The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Mikhailis leaned against the rough stone wall, staring out into the sprawling chaos of the goblin fortress. The dim light flickered as torches lined the stone paths, casting a strange orange glow on the crumbling walls and swarming goblins below. The fortress was a buzzing hive of activity—goblins shouting orders, prisoners being dragged from one chamber to another, and the occasional growl from the hobgoblin guards. His goblin disguise allowed him to blend in, though it did little to ease the discomfort in his limbs.

Alright, let's see what we're dealing with here... Mikhailis thought to himself, his goblin eyes narrowing as he studied the eastern portion of the fortress where he was stationed.

From his vantage point, Mikhailis could see the five Goblin Champions, their massive frames easily identifiable among the smaller goblins. They each had their duties: one stood near the prison cells, overseeing the prisoners as they were herded into cramped spaces. Another was with the shamans, coordinating something that looked like a ritual. The third champion was at the training grounds, leading drills for younger goblin recruits. The fourth was distributing supplies—food, weapons, and other resources—and the fifth moved through the courtyard, giving orders, seemingly managing the chaos.

Alright, we have five big guys… and there are probably even more on the western side.

He frowned, rubbing his goblin chin.

If I'm going to make a move, I need to take one of them out of commission… preferably one alone, away from the others.

The thought of taking on a Goblin Champion was intimidating, even with the Hypnoveil at his disposal. Champions were larger, smarter, and stronger than the regular goblins. They commanded respect, and the others followed their orders without question. Mikhailis needed to be smart about this—there was no room for error. One slip, and it's game over, he thought, his goblin stomach twisting at the idea.

The fortress operated like a small kingdom of its own. There were clear chains of command—the Goblin Warlord at the top, then the Champions, and then the mass of regular goblins beneath them. Disrupting that chain was the key to weakening the fortress from the inside. If he could take control of a Champion, he could spread misinformation, create confusion, or even orchestrate a breakout for the prisoners. But finding a Champion alone was easier said than done.

He kept an eye on the Champions, tracking their movements and routines over the next hour.

Which one… which one will make a mistake first? He asked himself, watching closely.

He followed the one that oversaw the prisoners, noticing its gruff, almost bored demeanor. It seemed less focused than the others—its eyes wandering, its posture lax. Mikhailis nodded to himself.

There's my target.

He needed to be patient, to wait for the right opportunity. He moved slowly through the eastern courtyard, keeping his head low, pretending to busy himself with minor tasks. He knew he couldn't draw any attention to himself.

Stay tuned to empire

The Champion finally moved away from the other goblins, leaving the prisoner area and making its way towards a smaller building on the far side of the fortress. Mikhailis followed at a safe distance, staying in the shadows, his heart pounding. The goblin entered the building, closing the heavy wooden door behind it.

Alright… now's my chance.

He crept closer, pressing himself against the stone wall, inching towards the door. He could hear muffled noises coming from inside—something that made his skin crawl. He carefully peeked through a gap in the door, his breath catching in his throat.

Inside the room, the Goblin Champion loomed over an elven prisoner—a young woman, her face pale, her eyes wide with fear. The goblin was laughing, its crooked teeth showing as it grabbed her roughly, shoving her against the wall. Mikhailis felt his stomach turn, a mixture of anger and disgust boiling within him.

You disgusting piece of— He clenched his fists, trying to control his breathing. He couldn't let emotions get in the way. He had to think logically. This was his chance—the goblin was alone, distracted, and the room was isolated. He could do this. He could save her.

He slowly pulled out the Hypnoveil talisman from his pocket, the etched runes glowing faintly. He whispered under his breath, summoning the Hypnoveil. The creature appeared in the shadows, its body sleek and glossy, the vines on its back moving like living tendrils. Mikhailis motioned towards the door, giving Hypnoveil a nod.

Alright, buddy. Let's do this.

The Hypnoveil moved silently, slipping through the gap in the door, its body almost melding with the darkness. Mikhailis waited for a moment, then pushed the door open, just enough for him to slip inside. He watched as Hypnoveil climbed up the Goblin Champion's back, its vines wrapping around the goblin's head. The Champion let out a strangled cry, thrashing as it tried to pull the creature off.

No, you don't. Mikhailis thought, rushing forward.

He pulled out the crude knife he had taken earlier, lunging at the Goblin Champion. He aimed for the back of its legs, slashing at the tender area behind its knees. The Champion let out a roar, its legs buckling as it fell to the ground.

The Hypnoveil tightened its grip, its vines glowing with an eerie light as it began to penetrate the Goblin Champion's mind. The goblin's struggles weakened, its movements growing sluggish. Mikhailis pressed the knife against its throat, his heart pounding in his ears.

"Shh… shh… just go to sleep, you big brute," he muttered, his voice barely a whisper.

