Chapter 12

Chapter 12
## Chapter 12: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

“I don’t view it as a burden. Rather, you are the one…”

“You are carrying heavy responsibilities on behalf of the family in my place. Besides, witnessing someone you care about endure hardship from the sidelines is always more painful.”

“…I genuinely do not consider it a burden. My actions have never stemmed from any resentment toward you, older brother. Furthermore, many residents within our territory face much harsher conditions than I do, and it is my responsibility to look after them. However…”

Rikschel paused, trailing off as he hesitated.

“Indeed. To be completely honest, I envy you a little right now, older brother, because you possess something that I lack.”

After voicing his true sentiments, Rikschel quickly appended a remark, as though offering a justification.

“That does not imply I am discontented with my present standing. I intend to maintain my dedication moving forward…”

“Naturally. That is all that truly matters.”

Lion reached out, clapping Rikschel gently on the back a few more times.

*He is still merely a child.*

Rikschel appeared even more youthful than Lion recalled from memory.

He was a grandson who bore a striking resemblance to Petrick, gifted with exceptional genius. Yet, conversely, he remained a youth burdened with lingering sensitivity. Or perhaps it was precisely because of that vulnerability that his nature possessed such purity.

While resting alone within the shadowed forest, their guards presumably keeping a wider distance, the two of them sat beside the crackling fire, conversing about various matters as the daylight began to fade. Their dialogue ranged from mundane daily topics to the news of Head Maid Silvia’s eventual retirement, alongside the approaching Coming-of-Age Ceremony.

Eventually, as both the conversation and the bonfire began to dwindle into glowing embers, Rikschel hesitated briefly before asking a cautious question.

“Um, older brother. If another opportunity arises in the future, might I come to visit in this manner once again?”

“Of course. You are welcome to come here whenever you need a place to rest. And…”

Lion paused, meticulously extinguishing the remaining sparks.

“You are at an age where a degree of recklessness is permitted. If studying becomes unappealing to you later on, following your impulses on occasion is entirely acceptable.”

Though some might view it as unwarranted interference, Lion had learned a definitive lesson through both his past and present existences: an individual must pursue what truly brings them fulfillment. Otherwise, utter exhaustion becomes the only result.

*He must truly detest his studies.*

“…I am deeply grateful to you, older brother!”

Hearing Lion’s permission, Rikschel broke into a relaxed, genuine smile. It made for a remarkably heartwarming evening.

—

True to Rikschel’s previous words, Silvia ultimately chose to step down from her position and sought out Lion directly.

While it was somewhat regrettable that his grandfather’s entreaties had been refused, Lion noted the genuine contentment radiant in Silvia’s expression and elected to let her depart peacefully, setting aside his personal disappointment.

Following that encounter, no particularly remarkable events occurred. He continued his routine of gathering herbs and crafting ingredients, steadily raising his levels and accumulating achievements. Unfortunately, the system achievement notifications failed to appear as frequently as they once did, yet his steady acquisition of shillings persisted.

『 Currently, I have a total of 71,500 shillings. 』

Moreover, his rapport with his younger brother had strengthened significantly; Rikschel now made the journey to visit him in the Mimir Forest every few days, leaving Lion with virtually no opportunity to experience boredom. Everything was proceeding seamlessly.

At least, that was his assumption—until a certain day arrived.

“My name is Elvia, and I shall be attending to the Young Master starting today.”

A replacement maid had been assigned. The woman introduced herself as Elvia, offering a polite bow accompanied by a gentle smile.

Yet… what was the source of this lingering, peculiar sense of incongruity?

*Pardon?*

Within Lion’s consciousness, disparate puzzle pieces suddenly snapped securely into place. His grandfather’s stubborn insistence on elevated ranks, Silvia’s sudden retirement, and now Elvia, who carried an aura remarkably similar to Silvia’s own.

*Hmm…*

The underlying motivation behind these developments was not difficult to deduce. But ultimately, what significance did it hold? Every individual navigated their own path through life, carrying their distinct narrative. Provided she maintained her residence here without instigating disruptions, that alone was sufficient.

“I look forward to working alongside you, Elvia.”

