Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 475. Farewell and the Previous Count

Upon hearing Lysara’s words, Theo paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on her.

Without much deliberation, he voiced the thought that had crossed his mind.

"Miss Lysara," Theo addressed her, prompting her to turn her attention towards him with her striking eyes.

"Would you be amenable to forming a contract with the Merrick Barony?" Theo inquired.

Lucien regarded Theo with astonishment, his gaze then shifting to an equally surprised Lysara.

Soon, a melancholic expression veiled her features.

"...I apologize, Young Master. However, I have already been under contract with a noble family for the past 10 years..." she confessed, meeting his eyes directly.

In that instant, Theo perceived that she regretted her prior commitment before arriving here.

"That is indeed unfortunate... Well, 10 years is not an insurmountable period," Theo remarked. He then extended his hand towards her, which she graciously accepted.

Theo bestowed another gentle kiss upon her hand before shifting his attention. The onlookers observed this tender exchange, their emotions a varied tapestry.

Lucien wore a smile, contemplating his brother’s apparent first romantic interest in this realm, unaware that Theo had already found himself captivated by his hybrid swordsman instructor at the academy.

Clara's expression remained impassive, yet discontent simmered beneath the surface. In her view, Theo was far too young to be tethered to anyone. Elias, conversely, beamed with evident delight, pleased for Theo’s happiness.

Garrick, meanwhile, was lost in his own thoughts, preoccupied with his internal musings.

"Farewell," Lysara bid them, offering a slight bow to both young masters. She nodded towards Clara, a friendly smile gracing her lips as if a fond camaraderie existed between them, while pointedly disregarding Cassian, Elias, and Garrick as if they were invisible.

Theo watched as she departed the inn, promptly entering a waiting carriage. She offered no backward glance, and soon, she too had vanished from sight.

Theo let out a sigh, his attention then drifting to Garrick, whose eye twitched, sensing it was his turn.

The others followed suit, their collective gaze settling upon the man, further agitating his already frayed nerves.

"Sir Garrick, are you also affiliated with a noble house?" Theo inquired with a smile, causing Garrick to stifle a flinch from the overwhelming scrutiny.

"I-I am not affiliated with any house or family, Young Master... I serve as a scout for an adventurer team operating out of the west," Garrick responded.

At that moment, Theo felt a pang of regret, realizing he had overlooked inquiring about Garrick's background after asking everyone else.

"Which adventurer team do you belong to? Do they have a name?" Theo pressed. "Perhaps I might seek your party's assistance one day, should I require high-level scouting," he added.

Garrick met Theo’s gaze, took a swift, silent, deep breath, and spoke, eager to conclude the conversation. "Our name is 'Eye of a Hawk,' Young Masters."

Theo nodded, but just then, Lucien's demeanor shifted abruptly.

"Hold on, Sir Garrick," Lucien interjected, capturing everyone's full attention. "Are you referring to the renowned 'Eye of the Hawk' adventurer team?" he asked Garrick, who responded with an awkward nod.

Lucien could not help but view Garrick with newfound respect. Theo noticed the distinct change in Lucien's expression.

Lucien's gaze then turned to Theo, who remained unaware, and elaborated, "'Eye of the Hawk' has ascended to such prominence that they have earned the Silver Crest within a remarkably short span, a truly significant achievement," Lucien declared, his tone reminiscent of a bard recounting a tale.

"And the most intriguing aspect is that your team comprises only three members. Is that correct, Sir Garrick?" Lucien queried, eliciting another nod from the man. A faint smile now touched Garrick's lips.

"Only three members... If you are the scout, then who are the other two, if you don’t mind my asking?" Theo inquired, piquing Lucien's curiosity as well.

"Ah... our party leader is a beast tamer, and the second member is a supporter responsible for managing all aspects of our expeditions, from sustenance to lodging and equipment transport," Garrick explained.

For a second time, Theo witnessed a flicker of pride cross Garrick's face.

"So, there is only one combatant in your party," Theo mused aloud, to which Garrick affirmatively nodded.

"I see. Very well, I shall remember your adventurer group’s name, Sir Garrick," Theo stated and offered an elbow tap, prompting Garrick to instinctively return the gesture, albeit with a hint of regret.

He bowed his head slightly, a silent apology for the forceful impact, but Theo merely smiled.

Placing a firm hand on Garrick’s shoulder, Theo caused the man to yelp slightly.

"Do not be so reserved, Sir Garrick. The world offers no leniency for such timidity. It could one day lead to your undoing," Theo advised, his gaze locked with Garrick's.

"You must cultivate confidence. Your skills and abilities are more than sufficient to support it. Do you have any idea of the compensation I am prepared to offer to secure your association with our family?" Theo asked, leaving Garrick speechless.

"Double whatever figure you might imagine."

Garrick’s eyes widened in sheer astonishment. Theo then withdrew his hand and turned his attention to his brother.

"Shall we go and meet the previous Count Vaelmont immediately, elder brother?" Theo inquired, prompting Lucien to pause and contemplate for a few moments.

"I see no reason to delay. It will allow us to finish our business quickly and return home sooner," Lucien replied.

Theo gave a slight nod and cast a final glance at Garrick. "We will cross paths again someday, Sir Garrick. I hope to encounter a more self-assured man then," Theo remarked as he departed from the inn. Garrick remained, left to ponder the recent events.

He observed them all board the carriage bearing the Merrick insignia, disappearing into the throng of onlookers.

Theo was genuinely thrilled at the prospect of conversing with someone who shared his fascination with insects. This was an unprecedented occurrence, and he was eager to embrace it.