"If I refuse, what will you do?"
Maximin revealed his white teeth as he laughed maliciously.
'Damn it.'
Theo tried to maintain a poker face.
Maximin's low, rumbling laughter was a fear that dug deep into one's instincts.
The kind of fear that would make a guilty person confess immediately.
'Is he testing me? Or is he genuinely angry?'
But Theo wasn't one to get easily intimidated.
Moreover, his enhanced [Twisted Noble's Dignity] trait helped him remain calm externally.
'Fine, I can't back down here.'
Theo stared right back at Maximin and spoke,
"I'll think about that when it happens. I'm not someone who plans ahead."
"Ha... Hahaha!"
Maximin burst into genuine laughter.
"You're interesting, really interesting."
Clap, clap, clap.
In a somewhat undignified manner for a noble, Maximin clapped his hands.
"It's been a while since I laughed like this... I had expectations when I heard a mere student cornered Smith, but this is beyond expectations."
"Thank you for the compliment."
Theo bowed his head in gratitude.
Maximin, watching him, laughed even more heartily.
"One last question."
Suddenly serious, Maximin spoke,
"Life is a long voyage. You need to sail well when the winds are favorable, and you should know how to wait when a storm hits."
"That's a wise saying."
"Do you see me as a favorable wind or a storm?"
With that, Maximin stared intently at Theo, expecting an answer.
Theo thought,
'It was a test after all. What a weird old man.'
As Theo pondered on the best response, there was a knock.
Both Theo and Maximin slowly turned to see Smith standing near the door, seemingly indicating it was time to leave.
Smith silently opened the door just a crack.
Then, a girl's voice was heard,
"What's going on? The seminar started a while ago. How much longer should I wait? Oh, it's not my fault I'm out here. It's the fault of the man who didn't come to get me."
Dressed in a white dress, adorned with bracelets, a necklace, and earrings, was Piel.
She had light makeup on.
Without hesitation, she flung the door open.
"Ah, wait!"
Smith exclaimed in surprise, but Piel paid him no mind.
"Why?"
With that retort, Piel entered the room.
"Are you two having something delicious without me? I'm hungry too."
But Piel couldn't finish her sentence because she was taken aback by what she saw: her father, Maximin, and Theo sitting in the center of the room.
"Why... why are you here?"
Piel, her eyes widened in disbelief, pointed at Theo.
Her slender index finger was trembling.
"..."
Theo calmly looked at Piel and then turned his gaze to Maximin.
"So, you two knew each other, Piel. I was just having an interesting chat with this young one."
Maximin said with a smile.
"Why are you here!"
Ignoring her father's words, Piel shouted angrily.
Her gaze was fixed solely on Theo.
‘Such strong emotions.’
Maximin looked at his daughter in surprise.
Various emotions swirled in Piel's clear jade-colored eyes.
Anger, sadness, confusion, and even joy.
But at a glance, the most dominant emotion seemed to be anger.
As evidence, Smith and his subordinates nearby looked around in alarm.
"..."
But Theo didn't rush to respond.
With his usual calm demeanor, he briefly glanced at Smith and his men.
"..."
Smith and his subordinates quickly lowered their heads, as if pleading for Theo not to reveal their deeds to Piel.
Maximin just watched the scene with interest.
Theo gave a soft chuckle, then looked at Piel.
“I'm attending today's academic seminar. As Lord Maximin mentioned, we were just having a conversation.”
"Wait, weren't you just on the guest list?"
Piel took a step, two steps, three steps closer to Theo.
Now they were close enough that a stretched arm would touch.
Theo replied,
"Yes, I was set to stand on the podium with Professor Mari. But if you have something to say, save it for later. I'm having a conversation with Lord Maximin."
Theo's gaze shifted back to Maximin, as if dismissing her.
"..."
Piel glared at Theo, clenching her fists.
However, she remained silent.
Theo spoke up.
"Lord Maximin, may I answer the question you asked earlier?"
"Haha haha!"
As if watching a comedy, Maximin laughed heartily, revealing his white teeth.
"If someone's going to be a hero, it should be someone like you. So, Robert really did have a dragon, huh? I remember him mentioning something about failing as a parent... turns out he was just being modest."
Robert is Theo's father and the current head of the Waldeurk family.
Just like Maximin, Robert, who was once among the top heroes of the continent, hasn't shown himself in public for more than three years.
Maximin looked at Theo and continued,
"That's settled then. Instead of words, your actions have answered my question. In any case, I appreciate your concession. Here, in this place, I, Maximin de Chalon, head of the Chalon Duke family, pledge in my name. What do you desire?"
The intent behind this question was also to test Theo.
'What exactly do you desire, young Theo?'
The silver-haired boy before him would surely recognize that this could be the only opportunity to negotiate on equal terms with someone of legendary stature.
He would surely seize it with all his might.
However, Maximin was prepared to give almost anything.
If gold was what Theo wanted, he would provide gold.
If it was an artifact, he would hand over an artifact.
The only exception being ‘that’ deeply hidden within the family's vault.
Of course, it's highly unlikely that the silver-haired boy even knows about 'that'.
Theo then spoke.
"······I would appreciate it if you could invite me to the Chalon residence in the near future."
However, Theo's answer was something Maximin hadn't anticipated at all.
"An invitation... you say?"
"Yes. I won't impose for long. About two nights and three days should suffice. But as you know, Lord Maximin, during the academic term, it’s hard to leave Elinia Academy for extended periods. Hence, I can't provide an exact date at this moment."
"Heh heh heh..."
With an incredulous laugh, Maximin looked at the young man before him.
There was no sign of deceit in Theo.
No hidden agenda.
It seemed his true intent was indeed an invitation to the Chalon House.
Which only piqued Maximin's curiosity further.
"Will that be enough? I don't take kindly to those who change their words later. If there's something else you desire, speak up. I’m more than willing to accommodate. If you feel uncomfortable speaking here, I can arrange for some privacy."
"No, what I truly desire is a formal invitation to the Chalon estate under your name, Lord Maximin."
Theo looked directly into Maximin's eyes as he said this.
Maximin laughed,
"Quite unexpected, indeed. Very well. I'll ensure you receive a formal invitation to my family's estate soon. We can discuss the specifics later. Though I was prepared to grant almost anything, I wonder, why this simple request?"
"······."
After swiftly glancing at both Maximin and Piel, Theo replied.
"I have a keen interest in the Chalon estate. I also wish to cultivate a good relationship with Lord Maximin."
"I see,"
Maximin nodded, alternating his gaze between Theo and Piel before breaking into a cheerful smile.
"I've kept a busy man waiting for too long. I apologize. It’s been a while since I felt this kind of excitement."
"No need for apologies. It was a productive time for me as well. Until our next meeting."
Just as Theo was about to rise from his seat, Maximin spoke up.
"Young Theo, do you have any plans after the seminar?"
"No, I don't."
"Then, after the seminar, could you come over again? Of course, it won't just be the two of us; Piel will be there as well. And you’re free to bring someone else if you wish."
With a pleasant smile on his face, Maximin looked up at Theo.
Piel, standing behind Theo, gave Maximin a quick and vigorous nod.
'Hmm, what's he up to?'
Theo's mind raced.
However, Maximin's suggestion wasn't bad at all. In fact, it was quite good.
Spending time with him and building a relationship would only bring benefits.
There wasn't much to lose either.
"Understood. I'll come back after the seminar."
"Alright. See you later."
Just as Theo was about to leave the room—
Knock, knock.
Another knock sounded.
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