Chapter 18 : Beginning for evolution.

Over time, the prince becomes increasingly irritable, especially as he watches Naturia and Rosia grow closer. Rosia quietly takes advantage of this to move to the next stage: love.

For example, she gently brushes Naturia's hand or holds it while walking in the garden. Sometimes, she stands by her side, wraps her arm around her waist, and rests her head on her shoulder. In short, she uses small flirting techniques, with the help of my Hallucinogen.

I experimented with this trait on my three future slave concubines. The experiment was truly successful!

In one week, I managed to improve the percentages up to 50%. However, they drop quickly outside the influence of the Hallucinogen. Through further testing, I successfully stabilized the percentages to prevent a drastic decline when the Hallucinogen wears off.

To ensure this method works, Rosia wanted to attempt a "romantic" relationship with Annie, the animal keeper. So, I conducted more tests with her. And it worked well, I think? The percentages are increasing without dropping too much, especially since Rosia keeps buying a lot of animals and spiders, which helps stabilize her attachment.

"So, princess, what do you want today?"

"Call me Rosia, we're close enough for that…"

Rosia moves in to kiss her. The two draw near, with Annie even placing her hands on Rosia's hips. After their kiss, still pressed together, they sit on Annie's couch. Rosia sits on her lap while Annie plants soft kisses on the corner of her lips. Glancing to the side, Annie notices the two maids standing motionless, eyes closed, like statues.

"Rosia, my dear… These two maids… They…"

"Don't worry, sweetheart, they won't say anything. I trust them 100%."

"Alright."

Rosia lets out a soft laugh, and Annie finds her increasingly adorable, like a mischievous and playful little sister.

"Are you worried about what I said last time?"

"Yes. I'm not scared, of course. But if I want to stay with you, we must hide our relationship."

"Don't worry, my brother won't find us. Besides, I've warned you multiple times to act normal whenever my brother's spies are watching."

"You're right."

"I won't let my brother hurt you."

Rosia kisses Annie softly but passionately, her arms wrapping around the older woman's neck. Annie encircles the princess's waist with her arms.

"I have some of the cakes you love. Do you want me to get them?"

"No, stay here. Éliane, could you bring the cakes from the kitchen?"

"Of course, princess."

Éliane leaves and soon returns with a tray carrying the cakes.

"So, Rosia, how's the animal garden project coming along?"

"Everything is going well. Naturia and I bought plenty of plants, some of which are already large. My insects have settled in and are reproducing. Now, I'm waiting for the animals I ordered from you last time."

"Speaking of that, I already have several basic animals and have hired hunters to capture rarer species."

"Do you want them now?"

"Of course! Just put them in cages, and I'll take them."

The two continue chatting about various topics, all while exchanging kisses and caresses. Meanwhile, the maids have already left to fetch the caged animals. Time passes, and the two women must part ways, though neither truly wants to.

"Next time, we can make love. I really want to…"

"So do I, princess. So do I."

After one last kiss, Rosia leaves with more cages. Once in the carriage, I reveal myself, held in the hands of one of the maids.

"How much?"

"40%. You are getting better at increasing the percentages, my queen."

"Of course! By the way, where are the four parasitized animals?"

"No worries, my queen, I've already arranged for them to be discreetly placed in the animal garden."

"I plan to parasitize a few males and females to make them obedient and breed, providing us with a constant food supply while maintaining balance in the garden."

"And what about the underground area for our slaves and the two nests?"

"I've already instructed the maids to recruit the worst construction workers. We can easily eat them, and no one will truly miss them."

"Perfect! We'll finally be able to complete your evolution and begin creating our nest to build our army."

"I can't wait!"

We return to the animal garden. Rosia infects a few males and females, turning them into kings and queens to maintain order among the rest. The wolverine, lynx, wolf, and bear are already there, brought in by the maids.

The parasitized animals, in addition to ensuring reproduction and order, also serve as gatekeepers for the underground entrances. Various insect species, under my command, are also assigned to guard duty.

"System, how much energy will Rosia need?"

[Calculating...]

[Calculating...]

[Calculating...]

[You have multiple options:

Several thousand animals. The number decreases if the animals are large. Five hundred complete humans. Four hundred complete humans and one hundred large animals.]

"Why are humans counted lower than animals?"

[Animals constantly evolve to survive. In a way, they are somewhat like you, host.]

[Humans, on the other hand, have already evolved, but not purely for survival, at least not like animals or insects.]

[Now considered the ultimate predators, their bodies contain significantly more energy than other species, especially their brains, which are among the most complex among known races. This makes them an extremely potent energy source.]

"I see… And for my own evolution?"

[Calculating...]

[Answer: You are different. As a queen, you can evolve, unlike your sub-queens. You must evolve to become ever stronger.]

"You mean I can't grow stronger without evolving?"

[No. You can still grow stronger, but evolution will increase your total power and allow your body to adapt perfectly to new enhancements.]

[Example: Bipedalism. Currently, you cannot use this trait. However, with evolution, you may be able to master it in some form.]

"I understand."

[Additionally, for a strong foundation, I recommend having at least three intermediate-level enhancements.]

"Why?"

[Enhancements become much stronger after their own evolution. Incorporating three will ensure a more stable and efficient transformation.]

"So, three minimum, but more if possible?"

[Yes. Three is the optimal threshold for a strong foundation, but you can add more, including higher-ranked enhancements.]

"It looks like I need to speed up Rosia's evolution to finally build my army!"

Naturia – 80%