The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

How the hell did I end up like this...

Mikhailis stood in the middle of a bustling market street, his face a comical mix of bewilderment and amusement. He looked around, trying to make sense of the chaos surrounding him. People jostled past, their colorful clothes a stark contrast to the drab attire he was used to back on Earth.

Vendors shouted their wares in voices that seemed to compete with the very air itself, while children darted between stalls like mischievous sprites. Strange, enticing smells wafted from all directions, making his stomach growl despite his confusion.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Aren't they supposed to be my escort...?" Mikhailis muttered under his breath, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

<Your escort? It was quite the impressive team they turned out to be. Let me refresh your memory, Mikhailis>

Rodion's voice chimed in, calm and slightly mocking.

<First, Serelith got enchanted by a vendor selling discounted magical tomes—absolutely typical. Discounted tomes are her weakness, after all. Then, Lira's eyes lit up at the sight of an elaborate display of herbs and food—she just couldn't resist, could she? Lastly, we have the Lone Wolf Cerys, who somehow ended up at a stall selling swords.

It's like watching a group of children getting distracted by candy.>

Mikhailis could sense a shift in Rodion's tone, perhaps a hint of annoyance?

"Oh come on, Rodion," Mikhailis chuckled, speaking softly to avoid looking like he was talking to himself.

"You gotta admit, it's pretty funny. I mean, who would've thought the fearsome royal guards would be so easily distracted by shiny things?"

<I fail to see the humor in leaving you unprotected in an unfamiliar environment, Mikhailis.>

"Aw, are you worried about me?" Mikhailis teased, his eyes scanning the crowds.

"I'm touched, really."

He sighed, rubbing his forehead as he tried to get his bearings. The market was a sea of colors, sights, and sounds, nothing like Earth and definitely nothing like what he'd seen on the ride to the Saintess's place. Back then, he had been so preoccupied with the awkward tension in the carriage that he barely paid attention to the scenery.

But now, there was no avoiding it—the culture, the people, the magic. It was all right in his face, and despite the confusion, he loved it.

"Time for an adventure, I guess," Mikhailis thought, a grin spreading across his face as he started walking.

He passed by a stall where a vendor was selling some kind of glowing fruit, his voice booming as he touted its supposed health benefits.

"Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes on the miraculous Luminfruit! One bite, and you'll glow with health—literally!"

Mikhailis couldn't help but chuckle.

"Hey, Rodion, think that fruit would make me popular with the ladies? I mean, who wouldn't want a glowing boyfriend, right? Especially that part,"

<I advise against consuming unknown substances, Mikhailis. The effects could be... unpredictable.>

"You're no fun," Mikhailis muttered, but he kept walking.

The people here were different—their clothing was vibrant, their skin a warm shade of brown, and they all seemed to have an easy, carefree energy. It was fun, really. Mikhailis couldn't help but smile. It felt like he was in some kind of fantasy anime—the bustling marketplace, the magic, the strange creatures.

He had always imagined what it would be like to be in a world like this, and now he was living it.

He paused by a street performer, a young woman with a staff that she twirled in her hands, creating arcs of colored light that danced in the air. The crowd cheered, and Mikhailis found himself clapping along, grinning like an excited kid.

"Now that's what I call a light show," he said, dropping a few coins into her hat.

"Makes the ones back home look like cheap fireworks."

The performer winked at him, her staff twirling faster as the lights grew more intricate.

<You seem to be enjoying yourself, Mikhailis. Should I remind you of your current predicament?>

Rodion's voice pulled him back, and Mikhailis sighed. He looked around again, trying to figure out where he was. He didn't see anyone familiar—no sign of Cerys's tall frame, no hint of Lira's elegant silhouette, and definitely no flash of Serelith's messy purple hair. He was well and truly alone.

"Alright, alright," Mikhailis muttered under his breath.

"Let's see if we can find our way back. Though I gotta say, getting lost in a magical market? There are worse fates."

He moved through the crowd, dodging people, avoiding getting bumped by the children running around, and trying not to look too much like a lost tourist. As he walked, he heard someone call out to him.

"Hey, you there! You look a little lost, don't ya?"

Mikhailis turned, his eyes landing on a woman standing by a nearby stall. She was young, with short, dark hair, and dressed in what looked like a mix of leather and fabric, her attire adorned with small pouches and vials. Her eyes were sharp, her smile knowing.

"Need some help?" she asked, her voice smooth.

