And looking at them in the distance, Ganthrú hides further away from everyone, keeping to himself.
But to his annoyance, two people move up to him, one a man, and one a woman wearing the uniforms of the Red branch knights Morrigan Squadron.
The woman says, "Did seeing the little children socialise want to make you stop being a loner, Ganthrú?"
The man says, "You're rather good at being a commander, so it would help coordination if you joined in."
"Rosemary, Gentia, you're both no longer part of the Red branch knights' general squadron, you're members of Dumnorix strike squad, so I don't want you bothering me."
Rosemary says, "You remember on the first day we joined the Red branch, you said we can come to you for everything from now until the end of time."
"I don't remember adding that last bit."
Gentia says, "Knowing you, it was implied."
Rosemary says, "And it would be nice if you could come and fix your reputation."
"It doesn't matter if I do or not. My idiocy led the general army to start a war, and it was the Morrigan squad which led it to an end. It only makes sense for the popularity and trust in us to dwindle."
Gentia says, "That's far too much of a shame. After working under Dumnorix, I can say the stability that an experienced leader like you has is far more calming."
"Stop being a baby, this is your time to go up in the world."
Rosemary says, "We fully intend to move forward, but we have decided that you're necessary for that. Dumnorix is a man who always has a vision, but the paths he takes to get there are always shaky at best; even his whole plan with the ministers only worked because the dragon Cyrus stopped Orb's assassination. We were too slow at sending guards to him."
Gentia says, "So we need someone who can add some logic to Dumnorix's instinct. No demons should manifest from the corpses anymore, so the original reason for the Morrigan's squad's existence is all but gone, and we will need to change for the future."
Rosemary says, "We may even become a part of this country's future military. Considering how strong we are, maybe even the heart, and for that, I am sure you would bring us lots of calmness."
Moving, Ganthrú says, "I am fine. The future doesn't need old bones like me."
Gentia says, "The future only exists due to those old bones!"
As Ganthrú walks away, images from the battlefield at Díoltas replay in front of his mind again and again.
But far away from all of them, another conversation was happening between Síofra and the three idiots.
Sitting on a rather gorgeous table on the edge of the field as everyone works, Síofra stares across it at the three idiots, and says, "So how about my offer. Come work for me."
Ivana, Gheorghe and Wadim shake as they speak to her, but all three of them start to shake their heads from side to side.
With a seductive yet viscous look, Síofra stares at them and says, "Why not?"
They all clam up, and their mouths shut close. Seeing this, Arend, who is dressed in servant clothes holding a parasol over the table, says, "Maybe threatening a bunch of scaredy cats isn't a good idea."
Síofra puts a finger over her mouth and says, "As per our bet you're my servant since my children managed to build the houses, so only affirmation."
"But if affirmation won't help you, what kind of servant would I be?"
"A pretty face that shuts up and smiles. The same goes for you two."
Síofra looks over at the other two people standing beside Arend. Neil Arend's friend and Nora, Arend's crush.
Neil, moving his head over to Arend, says, "See what you got me involved in."
"Hey, you were the one pressuring me in the socialising back when this country started."
"I thought you were going to hang out with a few people and stop being lonely. But then you went and became one of the most important people in the country, and now I am the slave to this very attractive bug lady."
Síofra looks at Neil with a smile and says, "I was thinking of adding some human men to my colony. If any of my female family members are looking for partners, you have made the list."
Turning to Gheorghe and Wadim, Síofra says, "Some Fomorian blood might be good as well."
Wadim says, "I am in my early 30s, I have a small bit of money saved, and I carry absolutely no diseases."
Ivana uses her hair to wrap around Wadim and forcefully sits him down, and says, "She said Fomorian, not Nightmare, stop being strange."
Gheorghe says, "Fomorian is the beastkin term for nightmares like us."
Wadim says, "Exactly, you should educate yourself!"
Ivana hits Wadim in the stomach and says, "You're not getting a wife if you do, she will use her to control you."
Wadim says, "She wouldn't do that?"
"Yes, I would, but don't worry, you'll like it."
"See Ivana, she says, I will like it."
As Ivana continues to restrain Wadim, Gheorghe says, "Why do you specifically want us to work for you? Overall, I think you and the Fabhtaire company are at such a great point."
With tears forming in her eyes, Síofra says, "My kids are always working hard for their mother. Even now, look at the fields and see how much work they are doing on the fields for the good of the community. As a mother, my number one goal is to protect my family into the future, so the technology of people who lived in the most advanced country on Theophila for years would greatly benefit my colony."
Ivana says, "So why aren't you working the fields with your kids?"
Bushing her hair with her hand, she says, "Kids are cute, lovely, smart, courageous, and best of all, servants for their creator. Do you expect a god to work when she could just as easily ask her followers?"
