Help, I'm in Another World and All the Men Are So Hot! [BL]-Chapter 62: Theo’s Family Ties

He wasn’t entirely sure what the title meant in this world, but based on what he’d seen in fantasy stories, a priest usually held a significant position.

"Yes, I hold the title of a theological priest," Theo explained. "But it’s mostly in name only. I had to be enrolled in the theological faculty to study history, but I’m not a formal member of the clergy. The title was only necessary for me to access the artifacts related to the Earthian."

"Huh. I guess being able to turn your hobby into work is kind of enviable," Damien remarked, thinking more about Theo’s passion than his noble status.

It seemed less like "noble power" and more like "Theo’s deep interest" that was driving his research.

"Well, this ’job’ only lasts until I inherit my father’s position," Theo replied, smiling wryly again.

"Oh? I thought it was something you’d do alongside managing the estate," Damien said, surprised.

"I wish I could," Theo admitted. "But the Dalehaven family is a military house, so if my father instructs me to, I’ll likely have to join the Ministry of War. The priestly work is more of a... temporary arrangement until then."

Theo’s face, which usually carried a lighthearted expression, looked a bit more solemn now. Despite his youthful appearance, there was a maturity to him that made Damien forget they were close in age.

So, nobles don’t always get to choose their own careers, Damien thought. That sounded tough.

"Um, Theo, when do you think you’ll have to take over the family business?" Damien asked cautiously.

"It’s hard to say for sure since it depends on my father," Theo answered. "But I’ll probably be in this position until I graduate from the academy. After that, whether I go straight into the Ministry of War or have some more time is up to him."

It was becoming clear to Damien that in noble families, the head of the house—usually the father—had the final say in almost everything.

"Wait, Theo, do you go to school? An academy?" Damien asked, feeling like he might be prying too much. "Sorry, I’m asking too many questions, aren’t I?"

"No, not at all," Theo reassured him. "After all, I spent the whole day asking you questions earlier!"

Theo smiled brightly, clearly pleased by the conversation. "And honestly, I’m glad you wants to know more about me. Let’s make tonight a Q&A session for you!"

His cheerful expression made Damien feel a little embarrassed, maybe even a bit guilty for asking so many questions. But since Theo was offering, he figured he might as well take the opportunity. After all, there was still so much about Theo he didn’t know, even though they’d shared plenty of strange experiences together.

"So, you mentioned the academy earlier," Damien began. "How long have you been going there?"

Theo nodded. "I’ve been attending since I was about six years old. These days, I’m juggling both the academy and my studies in theology, so I’m not there as often. But I still attend classes on some days."

"Really? I thought since you’re a priest, you wouldn’t be going to school at all," Damien admitted. From their first meeting, Theo had exuded an air of authority, like someone much older, maybe even an established professional.

Theo laughed softly. "Attending the academy is almost a duty for nobles. I’d prefer to focus entirely on theology, or rather, history, but some things can’t be avoided."

Another one of Theo’s wry smiles appeared. Damien thought for a moment before cautiously asking, "So... is your father strict about that?"

Theo seemed surprised at first but then answered, "Actually, my father is quite supportive. He’s told me I’m free to focus on theology and history if that’s what I wish."

If not his father, then maybe his mother was opposed? Damien could sense Theo wasn’t eager to talk further, so he decided not to push it.

As he was about to change the subject, Sebas, who had been quietly tending to their needs during the meal, spoke up. "Master Theo, this might be a good opportunity to discuss this matter with Sir Damien."

Theo’s expression turned more serious as he considered Sebas’s words. "Yes, you’re right. Damien, this involves some family issues, but would you mind listening?"

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Damien straightened up and nodded, ready to listen carefully.

...

"It’s a common enough story," Theo began, setting the stage for what was clearly a difficult topic.

"My mother—my birth mother—passed away shortly after I was born. My father remarried, and I have a younger brother, who’s a year younger than me, from that marriage. My stepmother... well, she’s not a bad person, but..."

Theo trailed off, clearly uncomfortable with the topic. Damien hesitated, unsure whether he should probe deeper, but remembering Theo had asked him to listen, he decided to continue gently.

"So... is it a matter of, uh, inheritance?" Damien asked cautiously.

Theo gave a small, bitter smile and nodded. "Yes, unfortunately, it is. To put it plainly, there’s some tension over succession. While my stepmother isn’t a malicious person, she’s somewhat... fragile. She’s heavily influenced by her family, who are powerful nobles under the Dalehaven house."

"That sounds really difficult..." Damien responded, sympathetic to the complicated family dynamics Theo was navigating.

"What about your father?" Damien asked, wondering if perhaps Theo’s father had been won over by the others, leaving Theo to fend for himself. If that were the case, Damien thought, he’d have to protect Theo somehow, though he wasn’t sure exactly how.

As Damien silently fueled himself with determination, Theo gave a small, troubled smile. Actually, more like a resigned one.

"My father... No, both my father and I agree that if my brother shows the proper aptitude and desire, then it’s fine if he becomes the heir," Theo explained.

"Really? So you’re okay with giving up your position as the heir?" Damien was surprised.

"Yes. To be completely honest, I’d much rather focus on my research without being tied down by the estate or family business. Of course, if you wanted me to fight for the succession, Damien, I’d do it," Theo added casually, as if saying something completely outrageous.