The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Elowen sighed contentedly as she leaned back in her chair, her fingers grazing the rim of her new glasses. It had only been three days since she'd begun fully incorporating Rodion into her work routines, and the results were undeniable. The seemingly never-ending mountain of paperwork, the diplomatic discussions, the analysis of supply lines—everything that normally took weeks was now complete.
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It was astonishing to think she'd completed two weeks' worth of work in just three days, all while still managing to finish early.

She smiled, letting herself relax as the last stack of documents was laid before her. Prime Minister Aelthrin, his shoulders slightly slouched from the day's labor, looked surprisingly cheerful as he placed the pile on her desk.

"Your Majesty, today has been another excellent day of productivity. Your insight during the council meeting was crucial, and we have completed quite a bit of paperwork as well," he said, his voice holding an edge of relief.

Elowen looked up at him, a tired but warm smile on her face.

"Thank you, Aelthrin. I could not have done all this without your guidance. And of course, thanks to Vyrelda and Serelith as well,"

Prime Minister Aelthrin chuckled, but before he could say anything more, Vyrelda, who was standing nearby, crossed her arms, giving Aelthrin a pointed look.

"You seem happier than usual, Aelthrin," Vyrelda said, her tone teasing but soft.

"What's gotten you so cheerful?"

The prime minister raised his brows, then gave a knowing smile.

"Why shouldn't I be happy, Vyrelda? With all this work being completed earlier than expected, it gives me more time to spend with my grandson. He just turned two months old recently."

Elowen's face lit up at the mention of Aelthrin's grandson. She remembered when he had shared the news of the birth. The usually composed prime minister had been beaming like the sun that day.

"Ah, right! Of course, the new grandpa wants to visit his grandchild as often as possible." She glanced between Aelthrin and Vyrelda.

"With how smoothly things have been progressing, maybe you should bring him to visit us here at the castle. Who knows? Maybe one day he'll grow to become the prime minister and advisor for my and Mikhailis's child."

Aelthrin's eyes twinkled, and he gave a bow of his head.

"Indeed, Your Majesty. That would be the most perfect outcome."

Vyrelda gave a wistful sigh, her gaze lingering on Aelthrin. She seemed lost in thought for a moment, her eyes soft. Elowen caught the look, and a knowing smile crossed her lips.

"You know, Vyrelda," she said gently.

"if you wish to see his grandchild, you could just ask Aelthrin directly. I'm sure he'd love to share the joy with you."

Vyrelda blinked, her cheeks coloring ever so slightly. She cleared her throat, looking aside.

"It's just... I find children quite charming, that's all. They never lie, and they bring such innocence to every interaction."

Serelith, standing in the doorway with her usual confident poise, smirked at Vyrelda's awkwardness.

"You've always been a softie when it comes to children, haven't you?" she teased, her eyes glinting.

Vyrelda straightened, but she couldn't hide the faint smile on her lips.

"I suppose... but only because they represent honesty, which is often rare amongst adults."

Laughter bubbled up among them. It was light and warm, a sign of camaraderie despite their different roles and the heavy responsibilities each of them bore. It had been a long time since such genuine laughter filled the council room, and Elowen cherished it.

After the chuckles subsided, Aelthrin's face grew a shade more serious. He adjusted his glasses and glanced at Elowen.

"Your Majesty," he began, his tone becoming professional once more.

"Isn't it time for you to respond to the saintess of the Elder Tree?"

Elowen's smile faltered slightly, her brows knitting together. The mention of the saintess brought forth an old tension. Her mind immediately went back to the incident involving Mikhailis. He had been on his way to visit the saintess at her request—her dwelling was located at the edge of the capital—when he was abducted in the middle of the road.

It was a bold and reckless attempt by the technomancers' league, one that could have ended in disaster if Mikhailis hadn't managed to fend off his attackers and Rodion didn't told her his location.

Since then, Elowen had felt an unspoken anger toward the saintess, even if she had offered a formal apology and pleaded for another visit to mend things. Elowen had declined every invitation, unwilling to expose her beloved Mikhailis to any more potential danger.

The diplomatic tension between the queen and the saintess was palpable, yet to Elowen, Mikhailis's safety came first, even before political ties.

She let out a long sigh.

"Yes... I suppose it is time. Tomorrow is the day of her invitation, isn't it?" She looked at Aelthrin, her voice tinged with reluctance. "I think I will accept. But this time, we will proceed at my own pace."

Aelthrin gave a nod, a respectful smile crossing his lips.

