Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 3: Meeting the family (1)

"Young master Theo!"

A frantic shout echoed as Theo and his mother arrived at the library entrance.

With a sheepish grin, Theo smiled at her, fully aware that he was complicating her duties. Still, grasping the secrets of this realm outweighed everything for him.

"Clara, you keep losing Theo despite being his attendant. How disappointing," Seraphina remarked, her gaze piercing.

Clara paled instantly, staring at the floor in silence, unable to muster a defense.

"Yet I grasp why you struggle with your role," Seraphina went on with a heavy sigh, leaving Theo with a dread of bad news ahead.

"I'll grant you permission for a week to access the royal library, but solely alongside Theo," Seraphina announced firmly.

'What the hell?' Theo stared at his mother in shock.

Clara appeared equally stunned.

"Thank you, my lady," she murmured, head still bowed low.

"Let's go, Theo. The others will be expecting us shortly."

Seraphina and Theo headed toward the dining hall, Clara trailing only a step behind him.

Silence enveloped their walk as they passed soldiers fully armored in gleaming silver from head to foot.

Theo's eyes fixed on the tamed beasts beside the guards—Silver Bane Wolves.

These wolves boasted powerful builds, moving with elegant poise in every stride. Their coats shimmered in white-gray with a metallic luster, eyes flashing a chilling silver-blue glow.

Theo sensed the menace radiating from the wolves' stares at passersby. Sharp claws like forged steel tipped their paws, and their footfalls made no sound, barely grazing the earth.

Initially daunting, Theo had gradually adjusted to them. Just two years prior, freedom to wander the castle had been granted to him.

'My affinity reveal comes at the ceremony soon. For now, waiting and deciding is all I can do,' Theo mused. After such anticipation, the days dragged endlessly.

At last, a grand wooden door etched with elaborate, stunning patterns loomed before them. Theo followed his mother inside, composure etched on his features.

The vast dining hall centered around a huge table of ornate wood carvings, spacious enough for the Baron, Baroness, and nine offspring.

Delight spread across Theo's face at the feast of treats already arrayed on the table, tempting all.

"Lady Seraphina Merrick and Ninth Prince Theo Merrick have arrived," the announcer proclaimed from near the doorway.

Six figures occupied seats at the table already.

To the right sat a brawny youth in noble attire, yet radiating untamed ferocity.

Cedric Merrick, the fourth prince, held that spot. A near decade separated him from Theo's age.

Theo caught Cedric's eye, receiving a nod before the gaze shifted away; bonds between elders and young remained scarce despite years, with Theo's efforts to bridge the gap succeeding with just one so far.

"Mother! Theo! Good morning!" A bright voice rang from the table. Theo turned, beaming warmly at the girl.

"Good morning, Celeste, my little girl," Seraphina replied, approaching for a gentle embrace.

"Good morning, Celeste," Theo echoed, stepping closer to greet her—and claim his seat next to hers.

Celeste Merrick, seventh princess of the realm, was merely a few years his senior.

"Why so quiet today, everyone?" the Baroness inquired upon seating herself, scanning the faces.

"I spent all yesterday training my Ironback Boar and lost track of time, Mother. Utterly exhausted now," another voice explained with a grin. Theo spotted the young woman.

Elara Merrick, eldest princess, perched at the table's far right, her elegant traits mirroring their mother's closely.

"Sleep earlier next time, Elara. All of you must," the Baroness advised with a sigh, though Theo barely stifled a chuckle.

Unlike typical nobles, the Merrick heirs chased power relentlessly, often skipping basics like meals or rest.

Thus, attendants hovered steps behind each child.

Clara served Theo similarly, due to his roaming tendencies. His thirst for discovery wasn't wholly to blame; reincarnated into this medieval realm, castles and tamed beasts alike thrilled him as novelties.

Theo surveyed the spread: snacks abundant, main courses heated by magical devices underneath.

Now the Baroness joined the six children in the dining hall.

Moments later, heavy footsteps thundered toward the doorway. Theo didn't have to glance over to recognize the owner.

In just a few seconds, a massive figure charged into the dining hall. Theo nearly burst into laughter.

"Second Prince Lucien Merrick has arrived," the announcer proclaimed.

The self-proclaimed second prince of the realm donned rugged leather armor, completely improper for the dining hall, as if prepared to venture into the wilderness.

"My apologies for being late," the man stated, his boots pounding with each resounding step. He claimed the seat right across from Elara, next to the Lord's chair.

"Lucien… what am I going to do with you?" The Baroness sighed, shielding her eyes in frustration. Lucien, standing almost seven feet high, let out an awkward chuckle.

"Good morning, Mother. I just returned to the castle and came straight here after washing up. I'll have to leave again after I eat and see Father."

"Lucien, we appreciate your dedication, but rest is as important as training," the Baroness said, her voice filled with worry.

"Don't worry about me. Rather, let's focus on our little Theo. His awakening ceremony is approaching soon. How are you feeling, Theo?"

Lucien swiveled toward Theo with a broad grin, and shortly after, all eyes turned that way too.

"Just a little nervous, Brother Lucien, but excited as well," Theo responded, brimming with eagerness. He knew Brother Lucien's intentions were always pure.

"Mhm, it's natural to feel a bit nervous. I remember how I felt when my own awakening ceremony was close," Lucien said, nodding sagely. Then, excitement tinged his voice as he added,

"But I'm really looking forward to seeing your affinity—it'll decide what kind of beast we can bond with you."

"Baron Aldric Merick has arrived,"