Insect Tamer's Ascension-Chapter 384. A long awaited holiday- to the Town
Theo felt as though he had heard something that was imaginable but still utterly shocking at the same time.
"...I have heard rumors about your past from big brother Lucien, but he never told me something like this."
The baron kept silent. Instead, he reached his hand to the documents and picked up the next piece of paper and started writing on it. In a matter of seconds, his expression shifted from prideful to pitiful.
"And here I am, writing all these damned things," he groaned aloud.
"I should have remained a commoner; I would have been WILD and FREE!" he roared, but his hand never stopped writing.
Theo sensed someone walk closer to him and turned around just before the butler’s hand could reach his shoulder.
Alfred looked momentarily shocked but quickly regained his composure.
"When the lord is in such a mood, it’s best you not speak with him, young master," Alfred said calmly. "I suggest you take your leave now."
Theo glanced at his father, who was muttering curses while scribbling furiously and groaning while reminiscing about the memories of the past. He wanted to laugh but restrained himself and quickly headed toward the doors.
Halfway there, he realized something and turned back.
"Father, I have decided. I will enter the Royal Academy. We will talk more about this later."
With that, he left, leaving the baron staring in shock inside his study.
_____
"I will go visit the two ant colonies now, old man Alfred. Could you provide me a map with their locations?"
"All alone, young master Theo? Your attendants are on a holiday today," the butler replied.
"Then could Sir Knight accompany me?" Theo asked with a smile.
Alfred kept silent for a few seconds.
"That can be arranged; I believe I know which Sir Knight you are talking about too. Knight Rhys has also expressed his interest in training you again."
"Great, then I will leave first with Warren, and then you can send after us."
Theo spoke and briskly walked away, hoping to escape before Alfred could say more.
Yet he felt like something was behind him. When he glanced back, he saw Alfred walking casually, yet somehow, he was right behind Theo, who was brisking his way out.
Theo had no idea where the butler acquired such silent steps and speed, but he stopped.
"Is there something else?" Theo asked.
"I have already notified Sir Knight in advance. Until he arrives at your destination, I will escort you myself, young master Theo."
’He already knew?’ Theo didn’t know whether to feel impressed or unnerved after realizing that he had read him like a book and was also two steps ahead.
"Alright. I will change into my armor first; then we can leave."
"Before that, young master Theo, allow me to get your armour repaired," Alfred said.
"Hm? It only has one hole. I can manage it for now."
"That is not how the heir of a noble baron should conduct himself, young master Theo. Please get your armour repaired properly first."
Theo stopped mid-step, making Alfred halt as well.
"Okay, where is that done?"
"You don’t need to worry about it; I will take care of it for you," Alfred replied.
"Is it done in the castle?"
"No, young master. It will be repaired in the town by the elder blacksmith. It should take a few hours at least."
"Will you be going to the blacksmith on your own?"
"Yes," Alfrid nodded.
"Then I will accompany you."
Alfred blinked, a little surprised by the response.
"That won’t be necessary, young master Theo."
"But I want to see the person who is capable of fixing such great armor. I would like to meet them myself, old man Alfred."
Theo’s eyes carried a persistence that reminded the head butler of the baron himself. Alfred let out a small sigh and placed a hand over his chest.
"We can leave whenever you are ready." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚
And just like that, Theo decided to take a productive break, something he hadn’t done in a long time. In order to freshen the mind, a break was necessary; he had come to understand that now.
After procuring the armor, the butler and the youngest master left the castle with Warren, heading toward the town.
The moment the carriage began moving, the mantis realized it and materialized out of the beast space and settled on Theo’s head.
The head butler glanced at the insect, then at Theo.
For a few tense seconds, the mantis and the butler locked eyes in a really intense stare. Upon realizing this, all Theo could do was give the mantis command through their bond, ordering it not to attack the butler.
It had never attacked a human before, but there was always a first time for everything.
The carriage kept on rolling forward while the mantis hopped about playfully until it reached the window and peered outside.
"Is it safe for it to sit so close to the window, young master Theo?" Alfred asked, eyeing the mantis at the window.
"It likes staying there, but it definitely won’t jump. Don’t worry."
At that moment, the mantis sent a request through the bond, making Theo chuckle.
"Alright, you can go. But when I return along this road, you must come back. No matter what. Understood?"
The mantis bobbed its head up and down as if it knew that the gesture meant agreeing to something.
"What does tha-"
Before the head butler could finish what he wanted to say, the mantis leaped out the window, vanishing into the aggressive winds for a few seconds before disappearing from sight entirely.
The butler leaned out, then slowly turned to Theo.
"Don’t worry about it, old man Alfred. It’s just going to the forest to hunt some beasts. When we return, it will be there waiting for us."
"...I see." The butler lowered his head down, clearly deciding not to think too much about it.
Meanwhile, Theo casually shifted toward the window, letting the cool breeze brush against his face.
Within thirty minutes, they reached the town gates. The guards immediately opened the gates without any inspection.
Theo noticed people staring at the carriage, especially at him through the window.
Children began pointing toward the carriage in excitement while their mothers lightly smacked them on the back of their heads.
Theo could feel it.
The outing was going to be very interesting and fun.
