Chapter 116

Chapter 116
Chapter 116: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

“And there must be a reason this fell into my hands.”

The malevolent force possessed unimaginable power, holding a strength capable of easily reducing even standard domains to ruins.

However, that would not be the intrinsic will of that evil influence.

Even without possessing specialized beast taming capabilities, numerous methods existed to bend it to one’s will.

For instance, by subjecting it to relentless violence and abuse from an early age.

And should they implement magical restraints… resistance would become utterly impossible.

‘If a crisis arises, this will prove to be an immense asset.’

Lion offered a subtle nod to himself.

It could additionally function as a concealed trump card whenever hazardous circumstances materialized.

Above all else…

‘There is a chance I might be discovered.’

Barg, a descendant tracing his lineage back to the red wolf beastmen.

And Nature, operating as the spirit of a druid.

If such a dark influence surfaced, the possibility remained that it belonged to the beastman descendant nurtured by that very druid.

Perhaps I might even stumble upon another vital clue concerning my primary character.

Lion proceeded to pack infant provisions into his satchel.

“My gratitude. I shall manage this responsibly.”

“Understood! Thank you very much!”

Barg offered a deep bow, likely thrilled that Lion had accepted his present.

“A-and… I promise to apply myself diligently!”

“Hm?”

“I wish to rectify my temperament, grow stronger… and evolve into an individual capable of safeguarding you, Young Master, once I attain the status of an official knight!”

Lion chuckled softly at the genuine sincerity shining in Barg’s eyes and tone.

‘What an admirable fellow.’

He remains in the midst of adjusting to broader society.

Regardless of the extent to which one conceals their true identity, the fundamental values upheld by humans and beastmen are bound to diverge.

Yet, Barg pushed himself a step further, articulating his aspiration to fulfill his personal ambition.

Naturally, as time elapses and he matures, he will likely cultivate alternative objectives beyond merely shielding himself.

‘The underlying mindset is what truly counts.’

Should Barg become aware of this reality… he would likely insist he harbored no intentions of losing focus, yet he possessed no means of knowing.

“Very well. I am placing my trust in you.”

Lion flashed a smile, retrieved a Moonlight Pill from his pocket, and extended it toward him.

“You will require this at a later date. Refrain from consuming it presently; save it for when you have fully recuperated and are undergoing rigorous training.”

“Th-thank you.”

“Agreed. Keep up the excellent work.”

Following a reassuring pat on his shoulder from Lion…

Thud!

Barg collapsed flat onto the earthen floor.

“Oh dear.”

I suppose he genuinely pushed his physical limits too far.

Lion displayed an awkward smile before shifting his gaze toward Rikson and Jake, who were sprinting over from a distance.

“Goodness, you there! You suddenly ventured outside and ended up here?”

“My thanks, Young Master. You were supporting Barg once more.”

Numerous exchanges had transpired in the interim, but formulating the situation in that manner proved most prudent.

“Kindly convey him indoors.”

“Affirmative! Pardon us, then!”

Rikson and Jake hoisted Barg’s arms over their respective shoulders and hauled him backward toward the infirmary.

Lion chuckled at the affectionate display they exhibited.

I ought to be free from concern for the foreseeable future.

—

The following morning.

Scarcely had dawn broken when Lion handed the remaining flask of Sikhye to the apprentice servant, Buck.

“Is this… genuinely produced utilizing germinated barley?”

This is truly remarkable… Buck muttered under his breath.

It marked his inaugural experience tasting such a beverage.

He had perpetually assumed that malt, or rather barley sprouts, served exclusively in the production of alcoholic beverages.

Even his father, the proprietor of the local brewery, had executed various experiments, yet the outcomes remained identical.

Pale ale, dark stout, amber brew.

Regardless of the approach, the final product invariably equated to beer.

And yet, such an exceptionally unique concoction had materialized!

“How does it strike your palate?”

“It carries a gentle sweetness accompanied by a delicate fragrance. It represents a flavor profile that individuals of any age, young or old, would undoubtedly appreciate…”

“In that case, would your father favor it as well?”