Mikhailis blinked, looking at her. She seemed friendly enough, and there was something about her that seemed different from the other people here. There was an air of confidence—maybe even mischief—that set her apart. He glanced at Rodion's glasses.

<Be careful, Mikhailis. We don't know her intentions.>

"Oh, relax, Rodion," Mikhailis muttered under his breath, smiling at the woman.

"Yeah, I'm a bit lost, actually. I'm, uh, looking for my friends. You wouldn't happen to have seen a tall, brooding swordswoman, an elegant maid, or a purple-haired disaster magician, would you?"

The woman's eyebrows shot up, an amused smile playing on her lips.

"That's quite the colorful group you're looking for. Can't say I have, but I might be able to help you find them. Name's Aria, by the way."

"Mikhailis," he replied, nodding.

"Nice to meet you, Aria. And thanks, I could use all the help I can get. This place is... well, it's something else."

Aria gestured for him to follow her, and Mikhailis hesitated for a moment before shrugging and falling in step behind her. He didn't have any better options, and she seemed like she knew what she was doing. As they walked, Mikhailis found himself glancing at the various stalls, taking in the sights.

"You're not from around here, are you?" Aria asked, glancing at him with a smirk.

"Is it that obvious?" Mikhailis asked, grinning.

"What gave it away? My dashing good looks? My air of mystery?"

Aria laughed, a sound that reminded Mikhailis of tinkling bells.

"Oh, yeah. You've got that look—like a kid in a candy shop. You're not used to seeing magic like this, are you?"

Mikhailis chuckled, running a hand through his hair.

"Guilty as charged. It's all a bit new to me. Where I'm from, the most magical thing we have is instant ramen."

"Instant... ramen?" Aria repeated, looking confused.

"Ah, nevermind," Mikhailis waved it off.

"So, you seem to know your way around here. Local?"

Aria nodded, her gaze shifting to a nearby stall. She paused for a moment, then turned to him, her expression serious.

"Listen, I know you're lost, but there's something you should know. This market—it's not all fun and games. There are things here that... let's just say, they're not exactly legal."

Mikhailis raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued.

"Oh? Like what? Magic wands that turn people into frogs? Enchanted swords that sing badly?"

<Mikhailis, this is not the time for jokes. We should be cautious.>

Aria leaned in, her voice lowering to a whisper.

"Smuggled magical items, enchanted artifacts—stuff that the council doesn't want people to get their hands on. Dangerous stuff."

Mikhailis blinked, his expression growing more serious.

Fantasy world, fantasy problems, huh. Smuggled magical items...

He smirked, unable to resist.

"Maybe they have magic-related drugs too. Pixie dust, anyone?"

<Indeed, Mikhailis. Such substances do exist. They are highly dangerous and strictly controlled.>

Mikhailis sighed, rolling his eyes.

"Of course they do. Can't have a fantasy world without some magical contraband, right?"

Aria gave him a curious look.

"Talking to yourself?"

Mikhailis grinned sheepishly, tapping the side of his head.

"Just having a lively debate with my inner voice. You know how it is."

"Right..." Aria said slowly, looking at him with a mix of amusement and suspicion.

"Well, anyway, I was thinking I could take you to my shop. It's not too far from here. I can give you a place to rest, maybe even help you find your friends."

Mikhailis nodded, though he could sense something off about the whole situation. Rodion's voice echoed in his mind, cautioning him, but Mikhailis decided to play along for now. He wanted to see where this would lead—maybe it would give him some insight into the city's underbelly.

"Lead the way, oh mysterious guide," he said with a theatrical bow.

"Though I have to warn you, if this turns out to be a trap, I have a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career of... well, mostly goofing off, but still."

Aria laughed, shaking her head.

"You're an odd one, Mikhailis. Come on, it's this way."

They continued walking, the crowd thinning as they moved away from the main market. The atmosphere grew quieter, the noise of the bustling market fading into the background. The stalls here were fewer, the people more reserved. Mikhailis glanced around, noticing the shift in the vibe—it felt almost... eerie.

<Mikhailis, our surroundings have changed significantly. I advise extreme caution.>

Yeah, I noticed, Mikhailis thought, his eyes darting around.

From fantasy market to fantasy back alley. Great.

As they approached a secluded alley, Mikhailis overheard a voice. He turned his head slightly, his eyes catching sight of a merchant standing by a group of men. The merchant's voice was hushed, but Mikhailis could just make out the words.

"The royal bounty... we need to find it before anyone else does."

