Formicea Chapter 204

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 movents, more guardians, and... humans.

Not all that many, but so, 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 nial tasks, mostly carrying stuff.

Which they interrupted, now that they noticed us in our flesh carriage.

And , 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 an, 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 ergence 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 sothing 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...

(E)

(L)

(E)