“Understood. Please summon me should you require assistance with anything.”

“Certainly. Oh, and thank you.”

“…”

Elvia tilted her head fractionally, as though failing to grasp his meaning.

“Thanks to your presence, my relationship with my younger brother has grown much closer.”

“My apologies, Young Master. I am afraid I do not follow.”

“He possesses a rather eccentric disposition.”

Summarizing the matter with a single phrase, Lion rose from his seat.

“…In that case, please call upon me if any needs arise.”

Silvia—no, Elvia—offered another subtle smile before fading back into the surrounding shadows.

*If descendants of dwarves and ancient spirits exist within this world, a mere witch is hardly noteworthy.*

It was hardly an unprecedented revelation. Shrugging his shoulders, Lion stepped out of the quarters. Today marked the scheduled excursion beyond the village accompanied by Rikschel. The younger boy had insisted there was something he urgently wished to accomplish and suggested they undertake it together, though the exact nature of the task remained a mystery.

—

Meanwhile, Rikschel Asteri sat with his characteristic expression of icy composure, rhythmically tapping a finger against the wooden surface of the table.

Spending time in the company of his older brother proved to be an immensely rewarding experience. Sharing pleasant refreshments and observing his older brother forage for medicinal herbs from close proximity provided a profound sense of mental tranquility and an inexplicable security.

The current state of affairs was by no means negative. Even so…

“…Hah.”

A heavy sigh escaped Rikschel’s lips, and a lingering weight settled over his chest.

The catalyst for this concern was, once again, his older brother—specifically, the physical condition of Lion Asteri. The more time he spent by his brother’s side and the closer his observations grew, the more acutely apparent this reality became.

His older brother’s physical vitality was severely lacking. Logically speaking, this made little sense; human stamina inherently improves with regular physical exertion, particularly for a constitution incapable of absorbing mana. Yet, paradoxically, Lion appeared to be steadily losing physical strength instead.

*It must be the lingering consequences of the mana shock.*

While professional healing mages and court physicians insisted no physiological anomalies existed, Rikschel knew better.

“…As I suspected, I ought to have him examined by a cleric.”

Clerics were distinct entities; unlike mages who pursued fundamental truths through the manipulation of mana, clerics sought divine enlightenment through communion with higher powers. Just as a clear demarcation existed between clerics who had awakened divine grace and mages who suffered the aftermath of mana shock, how could the Asteri family—a lineage renowned for arcane mastery—be any exception?

Half a century prior, during the conflicts against the Demon Race, the family had merely maintained a temporary alliance with the former Archbishop and Saintess to confront a mutual adversary, parting ways the moment the hostilities concluded. The implications of that history were unambiguous. Even with the family’s eldest grandson suffering from physical decline, seeking assistance from the temple was entirely out of the question.

*Furthermore, the Family Head displays minimal concern regarding my older brother.*

It was plainly evident that Lion’s medical state had never been brought before a priest. No special dispensations were granted merely on the grounds of being the eldest grandson; if anything, the treatment bordered on severe. Had Petrick ever overheard such a sentiment, he likely would have struck his chest in indignant protest, yet this remained the pragmatic view held by the world at large.

Rikschel, in particular, harbored zero illusions regarding the Family Head’s involvement in Lion’s welfare, operating under the assumption that such indifference was simply standard behavior driven by an obsession with external political affairs.

Even so.

*The situation is precarious.*

Though Lion routinely masked his condition behind casual remarks and an eccentric demeanor, his pallid complexion and perpetually fatigued eyes belonged to someone far from healthy—a state where collapse could occur at any unpredictable moment.

*If matters proceed unchecked, he will inevitably succumb to illness prior to the Coming-of-Age Ceremony.*

And should that happen… he might never rise from his bed again.

Closing his eyes tightly, Rikschel winced at the thought. Unlike his prior indifference, his chest now swelled with profound compassion whenever his thoughts turned to his older brother. Naturally, were Lion to become aware of these internal musings, he would likely dismiss them with an explanation centered entirely around spending sleepless nights brewing alchemical potions… but unfortunately, Rikschel remained entirely oblivious to those habits.

