In the whole week, all Theo did was improve on the strategies he had made for what was to come after the awakening ceremony.
With each day gone, the nerves were kicking in aggressively.
He talked with Lucien and almost every older sibling for advice except Cedric, who did not have anything to say about tamed beasts.
From what he could understand, getting the basic elements was always a nice thing. But getting rare or legendary ones was a risk of its own.
To his understanding, if he got a rare affinity and it wasn't very researched out, then the possibility of him getting stuck teaching himself about it would be high, as not many would be able to teach him about that rare affinity after a certain point of strength.
While on the other hand, getting dual affinities could make him one of the most fortuitous ones in the world, as there were only about a 100 of them in all history. Although Theo was not taking it out of his expectations—much like almost everyone else—at least not with how lucky he was with things so far.
Even his life in the Barony was acceptable compared to the life of a commoner, which was not bad in his territory but could not compare to the luxurious life he was living in the Barony.
All Theo did to pass his time was read in the library and conduct some experiments with his terrarium while also taking care of some new insects.
And now, after a week of waiting, Theo was waiting in front of a big gate. Two silver-clad soldiers with wolves by their sides were guarding the entrance.
Theo was wearing noble clothes with rubies adorned on his sleeves and collar, his hair was set to make him look more regal and mature for his age—which he already was.
At his side was his attendant, Clara, who herself was wearing clothes that were not usually worn by her. It was a dress that helped make her face even more beautiful.
CREAAKK.
The big door opened and Theo gulped. No matter how many years he had lived before this life, feeling this kind of pressure in the air was not a normal situation.
"9th Son Theo Merrick, step inside." A voice came from the side. Theo knew that it was Alfred, the Barony's butler.
He quickly took his first step forward and looked back to nod at Clara, who was coming with him.
But to his surprise, Clara was stuck in one place. He could tell that she was scared.
Meeting the Baron was not a regular occurrence; even the breakfast a week ago didn't happen much due to the Baron's duties.
Clara looked at Theo, and observing the mature smile on his face, her expression became a little calm. She took a little step forward too, and they both walked to the center of the room.
There was a big desk in front of them whose legs were carved with circular carvings.
Theo didn't dare look to the right where his father was sitting in front of him, but he could tell that there were two more tables on the side where some people were sitting.
'It's my first time in Father's office. Hope Clara doesn't mess anything up,' he thought while praying that she would stay calm in this new situation.
"Theo, it's good to see you after a week. How are you faring today?" The man clad in golden armor said in a deep voice. His face was unmoving and looked serious while his hands were on the sheet on the table.
"Good morning, Father. It's good to see you too. I am somewhat nervous but also excited to start my journey as a tamer today."
"Hmm, strong words." The Baron almost broke his character at the moment and came very close to a grin before he stopped himself.
"All the best for your important day. I will not be able to accompany you because of some important tasks. But fear not, your whole family is already at the carriage waiting for you."
"I will make you proud, Father. I will go to the carriage now, everyone is waiting." Theo gave him a polite bow before he moved back toward the exit.
"Theo," the Baron said again, making Theo stop.
"Whatever affinity you get, I want to tell you that I am always proud of you," he spoke in a warm tone.
Theo was first surprised, but then a bittersweet expression formed on his face.
'However open-minded you are, you will be disappointed, Father,' he thought before thanking the Baron and moving out.
Clara quickly bowed too and went toward the exit with Theo, and they left to the main entrance of the castle together.
"Young master Theo, are you alright?" Clara asked in worry.
"Why wouldn't I be, Clara? It is my big day today." Theo said, but his face was saying otherwise.
'I am not sure if my curse will show up today in front of everyone, but if it does now, it's still a problem. How will I make everyone understand why I will tame insects?'
Clara stayed silent while they walked; she could tell that Theo was thinking deeply about something.
After 5 minutes of walking, they reached the entrance gate that was already open.
When Theo exited the gate, a gust of wind flew by his face, making him feel a cool sensation. He took a deep breath and a smile formed on his face.
'Whatever happens, I am going to live to my fullest anyway, with or without anyone's support.' He thought with a determined face. Clara felt relieved looking at his expression, thinking that he had his confidence back finally.
"THEOOO!!! OVER HERE!" A shout came from the right.
Theo looked down the many steps of the castle. There were many carriages lined up on the road, and there was a very big garden in front of the Barony's entrance, which Theo felt good to look at.
He wasn't able to move out of the castle much with how he was still very young.
All his brothers and sisters were in front of the carriages talking among themselves, but their gazes fell on Theo when Celeste shouted.
Theo quickly went down the stairs and moved toward the one person he trusted completely in that batch.
"I am here, Mother." Theo said while holding one of her hands.
"You sure are, Theo. Now, let us leave already, it's getting late." There was a warm smile plastered on his mother's face, and looking at her, Theo couldn't help but feel calm too.
"Yes, Theo, we will directly meet at the ceremony. Just don't be nervous." Lucien spoke, and Theo only nodded with a smile.
He went inside one of the carriages with his mother and his two-year older brother Bram.
'She won't change after the ceremony, right?' Theo asked in his heart. His mother was the dearest to him in this world. If the ceremony was going to change her toward him, Theo was not sure if he was ready to take this hit.