Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 473. I am happy without an academy

"What inquiries do you have for me, my lord?" Theo asked, a note of curiosity coloring his voice, which earned a smile from the man.

"We have received word that your taming focuses on insects, deviating from conventional beasts. Is this accurate, Theo Merrick?" Vaelmont, the man positioned in the center, inquired.

Theo met the man's steady gaze. While he sensed he understood the man's line of thought, the precise nature of it remained elusive.

"Indeed, my lord, I study and tame insects," Theo confirmed.

"Hmm... a rather unorthodox pursuit... One might almost dismiss it as a child's fanciful imagination," the man mused thoughtfully before continuing, "yet the rumors surrounding your accomplishments have proven remarkably consistent."

Theo found himself reassessing his initial impression; the man possessed a greater perceptiveness than he had initially assumed.

"Might I have the opportunity to witness your beast?" Vaelmont requested, then gestured towards the head butler.

The butler inclined his head. "My apologies, sir, but Master Theo's beast possesses a suppression ability that impacts weaker minds. Its summoning is therefore prohibited within the castle grounds."

"Hmm..." Vaelmont appeared even more intrigued, his curiosity piqued further, and he spoke again.

"In that case, I extend an invitation to my residence, Theo Merrick." He then turned his attention to Lucien, whose expression remained placid.

"You are welcome to accompany us as well, Lucien Merrick. The more Merricks present, the merrier the occasion," he quipped, eliciting laughter only from the other two individuals present.

Theo and Lucien offered polite, albeit somewhat compelled, chuckles, recognizing that failing to laugh at an elder's jest would be impolite.

Vaelmont's gaze briefly swept over Merek before moving past, as if no further communication was necessary with him.

This, in reality, was the expected outcome. Vaelmont had nothing to convey to him, just as was the case with all the others who silently observed the unfolding interaction.

The elder nobles soon offered their farewells and departed; only then did Theo exhale a breath of relief.

The head butler escorted them from the castle, leaving them at the main gate.

Once outside the castle's confines, Theo repeatedly clenched and unclenched his fists, attempting to quell the unease and tension coursing through his body.

"So... this mission has brought us closer to achieving noble status?" Kaelor inquired, his voice and expression conveying a clear sense of disbelief.

"And it has enabled the nobles to elevate their standing, yes," Lucien responded promptly. He stepped forward, addressing the group.

"Now that our mission is officially concluded, let us hold a feast to commemorate our success," Lucien declared, clapping his hands together, a rare smile gracing his features.

Throughout their time together, none of them had ever witnessed Lucien exhibit such a smile.

Theo let out a chuckle, drawing a deep, fortifying breath before moving towards his brother, the attendants following closely behind. He then cast a glance back at the others.

"What are you all lingering for? Let's proceed to the feast already."

Lysara's eyes sparkled with anticipation, while Kaelor simply offered a smile. Garrick remained in a state of stunned surprise, whereas Merek clicked his tongue and began making his way toward the castle gates.

They observed Merek pass them by, enter a waiting carriage, and then vanish from sight as if such an action were the most commonplace occurrence.

Kaelor had been on the verge of commenting on Merek's departure until he remembered the company he was currently in. Nobles, every one of them.

"He has finally departed," Theo remarked with a sigh of relief, prompting chuckles from Clara and Elias.

At that precise moment, Kaelor, much like on numerous previous occasions, noted Theo's remarkably casual demeanor with his attendants.

They proceeded to board a carriage to return to their inn. As the Merricks' carriage could only accommodate five individuals, they found it necessary to secure an additional one.

Shortly thereafter, the inn owner observed Theo and Lucien's return, this time accompanied by a retinue of individuals.

After Theo elucidated the circumstances, the inn owner gladly made arrangements, ensuring everyone could dine in a private chamber.

Once the entire group was settled inside, Theo noticed the astonished expressions on the faces of the trio, as though they had never before encountered such an abundance of food in one location.

Lysara, in particular, appeared utterly taken aback. Theo was uncertain whether she hailed from affluent origins or not.

It was only later, amidst the feast, that Theo finally posed the question.

"Miss Lysara, to which family do you belong?"

Lysara paused mid-bite, then looked at Theo with a surprised expression. She quickly finished chewing and swallowed before replying.

"You are unlikely to be familiar with my family, young master. We are a modest trading collective situated in the southern reaches of the kingdom – the Venth Merchants," she stated, a polite smile gracing her lips.

Theo returned her smile and offered a nod. "That is indeed fascinating. Your family must have experienced considerable pride when you awakened a healer's affinity, Miss Lysara."

His observation elicited an even broader smile from her.

"Yes, they were immensely pleased. My academic pursuits at the academy were exclusively concentrated on the healer's affinity, which ultimately facilitated my involvement in this mission," she explained.

As Theo's inquiries continued, Lysara found herself increasingly at ease with him, leading her to pose a question of her own.

"Is your academy currently on a break, young master? Perhaps a summer vacation?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued about his selection for the mission given that classes would typically be in session.

Theo offered a sheepish grin in response. "I departed the academy several months ago, Miss Lysara. I am not currently enrolled in any classes."

At this juncture, Kaelor, who had been observing their exchange with mounting mortification, felt an even deeper sense of embarrassment on her behalf.

It seemed improbable that anyone within the kingdom remained unaware of the Merricks' youngest scion and his publicized disputes with the academy.

A brief silence ensued before she took a measured sip of her beverage.

"I-I see," she managed, at a loss for further remarks.

Noticing her reaction, Theo couldn't suppress a hearty laugh. He found her innocence utterly endearing.

"Please don't give it another thought. I chose to leave because my pursuits diverged from the academy's path at the time. I am quite content with my current situation."