Insect Tamer's Ascension-Chapter 59: Called to the High Seats

"It’s nothing like that, we met during the ceremony," Theo said, not even knowing why he felt defensive. She was just a child, anyway.

Lucien tried teasing him more, yet Theo responded with formal remarks, which quickly bored Lucien.

Theo saw Lucien calling for any Merrick family members he could see. Soon, most of them were gathered, except for his mother and father.

Looking around, Theo couldn’t spot them anywhere in the hall, which felt strange.

Soon, Theo saw Elysia returning with three people by her side.

When Theo recognized the obvious Baron Stonekeep, he subconsciously compared his height with Lucien’s in his mind and found them almost the same.

Lucien and their father were the only people he had ever seen of such height.

"I see all the Merricks have decided to come this time," the broad-shouldered man in noble clothing remarked with a serious face. His gaze moved over everyone until his eyes landed on Theo. His expression turned more severe, but he said nothing.

"It is a pleasure to meet with you again, Baron Stonekeep," Lucien stepped forward, taking the lead in the absence of their father.

"You’ve grown a lot since I last saw you, Lucien. Tch, it’s all your father’s fault for keeping you away from these gatherings for so many years," Baron Stonekeep said with a huff.

"You know my father, Lord Stonekeep. He doesn’t care for these kinds of gatherings," Lucien replied respectfully, a polite smile resting on his face.

"If he’s returned after so long, no wonder I can’t see him now," the Baron muttered, glancing up at the high seat balcony where the royals and high-ranking nobles watched from above.

Theo nearly broke character for a second.

’Father is up there? But why? He’s a Baron.’ Questions swirled in his mind, but the only one who could answer was Lucien.

"It has been far too long since I last saw any Merrick. Would you introduce me to these young Merricks? I see some new faces among them." The Baron’s gaze shifted toward Bram and Theo.

"It would be my pleasure, Lord Stonekeep," Lucien replied smoothly before turning toward his siblings. Theo took mental notes—he would need to do these things himself in the future.

"From eldest to youngest, allow me to introduce my siblings—Elara, Isolde, Cedric, Rowena, our lively twins, Gideon and Celeste, and our youngest brothers, Bram and Theo."

Lucien’s voice carried politeness and strength, his demeanor exuding the presence of a leader. Theo noticed several nobles nearby turning their heads, observing the exchange.

Baron Stonekeep scanned each of them before his eyes lingered on Theo. He stared at him for a long moment, his gaze sharp. Even the Baroness of the Stonekeep family had her attention on Theo, though she occasionally glanced at Bram, seemingly endeared by the younger boy’s innocent appearance.

"Theo Merrick… so you’re the brat Elysia keeps talking about, huh? Not too bad-looking, are you?" Baron Stonekeep mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

Lucien nearly laughed but held himself back, while the others looked surprised. Theo, however, wasn’t sure how to respond.

"Father, I do NOT keep talking about him," Elysia objected from the side, her voice carrying both protest and embarrassment.

The Baron turned to her, and for the first time, a smile spread across his face.

"Of course not, my sweet angel," he said in a teasingly fatherly tone. Elysia flushed red but sighed in resignation.

Then, without another word, the Baron’s piercing gaze returned to Theo.

Feeling the weight of the moment, Theo straightened his posture and offered a courteous bow.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Stonekeep."

The Baroness raised a brow slightly, surprised by Theo’s polished demeanor, while the Baron grinned in amusement.

"Level 2 already? That’s quite impressive, considering the ceremony was just a short while ago," the Baron commented, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"I do my best to uphold the Merrick name," Theo responded with a confident smile, which only made the Baron smirk.

From what Theo had observed so far, this gathering wasn’t as strict as he initially feared. Some nobles still spoke freely, and it wasn’t all rigid etiquette.

The Baron nodded and didn’t press further. Theo stole a glance at Elysia, who gave him a polite, knowing smile.

He realized that, since they would both be attending the academy, establishing good connections early on wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Though, considering what he had tamed, Theo already knew his time at the academy would be far from ordinary. Continue reading stories on novelbuddy

After introducing his family, Baron Stonekeep engaged in a casual conversation with Lucien. Theo noticed that his brother seemed focused on speaking with another young noble—one who, judging by his features, had to be Elysia’s eldest brother, Regis.

Once the Baron finished speaking, both families bid their farewells.

Before leaving, Elysia turned to Theo with a half-smirk.

"Our meeting was short but I suppose we’ll meet again at the academy. Though, knowing your attendance, I doubt I will see you at another gathering anytime soon."

Theo chuckled. "That would be ideal. These kinds of events aren’t exactly my thing."

Elysia laughed lightly, then gave a polite farewell before stepping away.

Theo had to admit, he found her amusing in a way he hadn’t expected.

With the formalities finally over, Theo allowed himself to relax, indulging in some of the finer dishes while conversing with his older siblings.

He still hadn’t had the chance to properly speak with Rowena and Isolde, as they didn’t seem particularly interested in talking with him, but Lucien and Elara remained close by, keeping him and Bram company. Even Gideon and Celeste, though distracted, hovered nearby.

Bram, as usual, stuck by Theo’s side, far more comfortable now than when they first arrived.

Clara, too, seemed to be enjoying herself, relishing the rare opportunity to taste such extravagant food.

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But the peace didn’t last as usual.

Just as Theo reached for another drink, the air shifted. A silver-armored figure approached directly toward Lucien, his presence commanding attention.

"Is young master Theo Merrick here?" The man’s voice was firm, cutting through the low hum of conversation.

Lucien’s expression shifted to seriousness instantly, his posture tensing.

"Yes… may I ask what this is about?" Lucien’s voice carried an edge of caution.

The armored man’s helmet bobbed slightly, acknowledging Lucien’s question.

"He has been summoned to present himself before the High Seat."

Silence gripped the surrounding area.

Theo felt the air in his lungs freeze, his mind racing to process what had just been said.

It wasn’t just him— everyone around them had gone still.

More than a few nobles turned to look, expressions shifting from curiosity to outright shock.

From the corner of his eye, Theo saw Lucien’s face slowly turn toward him, his usual teasing demeanor completely gone.

For the first time, Theo could see fear in Lucien’s eyes.