Insect Tamer's Ascension-Chapter 54 - . Entering the Gathering (3)
The gate opened again, and Theo saw Clara standing with the other attendants just on the other side of the lobby.
But his view was soon obstructed by a rather large man.
Lucien entered the room with a huge grin on his face. He was dressed in rather good clothes, but Theo didn't pay much attention to them.
For him, Lucien's sheer height was the real shock—no matter how many times he met him. Seeing seven-foot-tall people was not common in his previous world.
"Good morning, Mother," he spoke before looking at everyone else. "Everyone."
"Big brother Lucien!" Celeste ran excitedly to stand in front of Lucien.
"Hahahaha, my little sister sure is growing bigger every time I see her," Lucien said, crouching down and tapping a finger on her forehead.
"You meanie!" With that dramatic entry, Celeste ran back with exaggerated theatrics. Theo didn't know if she was really like this or it was just a show. He didn't remember 10-year-olds being this childish.
Lucien was left laughing before he went to speak with the Baroness and Elara.
Theo noticed that Lucien shared a better bond with them than Cedric, who really seemed like a different case altogether.
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Lucien eventually encountered Cedric for a brief moment as he passed by. After that, he finally made his way toward Theo.
"Woah, younger brother, leave some women for us too," Lucien said, scratching his chin with a grin.
"Lucien!" the Baroness scolded, making everyone laugh.
Lucien was the energy of any gathering.
Theo wanted to respond with a good comeback, yet he refrained, realizing that his current age didn't quite allow for it.
"How have you been, big brother Lucien?" Theo asked while scanning his level at the same time.
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Lucien Merrick
Type - Human
Level - 7
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Theo was shocked to see his level as well. Cedric and Lucien were the only ones he had seen at level 7 so far.
Until he realized something—he hadn't checked the level of the oldest sibling yet. Theo decided to do that later.
"Oh, nothing much. Just going into the forest and training every day. I sometimes sleep there too," Lucien said before noticing something. "I see you've been venturing into the forest too, huh."
Theo gave him a slight nod. "Only the outskirts for now, big brother. Are you going to the middle parts now?" he asked.
"Yeah, I just started exploring the early middle forest. The beasts are higher level than mine, but it's good training nonetheless."
"That's so good! What beasts do you usually see?" Theo couldn't hold back his curiosity.
"Hahahaha, let's have a chat after the gathering, Theo. We'll talk over breakfast in a few days. Sounds good?"
"I am available as long as you are, elder brother."
"Gosh, even your etiquette is spot on. Cedric, you join us too. I'll send an invitation soon."
Cedric looked at Lucien and gave a plain nod before looking into the distance. He didn't seem to care about Theo at all.
"Can we come too?" Celeste asked from the side, with Gideon joining in. Theo almost face-palmed himself. With them there, having a good chat would be impossible.
CREAK
Before Lucien, who had just started smiling awkwardly, could answer, the door opened again, and two individuals entered the room this time.
Theo looked at them and smiled. It was none other than the Baron and, surprisingly, Bram, who was holding his father's hand.
When everyone saw the Baron, they looked shocked at how well he appeared, unlike his usual stern demeanor.
But when their eyes fell on Bram, every single person froze.
Theo was surprised. Bram was wearing noble clothing similar to his and the other boys. But there was something about him—an aura that screamed cuteness.
The Baroness, who had been holding back tears before, now had tears of pure happiness running down her face.
"So cu—" Celeste was about to scream again, yet when she saw the look on her father's face, she held back.
The Baron was very serious as he entered, which was the opposite of the warmth with which he held Bram's hand.
He glanced around once and said, "Good morning, everyone. Once my two other spoiled children arrive, we will leave." His tone was stern as he moved forward.
All this time, he never let go of Bram, who, despite looking well-dressed, also seemed scared.
'I won't leave his side in the gathering, not for a second…' Theo resolved, looking at him.
As the Baron moved, he made eye contact with Theo and nodded before walking ahead to talk with the Baroness.
Everyone who noticed the exchange looked at Theo with different emotions. Cedric was the only one with a frown.
Theo simply coughed and moved to the side.
He watched as his father took his mother to the corner, seemingly wanting to discuss something privately.
That left Bram alone, and for the first time, he looked at everyone with awkwardness.
Before anyone else could get to him, Theo briskly walked forward and reached his side.
"Good morning, elder brother," Theo said, offering his hand again.
"O-Oh, good morning, Theo. You look good today…" Bram replied with a smile, shaking his hand with as much confidence as he could muster.
"Only good?" Theo asked, pretending to be saddened, feeling like teasing the little kid.
"N-No! Ah, I meant—you look very good, Theo!" Bram nearly shouted the last part, and Theo almost burst into laughter. The cuteness was contagious.
Everyone looked at their interaction and started coming toward them.
"Bram, am I looking good too?" Lucien asked teasingly.
And just like that, Bram became the center of attention. Theo stayed close to him, as Bram felt even more awkward whenever Theo tried stepping away.
A few minutes later, the door creaked open again, and two beautiful girls entered the lobby simultaneously.
When they arrived, conversation died down, and the Baron finally ordered everyone to exit the castle.
Theo saw many carriages waiting at the end of the stairs. They were the equivalent of the luxury cars from his previous world—only these were powered by beasts.
When Theo saw the beasts that were meant to pull the carriages, he froze in place.
