Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 472. The 3 elders and the beast

The emperor’s gaze then shifted to the next individual, someone he had evidently been anticipating. “Lucien Merrick, what is your selection?” the emperor inquired.

Lucien lifted his head, meeting the emperor’s eyes before he spoke. Even Theo found himself intrigued by the man’s impending words.

“I wish for it to be added to the Merrick Barony, Your Majesty, the Emperor,” Lucien declared, subsequently lowering his gaze once more.

At that precise moment, Theo detected the same subtle grin on the emperor’s face. The emperor’s gaze then flickered back toward Theo, as if prompting him to comprehend something specific.

Theo did not immediately grasp the implication, but one fact became starkly clear—he needed to prevent the baron from ascending to the rank of viscount. If his father had harbored ambitions for such a promotion, or even greater, he could have achieved it long ago.

’I will need to discuss this with him later…’

“Merek Vaun, what will your choice be?” the emperor then asked.

Merek appeared to be the sole individual requiring a decision; the others had already finalized their choices.

“I would like to add it to my family name, Your Majesty, the Emperor,” Merek responded.

One by one, the remaining individuals followed suit, each opting to solidify their lineage’s prestige.

Once their selections were complete, a number of nobles began to rise, seemingly under the impression that the proceedings had reached their conclusion.

Without further delay, Theo spoke aloud. “Your Majesty, might I have the honor of requesting something from you?” he inquired, his voice resonating throughout the hall and drawing all attention towards him.

The emperor narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Theo, who maintained a lowered head.

“Proceed.”

Theo stated, still not looking up. “Among the specimen beasts we apprehended within the gate, there is a wolf pup that is paralyzed… ” He paused briefly, then raised his head. “That particular creature sustained a permanent injury due to my actions, and therefore, I wish to request custody of that pup from you, Your Majesty.”

He remained indifferent to his current political standing. His sole desire was to take the beast with him. A profound shift had begun within him, a transformation of spirit, and safeguarding the pup felt like the initial step toward understanding this internal change.

The emperor held his gaze, looking directly into Theo’s eyes, but before he could offer a response, the powerfully built man standing nearby interjected once more.

“If I may be so bold, Your Majesty.”

Having received immediate assent, the man turned his attention to Theo, his expression one of utmost seriousness. “Anything acquired from the gate becomes the sole property of the kingdom. We are unable to grant you any of the resources originating from a gate to which we have lost access, Theo Merrick,” the man stated with a chilling tone.

Theo met the man’s gaze, his own expression impassive, and offered a slight nod.

“What he says is accurate, Theo Merrick,” the emperor affirmed. “Given that the gate has inexplicably sealed itself and an investigation is ongoing, we cannot provide you with anything that was brought back from that gate, whether it be an injured pup or even a mere fragment of a flower.”

Without dwelling further on the matter, he transitioned to the next item on the agenda.

“Now that the award ceremony has concluded, we shall proceed to discuss the disappearance of the gate,” the emperor announced, continuing his address. “A comprehensive report has already been compiled, but should additional information be required, I expect your complete cooperation. Do you all concur with this?”

“I agree,” Theo responded, followed by Lucien, Lysara, and the rest of the assembled individuals.

With their agreement secured, the emperor nodded. “Excellent, this concludes today’s ceremony.”

Upon this declaration, the emperor rose from his seat.

“Should your team be assigned another mission, the kingdom will duly inform you.”

A robed attendant approached, bearing a tray. Upon it rested a single, gem-encrusted goblet. The emperor took it and raised it high.

Instantly, the senior nobles stood and elevated their own goblets in unison.

A moment of silence followed, the significance of which was lost on Theo.

But then, the announcer’s voice cut through the quiet. “The ceremony has concluded!”

That single pronouncement was sufficient. The emperor turned and was the first to depart through a side passage, with all the nobles subsequentlyRising and filing out through the main entrance they had originally used.

Theo remained standing, a knot of bewilderment tightening in his chest, and glanced towards his brother. Lucien was already looking directly at him.

“You were playing with fire today, Theo,” Lucien remarked, his tone measured as he turned and began walking with the departing crowd.

Theo followed, his thoughts a chaotic jumble, colliding and intertwining. There was simply too much information, an overwhelming number of details and unanswered questions, to the point where everything felt utterly muddled.

He was overcome by a sudden urge to document everything on paper, fearing that the memories would inevitably fade if he did not.

As they exited the main hall, the butler who had previously accompanied them was waiting nearby. However, Theo’s attention was immediately drawn elsewhere; three elder nobles stood a short distance away, observing his group intently as they approached.

With a slight bow toward the three nobles, Theo approached the butler, earning small nods of acknowledgement from them.

His desire was to depart swiftly, to escape this tense and draining encounter, but the nobles unexpectedly advanced towards them.

The central noble fixed his gaze upon Theo, and the young man immediately grasped the unspoken expectation.

Nevertheless, Theo remained silent. He understood that Lucien needed to initiate the conversation; otherwise, his own speech would be perceived as disrespectful.

True to his expectation, Lucien stepped forward, bowing with a practiced elegance. "My name is Lucien Merrick, son of Baron Aldric Merrick. And this is my younger brother, Theo Merrick."

Upon hearing his name, Theo offered a courteous smile, inclining his head once more toward the assembled nobles. This time, the nobleman in the center responded with a subtle smile.

"Hm. Excellent etiquette," the elder remarked, stroking his smoothly shaven chin.

"I am Vaelmont Ardis, the former Count of the Ardis family."

Having introduced himself, he paused, allowing the others to present themselves.

The man positioned to his right spoke next, his somewhat plump face adorned with a pleasant, sincere smile.

"I am Garen Halvec, the former Baron of House Halvec."

Theo detected no animosity emanating from him, a stark contrast to Vaelmont, whose expression remained inscrutable.

Then, the third individual, standing to the left, began to speak.

A quiet authority resonated from his composed demeanor, and his eyes reflected a profound wisdom, reminiscent of Old Man Bernard.

"We have inquiries regarding your unique beast, Theo Merrick."