Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 476. An insect shouldn’t be this big!

The carriage proceeded, inquiring directions from every guard they encountered along the way.

Before long, the group understood why the preceding count hadn't simply suggested, "Come to my castle." Upon reaching their destination, they discovered it was still within the confines of the royal capital.

And as they observed its location, Theo couldn't shake the feeling that this was an unlikely residence for someone of a former count's stature.

It resembled a small dwelling sandwiched between other buildings, situated in an outskirts area lacking numerous shops, yet still bustling with activity.

Theo glanced at Lucien, who let out a sigh. Together, they advanced with their attendants up the steps, arriving before a plain wooden gate.

Clara stepped forward and tolled the bell thrice, initiating the period of anticipation.

After a mere minute of waiting, the gate swung open, revealing an elderly man whose eyes were half-closed, seemingly squinting against the abundant light.

Theo took note of his attire and deduced he was a butler, stepping forward himself.

"Good day, sir. We have arrived following an invitation from the former Count of House Vaelmont," Theo announced.

The butler's countenance brightened considerably, and he fully opened the gate.

"A good day to all of you. My lord has been anticipating your arrival for some time now."

Upon hearing this, Theo felt a sense of relief. The simple choice to arrive early appeared to be working in their favor.

The aged butler moved with deliberate slowness to the side, allowing them all to enter the residence before closing the gate behind them.

From the interior, Theo perceived a distinctly cozy ambiance. Holders adorned the walls, supporting thick, lit candles. The furniture exuded an antique charm.

As he looked ahead, he observed a modest hall that served as a nexus to several adjoining rooms.

The old butler navigated forward as best he could, making his way toward a door situated centrally on the right wall, which he then opened.

A creaking sound emanated from the door, prompting everyone to exchange glances.

"Please, be seated. I shall inform the lord of your presence," the butler stated with a persistent, kind smile before stepping a few paces forward and entering another chamber.

Theo and the others proceeded into the room, discovering it furnished with sofas. This space was superior to the hall, with paintings gracing every wall.

He and Lucien took their seats, while Clara, Elias, and Cassian remained standing behind their respective masters.

"To reside here as a former count... such a pity," Lucien remarked with a sigh, leaning back against a support and settling into a comfortable posture.

"Do you happen to know who House Vaelmont is, Theo?" he inquired, prompting Theo to shake his head.

"They are a significant merchant conglomerate that ascended to nobility, dominating trade for decades. We procure a substantial portion of our castle's daily necessities from them," Lucien explained before sighing again.

"And for its head to be living in a place like this, it truly is quite lamentable," he added.

Theo observed his brother, then surveyed their surroundings. "Perhaps he sought some tranquility?"

Lucien let out a soft snicker at the comment and remained silent thereafter.

Shortly, the door opened once more, and Theo saw the man emerge, clad in the same attire he had worn earlier that day.

"Ho ho ho, you are already here," Vaelmont exclaimed with a hearty laugh.

Theo and Lucien promptly rose to greet the man before reseating themselves after the former count.

The man continued to gaze at the two young masters with a smile. "It is a privilege to meet two rising Merricks. It feels as though I am witnessing your family's ascent for a second time in my lifetime," the old man declared.

Theo discerned that he was referring to the baron.

"Fetch us some tea," the old man instructed the butler, who moved aside to prepare it.

It was akin to Theo's own room, with one side of the wall fully equipped for tea preparation.

"Well now, youngsters like yourselves are quite occupied these days. How about we proceed directly to the crux of the matter?" the old man proposed with a smile, causing Theo to feel a slight shiver.

He recognized the need for prudence. The man possessed a wealth of experience, evident in his very countenance.

"Your beast... May I have a look at it?" he asked, prompting Theo to lean forward.

"My apologies for reiterating, my lord," Theo began, continuing, "but I must remind you that my beast possesses a prey suppression ability. It can indeed be quite startling at times," Theo stated.

The old man merely nodded. "I am aware of that," he paused briefly, "but do not underestimate me simply because of my age. I have witnessed things in my life that are beyond comprehension."

"Have you ever seen an outer devil annihilate thousands of citizens in mere seconds before your very eyes?" the man inquired, a subtle frown etching his features.

Theo shook his head. "I offer my apologies," he responded.

The old man sighed at this. "You young ones today have no concept of what the kingdom was like merely 30 years ago. You have all grown accustomed to this precarious peace."