Chapter 10

After saving the Iron Ant King from a parasitic monster, it turned out that this also saved the Honey Ant Queen. Since the Iron Ant King was suffering from a lack of water, I shared the water from the oasis with him. However, then the King and Queen asked to join my ranks.

Well, that’s a problem. I’m not really building a country or anything. Sure, I’ve built a castle and an oasis, but it’s not like this is a country.

“Sorry. Your offer is very kind, but….”

It’s just too much for me, so I had to decline.

“Of course, as expected. A weak ant like me, who could be taken over by a parasitic monster, is not worthy to be in the presence of a king.”

“I, too, have relied on the king and have done nothing.”

Eh, what? The King and Queen suddenly became dejected and started making such pessimistic remarks!

“No, no, that’s not it! On the contrary, both of you are far too valuable to be my subordinates!”

“What a kind word! I am deeply honored, Your Majesty!”

“Indeed. Compared to Your Majesty’s greatness, we are mere trifles.”

Well, I think that’s a bit too low of an evaluation.

“Anyway, about this ‘king’ thing… I did build a castle, but this isn’t really a country.”

“What a waste! To have such a castle and an oasis and not make it a country… If you were a human, you would probably turn the surrounding area into your territory right away.”

Ah, so that’s how humans are seen from the perspective of ants.

“Hmm, anyway, I’m not really focused on forming a country, and the idea of subordinates doesn’t really fit me. But if you’d like, I’d be happy to be friends.”

“Friends?”

“Yeah. Since we’ve met like this, and I only know Isis and Rak in this area, it would be nice to have more friends.”

“Truly, Horus! I think that’s fine.”

“Ngo! Ngo!”

Isis and Rak also seem to agree. More friends are always better.

“Friends, huh—interesting. In that case, I swear to protect and serve you, my friend, for the rest of my life!”

“Same here! I will serve you, my friend, for the rest of my life!”

Eh, what… That’s a bit different, isn’t it…

“Right! Since we’re at it, King, would you consider forming an alliance with us?”

An alliance… like the ones countries often form. I don’t have a country, but they look so hopeful, and the idea of being equals sounds good.

“Alright, let’s form an alliance!”

“Oh! Then we can serve under you, Your Majesty!”

“Yes, Iron Ant King. Let’s work together with Horus to build this country!”

Ah, wait? This doesn’t seem to be going as planned. Is it just my imagination?

Anyway, we’ve decided to form an alliance.

“Then, from this day forward, ah, by the way, do you, the King and Queen, have names?”

I suddenly wondered. It felt a bit dull to just call them the Iron Ant King and Honey Ant Queen.

“Names? I’ve heard that humans have a culture of naming, but I don’t have one.”

“I don’t have one either… But this is a good opportunity. King Horus, could you please name me?”

Eh? I’m supposed to name them?

“If that’s the case, I would also like a name! Please, Your Majesty!”

“Eh! I’m supposed to name both of you? And the ‘king’ thing is a bit much. I’m not a king.”

“What, you don’t like it? Oh, in the human world, kings are called ‘Your Majesty’!”

“No, no! Just call me Horus normally!”

“That seems too disrespectful…”

“Don’t worry about it~”

“What a kind heart!”

No, that’s not really it.

“Then, can I call you Lord Horus?”

“Well, better than ‘king’…”

“I understand, Lord Horus!”

It seems the King and Queen are satisfied with that for now. They really want me to name them.

Hmm, but having names is convenient. It’s easier to call them.

“Are you sure it’s okay?”

“Yes!”

“Please!”

If that’s the case, let’s see. I’m not really good at this, but…

“The Queen… how about Mel?”

“W, wonderful name! I will cherish this name given by you, Lord Horus, for the rest of my life.”

That’s a bit dramatic. And the Iron Ant King seems really excited.

And the King’s name just came to me.

“The King… how about Ain?”

“Ain… It feels right in my heart. A wonderful name. Like Mel, I will cherish it and serve you, Lord Horus!”

No, I really don’t want to be called ‘king’… Just as I thought that, suddenly, Mel and Ain’s bodies started to glow.

Eh? What’s happening? Then the light gradually faded, and… what the…!

“Could this be… evolution?”

“Ngo! Ngooooo!”

Isis was also wide-eyed with surprise. Rak looked completely shocked.

Yeah, but that’s a big change. After all, both Mel and Ain now look almost human, except for the antennae on their heads.

“But why did they suddenly humanize?”

“This is amazing!”

“I’m surprised. I didn’t expect them to change so much.”

“S, sorry!”

I found myself apologizing. I’m not sure why, but it felt like it was because of the names I gave them.

“What do you have to apologize for, Lord Horus!”

“That’s right. Since we changed, I feel a surge of power.”

“Oh! Me too. If only I had a spear, I could show off my new strength!”

It seems Ain and Mel are really motivated. They don’t seem to mind the humanization; they even feel honored.

Well, that’s good. But I didn’t expect giving them names would lead to humanization… Evolution and humanization? Humanization and evolution?

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