"Calm down," Theo said in an authoritative tone.
The mantis immediately stopped its repeated screeching, sounds that had been unsettling the old man, and instead moved toward Theo.
He placed a hand on the beast's head, prompting it to let out a few softer noises.
Vaelmont's gaze never left the mantis. For several seconds, he just kept looking at the mantis, studying it from top to bottom.
"This is a horrible creature to look at," he remarked.
Theo frowned at the comment this time.
"Please don't say that," he said with visible displeasure on his face.
Vaelmont glanced at Theo's expression, then gave a small cough. The butler at the side remained composed, though his eyes also lingered on the mantis.
"So this is the insect I have heard so much about… It doesn't look like an insect," the old man continued, offering no apology, making Theo feel a headache coming on.
