Is this it?

"The thing you need to know right now is how to access your status bestowed by the benevolent artifact," the old man stated. While he performed some commendable crowd work, his focus had mainly shifted toward Theo.

Both of the other noble kids noticed this behavior and couldn't help but give Theo sidelong glances.

"You can access the system by thinking about your abilities or simply calling out 'System' in your mind. You may try this later. All other necessary information will be taught to you by your respective families and the academy after you enlist. That will conclude the information session," the old man said, stopping briefly. Before giving the noble kids time to examine their statuses, he clapped his hands, and one of the robed men stepped forward toward the group.

"I wish you all the best for your futures. May the artifact's grace always shine upon your lives. Farewell." The old man gave a small smile to the trio before stepping back to confer with the other robed men.

Theo wanted to approach and thank him for the ceremony, but one of the attendants who had come forward said, "This way, please." The trio started following him back the way they came.

While they walked, Theo had a lot on his mind. While the curse had not revealed itself, the problem of having a new affinity was now a significant concern.

'I don't know how my parents and siblings will react to this development… Lucien has been waiting to get me a monster ever since the ceremony was announced…' Theo thought. Deep in contemplation, he didn't notice the girl watching him with a smile, as though she knew he was lost in thought.

Finally, she cleared her throat. "Ahem," the sound brought Theo out of his trance.

"Young Master Theo, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Elysia Stonekeep stated with a smile.

"Oh, the pleasure is all mine, Lady Elysia. You can call me Theo if you don't mind," Theo replied with a humble smile, surprising Elysia.

"Then Theo, you can call me Elysia too," she said aloud, drawing the attention of the boy walking beside them.

Theo glanced at him as well, but the boy quickly averted his eyes.

Theo nodded toward Elysia and, still looking at Sigrid, greeted, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance too, Young Master Sigrid."

Sigrid looked toward Theo again. He opened his lips as if he wanted to speak but stopped himself and nodded instead.

Elysia observed the interaction, her lips curling into a smile. "By the way, Theo, that was quite the affinity you got. I can't decide whether to congratulate you or feel sorry for you."

Theo left Sigrid and turned to Elysia, seeing as Sigrid showed no interest in talking. "Hahaha, I don't know what to feel about it either. Although, your affinity is quite good, Elysia."

"Hmm… It's alright. I already have some prospective monsters that align with this affinity, so this might save me some time," she responded.

"That is great," Theo replied. Looking ahead, he realized they were about to step outside again.

"Well, it was nice meeting you, Theo. I hope you'll be attending the annual ball in two months," she said.

"I'll try to be there this time," Theo said with a hint of embarrassment. His family had not attended the ball for several years, as it wasn't considered a very Merrick thing to do.

"Well, farewell, Lord Evolution Tamer." With a sly smile and a wave, Elysia briskly made her way toward her family.

Theo didn't know whether to laugh or cry, he bid farewell to her. When Theo glanced at Sigrid, he had already started walking back to his family.

"Thank you for the ceremony. Farewell," Theo bid farewell to the robed man, who nodded and returned to his duties.

"THEO! OVER HERE!" A little girl's shout rang out from the crowd, drawing everyone's attention.

Theo quickly made his way toward Celeste and his family members, who were patiently waiting for him.

Halfway there, Celeste, Gideon, and Bram ran toward him with bright smiles.

"What affinity did you get?!" Celeste shouted again as the Baroness approached them with quick steps.

"Stop screaming, Celeste," she said with a straight face, her eyes falling on Theo, who immediately averted his gaze.

Seeing that he wasn't feeling well, the Baroness shifted her focus to the older siblings, who instantly understood her unspoken command.

"We will talk after reaching the Barony, Theo," Elara said with a smile before heading inside the carriage with the others.

"Alright, it is time to go back. Celeste and Gideon, return to your carriage," the Baroness said sternly.

Theo didn't understand why she was acting so urgently. He knew she was very understanding and that greeting the other nobles was important.

"Mother, don't we need to greet the others?" Theo asked, watching Celeste and Gideon reluctantly enter their carriage.

"I have already greeted those who needed to be greeted. We are leaving now. Come," she said, offering her hand with a warm smile. Theo took it without further thought.

They entered their carriage, and as if anticipating the Baroness's urgency, the operator immediately started driving back to the Barony.

Gideon sat beside Theo, his face showing concern as though trying to console him.

Even the Baroness's poker face broke, and she asked gently, "Theo, what affinity did you get?"

Seeing how worried his mother was, Theo replied almost immediately, "It's… evolution…" Theo muttered under his breath, but they still heard him.

"Evolution? What main element does it fall under? The High Priest must have told you," she asked.

"It's… he said it will be classified as a main element until further notice, Mother…" Theo looked her in the eye, and it was then that the realization dawned on her.

"…What?" she muttered, her voice tinged with disbelief.