Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 470. Accept the honour you earned

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Previously on Insect Tamer's Ascension...
The group returned to the royal capital and settled back into their inn. Theo reflected on the mission's mistakes and potential consequences while discussing his recent encounter with Merek. He also detected a strange spatial energy surge near their previous location. The next morning, Theo and his companions were summoned to the royal castle. Along the way, Theo met Sir Dren and offered him guidance on aura usage, subtly demonstrating his own mastery.

Upon entering the castle via the tamers, Theo and his company were met by a butler, who then guided them directly towards the emperor's presence.

A period of silent progression followed, during which Theo meticulously absorbed the castle's every detail.

Its scale was undeniably a hundredfold greater than that of the barony, a fact evident from the very first look. The more Theo observed, the more he appreciated the transformative power of decoration; how a dimly lit corridor could be elevated to a majestic passage with the addition of a few well-chosen ornaments and perfectly matched furniture.

As they neared their destination, Theo recognized the group he had recently departed from.

The four individuals—Garrick, Kaelor, Lysara, and Merek—were positioned to the side.

Lysara's attire, fitting for the occasion, immediately drew Theo's attention.

Though still clad in white, her gown was now adorned with embedded gems rather than lace, lending her a sophisticated, noble aura that hinted at a wealth far exceeding Theo’s initial impression.

"Young Master Theo!" Lysara exclaimed upon spotting him, rising swiftly to meet him. She deftly gathered her gown in her hands to prevent any impediment as she approached.

Theo offered a smile as she drew nearer, his gaze then shifting to the individual who remained seated.

Merek, too, was attired in garments that exuded nobility, his hair immaculately styled.

Theo's attention lingered on Merek for but a moment before he looked away.

"You look beautiful, Miss Lysara," Theo remarked, extending his hand while inclining slightly forward. He opted not to emphasize her shorter stature, a matter he preferred not to highlight repeatedly.

Lysara placed her hand in Theo's palm, which he then gently lifted, bestowing a light kiss upon it.

For an instant, Lysara's eyes remained fixed on Theo's, lost in a daze. As he slowly released her hand, she seemed still taken aback, her expression one of surprise.

Theo then approached the other two individuals, greeting them with a smile and engaging them briefly.

Suddenly, the grand gates on the side swung open, prompting everyone to instinctively straighten.

Theo observed another butler approach before they were escorted into the hall where the emperor was in attendance.

Theo offered a subtle nod to Clara and Elias before stepping forward, with them following his lead.

He maintained a walking pace alongside Lucien, and together they were the first to behold the spectacle of the hall.

The emperor was seated upon a magnificent throne, elevated atop a platform of at least ten broad steps. Esteemed nobles occupied the walls on either side, leaving a spacious central area for their procession.

Long drapes, bearing the imperial crest, cascaded from the ceiling along the walls.

"Second heir of the Merrick Barony, Lucien Merrick, has entered."

"Ninth heir of the Merrick Barony, Theo Merrick, has entered."

The pronouncements resonated throughout the hall. While Theo was accustomed to such formalities, the others present seemed visibly unnerved by the gravity of the situation.

Kaelor's shoulders were taut with anxiety, whereas Garrick's posture was overly subdued.

Despite their impeccable suits, their unease was palpable.

Lysara maintained an upright posture, her gaze fixed on Theo's back, seemingly drawing solace from his presence amidst the imposing setting.

Elias and Lucien, conversely, appeared more seasoned in such affairs. Nevertheless, the presence of the kingdom's emperor commanded a certain deference, and even after several encounters, they were far from completely at ease.

Cassian maintained a flawless poker face, mirroring the other two attendants, making his thoughts entirely inscrutable.

Meanwhile, Merek advanced with an air of composed arrogance.

As the announcements continued, Theo subtly glanced at the emperor, a faint smile gracing his lips.

The emperor could not help but reciprocate; the young man's audacity was undeniable.

Noticing this interaction, the assembled nobles began to whisper amongst themselves. However, at the opportune moment, Theo sank to one knee, lowering his head as he approached the dais.

The others followed his example. Lysara positioned herself to Theo's left and bowed, while Clara and Elias stood behind him. Lucien took his place at Theo's side, and the remaining individuals formed a line to his right.

As the murmurs intensified and threatened to disrupt the solemnity, the emperor raised his hand, and an immediate, profound silence fell over the hall.

"Leader of the gate mission, Theo Merrick. Lift your head high," the emperor commanded, his tone carrying a weight far exceeding his usual demeanor.

Theo raised his head, his gaze meeting the emperor's. The ruler remained seated, his head supported by his right arm.

"You have successfully led your team to victoriously complete the mission. The samples you and your team brought will be used for the betterment of the kingdom," he stated, his steady voice commanding Theo's unwavering attention.

A brief silence ensued.

But during this mission, you and your team accomplished something... that was out of the ordinary. You brought the blood of a beast you knew was way stronger than any of you. The reports of the blood have already confirmed its origins."

The emperor spoke in a way that the attention of everyone in the hall was now fixed on Theo. The older nobles watched him with sharp anticipation.

"The blood has been confirmed to be of a core beast."

That single sentence brought a silence that Theo felt even in his spine. A heavy, unfamiliar pressure settled in the hall, something he couldn’t explain.

It wasn’t like the pressure that the baron exuded, but something deeper, more oppressive.

All the older nobles exchanged glances, first at the emperor, then at Theo, before looking at one another.

Within moments, whispers broke out again, quickly rising into heated murmurs that became a little too aggressive.

Theo could not understand a single murmur since the acoustics of the hall made the voices echo, twisting the noise into an incomprehensible mix of hushed whispers and shouts that felt like gibberish.

"And for this achievement, you and your team shall be awarded with honor and treasures," the emperor continued, extending his hands.

From the sides, robed attendants stepped forward, each carrying a cushion embroidered with gold.

Soon, they all came in front of everyone and knelt before the group.

"Everyone, raise your heads and accept this honor."