Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 480. We are a Count family now

Theo swiftly entered as the doors closed behind him.

A subtle pressure permeated the chamber, yet it wasn't so potent as to cause him unease. He pondered if he had grown accustomed to such sensations, or if the baron was deliberately restraining his influence.

"Good morning... father?" Theo ventured, offering a tentative smile, only to be met with a grunt from the baron.

"A letter arrived stating we've been awarded five royal contribution points!" the baron declared sharply.

Theo instantly grasped the direction of the impending conversation.

"Father, I can explain—"

"What good will explanations do? Do you even comprehend the repercussions?" the baron interjected once more.

"We... might be elevated in rank?" Theo inquired, his tone unchanged.

The baron's scowl deepened. "Not merely that!" he boomed.

"I had an understanding with the emperor; as long as I refrained from accumulating points through personal achievements, none would be attributed to our family," he stated, but continued.

"However, there was a stipulation! That scoundrel—" the baron gritted his teeth.

Theo's curiosity piqued upon hearing the emperor's involvement.

"He appended a condition: should I acquire any points in the future under my own name, I would be compelled to accept them ALL. Do you grasp the implications???" the baron demanded, rising from his desk and advancing towards Theo.

Theo already possessed a strong inkling of the situation but remained silent, allowing the baron to express his frustrations.

"And now!" the baron proceeded, "I received word from that scoundrel, instructing me to prepare for the reception of my new title."

The baron ran a hand through his hair.

"AND GUESS WHAT?"

"WE ARE TO BECOME 'COUNTS' ACCORDING TO THAT SCOUNDREL!" the baron roared.

He placed a hand against the back of his head, visibly overwhelmed.

"The increased workload, the mandatory fortification upgrades, the incessant official banquets... No, I absolutely refuse to endure all of that," the baron mumbled in exasperation.

By the time the baron concluded his outburst, Theo's intended explanations had entirely evaporated from his mind.

"A-Are you serious? We are Counts now?" Theo asked, a rare glint of astonishment flashing in his eyes, a sensation he had experienced exceedingly infrequently.

"That individual deceived me," the baron muttered, agitating his forehead.

"I had no inkling you would contribute so significantly as to warrant royal contribution points, Theo. And consider the audacity of that man; we contributed nothing substantial!" he exclaimed, retrieving a royal decree from the table and unfurling it before Theo.

--

Theo regarded the remarkably casual missive, lacking in substantive detail, then looked back at the fuming baron.

Yet, beneath the palpable anger, Theo sensed a profound curiosity concerning the events that had precipitated this outcome.

"I apologize for this, father, but may I first explain precisely what transpired?" Theo requested.

"Begin by detailing what led to such a momentous honor, Theo," the baron replied. "My intention was for you merely to gain experience, yet you clearly accomplished something significant within the perimeter. What transpired?"

Theo needed only a brief moment to ascertain the most effective means of explaining. "I presented samples of a core beast's blood to the emperor. He bestowed this reward upon me."

The baron regarded Theo in silence for a full minute before finally speaking.

"A core beast, you say...? Did I comprehend that correctly?" he inquired again, prompting a nod from Theo.

Leaning back, the baron exhaled deeply.

"Theo, Theo, Theo... what am I to do with you, my son? Why must you always escalate matters to such extremes?" he mused, his voice tinged more with weariness than anger.

Theo absently scratched his forehead with a finger.

He perceived another opportune moment. "But father, I deliberately did not ascribe points to the family's name, fully aware of your disapproval. Elder brother Lucien utilized his instead."

Why should Theo bear the full weight of culpability when the true instigator had yet to face any reprimand?

The baron shifted his gaze back to Theo, then a perplexed frown creased his brow. "Then, how many points did you accrue?"

"Five points per group member, father. Everyone contributed theirs to their respective families... with the exception of brother Lucien and one other bothersome individual."

The baron's eyes narrowed momentarily. "Then what became of your points? Surely you didn't simply discard them?"

It was at this juncture that Theo recognized the magnitude of his miscalculation.

"...I was unaware that refusal was an option. Given the lack of information and knowing your aversion, I... opted to use them for myself instead."

The instant the baron registered this admission, despite having already surmised as much, a heavy sigh escaped him.

Theo observed his father, acutely aware of the hurt his actions had inflicted.

"So with five more points, you will become a baron under a new family name, huh...? Have you at least thought of one?" he asked with a heavy heart.

"Father, I have not thought about starting a new family. I only accepted them under my name because I didn’t know we could refuse. From now on, I will not accept it under my name—or yours," Theo said firmly to show just how committed he was.

The baron studied him for a moment before replying, "I don’t mind you starting your own family. I will make sure your castle or starter territory is right beside ours so that we can visit freely. I am proud of you for taking such a big step, son."

Theo felt great hearing those words, but he could already sense the 'but' coming.

"But... I always believed you would be the one to inherit the position of the family head. Have I not been clear enough? Do you want me to make a public statement?"