Chrysalis

Turns out they aren’t particularly impressed I’ve brought Odin along with me. No sooner have we entered the chamber than the guards are whipping out blades and the mages are slapping down shields around the core of their group.

Enid looks as confused as I feel, and there’s some rapid words exchanged. I put together a mind bridge and connect to her in order to find out what in the heck is going on.

[They’re upset you brought an Assassin Demon with you,] she tells me, eyeing Odin askance.

[A what?!]

I turn to look at the little demon.

[You’re an Assassin Demon?]

[I thought you already knew that.]

I probably did. I shrug.

[So he’s an Assassin Demon. So what?]

Enid gives me that look that tells me she's annoyed, and developing a headache.

[So they think you’re going to assassinate someone. Why else would you bring one to a meeting with an envoy from another group?]

[If I was going to assassinate one of them, why the heck would I waltz in with him in plain view of everyone? Besides, he’s not going to kill anyone. Odin, do you feel the urge to commit murder?]

[A bit, yes.]

[Shut up for a minute, Odin. What the heck, man? Seriously. Look, can you just explain to them he’s a friend of the Colony and we are not planning on having anyone assassinated. I only dragged him up here so he could stop being creepy somewhere else.]

stop describing me as

what you just said? No. And frankly, I’m shocked

to calm the brathians down long enough for them to put their weapons away, which in turn lets the Colony feel comfortable enough to stop

several intermediaries, I manage to connect with the leader of the delegation,

I say upfront. [I’d totally forgotten that this guy was an Assassin Demon, otherwise I

bring a demon of killing to

whole incident. In exchange for renegotiating a

[Not happening.]

they are point blank robbing us. There’s no way I’m going to let them get away with shaving more profit out of us just because I made them

talk about our deal? Are we going to move forward now that the

it doesn’t

enable us to start bringing your products to market. We have brought along our goods inspectors, who will remain with you here in the nest to supervise the packing of the merchandise, as well

should be reported if encountered

is going to be an issue. For whatever reason, the craft-ants who fill up the countless workshops of the Colony are obsessed with quality. They grind their Skills day and night, cleaning up every little detail they can find in order to produce the best work that they can. Actually, it’s probably because most of the furniture and food goes to the Queens now that I think about it. Hey, if it keeps the brathians happy, they can inspect the quality. Why

we had rooms and work

prevent snooping, just in case these scaly negotiators were hoping to get some inside information. It’s

another matter I wanted to bring up with you,] Eran continues, taking a long sip of her tea. [That is the

of the agreement? We provide the

not trying to negotiate for a better price,] she says, stalling my immediate complaint, [I’m trying to make sure this venture gets off

table and unfurled in front of

some valuable stuff! Are they giving us this information for free?! I better play it

[Nice map,] I say.

Smooth.

stands to better point

few. Those that are, tend to be from well established sellers with a reputation for quality that people can trust. A good example you are likely familiar with is the sophos. Their custom designed pet-cores go for a premium all over the fourth. Customers dislike buying from

eaten. This clash of ideals is sure to create some tension. I don’t think I’d be buying from a company that stated its mission was to consume

be reluctant to purchase