Chapter 132

Chapter 132
Chapter 132: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

The period when priests were barred from entering, leaving the space silent.

“……”

Lion lay comfortably on the mattress, listening in silence to their dialogue.

Naturally, none of this was factual.

‘They both play their parts quite convincingly.’

While he wasn’t concerned about his younger sibling, even Rikschel was completely absorbed in his performance.

He clutched a sheet of paper tightly in his fist.

‘It’s fortunate I drafted the script beforehand.’

It was entirely predictable that priests would approach the chamber, so they leveraged that expectation to write a script.

Of course, Lion merely conceived the concept, while Rikschel, having undergone rigorous heir instruction from his household, brought it to execution.

Consequently, the pair delivered a passionate performance according to the script!

“I apologize. I was unable to uncover that information either.”

“Does that imply it remains useless even within the temple?”

“Even with this level of capability, the divine power fails to function…”

“…Enough! I refuse to listen to any more unverified rumors. My elder brother shall be tended to by his kin, rendering the temple’s assistance unnecessary. Furthermore, wouldn’t my elder brother prefer the company of his family?”

Incredible. They were truly executing their roles impressively.

Rikschel must have acquired such skills through various drills during his heir lessons, yet Lion never anticipated that Rikschel would commit to it to this degree.

Even Lion, the author of the script, felt a genuine weight of truth in Rikschel’s words.

‘Though his facial expression looks rather strained, naturally.’

His features were rigid from the mere thought of deception, and he intermittently glanced down at the paper to verify his lines.

Compared to his younger sibling, it certainly appeared somewhat awkward.

Still, as long as they avoided detection, that was sufficient!

Moreover, given the surrounding circumstances, it would sound entirely credible to anyone eavesdropping.

It would likely be interpreted as: “Rikschel’s situation has grown quite precarious!”

‘Just as anticipated, the corridor outside has quieted down as well.’

The hallway, which had been momentarily chaotic, grew as still as if cold water had been dashed over it, entirely due to a single line delivered by Rikschel.

Perhaps the moment Rikschel hoisted a chair and hurled it downward contributed to the effect as well.

It was proceeding remarkably well.

The fabrication regarding the ‘Guest’ possessing a fleeting lifespan.

Coupled with the priests who had ‘accidently’ overheard the conversation!

Lion nodded in approval as events unfolded smoothly.

“Ppippi.”

Nature, who had delivered the dispatch, also appeared fatigued and rolled across the mattress.

‘Resembling rest stop potatoes.’

Those rest stop potatoes, dusted generously with sugar over small, yellow new potatoes, constituted a delicacy among delicacies.

Consuming a bite of the fluffy tubers while chewing, the unmelted sugar granules crunched delightfully like candy, offering an exquisite flavor…

*Grumble!*

“Ah.”

I am famished. Come to think of it, I missed my meal due to the commotion.

‘I ought to wrap this up swiftly and secure some food.’

As Lion mused thus while reclining casually, he sensed a piercing gaze directed at him from somewhere.

It belonged to his younger sibling, who remained deep in his theatrical performance.

*Startled.*

The intensity of the glare was such that even Lion, who had remained relaxed, felt a jolt of surprise.

“Older brother. Are you hungry? Surely the temple did not neglect to provide even a single meal for an invited guest?”

Rikschel lowered his tone, likely mindful of whether sound might leak beyond the chamber, yet he radiated a rather ominous aura.

“Pardon? No, this is merely today’s…”

“I offer my apologies. I failed to properly execute my responsibilities and neglected to arrange sustenance for the righteous individual.”

“……?”

Hold on, why are you offering apologies there?

Lion gazed at Rikschel, who was hastily issuing apologies, with bewildered eyes, yet it proved futile.

“I shall resolve this matter with the utmost haste.”

“Understood. I shall assist.”

“……”

It appeared some form of mutual understanding had been reached between the two.

Very well. Ultimately, it yielded a favorable outcome, did it not?

After all, fostering a harmonious relationship between them seemed advantageous. Indeed, it would prove acceptable.

Rikschel and Rikschel exchanged a few further murmurs in subdued tones before confirming their respective positions and stepping away from the entryway.

