"For now, it will be for armies against our own," Theo said. "But... perhaps, in the future, it could be used for the armies against the outer devils as well," Theo said.

Silence, like many other times, fell in the room once more. The old man continued staring at Theo.

"Boy... these claims of yours..." The old man’s face twitched slightly.

"I won’t forgive you if they turn out to be empty bluffs."

His gaze was sharp, and Theo knew the man was not joking.

"I am well aware of that, my lord. Why would I dare make such claims before you if I weren’t confident?" Theo said with a light chuckle, meeting his eyes.

"What I am offering you are possibilities meant to be realized, nothing more."

The old man studied Theo with an expression that wasn’t unknown anymore. Theo could see the perplexity in those eyes.

"This is one of the very few interesting discussions I have had in over a decade, Theo Merrick," he admitted with that same expression of perplexity.

"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 asked.

At that moment, it was like Theo had found himself liking the old man even more. He was direct, quick to catch on, and exactly the kind of person he felt like he was looking for.

"I am willing to show you a few samples in time, my lord," Theo said, 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 show you what I am talking about in time. And once you’re convinced, I will ask you to help me achieve one thing in return," Theo said in an unwavering voice.

"I want you to help me usher in the reign of insects in this world dominated by other beasts," Theo spoke with that same look in his eyes, only more intensified.

Even the mantis seemed drawn to his gaze and kept staring at him.

The old man, however, could only stand there, too flabbergasted by what this conversation had turned into.

But one thing was clear—what the boy standing before him said made his heart race for the first time in a really long while.

He pressed a hand to his chest and smiled.

"Reign of insects, you say... quite the grand ambition you have there," he spoke, prompting Theo to simply stare back at him.

"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 if she had just heard something too absurd.

Even Theo, who was prepared, had to look at the man with shock.

"10 Blue Coins...?" Theo asked right away, making the man grin wider.

The old man rose from the sofa, his gaze fixed on Theo. "Do you know who you’re talking to right now? I am the one who founded 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 declared before turning to leave.

"I am expecting great things from you, Theo Merrick. If you need anything to help with what you are about to show me, you will have my full support."

At those words, the old butler began walking toward Theo, unfazed by the mantis nearby.

Theo felt like this was a fever dream. These very old ones he had feared might have a heart attack at the sight of mantis seemed in better shape than the seasoned knights who had trained for years.

The old butler reached into his pocket and pulled out something that gleamed the moment it was brought out, before offering it to Theo.

"I am glad the master could finally pass one of these to someone. It’s been a decade," the man said with a smile which felt like he was truly happy.

Theo accepted the token from his hand and nodded toward the butler before examining it.

The token bore the crest of the Vaelmont family etched on it, adorned with stones he knew were beyond just expensive—they were rare.

Rising from the sofa, Theo met the butler’s gaze with that same determination.

"I won’t disappoint."

The butler only smiled, maintaining that composed, professional demeanor like all butlers.

Lucien stood up, and the group began to leave.

Once they were outside the house, everyone paused.

Clara and Elias looked at Theo, while Cassian tried to help Lucien, who was clutching his forehead.

"Are you alright, elder brother?" Theo asked, already slipping the token into his pocket.

"Let’s just go home, Theo. Too much has happened that my mind can’t focus anymore," Lucien replied.

"Same here... let’s go home already," Theo agreed and stepped forward.

Clara and Elias didn’t say anything—not when Lucien and Cassian were with them.

Once they were inside the carriage again, no one spoke. There was nothing left to say to anyone anymore. The carriage would only stop when they reached the barony.

There were so many thoughts occupying Theo’s mind, but one feeling stood out the most—relief.

After what felt like a long time, he was finally going to see his ants again, and the thought made him look forward to it.

Time passed, and most of them just drifted to sleep. The carriage ride was as peaceful as it could be.

They didn’t bid farewell to the inn; there had been no formal entry to begin with. Everything had been arranged by the emperor.

Theo couldn’t help but regret not waiting for Dren. Maybe he could have invited the adventurer to the barony to teach him sword aura, but his mind had been too occupied to do anything at the time.

Half a day later, deep into the night, the group finally arrived at the barony gates.

At the sight of the castle, Theo let out a long breath of relief.

The massive gates opened before their carriage, and Alfred stood waiting to welcome them.

They were finally in their home sweet home.