Chapter 1704 – Wheeling and Dealing

“Eldest, do you really intend to sell the delvers back to Green Mountain?”

“Of course, why wouldn’t I?”

Sloan seems to have reservations about my strategy.

“Won’t they just come back again?”

After putting up with the priests for a few weeks? Probably not.

“If they do, it’s good,” I say.

“Why would it be good?” the general replies, obviously confused.

“Because then we can capture them again,” I point out. “Which means we can sell them again.”

I’m no expert in history, but from what I know, the best way to stop a fight is to make it too expensive to continue. If capturing ants isn’t a path to riches and fortune, but debt and misery, then nobody will come looking for us, no matter how much the church wants to pay.

“Well… if you insist on doing it this way, we can only go along with you. I’ve done as you asked and found someone who will manage the negotiations for the Colony. They’ll be here in a few minutes.”

In that case, I should finish up my meal.

“Thanks, Sloan, I appreciate your help.”

Wait… where the heck did my food go? I swear I had more of this Biomass left….

[Tiny, turn around.]

The giant ape has his back to me. Unable to refuse my direct order, he slowly turns to face me, revealing his bulging cheeks.

[You can’t be that hungry, I’ve been bringing Biomass back for you, haven’t I?]

He manages to choke down the enormous mouthful of food and has the decency to look somewhat shamed.

Sheesh!

He might be getting older and wiser in some ways, but he’s still a very greedy boy! Before I can scold him too much, I feel a mind bridge reach out to me and I allow it to snap into place.

[Eldest. I have brought the negotiating team here to speak with you.]

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

[Sure, sure, let them in.]

A few moments later, I am treated to a very welcome sight indeed.

[Enid!] I cheer, clacking my mandibles happily as the old woman enters the chamber.

My word… she’s so small.

I crouch down low, finally flattening myself out and lying down to make myself as small as possible, but she still looks incredibly tiny to me. I didn’t get that big, did I?