Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 474. I don’t want to like her but why do I like her?

Lysara simply nodded, and the surrounding chatter faded into a dull roar as most focused on their meals. Dishes previously unseen by anyone were laid out before them.

A realization dawned upon Theo at that very moment: with sufficient time, they could all learn to coexist and cooperate effectively.

However, no genuine connection formed between them, despite his desire for one. Among them were individuals possessing remarkable talents.

Garrick, in particular, stood out; his scouting prowess was a marvel to Theo, who had only recently ventured into the wider world.

On the other side of the spectrum was Kaelor. He was the first knight Theo had encountered outside his own family, and his strength lay somewhere between that of a standard Merrick knight and the more formidable ones like Rhys.

And then there was Lysara. Theo had witnessed her abilities, and excluding himself, hers were undeniably the most unique and beneficial.

A skilled healer, even one of moderate level, could mend grievous wounds, whether internal or external, within mere minutes.

Theo observed that Lysara’s power hadn’t reached its zenith yet, but his attention remained captivated by her.

‘She's still growing… Once she fully blossoms, she could become an incredibly valuable asset,’ Theo mused, his gaze drifting towards Lysara as she conversed with Clara.

A soft laugh escaped her lips, and Theo found himself mesmerized by its brilliance – the captivating sparkle in her eyes, her effortless grace in engaging with Clara, who was merely an attendant.

The more Theo observed her from afar, the more a peculiar sensation stirred within his heart.

“Your stare is quite intense; you might accidentally incinerate her with that gaze.”

Theo turned his head to find Lucien beside him, a plate laden with food in his hand.

Lucien regarded Theo from above, his expression unreadable.

‘This adolescent brain…’ Theo scoffed internally, dismissing any notion of romantic feelings for the girl.

“Do yourself a favor and try not to fixate on her too much. The age difference is rather considerable,” Lucien advised with a knowing smile.

“Although, I must admit, little brother, you do possess discerning taste in women.” His grin widened, a blend of paternal pride and playful teasing.

Theo simply offered a smile. “It’s my first time encountering a healer of her caliber. Her abilities are too exceptional to let pass by,” Theo stated. “Even our Merrick Barony doesn't have a healer readily available at all times.”

Lucien listened attentively, nodding with a sigh.

“Healers are a peculiar sort. Their arrogance often surpasses that of many nobles. They prioritize their healing gifts above all else, with some even believing they are divine instruments sent to]।save the world,” he remarked, a chuckle escaping him.

“However, she,” Lucien continued, piquing Theo’s curiosity, “is somewhat more peculiar than the average healer.”

“In what way?”

Lucien met Theo’s gaze, a wry smile playing on his lips. “Because she appears perfectly normal,” he replied, then turned to procure more food. Theo realized with a start just how much he had consumed while standing beside his brother.

His gaze returned to Lysara, and this time, he observed her through a completely different lens.

‘My body and mind are refusing to cooperate… I must simply suppress these thoughts,’ he resolved, taking a deep, steadying breath.

The age gap was problematic, not because she was older, but because Theo, in spirit, was considerably more mature than her. He acknowledged that this world’s customs were more accepting of such disparities.

Humans who reached exceptionally high cultivation levels, the elite few percent, could live for centuries. Over such vast lifespans, a twenty-year-old woman and a thirty-year-old man were considered perfectly compatible.

Yet, Theo refused to use that as an excuse to pursue someone underage. The ingrained ethics and societal norms of his previous existence tempered any burgeoning affection the longer he contemplated the age difference.

He smiled, feeling a sense of self-congratulation for conquering his own heart’s desires.

But then, Lysara glanced at Theo, her radiant smile causing his heart to race once more.

Theo longed to bang his head against a wall, but instead, with a forced smile, he turned towards the food, intending to distract himself with a meal.

Time marched on, and the celebration eventually drew to a close. As they stood at the inn’s entrance, Kaelor, his luggage already assembled, prepared to depart.

“I must leave now to attend to my duties,” he announced, his gaze sweeping over everyone before settling on Theo.

A palpable sense of pride emanated from him regarding the mission’s outcome, yet to Theo’s surprise, he then bowed deeply.

“I am profoundly grateful for the honor bestowed upon me during this mission, Young Master Theo. I shall never forget your kindness,” he declared, his head still lowered.

“Should you ever find a need for my services, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will seek my family’s permission and come to your aid without question,” he pledged, finally lifting his head.

Theo regarded him with a light chuckle, offering no verbal response but taking a step forward.

His arm moved into a familiar stance, an action Kaelor instantly recognized.A haughty look returned to his eyes, and he nudged Theo's elbow with his. Those observing the interaction exchanged smiles, while Lucien offered a subtle grin. Once Kaelor finished with Theo, his attention shifted to Lucien, and he offered a respectful bow. "I anticipate you will attain nobility by our next encounter, won't you, Sir Kaelor?" Lucien inquired, sending a tremor down Kaelor's spine. The prospect of achieving nobility as a commoner, coupled with such expectations from a fellow noble, was an unprecedented situation for anyone in their vicinity. "I shall not falter in my promise," Kaelor declared. After acknowledging everyone with a nod, he departed to arrange for a carriage. Before long, he had vanished, leaving the healer and the scout behind. "My departure is also imminent."