"Young master Theo!"
As Theo and his mother reached the library gate, a loud, panicked voice called out.
Theo offered her an apologetic smile, knowing he was making her life difficult. But for him, learning about this world was more important.
"Clara, you keep losing Theo even though you're his attendant. It's disappointing." Seraphina said, her eyes were sharp.
Clara's face turned pale, and she looked down at the ground, remaining silent as though she had nothing to say in her defense.
"But I understand why you can't do your job properly," Seraphina continued with a sigh, and Theo had a sinking feeling that something unpleasant was coming.
"I'll arrange a week's permission for you to enter the royal library, but only when Theo does," Seraphina declared.
'What the hell?' Theo looked at his mother, surprised.
Clara seemed taken aback as well.
"Thank you, my lady," she said, still bowing.
"Let's go, Theo. Everyone will be waiting for us soon."
Theo and Seraphina began walking toward the dining hall, with Clara following just a step behind him.
They walked in silence, passing numerous soldiers clad in silver armor from head to toe.
Theo's gaze lingered on the tamed monsters that accompanied the soldiers—Silver Bane Wolves.
The wolves were muscular, each step exuding grace. Their fur was a striking white-gray with a metallic sheen, and their eyes glinted a piercing silver-blue.
Theo could feel the intimidation in the way the wolves watched everyone who passed by. Each paw was tipped with claws that looked like polished steel, and every step they took was silent, as if they barely touched the ground.
It was challenging at first, but Theo had grown somewhat accustomed to their presence. It had only been two years since he'd been allowed to roam the castle freely.
'I'll find out my affinity at the ceremony soon. Until then, all I can do is wait and make a choice,' Theo thought. After waiting so long for the ceremony, time seemed to crawl.
Finally, they reached a large wooden door adorned with complex but beautiful designs. Theo entered the room after his mother, his face set in a calm expression.
The dining hall was a grand room with a massive, intricately carved wooden table in the center. It had more than enough room for the nine children, the Baron, and the Baroness.
Theo smiled at the sight of the table, already laden with an array of delicacies waiting to be enjoyed.
"Lady Seraphina Merrick and Ninth Prince Theo Merrick have arrived," an announcer declared, standing just a few steps from the entrance.
Six people were already seated at the table.
On the right side, a young man with a muscular build sat quietly. Although he wore fine, noble clothing, he exuded a wild aura.
It was Cedric Merrick, the fourth-born prince. There was almost a ten-year age gap between him and Theo.
Theo made eye contact with him but he looked away after a nod, there was little connection between the older kids and the young, even after all these years, Theo was still trying to break the wall and he was only successful with one till now.
"Mother! Theo! Good morning!" A cheerful voice came from the table. Theo turned to see a young girl and gave her a warm smile.
"Good morning, Celeste, my little girl," Seraphina said, walking over to give her a small hug.
"Good morning, Celeste," Theo added, moving toward her, not only to greet her but also because his seat was beside hers.
She was Celeste Merrick, the 7th princess of the land. Theo was only a few years younger than her.
"Why is everyone so quiet today?" the Baroness asked as she took her seat, glancing at each person seated.
"I trained my Ironback Boar all day yesterday and lost track of time, Mother. I'm very tired," came another voice. Theo looked over and saw a young woman, smiling.
In the far right corner sat Elara Merrick, the first princess of the estate. Her refined features bore a striking resemblance to their mother's.
"Try to sleep on time next time, Elara. All of you should," the Baroness sighed, though Theo nearly laughed.
The Merrick children were known to be unusual compared to other nobles of their generation. Each of them was obsessed with strength, often neglecting simple things like eating or sleeping.
For this reason, each child had an attendant standing a few steps behind them.
Theo was no different, having Clara as his attendant because of his habit of wandering and exploring. Yet his curiosity wasn't entirely his fault; as a reincarnated soul, everything about this medieval world—from castles to tamed beasts—was new to him.
Theo glanced around the table. Most of the snacks were already set out, and the dishes were kept warm by magic machines beneath them.
The Baroness and six children were present in the dining hall now.
After a moment, he heard loud footsteps approaching the entrance. Theo didn't even need to look to know who it was.
A few seconds later, a towering figure burst into the dining hall. Theo almost laughed out loud.
"Second Prince Lucien Merrick has arrived," the announcer declared.
The supposed second prince of the land was clad in leather armor, far from the proper attire for a dining hall, as though he was about to head into the forest.
"My apologies for being late," the man said, each step echoing with the heavy thud of his boots. He took a seat directly opposite Elara, beside the Lord's chair.
"Lucien… what am I going to do with you?" The Baroness sighed, covering her eyes in exasperation. Lucien, nearly seven feet tall, chuckled awkwardly.
"Good morning, Mother. I just returned to the castle and came straight here after washing up. I'll have to leave again after I eat and see Father."
"Lucien, we appreciate your dedication, but rest is as important as training," the Baroness said with concern in her voice.
"Don't worry about me. Rather, Let's focus on our little Theo. His awakening ceremony is approaching soon. How are you feeling, Theo?"
Lucien turned to look at Theo with a wide smile, and soon everyone else did too.
"Just a little nervous, Brother Lucien, but excited as well," Theo replied, showing enthusiasm. He knew his brother Lucien always meant well.
"Mhm, it's natural to feel a bit nervous. I remember how I felt when my own awakening ceremony was close," Lucien said, nodding thoughtfully. Then, with a hint of excitement in his voice, he added,
"But I'm really looking forward to seeing your affinity—it'll decide what kind of beast we can bond with you."
"Baron Aldric Merick has arrived,"