The journey to the main hive proceeds expectedly uneventfully.
By now, the established underground route below the Drega Mountains, towards the wall, is so frequently traversed that it would be truly surprising if anything could have established itself in our way.
So we reach our destination without issues.
Not that the arrival wouldn't be a thing of its own.
I quickly take note of the changes when we're still at the outer layers of the hive.
A different pattern of patrol movements, more guardians, and... humans.
Not all that many, but some, which is already a thing in itself.
Given their plain grey clothes... those must be the slaves Liseti captured.
It looks like they have to perform menial tasks, mostly carrying stuff.
Which they interrupted, now that they noticed us in our flesh carriage.
And me, courtesy of Liseti opening the upper half now that we reached the security of the hive.
Yeah, I guess a half-insect woman is still a sight.
Especially, if it's quite obvious that we are important, considering the way we're escorted.
Suddenly, a woman jumps in front of the carriage.
"Please! Help!"
Only a quick pheromone signal of mine prevents her from getting rolled over.
Though, what would actually have happened to her would've probably been far worse than if a normal carriage drove through her.
I notice Liseti being slightly annoyed, or rather offended, but decide to engage nonetheless.
"What is wrong? Ehk, sorry, I mean, I know there are circumstances, but how can I help you?" (E)
I seriously have no idea if I even can, but I certainly feel empathy with these people.
I need to at least hear them out.
If I hear now that they're treated poorly, I'll do everything in my power to change this.
If not for that fateful day when the emergence at my farm happened, I could easily be now in their circumstances, or worse.
Moreover, those are exactly the kind of people I deem innocent victims of this war.
The last who should have to suffer for the decisions of those in power.
I am in power, so I bear responsibility.
"L-lady... We, we were brought here by these creatures and made to dig and carry dirt. I haven't seen any light in weeks. We are scared and distraught. Please, help us!"
She's visibly intimidated by how my escort reacts to her.
"I, I'll see what I can do, but I can't make promises. My influence here has its limits. However, you have my word that no harm may befall you, and I will see to it that you are freed." (E)
I look at Liseti for confirmation.
After all, she wanted them as workforce for her project.
Yet once that is over, I don't think she's going to have much need for humans.
Aside from this, I don't think she would intentionally mistreat any of her workers.
When she doesn't object, I see this as confirmation enough to continue.
"Is there anything else? Are you treated well? Can I do something to help you people?" (E)
The poor woman is visibly shaken.
Obviously, she didn't think this through and didn't believe she would even get this far.
"The, the Koresoans have my little girl. I, I was told if we kill an opponent I, I could have her freed. But now..."
Yeah, doesn't seem feasible.
On the other hand...
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I don't find it meaningless at all, but it might be better to give in to her.
Liseti is far more favorable if she's in a better mood.
The woman meanwhile is completely out of it because of our insect talking.
"Ahem, it might be better if you move out of the way. Please, don't act rashly. If you can endure this just a little longer, I promise things will improve." (E)
While she's clearly overwhelmed, the urging of a guardian is hardly ignored by her.
Thus, the carriage sets back into motion.
Yet now I have questions.
I guess that means she isn't working them to death, expecting the same quantity as a worker would be capable of.
(L)
Don't think closer about the implications, Erys.
At least, you now know that the people have what they need to survive.
But that doesn't cover possible mistreatment.
Slavery is wrong in itself, that's what I've been taught, but hitting them into compliance would be even worse.
It's certainly not ideal.
Especially, the part where it's still slavery.
Nonetheless, Liseti seems to pay attention to their needs.
One thing stands out to me about her explanation.
This she says with a certain sense of contentment.
The kind one displays if they're satisfied with their own deeds.
(L)
What's that supposed to mean?
Greatness?
Why do I feel concerned?
Yeah, okay, now there are shivers.
(L)
Anyone else I'd accuse of being megalomaniacal.
However, Liseti is the kind to think things through.
She makes objective plans and acts upon them.
Not to speak of that she has the power to back it up.
So if she's saying she's going to reshape the whole landscape according to her wishes, I fear that's not just a pipedream of hers.
She's actually going to put this surface insect nation into reality.
Right where my old home once stood.
Our transport eventually reaches the center of the hive, where the fairly overwhelming sight of the gigantic pillar in its center greets us.
It looks even more stunning than I remember it.
Probably due to the light stones and glow moss, which I'm very sure increased in number, making for a far brighter welcome.
Might be to have the outer layers more accommodating to humans.
And I need to say, it works.
It's hard to describe, but somehow it feels like coming home.
To think I came to accept this place as such.
Yet the relief I'm currently feeling is evidence enough.
I can't wait to be back at my old princess district.
Oh, not to forget about Dad and Toris.
I didn't see them for so long.
Yes, I sent them messages, written as pheromone pods, which Toris for some reason prefers and asked for, but actually seeing them again is so much more.
Ready?
I hope she means ready to lay down in my dwellings to get a good rest.
Though, somehow I doubt it.
I probably should've expected that.