"That is certainly the best course of action, Your Majesty."

Rodion's voice chimed in through her earpiece.

<An optimal decision, Your Majesty. Maintaining diplomatic balance is crucial, but your safety concerns are just as important. Proceeding with caution is recommended.>

Elowen's gaze softened, and she nodded. She looked back at Aelthrin.

"After the visit with the saintess, we also have the journey to the northern province, correct?"

The prime minister straightened, looking at the papers in his hand.

"Indeed, Your Majesty. The Fall season approaches, and with it, there is likely to be another monster uprising. It's an annual occurrence, and the northern border has been preparing for it." He paused before looking up, meeting Elowen's eyes. "It would certainly be fine for the prince consort to accompany you to the northern province, given the potential dangers there.

However, as for visiting the saintess, I believe it is wise to keep a distance between her and His Highness, at least for now."

Rodion chimed in once more.

<Prime Minister Aelthrin's assessment is valid. Limiting proximity between the saintess and the prince consort minimizes risk, particularly given the unresolved incident. Prioritizing safety is paramount.>

Elowen gave a slight nod. It pained her to be apart from Mikhailis, especially after everything they had been through together. But as queen, she had to think of the bigger picture, and it was true that allowing the saintess near Mikhailis again could create unnecessary tension or even danger.

"Very well," she said, her tone resolute.

"We will proceed with caution."

Aelthrin bowed.

"Understood, Your Majesty."

As the council wrapped up for the day, Elowen felt the fatigue of leadership settle on her shoulders once more. Despite the ease that Rodion had brought to her workload, there were still decisions that weighed heavy on her heart. She needed a moment to gather her thoughts before returning to her quarters.

She nodded her farewells to Vyrelda, Serelith, and Aelthrin before stepping into the quiet hallway.

The castle corridors were peaceful at this time of day, sunlight streaming through the tall windows and painting golden patterns across the floor. Elowen walked slowly, her thoughts wandering as she considered the days ahead.

"Rodion,"

she spoke, her voice soft enough that only the AI at her glasses could hear her.

<If I go to the saintess's place, it means I'll have to leave Mikhailis behind for three days, correct? With the royal ritual and everything else that needs to be done.>

Rodion's voice responded promptly, with its usual calm efficiency.

<That is correct, Your Majesty. The necessary proceedings will indeed take three days. However, should you wish to maintain contact with Prince Consort Mikhailis, I can facilitate communication whenever you require it. As long as the distance does not exceed five miles, the connection will remain stable.>

Elowen paused in her steps, her eyes widening.

"Is that true, Rodion? I can communicate with Mikhailis even if we are apart?"

<Affirmative, Your Majesty. It is within my capabilities to link your communication channels. Thus, there will be no significant barrier to your interaction, as long as you remain within the stated range.>

Elowen's lips curved into a smile, her eyes shining with relief. The thought of leaving Mikhailis behind, even for just a few days, had weighed on her heart, but knowing she could still hear his voice, even from a distance, lightened that burden.

"Thank you, Rodion. That will make things much easier."

<It is my duty to ensure your comfort, Your Majesty. Additionally, if I may be candid—ensuring the prince consort's happiness also contributes to overall stability. After all, one never knows when he might get you pregnant, which would strengthen the royal line and—>

"Rodion!" Elowen's cheeks flushed at the bluntness of Rodion's statement. She looked around quickly, hoping no one had overheard.

Rodion continued, undeterred.

<Merely a factual observation, Your Majesty. Ensuring adequate leisure time with Prince Consort Mikhailis could indeed yield positive outcomes for the kingdom's future.>

Elowen sighed, though she couldn't stop the small smile that tugged at her lips.

"You're right... Pregnant, huh..." She placed a hand gently on her stomach, her gaze turning thoughtful. The idea of bearing Mikhailis's child—of creating a family, a future, together—filled her heart with warmth. It would be a bond that tied them together forever, something that went beyond the titles of queen and consort. It would be their legacy, a piece of their love made real.

"That... would be the greatest thing I could ever wish for," she murmured, her voice almost a whisper.

She took a deep breath, her hand still resting on her abdomen, and nodded to herself.

"Alright, Rodion. Let's finish our duties as soon as possible. The sooner we handle the necessary matters, the sooner I can return to Mikhailis."

<Understood, Your Majesty. Optimizing work efficiency for maximum leisure with Prince Consort Mikhailis is now my top priority.>

Elowen chuckled softly, feeling lighter than she had all day. She quickened her pace, her heart already set on the moment she could return to his side.