"Mission failed, but not entirely failed—is that what you mean?" Catherine frowned and looked at Aldric as she asked.
Aldric nodded and said, "Yes, Your Majesty. In truth, I never expected to return without completing the mission, but the situation at the time was too chaotic, so..."
"No, you did very well." Catherine shook her head. "You are a valuable asset to the Empire. Losing you would be a great loss."
"Besides, the seal of the Insect Queen remains intact. As for... the Insect King disappearing, that is not too concerning either."
"Insect King?" Aldric was startled upon hearing that.
"That's right." Catherine nodded. "The Insect King is far weaker than the Insect Queen. Moreover, in that battle, he was gravely wounded—he doesn't have much longer to live."
"Now, he can only use his shadow to launch minor attacks on the borders of the safe zones."
Hearing that, Aldric let out a sigh of relief.
"Do you have anything else to report?"
