Moss slime (1)

"I need you to protect me in the Whispering Woods while I fight beasts," Theo asked Clara, who had calmed down a bit by now.

"Fighting in the woods with this insect?" Clara was perplexed, her eyes fixed on the Iron Mantis, which had a metallic luster in the lightened room.

"I want to be in the safest part of the woods, where the creatures are smaller in size and ones that the Iron Mantis can handle," Theo explained.

"Young Master, as you may know, the Whispering Woods is a forest entrusted to your father by Duke Aurelian. It's a place where promising beasts are procured while also keeping the forest in check."

"I know all that," Theo said, cutting her off. Clara nodded.

"What I'm trying to say is that the forest has no 'weak' monsters. The ones considered the weakest in the woods are the Moss Slimes, but fighting them is tough because they don't die until you shatter their cores. And if the cores are shattered, they lose all meaningful economic value, Young Master," Clara explained.

"Clara, how big are these Moss Slimes? Compared to the Grey Rats you sent me?" Theo asked.

"The ones that are just born and have reached Level 2 would be twice the size of a Grey Rat. With each level-up and promotion, the size of the slime increases."

Theo thought about everything for a few seconds. If Clara was with him, fighting the slimes would be a viable option.

"I want to go, but without my family knowing for now. Is that possible?" Theo asked seriously.

"… It can be possible. The attendants are only tasked with taking care of the heirs of the Barony to which they are assigned. If it's your command, then I have to oblige, Young Master."

"Then I'm curious, why did you call my mother?" Theo asked with a curious smile.

"That… That was a mistake, Young Master. It only happened because I thought you needed emotional support. It won't happen again, I swear."

Theo could see the seriousness in Clara's eyes. He needed her to remain that serious.

"Good. After breakfast, I'd like to head to the outskirts of the Whispering Woods, please."

"As you wish."

With that, Clara left to take care of some preparations. Theo still had doubts that she might betray his trust.

'If she betrays me after earning this much trust, then I guess I'll have to abandon her. My main plan was to always tell the truth to my family, I am confident I can handle them. Yes… they like uniqueness, and with strength, I can keep them satisfied.' Theo sat on his bed and waited.

This was the first test of loyalty he had imposed in this world, and he knew he had to be prepared for any result, no matter how close the person being tested was.

About thirty minutes later, Clara returned with a large trolley filled with his breakfast.

Theo ate to his heart's content and, as always, made Clara try some of it too. It was better than eating alone, and Clara got to enjoy good food in the process.

They had been so close these past four years that Theo felt strange even considering the possibility of her betraying him.

"Young Master, it will take us 30 minutes by carriage to reach the outskirts of the woods. Since this is your first time, there are some rules you need to follow," she said, her eyes fixed on Theo.

Theo nodded, prompting Clara to continue. "You must stay right beside me and my tamed beasts at all times. You may only start fighting after I check the area for potential dangers, no matter how long it takes. You have to comply. These rules aren't mine but protocols that every heir must follow at a young age."

"Got it."

Clara sighed in relief and stood up with Theo.

Breakfast was over, and after clearing the table, Clara led Theo to the entrance of the house.

As they walked, they passed several guards, each giving Theo a gracious nod of respect.

To avoid showing the Iron Mantis to everyone, Theo carried a small box with a handle. The Iron Mantis remained calm, and when they reached the entrance, Theo took a deep breath of fresh air. The day was sunny, with light winds gusting past his face.

"Shall we, Young Master?" Clara gestured for Theo to move forward, indicating the carriage waiting for them.

The carriage wasn't as grand as the one used for formal entrances, but it was still well-made. After all, a royal member of the family was traveling, and the beast pulling the carriage was a majestic creature.

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Windmane Stag

Level: 7

Type: Wind Beast

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Theo marveled at its strength but understood that it was a beast meant to ensure the safety of nobility.

They quickly got into the carriage, and after Clara spoke briefly with the driver, they began their journey.

"The path to the Whispering Forest is west of the town. I can open the window for you if you'd like, Young Master," Clara said with a warm smile. She could tell that Theo was eager to look outside.

"Thank you, Clara. I'd like that."

When Clara opened the window, a fresh breeze filled the carriage, making Theo feel invigorated. He opened the lid of the small box and let the Iron Mantis sit on his hand too.

Opportunities like this were rare for an heir as young as him.

The Mantis looked around curiously, its eyes eventually focusing on the window and the beautiful blue sky visible beyond it.

Both Theo and the Iron Mantis seemed to enjoy the trip, and the thirty minutes passed without any issues. He was scared in between that the mantis might jump out but surprisingly enough, it didn't

The Whispering Woods was a forest unsafe for ordinary people, which was why the Merrick Barony had been entrusted with its care. The town of the barony was also built many kilometers away for safety reasons.

When the carriage finally stopped, Theo stepped out and saw the forest for the very first time.

The time had finally come for him to step out into the real world, and he couldn't be happier.