Orb, appearing out of nowhere, says, "Yes."
From under the table, Síofra brings up a giant bone with fresh succulent meat on it, and as Orb's eyes pass over it, his stomach grumbles. So he grabs it and says, "I will return to make you work later!"
"That's the third time you were able to make him go away. How did you even prepare for this?"
"I am always prepared. Now I want to prepare for the future, and I am ready to use any form of underhanded technique to achieve it. So, before things get scar,y you three should accept my offer."
Síofra gives all three of them an evil glare that every one of her kids feels.
Lorcan, the golden scarab beetle Fanalis, says, "That's mother's signature attack. A stare that all of those in the Fabhtaire company know that signals victory. The eyes of victory, made by utilising the stress caused by constantly having to use her mind as a server for all of the other members within the Fabhtaire company!"
Cara, the silver wolf spider, says, "One that terrifies all of Síofra's enemies, and has led her to countless successful deals in her lifetime. It feels like someone is choking you every moment it is on you."
Fionn, the bronze moth, says, "It isn't something even the strongest warrior can prepare against. It feels like someone is reaching into the depths of your soul, and is looking for any weakness or insecurity to pounce on. It's over for anyone who receives it!"
The Fabhtaire company all smile, and giggle as they watch the event through the MatriAnt's mind. But on the receiving end of her eyes of victory, the three weak-willed idiots all start to smile with pleasurable faces.
The smiles they make are so giant and relaxed that it completely perplexes Síofra and the entire Fabhtaire company.
"Wha-what?"
Ivana says, "Oh, sorry about that. It is just that we didn't know you could make such soft eyes."
Gheroghe says, "Compared to Elia, that was like a hundred times better. It actually felt like we existed."
Wadim says, "Makes me really understand how nice a validating look like that feels."
The three of them start to shake, and then Ivana says, "But it also reminds us what will happen if we ever think of betraying Avram!"
Gheroghe says, "Not even death will save us from that level of wrath."
Wadim says, "The most beautiful woman would ever make me take such a chance at eternal damnation!"
All three of them shake their heads from side to side and say, "We will not join you."
Síofra starts to bite the fingernail on her right thumb and says, "Someone scares you more than me. That just isn't right!"
All of the Fabthire company in her mind says, "THAT'S WHAT UPSETS YOU!"
As the four of them continue to talk, Neil says, "I wonder which girl I should flirt with!"
Arend says, "Didn't you just say she was scary?"
Neil turns his head to Arend and says, "I take back everything I said."
With a look of disbelief, Arend says, "That's really all it takes to make you turn your back on your principles?"
"My only principles are to be kind, find true love, find a passion to commit myself to and contribute to this little society."
Nora, beside the both of them start to laugh, and then says, "You really are good friends?"
Arend says, "No, he is just a stranger who kept talking to me."
Neil says, "I adopted him since he was abandoned on the street. His life first began after meeting me."
"I think you're a bit confused, Neil. I humoured you because no one wanted to hang out with you."
"They say it's common for babies to forget their first few memories. I won't hold it against you."
"You're right, a child like me doesn't know anything, like whether or not ripping out an eye is good or bad."
"Bad, BAAAAAAAD!!!! Don't make me get the slipper."
"Your house is going to have a creaky floor, and I am going to place you right next to all the sweaty warriors from Aplos."
"You evil bastard! Does your heart not know kindness?"
Nora says, "It's funny that two people who have only known each other for a few weeks could become this close. Hey Neil, will you adopt me as well? I am trying to get to know people better."
"Sure!" Neil says, sticking up his thumb.
Neil moves to the side of Nora, pushing her and Arend closer, then she turns to Arend and says, "Looks like we are going to be family from now on."
Arend's heart aches for a few moments, then he says, "You talk quite a bit more than when you first arrived."
Slightly confused she says, "How would you know that?"
Arend freezes for a moment, and Neil says, "He has been looking at you for a while."
"You fool!"
Nora gets embarrassed, and Arend says, "I am sorry about that, I didn't mean it as anything creepy."
"No, it isn't that. I just felt a bit embarrassed back then. I was rather scared of everyone, but after the pestering of our little king, I believe that talking to everyone is the only way to get rid of that fear. I think I am doing a good job."
Arend says, "I think you're doing a fantastic job."
They both look at each other for a moment too long, and then suddenly Síofra hits Arend in the stomach, and says, "You're supposed to be my slave today, not flirt with your little girlfriend, you got that!"
Gheorghe says, "Can we go now?"
Slamming her elbows on the table, she stares at all three of them and says, "Not until we reach a good understanding."
Ivana, standing up, says, "We can just leave!"
"Sit down."
Ivana quickly returns to her chair and faces Síofra with shame and embarrassment across her face.
"Now let's continue!"