“My father? He is perpetually in pursuit of novel creations, so he would assuredly…”

Buck trailed off mid-sentence.

‘In what manner… how ought I to formulate my reply?’

He desperately wanted to express his desire to permit his father to sample this beverage immediately.

Yet, would not uttering such words imply an intention to replicate the recipe formulated by the Young Master of the Asteri household?

Observing Buck’s hesitation, Lion addressed him in a soothing tone.

“There is no need to worry. You have my permission to inform him.”

“Is that… truly acceptable?”

“In reality, I would prefer it if you shared the news. I possess a deep fascination regarding brewing methodologies. Furthermore, I desire for others to partake in and enjoy this beverage as well.”

“Is that genuinely the case…!”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Buck immediately declared his intent to return home during his upcoming leave of absence.

“Very well. Should your father express approval, extend an invitation for me as well.”

“O-of course! That would constitute the highest distinction for our household!”

Buck, incapable of masking his deeply moved countenance, continued bowing repeatedly until Lion departed.

“Splendid. I have distributed the final portion of Sikhye…”

I have executed all necessary obligations for the present moment.

‘Shall I indulge in a brief respite now?’

Lion strolled through the expansive estate at a leisurely pace.

He finally secured a moment of unoccupied time.

‘First, I shall retreat to my quarters and indulge in an extended slumber…’

I can coordinate remaining matters later. The instant that thought crossed his mind—

“Master!”

He collided directly with Freya, who had been lingering outside his bedchamber.

‘Ah.’

Perhaps attributable to the thermal springs from the preceding day, Freya’s complexion appeared markedly clearer and more vibrant.

Her characteristic youthful facial fullness resembled a perfectly boiled egg!

However…

Her physical motions possessed a rigid, mechanical quality, reminiscent of an automaton.

“Did the hot spring agree with you? You appear somewhat fatigued.”

“Negative! I feel utterly magnificent! All thanks to the thermal bath you engineered, Master! Even the salamander adored it immensely!”

Freya responded instantly to Lion’s inquiry.

It felt as though her replies had been pre-programmed to follow that exact trajectory.

‘Nah. It is merely a product of my imagination.’

Lion resolved to dismiss the observation entirely.

“What is the nature of your business here?”

“Ah, well.”

Freya fumbled nervously before extracting a small potion vial from her carrying pouch.

It was filled with water harvested from the hot spring.

“I wish to analyze the thermal liquid you formulated, Master… and I wondered whether that would be acceptable!”

“On what grounds do you require authorization? Feel free to utilize it as you see fit.”

“Ah, in truth? My sincere thanks!”

“Was that the sole reason you were waiting here?”

“Affirmative. Hehe… and I wished to communicate that I acquired numerous valuable lessons from Lady Elvia…”

“Young Master. You have returned. The chamber sanitation has just concluded.”

“Eek.”

Freya, cutting her sentence short, concealed herself directly behind Lion.

‘She continues to display discomfort, even subsequent to claiming she absorbed so much knowledge.’

Where precisely had I witnessed a dynamic akin to this?

Lion engaged in profound contemplation before an epiphany struck him.

Ah, this exact reaction!

It mirrors the relationship between an exacting workplace supervisor who quietly exhibits care behind the scenes and their subordinate employee!

‘I understand now.’

The dynamic made complete sense when factoring in that Freya and Elvia’s initial encounter had likely lacked pleasantries.

‘Freya will simply need to adapt over time.’

Even so, it remained a positive development that Elvia appeared to be factoring her presence into account in her own unique manner.

“Th-then, seeing as I have obtained your consent, I shall take my leave! Please enjoy a restful period!”

Freya hurriedly stowed the hot spring water back into her bag and rapidly retreated down the corridor.

Lion’s gaze drifted subtly toward Elvia.

“Just to be certain, I feel compelled to ask regarding yesterday…”

“We engaged in a candid dialogue. There exists no cause for you to harbor anxiety.”

“As anticipated, correct?”

“Affirmative. That is precisely accurate.”

That outcome suffices.

Lion offered an affirmative nod and stepped inside his chamber.