The Champion's eyes glazed over, its body going limp as the Hypnoveil completed its hypnosis. Mikhailis let out a shaky breath, stepping back as the goblin collapsed to the ground. He glanced over at the elven prisoner, her eyes wide with shock. She was trembling, her back pressed against the wall, her hands still bound.

Mikhailis gave her a small, reassuring nod. "It's okay. I'm not like them," he whispered, gesturing for her to stay quiet.

She didn't move, her eyes flicking between him and the goblin on the ground. Mikhailis turned his attention back to the Goblin Champion, watching as it slowly stood up, its movements stiff, its eyes vacant.

"Alright… stand, servant," Mikhailis said, his voice cold, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. The Goblin Champion obeyed, its eyes dull, its body now under his command.

This is just the beginning.

Mikhailis glanced at the Hypnoveil, still clinging to the goblin, its vines pulsing with a faint, hypnotic glow. He allowed himself a small smile, the rush of adrenaline slowly fading. He had done it. He had taken control of one of the Goblin Champions. Now, he needed to make the most of this advantage.

"You," he said, pointing at the Champion. "Follow me. And don't make a sound."

The Champion gave a slow, mechanical nod, its eyes empty as it followed Mikhailis out of the room. The elven prisoner watched them leave, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and confusion. Mikhailis wished he could help her more right now, but he had to focus on the bigger picture—on bringing down this fortress from the inside.

The corridors were dimly lit, the flickering torches casting dancing shadows along the stone walls. Mikhailis led the Champion down a narrow hallway, keeping to the shadows, his senses on high alert. The Hypnoveil stayed in place, its vines tightly wrapped around the goblin's head, ensuring the creature remained under Mikhailis' control.

I need to be careful, Mikhailis thought, glancing over his shoulder. If anyone sees a Champion acting strangely, it'll raise suspicion.

He moved quickly, slipping through the narrow passages, avoiding the main courtyard where the bulk of the goblin forces were gathered. The fortress was like a labyrinth, with winding tunnels and staircases that seemed to lead in every direction. Mikhailis kept his focus, his mind racing with plans and contingencies.

If I can get this guy into a position of power… maybe near the supplies or the prisoners… I can start creating some real chaos.

He paused at the entrance to another corridor, peeking around the corner. Two goblin guards were stationed near a doorway, their eyes scanning the hallway, their crude spears held tightly in their hands. Mikhailis frowned, glancing back at the Champion.

I can't just walk past them with this guy following me…

He needed a distraction—something to draw the guards away. He glanced around, his eyes landing on a loose stone lying near the wall. He picked it up, weighing it in his hand for a moment before throwing it down the opposite hallway. The stone clattered against the floor, the sound echoing through the corridor.

The guards perked up, their eyes narrowing as they turned towards the noise. They exchanged a quick glance before one of them grunted, motioning for the other to follow as they moved towards the source of the sound.

Mikhailis let out a small breath of relief, quickly slipping past the now-unattended doorway. He led the Champion through the door, into what appeared to be an old storage room. It was dark, the air thick with dust, and the shelves were lined with various supplies—old weapons, dried food, and bundles of cloth.

"Stay here," Mikhailis ordered, motioning for the Champion to remain by the door. The goblin obeyed, standing still, its eyes vacant. Mikhailis turned his attention to the room, searching for anything he could use. He needed more information—anything that could help him understand the fortress' layout or the goblins' plans.

He rummaged through the shelves, his fingers brushing against old maps, scraps of parchment, and rusted blades. He finally found what he was looking for—a crude map of the fortress, marked with symbols and notes in the goblin language. He couldn't read all of it, but he recognized the symbols for the prison, the supply depot, and the shaman's chambers.

This is perfect, Mikhailis thought, a grin spreading across his face.

Now I just need to figure out how to use this Champion to create some chaos.

He folded the map, tucking it into his pocket, and turned back to the Champion. The goblin stood motionless, its breathing slow and steady, the Hypnoveil still wrapped around its head. Mikhailis stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he studied the creature.

"Listen closely," he said, his voice low.

"You're going to help me bring this place down. We're going to create a little… disorder. Understand?"

The Champion gave a slow nod, its vacant eyes fixed on Mikhailis. The Hypnoveil's vines pulsed, a faint light shimmering along their length as they tightened around the goblin's head, reinforcing its control.

Mikhailis allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. He had a Champion under his command, a map of the fortress, and a plan forming in his mind. It was risky, dangerous, and there was no guarantee it would work. But if he could pull it off, he could bring down the entire fortress from the inside—and free the prisoners in the process.

"Alright," he said, turning towards the door.

"Let's get started."

The Champion followed, its movements stiff but obedient, the Hypnoveil still firmly in place. Mikhailis led the way, his heart pounding in his chest, his mind focused on the task ahead. This was it—the beginning of his plan to bring chaos to the goblin fortress.

And with a bit of luck, he thought, a determined glint in his eyes, I'll get us all out of here alive.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

But then.

Suddenly.

A powerful and deafening roar made the whole fortress forced into silence.