The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Chapter 147 The Northern Defense (End) Goblins and Strategy

Mikhailis sat on the plush sofa in the guest room, staring at the glasses on his nose while sipping tea from an ornate porcelain cup. He could see the moving feed from Rodion, and the display was like watching a poorly-scripted movie—goblins running about like headless chickens, trying to assault the wall in a disorganized manner. But despite their number, it was suspicious. His brow furrowed as he stared at the feed.

<Report: The goblins have initiated their attack. The total count is eighty—divided into four groups, each attacking from different fronts. The pattern indicates distraction attempts, but the numbers are significantly lower than expected considering the size of their forces.>

Mikhailis tapped his finger against the side of his teacup, a small frown on his lips.

Why only eighty? These guys have much more in their forces, and even if they were just testing the defenses, it doesn't make sense to waste soldiers like this.

He watched the groups launch themselves against the wall, making a futile attempt to breach it. The guards atop the wall responded quickly, arrows and boiling oil raining down upon them, cutting their numbers before they even got close. Within minutes, it was over—the goblins reduced to nothing more than twitching bodies littered around the base of the wall.

"Well, that was... anticlimactic." Mikhailis leaned back against the cushions, his lips curling into a faint smile.

"I mean, if they wanted to make a show of it, they could've at least tried harder."

<Observation: The Tanglebeetles have resumed their attack. Multiple waves are continuing from the forest, swarming toward the wall.>

Mikhailis turned his attention back to the feed. Indeed, the Tanglebeetles were charging in waves—dark, shiny bodies glistening in the moonlight as they scuttled forward. The guards were doing their best to keep them at bay, but these beetles were persistent, pressing on even when their brethren were being slain in front of them.

And then, beyond the wall, deeper into the forest, Mikhailis saw something different. The feed from Rodion shifted, zooming in to focus on what seemed like retreating goblins—but they weren't fleeing in a panic. Instead, they moved with purpose, their heads turning back toward the wall as if to gauge something.

They're strategizing... Mikhailis mused.

They're waiting for something—trying to find the best moment to strike.

He felt a chill run down his spine. This wasn't the work of simple-minded creatures acting on impulse. There was a method to this madness, something far more dangerous than he'd initially thought.

"Rodion, we need a change in strategy," Mikhailis said, his voice more serious now.

"They're planning something, and I don't like it. You should tell Elowen about this possible scheme,"

<Understood. Awaiting further instructions.>

Mikhailis set his cup down, staring intently at the projection.

"Get me the full report on our forces in the area—I need to know what we have available."

<Current Status: Approximately 90% of Chimera Ant Soldiers and Workers are dedicated to the protection of Chimera Ant Queen and Mikhailis' clone. This is necessary to avoid compromising the nest's safety. Available forces in the Northern Province: 12 Chimera Ant Soldiers and 34 Chimera Ant Workers.>

Not much to work with, Mikhailis thought.

I could bring more, but it would endanger the nest—and if the clone dies, I'm done for. We need to be smart about this.

<Additional Note: Scurabons and Frog Variant Chimera Ant are currently tasked with nest defense. Available specialized unit: Hypnoveil Variant. Effective in hypnotic control but limited by target capacity. Maximum number of hypnotized subjects: 20.>

Mikhailis nodded thoughtfully.

"The Hypnoveil might be our best shot... But we'll need something more substantial than just low-level goblins under our control."

<It may be possible to hypnotize higher-ranked goblins, such as Hobgoblins or Goblin Champions. Note: Goblin Apostles or Goblin Kings are unlikely to be successfully hypnotized due to increased resistance. It would require careful planning to infiltrate their command structure.>

Mikhailis let out a small sigh, a crooked smile tugging at his lips.

"Careful planning, huh? Not exactly my strong suit—but desperate times, right?"

He stood up, pacing the room as he thought aloud.

"If we could get control of a Champion, or at least a Hobgoblin, we might be able to shake things up a bit. Maybe even create a rift within their forces..."

The idea had potential, but it was risky. They'd need to get close enough to a high-ranking goblin without alerting the others—and even if they managed it, there was no guarantee the hypnosis would work. But if it did...

It could give us the edge we need.

"Rodion," Mikhailis said, turning to face the projection, "let's make preparations for a capture attempt. Start analyzing possible targets—I want to know which ones are most likely to turn without too much resistance."

<Understood. Compiling data.>

Mikhailis sat back down, his gaze still fixed on the feed. The Tanglebeetles were relentless, but the wall was holding—for now. He knew, though, that they couldn't keep this up forever. They needed a way to turn the tide before it was too late.

As he pondered, another thought crossed his mind.

"Hey, Rodion, why isn't the territory hiring adventurers or mercenaries for this? Seems like they could use all the help they can get."

<Advisory: Northern Province leadership has discussed the hiring of adventurers and mercenaries. The decision was made to prioritize internal stability. Quality of adventurers may vary from year to year, and high-ranked adventurers rarely remain in one location for extended periods. Hiring costs are also prohibitive, and maintaining internal military strength is preferable for political stability and public confidence. Knights of the province represent local strength, and the people prefer to see their leaders protecting them directly.>

Mikhailis let out a low chuckle, shaking his head.

"Ah, so it's all a big political move. Makes sense. But... if things really go south, they'll end up hiring them anyway, won't they?"

<Correct. If the situation deteriorates beyond the province's control, external forces will be sought as a last resort.>

Mikhailis looked out the window, watching as the battle raged on. The number of Tanglebeetles was starting to dwindle, and he could see that the guards were finally beginning to gain some ground. He turned his attention back to the projection, where a new feed had appeared—this one showing the Chimera Ant Workers moving stealthily through the chaos, snatching up the fallen Tanglebeetle corpses.

"Resourceful little guys, aren't they?" Mikhailis murmured, a hint of pride in his voice.

<Collection of Tanglebeetle remains is proceeding. High-load feed is being transported to the nest. Note: Secret safe passage from the Northern Province to the nest has been successfully completed. Passage includes multiple traps passages leading towards designed death passage to eliminate intruding creatures. Only Chimera Ant units are capable of safely navigating the correct route, utilizing pheromone markers.>

Mikhailis raised an eyebrow.

"So we don't have to worry about anything nasty stumbling across our secret tunnel, huh? Nice work."

The projection shifted again, showing the interior of the nest. The feed chamber had grown considerably—a vast hall that stretched out like a grand underground ballroom. Mikhailis could see the Chimera Ant Workers depositing the Tanglebeetle remains, piling them neatly within the expansive space. Five Chimera Workers were stationed within, organizing and managing the ever-growing supply of feed.

The sight of the massive chamber brought a wry smile to Mikhailis' face.

"It's like a wedding hall... but instead of decorations, it's just piles of bug carcasses."

<The nest's expansion has been rapid. Current dimensions approximate a structure equivalent to 3,200 cubic meters. Food storage has been prioritized at the lowest level to minimize risk and maximize accessibility for future growth.>

Mikhailis shook his head, his smile widening.

"It just keeps getting bigger and bigger, huh? One day, we'll have a whole underground city down there."

<Assessment: Continued growth is both likely and beneficial. Resource acquisition has increased by 270% in the past three weeks. Expansion enables greater defense capabilities and sustains additional units.>

"Yeah, yeah," Mikhailis muttered, his tone light.

"Just make sure we don't end up biting off more than we can chew."

The projection flickered, shifting back to the forest. The goblins were still there, lurking, waiting. Mikhailis could feel it in his gut—they were planning something big. And if they didn't figure out what it was soon, they were going to be in serious trouble.

He took a deep breath, his gaze hardening.

"Alright, Rodion. Let's get to work."