The room, having just undergone cleaning, emitted a pleasant aroma.

It was a detail he deeply appreciated, given the household staff consistently maintained meticulous standards.

Lion collapsed face-forward onto the pristine, plush bedding.

“That reminds me, how did Elvia fare?”

“I experienced the sensation of my fatigue dissipating for the inaugural instance in quite some duration, thus the experience proved exceptionally rewarding. It clearly possesses specialized restorative properties.”

“I am gladdened to hear it met your standards.”

Lion resolved that he ought to engineer various innovations specifically for Elvia’s benefit.

‘I doubt I shall frequent the thermal baths twice.’

What endeavor ought to follow?

While deep in thought, an idea struck Lion.

‘Speaking of which, what classification of present should I procure for Peter?’

He had boasted previously about securing an extravagant token of appreciation, yet in all honesty, determining an appropriate choice proved difficult.

“I cannot simply present him with precious gems…”

Lion remained horizontal on the mattress, kicking his legs lazily in the air.

“Do you harbor intentions of bestowing a present upon someone?”

“Indeed. His designation is Peter…”

Lion provided a concise summary of Peter’s background.

He had encountered the boy within an orphanage, noting that the child had completely withdrawn emotionally as a consequence of being surrendered for adoption.

“However, on this occasion, he is scheduled for integration into a proper household.”

Lion stared blankly toward the ceiling before speaking aloud.

“I wish to prevent him from experiencing feelings of inadequacy, prompting my desire to secure a magnificent present, yet I concurrently harbor apprehension that it might prove overly burdensome for a youth.”

“Your assessment is accurate. Bestowing an excessively lavish offering upon a child beyond their capacity to manage will merely cultivate resentment.”

“Is that truly the case? In that scenario, how should I proceed?”

Elvia adjusted the displaced coverlet and offered a discreet suggestion.

“Would playthings suitable for Peter’s amusement not prove more fitting?”

“Toys?”

“Affirmative. Ordinarily, adolescent children exhibit a preference for playthings over gemstones.”

“Indubitably.”

That assessment carried weight. The notion of avoiding discouragement through an exorbitant offering might simply reflect an adult perspective imposed upon a youth.

‘In that case…’

Lion blinked as a strategy began to form.

“I shall therefore be required to conduct preliminary investigations at a later juncture. To ascertain precisely what items capture a child’s interest.”

Blink.

Lion’s eyelids grew progressively heavy.

The freshly laundered coverings, combined with the subtle, comforting fragrance, induced a strong sense of drowsiness.

Coupled with the gentle warmth of the sunlight filtering through.

“Merely a brief rest, then.”

“Heh heh. Understood. Please repose comfortably.”

Elvia manifested a faint smile upon observing Lion’s drooping eyelids before quietly withdrawing from the space.

She wished to avoid disrupting the youthful puppy’s slumber.

“Snore…”

The localized warmth radiating from beneath the blankets, alongside the optimal posture that eliminated any desire to stir.

The gentle physical weight of Nature resting against his chest.

Consequently, for the first time in a considerable duration, Lion plunged into a profound sleep.

—

Beginning the subsequent day, Lion initiated inquiries directed toward the household servants who possessed offspring.

“What specific category of presents do children gravitate toward?”

“They display an absolute fondness for wooden training blades! They represent the ideal choice for youths aspiring to become knights.”

“Negative. They prefer oversized, endearing plush dolls.”

“You are entirely mistaken! What youngsters cherish above all else are sugary confections!”

“…”

Lion arrived at a realization.

Children do not universally share identical preferences.

Just as each individual maintains distinct personality traits, the desires harbored by youngsters vary wildly.

“Hmm.”

Lion planted both hands upon his hips and sank into deep rumination.

‘The collected data remains insufficient.’

Furthermore, are they not parents themselves?

The optimal approach would involve gathering feedback directly from the youths in question.

“Very well. My thanks to you all.”

Lion promptly departed from the residential compound.

With the objective of locating youthful acquaintances.

Namely… Gaji and Ipari, currently residing at Mudu’s dwelling!