*I must take matters into my own hands.*

It was only natural that Rikschel, accustomed to shouldering burdens in solitude, would ultimately arrive at this conclusion. The primary obstacle lay in the fact that he had not yet attained a political standing sufficient to wield the family’s influence according to his absolute discretion.

Yet, who was Rikschel? Was he not widely recognized as the youngest prodigy among mages, a genius anticipated to eventually succeed or even surpass Petrick himself?

*It is no idle boast; my intellect is more than adequate.*

A viable strategy quickly formed within his mind—a discreet method to secure a proper clerical examination for his older brother without drawing the scrutiny of either the main estate or the temple authorities.

Today marked the execution of the initial phase of that very plan.

*Knock, knock.*

While deep in contemplation regarding his scheme, Lion appeared at the entrance to Rikschel’s quarters.

“Older brother. You are early!”

The icy mask frozen across Rikschel’s features melted away into a gentle expression.

“Today marks the day we agreed to participate in volunteer work, so tardiness is out of the question.”

“Indeed. A truly commendable endeavor.”

With a mild smile, Rikschel clasped his hands behind his back, fingers curling into tight fists.

Volunteer work. That had been Rikschel’s initial conclusion regarding the most accessible avenue for a commoner to interact directly with clerics. Priests generally possessed a strong inclination toward humanitarian aid, and their religious doctrines actively encouraged community service. Consequently, by engaging in volunteer activities, one could naturally forge acquaintanceships with members of the clergy. Once rapport was established through shared labor, he could subtly maneuver the conversation toward inquiring about his older brother’s medical symptoms.

Naturally, executing this required concealing his true aristocratic identity…

*That poses no difficulty.*

He happened to be familiar with an ideal location. Therefore, the current day served primarily as a preparatory phase for their upcoming volunteer efforts.

Offering a bright smile, Rikschel stepped out of the room alongside Lion. Indeed, in the absence of direct connections, building a foundation from the ground up remained the most dependable, albeit gradual, strategy.

*Just place your trust in me, older brother.*

Rikschel’s resolve hardened into absolute determination. He was fully committed to ensuring Lion Asteri enjoyed a prolonged and flourishing life. And should that prove unachievable, he was at least determined to construct a multitude of cherished memories for Lion, mirroring the comfort Lion had inadvertently provided him.

“…”

Naturally, Lion remained completely unaware of Rikschel’s solemn internal vows, leaving him with a mildly perplexed expression as he observed the boy.

*He appears to be in an exceptionally cheerful mood today.*

Lion chose not to dwell on it excessively. He had agreed to accompany the boy simply because his schedule was open and because Rikschel had framed the outing around a virtuous act of community service. Could anyone fault such a commendable intention?

Ordinarily, individuals born into immense privilege paid little heed to the struggles of those around them. Within a society defined by a stark stratification between commoners and nobility, such detachment was the standard…

*He truly embodies the makings of a model Family Head.*

Brilliant and decisive in his official duties, yet compassionate and warm when extending aid to others—was he not the very portrait of an ideal lord?

*Furthermore, this presents a favorable opportunity for my own experiences.*

During his past life, survival had demanded every ounce of his energy, leaving zero room for charitable donations or volunteer endeavors.

“Remind me, where did you mention our first destination was?”

In response to Lion’s inquiry, Rikschel offered a grim, determined nod.

“First, if we venture out in our current appearance, we risk drawing unwanted attention, so we must acquire proper disguises.”

“Ah.”

It was a sensible suggestion. In truth, both Lion and Rikschel possessed physical appearances somewhat too refined to pass unnoticed as ordinary citizens: well-groomed hair, high-quality garments, and hands entirely devoid of calluses. Above all, their striking purple eyes served as an unmistakable declaration of their lineage: *We belong to the Asteri family!*

“You intend for us to wear standard commoner attire, correct?”

“Pardon?”

“That is a sound plan. Clothing is ultimately the primary giveaway.”

“…Ah, regarding that particular matter, you need not fret, older brother.”

Rikschel smiled reassuringly toward Lion.

“We are not headed toward a clothing merchant; our destination is a magic tool boutique.”

“…”

Did such an establishment genuinely exist?