Chrysalis Chapter 1705 - Slicker Than an Eel Bathing in Olive Oil with Buttered Soap and a Wax Body Wash

Honestly… what exactly am I looking at?

The ant standing before me is unlike any I’ve encountered. She is draped in sophisticated clothing and adorned with golden jewelry. While it isn't completely gaudy, it projects an aura of wealth and refinement that—unless my senses are failing me—an ant simply shouldn’t possess.

“What is your deal?” I question this peculiar little creature.

“My deal? I have quite a few of those. We could discuss them individually if you wish, or, if it suits you, I can present several premium options from my current portfolio. A few ideas come to mind immediately. Have you considered a stylish robe for your public appearances? Our diplomatic corps has reported significant success with the newest collection.”

She is remarkably small, likely only tier four, but her speech is… smooth. It isn't rapid like Vibrant’s, but rather an effortless patter that coats my antennae like flowing honey. For a fleeting second, I actually find myself considering putting a ridiculous rug on my back.

I shift my gaze toward Enid and find her observing me closely, leaning against her walking stick as she gauges my reaction. She claimed this was her student? It’s clear the Colony has produced another Champion, because no ordinary ant would ever act like this.

“I’m not interested in your rugs. I want you to explain who you are and what your purpose is.”

Even while lying flat on the ground to get as low as possible, I still tower over both Enid and this tiny ant. I hope she doesn't say anything foolish; a single blow from me would likely flatten her into the floor.

“A rug? Please. This fabric was woven by the Colony’s most skilled artisans using premium silk from the fourth stratum's gloam-worm fields. The ka’armodo are absolutely obsessed with the quality, I can assure you.”

I give her a nudge with an antenna.

“Did I ask for a sales pitch on a mat, or did I ask for an introduction?”

Without missing a beat, she sweeps the glasses from her eyes with a fluid motion and performs an incredibly intricate six-legged curtsy.

“Please forgive me; I am merely passionate about the crafts my siblings produce. My name is Merchant, and while you were sleeping, I have been studying the art of commerce under the tutelage of Mistress Ruther.”

Well… that certainly clarifies things. She looks the part of a merchant, and she has clearly picked up a trick or two regarding salesmanship.

“What tier are you?” I inquire.

Perhaps asking so bluntly is a bit impolite….

“Five,” Merchant answers immediately, flicking a speck of invisible dust from her attire.

Tier five? But she’s still so tiny? I was worried it might be reckless to entrust such vital negotiations to an ant who had barely graduated from the antcademy, but tier five is… respectable. Since she obviously isn't built for the front lines, the Colony must have accelerated Merchant’s growth.

At least, she isn't built for conventional combat.

“And do you believe six months was enough time to master the Skills needed for such high-level diplomacy? You understand what I require of you, right?”

“Have I mastered these Skills? Certainly not; that is the pursuit of a lifetime. Am I qualified? Well, Enid Ruther believes I am.”

That is… a very convincing argument. I place a great deal of trust in Enid’s judgment, and if she gives her blessing, it’s difficult for me to disagree. Enid has always been our primary resource for these matters, and honestly, we probably leaned on her for far too long.

Actually… is the timing of this ant’s birth truly a coincidence? No matter how I analyze it, it seems too convenient that Merchant hatched just as Enid became too elderly to continue her work for the Colony. The brathian certainly assist us, but they don't handle our direct negotiations. Having someone to manage these situations is imperative, and now… here she is.

Is this the work of Gandalf’s invisible hand? Somehow… I find that unlikely. That bearded jerk doesn't seem interested in the minor details of the Dungeon, much less the affairs of my family.

“Fine then, I suppose you’ll do. I’m curious to see how this plays out. You will lead the negotiations with Green Mountain regarding the ransom for the captured delvers. I’m certain they want their people returned, but I expect a high price. It needs to be painful when they hand over the funds. While you’re at it, see if there is a representative to negotiate for the Church of the Path. We aren't ready to release the priests just yet, but eventually, we likely will.”

In a gesture that felt strangely human, the small ant rubbed her front legs together.

“Now then, we are finally speaking my language.”

With a series of practiced movements, she retrieved something from her cloak, snapped a claw, and placed it in her mandibles.

“When playing Tunnel Ball, there are different tiers of competition. You have the hatchlings playing in the dirt, and then you have the professionals tearing each other apart.”

She took a satisfied puff from what I realized was a cigar, then pulled it away to flick the ash from the tip.

“How aggressively do you want me to play?” she asked, a spark of mischief in her multifaceted eyes.

Why on earth is this ant smoking right now?

“Make them squeal.”

Merchant clicked her mandibles together with delight.

“Oh, it will be my pleasure.”

[Enid, what on earth have you created?]

The elderly woman gave a wide smile.

[I’m not entirely sure what you’re referring to.]