Part 345: Sumia A

Ouch! Ow ow ow ow ow... I didn't know it was possible to get stung this much. ...And live, I mean.

Oh, I'm so sorry, Gaius. I can't help thinking that it was partly my fault. I mean, I'm the one who took the hive. Oh, and then gave it to you...

Don't worry about it, Stumbles. I got what I was looking for.

The bee larvae?

No, not bee larvae! Who eats that, anyway? I wanted this sweet, sweet honey.

Look at that golden, syrupy shine... Mmmmmm...

Oh. Well, I suppose honey is good. It's no bee larvae, but... Say, do you mind if I just try a little bit? Maybe just a quick tast---OW!

Your arm bothering you there? Here, lemme look.

*Sniff* I-if you insist...

Your elbow's swollen up like a turnip! Were you stung or something?

Y-yes, but... I didn't want to mention it because you had all those stings. And you seemed so happy about the honey, s-so I didn't want to spoil it...

This kid's braver and more thoughtful than I realized...

Sorry, what was that?

Listen, Stumbles, do you like sweets? Cakes? Candies? That sort of thing?

Oh, of course! Especially the pretty ones.

Well then, maybe you should have this.

B-but, that's your honey! You worked so hard for it!

Hey, you saw the bee, found the hive, AND collected it. I just ran for my life. Seems to me this belongs to you as much as anyone.

Oh, Gaius...

You know, all this time I thought you were just another strange noble. But I was wrong. I'd be honored to call you a friend.

"My friend, Gaius..." Hee hee. It DOES have a pleasant ring to it, doesn't it? Oh, you know what we should do, now that we're friends? Collect more honey!

Er, no thanks. I think my honey-hunting days are done...