The next steps proceed agonizingly slowly but without a hitch.
It seems like Inati's troops aren't able to return this instant, since, as one might've surmised, the passages to the other side are mostly blocked now.
Of course, this doesn't impede the flying units, who are scouring the fields for any materials that might find their use, as well as possible survivors to take as prisoners.
The latter rather to collect bargain material than anything else.
Those who can't fly either need to take a longer route around, return to Inati's hive, or work on creating a new passage through the deeper layers, heavily complicated by the sunken river.
All of this is rather hard for me to watch.
We're taking advantage of the loss of so many lives here.
Collecting spoils we made by most drastic measures, just as planned.
Is it really so much more morally high to loot a corpse only because you're at war?
No, mere looting wouldn't even get to this.
I know perfectly well what Chera plans to do with the corpses she's salvaging.
However, aside from the aftercare, it truly seems like this battle was won, which ends the siege on our new wall.
For this reason, aftertalks have to commence now, to go over everything once again.
The meeting happens in a more or less casual way on the small plaza behind the main gateway.
However, a certain degree of severity comes from the fact that all our respective escorts are present.
The poor Lord Stormheart looks a little lost in this environment.
As Inati can fly, she actually has no problem heading back in time from the battlefield to partake.
The princess in question doesn't even appear to be bothered by that obvious frown about her person.
No, if anything she looks extremely self-content.
Once again I'm asking myself if this battle maniac should really be the one at the frontline when it comes to interaction with the other swarms.
The back and forth between Inati and Chera continues for a while without any real results.
Once there's the chance for a break, it's Lord Stormheart who speaks up.
"Ahem. I'd like to express my gratitude for your aid in this war. After today, Tarsona might truly be free from Koresoan incursions. At least, I don't see them crossing the border again anytime soon." (St)
That might truly be the case.
Not only did the cave-in expand the river by quite a bit, but it also lies now quite a bit lower, with a steep drop at the shores, compared to before.
Not to speak of the wall itself.
Without significant preparation, and not to forget a new army, Koreso won't be able to do anything about this situation for the longest time.
That's one way to ruin the mood after a victory speech.
"Well, that might be true. Nonetheless, you helped us and fought at our side. This is something, isn't it?" (St)
(L)
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Oh my, I can see where this is going.
"Uh, well, partly. We'll probably maintain our army for a while till things calm down in Koreso, to make sure the border is secure. In addition, it can pose a problem to disarm an army too quickly. Also, the mercenaries are probably just going to return to the warring states." (St)
At least that's something.
(C)
She could've worded this more diplomatically.
On the other side, it's kinda impressive how she managed to convey a need for soldiers without admitting how royally screwed she is.
I mean, did she seriously think nobody would pick up on how she the whole time already grabs any resources she can get her claws on to distribute them to her hive?
I mean, I did!
However, the next to speak up is Inati.
(C)
Damn.
She said the "little" part with exactly the same connotation as Uma.
The princess in question is now literally fuming her pheromones.
Inati, on the other side, just leaves the irritated Chera behind.
(C)
It's quite clear that she wants to leave so we don't see her all emotional.
I turn to Lord Stormheart.
"Will you be alright on your own here?" (E)
"I wouldn't see why not. Defending this place won't be much of a hassle. Yet having a dedicated communication officer of your side at the ready would be recommended for properly planning out our efforts." (St)
"I'll see what I can do." (E)
"For now, I may make use of Lady Lorata, who should be stationed close by. But a reasonably fluent link to enable communication between our sides would be better." (St)
"Stck"
"Ackh!" (St)
Now all of us stare at Chera and her extended stinger.
Well, all but Lord Stormheart, who is rather occupied now with cramping on the ground.
I honestly have no idea how to respond to this.
I doubt berating her will do any good.
As the atmosphere lies tense in the air, I decide to ask what's on my mind, if only to switch topics.
Liseti is the first to answer this.
(C)
Yeah sure.
Once you settled the looming doom of your whole hive.
Just a small issue to solve.
Ehm, why are the two now looking so strangely at me?
With this, Chera also apparently takes her leave.
I look to the ground.
I point at Lord Stormheart.
If he says so...
Wh-what?!
I don't know!
I just blurted out a half-thought-through idea of mine!
Again!
Help!!!