reassurance to vulnerable border communities without significantly draining the kingdom’s core defenses. Such units could focus on rapid response, employing coordinated tactics to neutralize threats efficiently while maintaining flexibility for redeployment as needed. By pairing these strategies with targeted public outreach—such as hosting border region forums to address local concerns—the kingdom could build trust and cooperation, reinforcing its reputation as both a protector and partner to its people and neighbors.>

Mikhailis nodded thoughtfully.

"Both sound solid. What about internal matters?"

Mikhailis leaned back against the tree, staring up at the star-filled sky. Despite the apparent peace, his mind was already racing, piecing together the implications of Rodion’s latest updates.

"Rodion, let’s focus on agriculture for a moment," Mikhailis said, his voice soft but laced with curiosity. "You mentioned progress in the fields, not just the underground chambers. Explain that in detail." Stay updated with novelbuddy

Rodion’s glow flickered, shifting to a more detailed overlay as it relayed information.

<Indeed. While the subterranean agricultural chambers beneath Silvarion Thalor serve as an experimental nutrient reserve and emergency food storage, the primary advances have been achieved through external cultivation fields. The chimera ants have been instrumental in these improvements, utilizing their innate abilities to create nutrient banks directly within the soil. This process enriches the earth across expansive farmland, starting from the outskirts of the capital and steadily extending outward.>

Mikhailis raised an eyebrow.

"Nutrient banks? You mean, they’re essentially fertilizing the land on a grand scale?"

<Correct. The ants process organic and inorganic matter, breaking it down into bioavailable nutrients that are then deposited systematically across the fields. This methodology significantly enhances soil fertility without the need for conventional fertilizers. Additionally, they have established a highly efficient irrigation network. By tunneling precise channels and connecting them to the existing waterways, the ants ensure that each crop receives optimal hydration based on the calculated water retention and absorption properties of the soil.>

The young prince consort couldn’t suppress a grin.

Efficient, adaptable, and damn near perfect for this kind of work. I really hit the jackpot with these little guys.

"How’s the yield looking so far?" he asked, eager to hear more.

<Initial reports indicate a 35% increase in crop production compared to the previous harvest cycle. Staples such as Elenbarley and Kroshel Maize are thriving, their growth patterns closely monitored and fine-tuned based on data collected from the environment. Moreover, experimental crops, including Valisroot hybrids, are showing promising results, particularly in regions previously deemed less arable.>

Mikhailis whistled low, impressed.

"So we’re not just feeding the kingdom—we’re pushing boundaries. What about climate predictions? You mentioned the ants gathering data?"

<Precisely. Through a combination of subtle chemical receptors and antennae sensitivity, the chimera ants collect atmospheric data, including humidity, temperature fluctuations, and pressure changes. This information is processed in real-time to predict weather patterns with remarkable accuracy. Early warning systems for storms, droughts, or unseasonal frosts are being established, allowing farmers to adapt their planting and harvesting schedules accordingly. Additionally, these predictions are shared with regional authorities to preemptively mitigate potential damages.>

Mikhailis leaned forward, a spark of excitement in his gaze.

"That’s incredible. Have we started coordinating these insights with the farmers?"

<Yes. Local farmers receive tailored recommendations based on the predictive models. For example, during an unseasonal dry spell in the western fields, irrigation schedules were adjusted to prevent water scarcity, preserving 90% of the affected crops. Similarly, warnings about heavy rains near the southern territories enabled the rapid reinforcement of drainage systems, preventing widespread flooding. These adaptive measures have fostered significant trust among the agrarian population, boosting overall morale.>

A slow smile crept across Mikhailis’s face. "We’re not just feeding people; we’re building resilience. That’s the kind of progress I like to hear." He paused, tapping a finger against his knee thoughtfully. "What’s next? Are there areas for improvement?"