Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 478.Selling bigger insects to a noble merchant (2)

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Previously on Insect Tamer's Ascension...
Theo meets with a former count, Vaelmont, to discuss selling insects. Vaelmont initially insults Theo's mantis, causing tension, but Theo skillfully redirects the conversation to the potential of gigantic beetles. He hints at their value as defensive beasts, especially in the context of armies fighting both humans and outer devils, leaving Vaelmont intrigued.
"For now, it will be for armies against our own," Theo stated. "But... perhaps, in the future, it could be used for the armies against the outer devils as well," he added. Silence, once again, enveloped the room. The old man continued to fix his gaze upon Theo. "Boy... these claims of yours..." The old man’s face twitched subtly. "I won’t forgive you if they turn out to be empty bluffs." His sharp gaze conveyed his seriousness, and Theo understood he wasn't joking. "I am well aware of that, my lord. Why would I dare make such claims before you if I weren’t confident?" Theo asked with a light chuckle, meeting the man's eyes. "What I am offering you are possibilities meant to be realized, nothing more." The old man studied Theo, his expression one Theo was becoming familiar with. Perplexity was evident in his eyes. "This is one of the very few interesting discussions I have had in over a decade, Theo Merrick," he admitted, the perplexity remaining. "You won’t share how you will achieve this—you are adamant on that... You won’t sell the idea to me either... so what exactly are you offering?" the man inquired. At that moment, Theo found himself liking the old man even more. He was direct, quick-witted, and precisely the kind of person Theo felt he was looking for. "I am willing to show you a few samples in time, my lord," Theo announced, his voice steady with pride. "I understand that trusting the words of a mere boy isn’t easy, and I won’t force anyone to believe me either." "I will prove it through my actions. I will demonstrate what I am talking about in due time. And once you’re convinced, I will ask you to help me achieve one thing in return," Theo declared in an unwavering tone. "I want you to help me usher in the reign of insects in this world dominated by other beasts," Theo articulated, his gaze intensifying. Even the mantis appeared captivated by his intensity, its attention fixed on him. The old man, however, could only stand there, completely taken aback by the turn the conversation had taken. Yet, one thing was undeniable—what the young man standing before him said made his heart race for the first time in a very long while. He placed a hand over his chest and smiled. "Reign of insects, you say... quite the grand ambition you have there," he remarked, causing Theo to simply stare back. "Then show me what you can do, Theo Merrick. If that 'statement' of yours becomes reality before my very eyes, I will reward you with 10 Blue Coins." "!!!" A small yelp escaped Clara, as though she had just heard something utterly absurd. Even Theo, despite his preparedness, looked at the man with astonishment. "10 Blue Coins...?" Theo questioned immediately, prompting the man to grin wider. The old man rose from the sofa, his gaze locked onto Theo. "Do you know who you’re speaking with right now? I am the founder of the Vaelmont Merchant Group." "If you are so confident in what you can achieve, then I can reciprocate that confidence—threefold—in wealth and connections. That is the kind of man I am," the old man proclaimed before turning to depart. "I am expecting great things from you, Theo Merrick. If you require anything to aid in what you are about to show me, you will have my full support." Upon hearing these words, the old butler commenced his approach towards Theo, seemingly unbothered by the nearby mantis. Theo felt as if he were in a waking dream. These elders, whom he had feared might suffer a heart attack at the sight of a mantis, appeared more robust than seasoned knights who had trained for years. The old butler reached into his pocket, retrieving an object that gleamed the moment it was revealed, and then presented it to Theo. "I am glad the master could finally pass one of these to someone. It’s been a decade," the man commented with a smile that conveyed genuine happiness. Theo accepted the token, nodded to the butler, and then proceeded to examine it. The token bore the crest of the Vaelmont family, intricately etched and adorned with stones he recognized as not merely expensive, but exceedingly rare. Rising from the sofa, Theo met the butler’s gaze with renewed determination. "I won’t disappoint." The butler simply offered a smile, maintaining that composed, professional demeanor characteristic of all butlers. Lucien stood, and the group prepared to depart. Once outside the residence, everyone paused. Clara and Elias looked towards Theo, while Cassian assisted Lucien, who was holding his forehead. "Are you alright, elder brother?" Theo inquired, already securing the token in his pocket. "Let’s just go home, Theo. Too much has happened; my mind can’t focus right now," Lucien responded. "Same here... let’s head home," Theo concurred and stepped forward. Clara and Elias remained silent, not wanting to intrude upon the moment between Lucien, Cassian, and Theo.The moment they were back inside the carriage, silence enveloped the group. There was nothing more to be said between them. The carriage would not halt until they reached the barony. Although Theo's mind was crowded with countless thoughts, a single emotion overshadowed all others—relief. After what felt like an eternity, he would finally be reunited with his beloved ants, and this prospect filled him with eager anticipation. As time wore on, most of the travelers succumbed to sleep. The carriage journey proceeded as serenely as could be expected. No goodbyes were exchanged with the inn; there had been no official registration in the first place. All arrangements had been meticulously handled by the emperor himself. Theo couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for not waiting for Dren. Perhaps he could have extended an invitation to the adventurer, offering to teach him sword aura, but his mind had been too preoccupied at the time to consider such possibilities. Half a day later, deep into the night, the company finally reached the gates of the barony. Upon beholding the sight of the castle, Theo expelled a prolonged sigh of relief. The imposing gates swung open to admit their carriage, and Alfred stood ready, awaiting their arrival. They had finally returned to the comfort of their own home.