Chapter 184: They’re back!
Theo and Bernard talked about various things regarding what the possibilities could be.
Theo himself had started understanding some things about this hive mind.
And it was all with the help of Bernard, even though it may have been the first time he heard the name, the insight he was showing showed Theo just how knowledgeable he was.
In the end, Theo was already up from the seat. There was a piece of paper in his hand that had a lot of things written on it.
"Your best bet to discover a beast with a hive mind ability is surprisingly, again, an insect, young master Theo," Bernard spoke, and Theo understood what he meant.
"Yeah, the ants. They may be the ones that are similar to the description."
"I will look into more beasts that could have an ability like that. But make sure, young master, you have to get their queens. We don’t know just how much you have to ’discover.’ It may come down to observation," Bernard explained, and Theo nodded with a satisfied smile.
"This was really helpful, old man Bernard. I will be meeting you soon again," Theo showed his appreciation. "And also, before going to the academy in a year, I will ask you about that book’s name."
Bernard only listened to that and nodded before he went back to puffing his pipe. Theo started moving back after bidding farewell.
Right at the door, there were two individuals standing with the same stance.
"Good evening, young master. What can I help you with?" the head butler spoke with a deep regal bow.
"I have completed most of the discussion I was going to do with you, head butler. But now, there is only one question," Theo spoke.
When Elias saw that same determined and satisfied face of Theo, a light sigh left his mouth. The way Theo had acted, he had made Elias assume that this mood may go on for a long time. But surprisingly, it was over.
"I need to find ant colonies. If there are more aggressive species too, that will be helpful. But for starters, I need to find ants," Theo spoke with a mild smile, as if already imagining completing the quest.
Alfred frowned while looking at him, which was unlike him, before muttering, "Ants? That is surprising. I will look into where ants are found the most. They are all around the forest but still a bit of a rare sight," Alfred spoke.
"I have been in the forest for so long now and never did I see ants moving around," Theo spoke.
"Well, that is the thing. Ants are not very common in our forest. And it is said that even the benevolent artifact doesn’t favor the ants, as when they are gone, they are gone for good. They don’t come back with the help of it," Alfred spoke while thinking, making Theo realize it too.
Ants were such a common insect that he could find them on all his private islands. Even the most luxurious houses would one day get ants in them before extermination, which made this seem ridiculous.
"Please look into them. It’s very important to me. My quest almost depends on it," Theo spoke to increase the urgency of the situation.
Alfred’s eyes widened for a moment before he gave a deep bow and left in urgency, as if this topic was now the main priority.
Theo didn’t want to tell the others that he was at the level 5 breakthrough quest right now. But he didn’t have a choice.
To get some vital information very soon or even right away, there was a need to spill some beans.
"Are you okay now, young master?" Elias asked behind him while they walked toward his room.
"What do you think?" Theo asked with a smile. He was in a good moment for the moment.
"It feels like a burden on your heart has been lifted... That is great, young master. Now please have some rest."
Theo only nodded with a "hm," and when they reached the room, he saw the room had surprisingly no damage in it today. All kinds of food were gone from the room now, which was normal.
But looking at the mantis asleep at its corner spot on the bed, Theo was surprised.
He showed Elias some hand signs to let him know to be quiet.
After having a bath and changing back to his evening clothes, Theo had a great dinner, whose fragrance woke up the mantis right away.
After they all ate together, Theo did some meditation and read his notes before sleeping for the night.
Yet the first thing in the morning, Theo got big news from the head butler.
"Father and brothers are already back?" Theo asked in dumbfoundedness.
Yet a pure smile had already crept on his face.
"The Baroness had some plans to talk with you right in the morning, but as the master and the elder heirs are back, she will have to postpone that."
"You told her that I am at level 5 breakthrough, right?"
"My apologies."
Theo did not know whether to laugh or cry. It was not a problem for anyone to know, but it sure was a hassle.
"When will they be reaching the castle?"
"Right away, young master Theo. They have received some injuries that need immediate rest, so even though they are not supposed to, they will be coming back today."
"Thank you for the information. And also, I will be meeting Mother before she meets me this time. Just a small surprise. Where is she?"
Alfred looked at him and then smiled, "She is in the Baron’s office right now completing some paperwork, young master."
"That’s great. I will be going there soon. And... what happened to that request?"
"I have already found two different species of ants near our territory, young master. Their location has been marked on this map. Carriage driver Warren is proficient in map reading, so please give this to him. Or would you like me to do so?" Alfred asked.
"I will do it on my own. And that’s what I expected from the head butler, always so proficient in all the things."
"That’s what I have been hired for, young master."
Theo talked a little more and smiled. All things that he wanted were completed. But before that, even better information landed. When the head butler left, he dropped on his knees and took a deep breath.The baron and the two elder brothers were safe. They were back for good. And Theo couldn’t have been more happy.
When Elias looked at him like this, he smiled warmly. The job was changing him, and without him ever realizing.