Mikhailis narrowed his eyes, his gaze shifting to a young boy standing nearby. The boy's clothes were dirty, his face bruised, and he looked like he had been in a fight. The men around him were glaring at him, one of them shoving him roughly.

"You were supposed to pinpoint the royal bounty," one of the men growled.

"Instead, you ended up tailing some weird magician!"

Mikhailis frowned, his eyes narrowing as he watched the scene.

This is a setup, he realized.

But there was something about the boy—the way he winced, the fear in his eyes—that made Mikhailis want to step in.

<To minimize the damage, it would be safe to help the boy earlier. But it would perhaps ruin the momentum of 'discerning' the underbelly of the capital, which is your main objective in coming here.>

Mikhailis clenched his jaw, his gaze fixed on the boy.

It's not time to save him yet, Rodion. We need more information. But don't worry, kid. I'll be back for you.

He forced himself to look away, following Aria as she led him further into the alley. They stopped in front of a small, unassuming door, the wood weathered and the paint chipped. Aria turned to him, her smile returning.

"Here we are," she said, her voice cheerful.

"This is my shop."

Mikhailis raised an eyebrow, glancing at the door, then back at her.

A shop, huh? Looks more like a set from a horror movie.

He smiled, nodding.

"Alright then. Let's see it. I'm guessing you don't get many window shoppers here, huh?"

Aria chuckled, pushing open the door.

"You'd be surprised. Come on in."

As Mikhailis stepped inside, he felt a strange tingling sensation wash over him. The interior of the shop was dimly lit, shelves lined with bottles, jars, and strange artifacts. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and something... else. Something Mikhailis couldn't quite place.

"Welcome to my humble abode," Aria said, spreading her arms.

"What do you think?"

Mikhailis whistled, his eyes roaming over the cluttered shelves.

"Impressive. It's like Hogwarts and a back-alley pawn shop had a baby."

<Mikhailis, I'm detecting unusual energy signatures. Be on your guard.>

Yeah, no kidding, Mikhailis thought, his eyes landing on a jar that seemed to be filled with eyeballs.

This place is practically screaming 'danger, danger!'

"So, Aria," he said, turning to face her.

"What exactly do you sell here? Magical knick-knacks? Potions? The souls of the damned?"

Aria's smile turned enigmatic.

"Oh, a little bit of everything. You'd be surprised what people are willing to pay for in this city."

She moved behind a counter, her fingers trailing over various bottles.

"But let's talk about you, Mikhailis. You're not from around here, are you? In fact, I'd wager you're not from this world at all."

Mikhailis froze, his easy smile faltering for a moment.

"What makes you say that?"

"Oh, just a hunch," Aria said, her eyes glinting in the dim light.

"The way you talk, the way you look at everything... You're like a fish out of water. Or should I say, a human out of realm?"

<Mikhailis, our cover may be compromised. Proceed with caution.>

Mikhailis's mind raced, weighing his options. Should he deny it? Play dumb? Or...

He let out a laugh, shaking his head.

"Well, aren't you perceptive? You're right, I'm not from around here. But the question is, what are you going to do with that information?"

Aria's smile widened.

"That depends on you, Mikhailis. You see, I'm in the business of information. And information about someone like you... well, that could be very valuable indeed."

Mikhailis's eyes narrowed, his jovial demeanor fading.

"Is that a threat?"

"Not at all," Aria said, raising her hands.

"Think of it as... an opportunity. You help me, I help you. That's how things work in this part of the city."

<Mikhailis, this situation is becoming increasingly dangerous. We should consider an exit strategy.>

Not yet, Rodion, Mikhailis thought.

We might learn something useful here.

"Alright, Aria," he said, leaning against a shelf.

"I'm listening. What kind of 'help' did you have in mind?"

As Aria opened her mouth to respond, a commotion outside caught their attention. Shouts and the sound of running feet echoed from the alley.

"Damn," Aria muttered, her expression darkening.

"Looks like we've got company."

Mikhailis tensed, his hand instinctively moving to where his weapon would be if he had one.

"Friends of yours?"

Aria shook her head, moving quickly to the door.

"Not exactly. Look, Mikhailis, I know we just met, but I could use your help. Those people out there? They're not the friendly type. And if they find you here..."

She left the sentence hanging, but Mikhailis got the message. He was in deep now, whether he liked it or not.

<Mikhailis, this is a highly volatile situation. We should prioritize your safety and—>

"Alright, Aria," Mikhailis said, cutting off Rodion's warning. A grin spread across his face, a mix of excitement and determination.

"Let's see what kind of trouble we can get into,"