Formicea Chapter 70

After the general agreent stood we started to decide on the fictional prices for the wares we're about to introduce to the human society.

The base is mostly Olira's rough estimation about similar cases when novel products were brought on the maket.

It's kinda weird to make up such things and to decide if sothing is going to get sold as an expensive luxury or should be a product for the general populace.

It feels like we are kids who make this up while playing shopping at the store.

Especially as we're talking about so many things no one knows yet.

So it takes a while till we are all done and have agreed on what we'll give for the first delivery of tools.

"So, four amphoras of nectar, a barrel of the binding agent, a generous amount of the food mushroom, and several hides of creatures one can only encounter in the underworld. Is that it?" (E)

While most of this is no problem to provide, the nectar was an issue.

Formicea and like this Liseti are a bit picky about their food supply and value it very much.

So giving away this much nectar is a big deal.

"Perfect. For those I'll send tal tools with which you should be able to extract the ore." (O)

(L)

"You an sothing like tal claws?" (O)

(L)

"Ehm, as I said, those would have to be specifically crafted first. For now, I need to ask you to make do with the usual mining tools." (O)

(L)

"Could I ask, why do you want such things? As paynt I am sure gold and silver ore would have sufficed." (E)

At this on her face again grows what I suspect is her rchant smile.

It honestly puts off.

"Advertisent, my dearest. It's far easier to convince people to accept one's presence if you provide sothing they want. They just don't know yet that they'll love it. If I beco the only rchant who can deliver such things I will be in an advantageous position. And your kind as the producers will as well raise in their esteem." (O)

I need to say, her way of thinking is interesting.

Her argunt makes sense.

A noble who develops a liking for sweets made with nectar might not vote against further trade when the ti cos.

And the starving populace will certainly not sabotage their next food delivery.

It's interesting to learn about this kind of diplomatic trading.

But I am sure the one who learned the most here is Liseti.

She barely blinked throughout the entire negotiation, always highly attentive.

(L)

"I would first need to know what it is." (O)

(L)

"So I have to train so of your drones to beco rchants if I want to do any business down here." (O)

(E)

(L)

"Urgh, what is it with you folk that makes all of you strobing my face?" (O)

I... notice now.

This liquid.

It slls a bit like Liseti.

Not quite the sa, but I'm reminded of her alone by inhaling this scent.

If it works like I think it does, every drone will now know that they're associated.

Then Liseti suddenly moves to .

(L)

Wh-what?!

(L)

(L)

Okay.

I just have never done this before.

What could go wrong aside from having no idea what I'm even doing and ssing up big ti?

(L)

She turns the batch around, and yes, it's my symbol.

(E)

(L)

It seems I won't get out of this.

At least a tip would be nice.

(E)

(L)

Damn, this couldn't have been more abstract, huh?

The first point is extending my ovipositor.

While I know how to do it by now I certainly have my issues to display my private parts in front of a business partner.

And if the thing I'm squeezing brood out isn't private I don't know.

Nonetheless, I have to do it.

Alone this ability seems to be important for my future if I want to prevent that soone I like gets ripped apart by my subordinates.

So I extend it, ignoring any outer reactions, and move it a bit clumsy to the batch.

Creating this pheromone is much more tricky.

I have to concentrate really hard on everything Liseti ntioned.

Especially differentiating between Olira and this clump of earth is difficult, as it's so abstract.

The mont I think I've got it for the batch I suddenly feel so kind of switch.

And promptly release the sa liquid.

After this "leak" I feel bad.

But still, now that I know how, I can repeat the thing Liseti did with her empty hand and move to Olira.

"I-I'm not sure if this is necessary." (O)

"Please, don't make this harder for than it is." (E)

We both grumble and I proceed with swift movents to stroke it over her head as Liseti indicated to do.

We both don't like it and I hurry to get done.

"Was this it?" (O)

"I think so." (E)

"God, finally. Seriously, I'm beat. And this "odor" is far too intense. Let's call it a day." (O)

(E)

(L)

Great.

It's over.

I need a break.

Yet before this, I have to look for two nurses I can send with Olira.

Just then my mother walks in.

(F)

Huh?

What?!