Chapter 282: Chapter 282

Tarwantrad’s eyes sparkled as she took in the interior of the Bee Barracks.

“Incredible, so there are different types of soldier? That one lacks a stinger, is it for another purpose? That big one…looks like it would be good at charging, or likely diving if it can still fly. And…if I’m seeing this correct, there is more than one queen and hive in this home?”

“Yeah, all of the queens in this room live here.”

Tarwantrad’s eyes went even wider.

“Amazing…did you command them so? It was my impression that individual hives treat each other as rivals?”

The Firstborn was the one who answered.

“Is hive of hives! All bees serve King, all hives King’s hives, so all hives work together!”

Tarwantrad nodded at that and paused for a second.

“I will read up more on nexuses and let you know if I learn anything more.”

Belissar gave her a nod.

“Thanks, that’d be much appreciated. I’m still worried I don’t understand this room.”

Urubran shrugged and smiled.

“Don’t worry, Tower Keeper Belissar. From what I’ve heard of nexuses, no one truly does. It’s only those that think they do that get into trouble.”

“This floor is where the karnuq live.”

Belissar glanced at Chief Rohsuak, who had her usual smile.

“We are your sworn defenders, Tower Keeper. We will welcome your guests to the best of our hospitality. Shall we prepare them a meal?”

Belissar started and turned to the two elves.

“Ah, are you two hungry?”

“Depends, will there be fire honey?”

Tarwantrad smacked the back of his head lightly.

“Don’t be rude, Urubran! You need not concern yourself with us, Belissar. We do not mean to intrude upon your sworn defenders’ homes.”

Belissar, however, noted Chief Rohsuak’s eyes sparkle at the mention of fire honey. He quickly used his tower sight to check their reserves.

“Ah, actually, that can be arranged. Niobee, could you ask the Third of the Sixth to deliver some fire honey to the karnuq? Ah, maybe ask the First of the Fifth for some regular mana honey too.”

He turned back to the two elves.

“It…might take some time for that so should we finish the tour while they cook?”

Urubran grinned while Tarwantrad smiled.

“That would be wonderful, Belissar. We thank you for your hospitality, it is truly gracious of you to welcome us .”

Belissar fidgeted again.

Urubran shared a look with Chief Rohsuak, sparks lighting up in both their eyes.

“Oh, we will be. We will be.”

While the karnuq prepared, Belissar brought the two to the Apiary floor…and found all of the queens and hives assembled into an army of workers, all in neat and organized formations. The First of the Fifth flew at their helm and led them in a synchronized salute dance.

“This is the First of the Fifth. She…kind of runs a lot of a the Tower, come to think of it. She manages the honey supplies, the flower allocation, and figures out how to raise new bees.”

Tarwantrad rushed up to her.

“So, you’re the one evolving the bees based on the flower nectars?”

The First of the Fifth seemed unsure of how to respond, so Belissar gave her a reassuring nod.

“All queens work together for King. Try to keep track of flowers, though, and help queens.”

“Amazing, your bees have developed a truly cooperative culture! You must tell me all about your flowers and the bee types you’ve raised!”

The First of the Fifth looked to Belissar and he nodded once again. The First of the Fifth saluted and then began to introduce the Apiary bees.

“This Second of the Sixth, evolved from medicinal flowers.”

Tarwantrad hopped in place.

“Medicinal bees? That’s incredible! Is that why your stingers are so thin? Do you fill your venom sacs with a more medically oriented compound?!”

“This Third of the Eighth, evolved from water lotus.”

Tarwantrad squealed slightly.

“Look at this! Look at your legs, look at that chitin! You must be an aquatic bee!”

The Third of the Eighth kept her distance but danced a hesitant confirmation.

“Amazing! I’ll have to let Nenavann know, if you have aquatic bees there’s so much he could offer…”

“This Fourth of the Fifth, evolved from digging flowers.”

Tarwantrad squealed not so slightly.

“You must specialize in subterranean plants! Or do you gather from fungi instead? Do you prefer burrowing tunnels to making comb?”

The Fourth of the Fifth buzzed her wings as Tarwantrad leaned over her, but was calmed down by Niobee and the First of the Fifth.

“This is Sixth Daughter, evolved from slime flower.”

Tarwantrad squealed quite loudly.

“Slime bees? SLIME BEES?! That’s…this is…”

Urubran chuckled as Tarwantrad descended into incoherence.

“Perhaps it would be a good time to take a break for a meal?”

Belissar just slowly nodded.