The journey continued, the carriage creaking and swaying gently as it rolled over the uneven forest path. The trees were towering around them, their branches intertwining to form a green, leafy canopy that allowed only patches of sunlight to filter through. The dappled sunlight danced across the path, creating a serene, almost magical atmosphere. The rhythmic sound of the horse hooves echoed around them, blending with the rustling of leaves and distant calls of birds hidden high above in the foliage.
Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was far from the peace of the forest around them. Rhea sat beside Mikhailis, her eyes full of admiration as she showered him with complints.
"Milord, you were just so wonderful this morning. Honestly, I can't help but think how lucky we all are to have you with us," she said dreamily, her head tilting as she gazed at him.
Estella, seated on the other side of Mikhailis, let out a small laugh, shaking her head slightly.
"Rhea, you do know he's not going anywhere, right? You might want to save so of those praises for later," she teased, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
Mikhailis glanced at Lira, who was listening quietly, her eyes narrowed with focus. She didn't say anything, but he could sense her irritation building up, especially whenever Rhea leaned in a bit too close. The usual calm and composed deanor of his maid seed to be cracking slightly at the edges.
While the conversation continued around him, Mikhailis leaned back in his seat and touched the side of his glasses, activating Rodion's communication.
Ti to check in on those little guys.
Rodion's voice echoed through the connection, smooth and efficient as always.
Anything noteworthy? Mikhailis thought, glancing briefly at the others to ensure they hadn't noticed his distraction.
I agree. No need to provoke anything right now. How's the path ahead, though? Any problems?
Mikhailis blinked as a display materialized in his glasses, showing images taken from the perspective of the chira ants. He saw glimpses of the surroundings—gnarled tree roots twisting across the path, patches of grass swaying in the breeze, and the shadow of an animal as it moved beyond the treeline. The ants moved in an organized fashion, scuttling along paths that humans would struggle to traverse, making notes of the best routes.
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