Reincarnated To Evolve My Bee Empire-Chapter 309: A guest of honor

It was a long journey to reach the newly built temple of Dalmanrach, even on a black dragon.

I, the dragon rider, my bodyguards and a dozen other bees with business among humans, flew for two days almost without breaks. Only a promise of a long rest and lots of food on the other end of this journey motivated the dragon to keep going.

You'd think that the passengers would be less tired than the dragon, but it was exhausting for us, too. The headwind chilled bees to the bone despite our prepared warm clothing, the leather seats (despite existing) were stiff and uncomfortable, and whatever you had inside, you had to hold it in until the dragon landed!

No pit stops on this one.

So upon our arrival at Bloodimina's camp, I was already extremely happy just because I could finally stretch my limbs.

Following the prophecies of Oracles in Bloodimina's camp and reports of B666666, I arrived on the exact morning when the camp was going to be formally opened.

I didn't send a warning ahead of me to not agitate people ahead of time, but the camp inside a human-made box still looked like someone shook said box a few times.

Everybody was buzzing around, probably preparing for the grand ceremony. I asked Worriesgone to work with Researcher Explanatory to come up with two ceremonies: one for all humans who needed convincing in the glory of God of Dodos, and another for the most devoted ones, who could use another dose of devotion.

The second ceremony was going to include me and a bunch of other bees.

As soon as my group's arrival at the camp was noticed, Bloodimina, Explanatory and a bunch of other bees came to meet me, of course. Another time I'd be glad to chat a little, but today was different.

"Sorry girls, we can talk later. First, let's make sure the ceremony goes well! Everybody must be satisfied with it, especially humans," I said. "It's great that you build the temple so quickly, but things can still go awry."

***

The temple itself was simple and small—by human standards, to me it was huge like a small hill—but still an eye-pleasing building.

It was built with the floor level a hundred meters below ground, but still stood twice as tall as a human. The temple had a hexagonal shape with a dome-shaped roof over it, all made of bricks and dyed white with plaster. A circle of round windows went under the roof.

Plaster was a human invention that bees didn't have yet, but humans used it often enough. The white walls looked great, and someone had time to paint them with frescos of simple symbols of human religion, sun-shaped images of myself, and a figure that reminded me of a very simplified image of a dodo.

Although the frescoes were simplistic, almost at the level of cave paintings, they were drawn with a certain charm that attracted the eye.

And hundreds of humans gathered around to witness a ceremony of the temple's blessing.

All kinds of people were there—I never saw so many humans in one place!

Beggars and peasants in simple and often torn clothing, craftsmen and peddlers, even local nobility and rich merchants dressed in colorful thin clothes and wearing shiny jewelry. When looking at a crowd this large, I could even make out the style of human fashion and differences between men and women, although they all had bug-faces, anyway.

To keep a crowd in check, several dozen people from Farini's best warriors and from the city's guard force were placed near the temple. They glowered at whoever approached too close and had long stone spears to push away people for whom an elbow shove wasn't enough.

Farini stood near the short set of stairs that led to the temple's entrance. It didn't have a door—just a bolt of green fabric that served as a curtain. Although the decision was because doors took longer to make, the curtain didn't look inelegant.

And I was watching all this from one of the temple's windows, together with several other bees: my bodyguards, the lead officers of the bees stationed in human lands and Agent Whisper.

I eyed her once again.

〔Health〕: 29 / 31

〔Stamina〕: 31 / 32

"Father?" she whispered, turning to look at me. I didn't miss how carefully she moved (or the bandages sticking from her clothing).

From what I heard about her wounds, it was a miracle she didn't die. Twice! Only the fast regeneration of Beehounds let Whisper recover in so little time.

"Should you be here?" I whispered back. "Maybe you can rest a little longer, daughter. The other Agent can keep Farini in check for a few more days…"

Whisper looked at me pleadingly.

"If this is your order, Father…"

I smiled, unable to withstand the force of these cute eyes directed at her, and shook my head.

"Just some fatherly concern, Whisper. Now…" I turned to other bees in the group. "Is everything ready here?"

Bloodimina turned to her adjutant, and I heard echoes of telepathic messages sent between them and other bees in the distance. Then she nodded.

"Yes, Father. Everybody is in position."

"Farini's Agent says he's ready whenever you deign to descend to him," Whisper added.

"I was supposed to say this," Explanatory said sourly. "If you aren't at work yet, Agent Whisper, why are the messages doubled to you?"

"Quiet, girls. If everything is ready, then let's just begin. The outer ceremony first."

The surrounding bees saluted.

"Yes, Father!"

"Will you give the signal?" Explanatory asked.

I nodded and focused on Farini. Although I couldn't hear his thoughts from here, I could direct them to him.

The moment of truth–will that be enough for the selfish gods?

'Farini, my chosen messiah… It is time. Lead the people and repeat after me: people of Naregan Kingdom, welcome the new god among those you all worship and who give you their blessings in return. His name is Dalmanrach of the Dodos and he came to this land to help you. Let him be your guide in these dark times!'