“In that case, I shall take my leave first.”

“Affirmative. Please do.”

Rikschel carefully latched the door behind him as he exited the chamber.

Up to this juncture, the developments adhered precisely to Lion’s design.

The plan required Rikschel to articulate the stance that ‘I shall unconditionally defer to the righteous individual’s judgment’ in advance.

However.

“Older brother. Please take possession of this first.”

“This is…”

Lion inspected the headpiece resembling a delicate circlet.

『Escape Circle 2.0』

* Restricted to a single use, it alters one’s appearance according to desire.
* Features an integrated “gravely ill” aesthetic intended for situations where the user fails to slip away during evening self-study.

‘……They maintain evening self-study sessions here as well, it appears.’

Well, the desire to escape must run deep when so many entertaining pursuits exist beyond those walls!

That sentiment was entirely understandable.

Furthermore, the individual possessing knowledge of this artifact…

‘Rikschel clearly possesses firsthand experience with escaping.’

Still, it brought a measure of relief that he did not lead his entire existence as a strict model student.

“Ahem! It is merely a trinket recommended by the magical artifact boutique since they lacked an identical hairpin.”

“Oh?”

“Indeed.”

What a pity. Slipping away from evening studies utilizing such a device sounded genuinely entertaining.

No, beyond that consideration.

“Did you remain behind solely to deliver this item?”

According to the original blueprint, Rikschel was scheduled to depart simultaneously with Rikschel.

Wasn’t the core objective for the family to voice their stance on behalf of Lion, who was laboring to complete the sanctuary?

Following that resolution, they were supposed to quietly withdraw from the temple alongside Rikschel.

Subsequently, the narrative would be steered such that Rikschel might remark along the lines of: “Now that the sanctuary situation is settled, let us proceed to restore and offer restitution for the resulting devastation.”

That manner of approach would satisfactorily resolve Peter’s adoption proceedings.

“Older brother, are you genuinely well?”

“Without a doubt. Naturally.”

Rikschel’s inquiry caused Lion to comprehend the genuine reason for his lingering presence.

‘He must have been consumed by worry.’

He was fretting needlessly, despite knowing he ought to refrain from doing so.

Moreover, the emotional state he had projected during his performance likely lingered within him still.

After all, do actors not frequently experience lingering emotional residue from method acting?

Young Rikschel required time to process those residual feelings.

‘Dear me, I failed to be attentive.’

However, offering words of comfort at present would leave Rikschel unequipped to handle the assembly of priests waiting outside.

Lion reflected for a brief moment before sitting up and moving about with greater vigor than strictly necessary.

“Perhaps owing to the holy water, my constitution feels remarkably revitalized.”

“Are you truly certain?”

“Can you not discern it simply by observing?”

“I cannot perceive any difference.”

Indeed. You cannot perceive it.

Lion glanced toward a mirror positioned along the lateral wall.

Aside from his hair appearing somewhat disheveled from rolling about, his appearance matched his usual self.

In truth, enhanced by the holy water, did his complexion not appear even healthier than ordinary?

“Regardless, I am entirely recovered. I am merely somewhat famished.”

“Ah.”

It was as if Rikschel, recognizing his hunger, found a renewed spark of determination ignite within his gaze.

“Understood. Please grant me a brief moment, and I shall settle every obstacle before returning to escort you.”

“Yes, yes. Oh, shall we be dining together?”

“…Affirmative! Should it meet your approval, Older Brother, I would prefer to dine outside today.”

Ah, venturing out for a meal sounded quite appealing.

As Lion nodded readily, Rikschel departed the room, promising to conclude his tasks swiftly and return.

And shortly after.

“…The surroundings have grown remarkably quiet?”

Not a single sound drifted in from beyond the room’s threshold…

Given the multitude of individuals present, how could not even a murmur escape?

“No matter. Let us refrain from overthinking it.”

He would undoubtedly manage somehow.

Lion flopped backward onto the bedding.

Perhaps because this served as the quarters for the Archbishop Candidate? The sunlight streamed in pleasantly and the mattress offered cozy comfort, establishing an ideal environment for slumber.

“Perhaps I ought to snatch a brief rest?”

Now that he reflected upon it, he had barely closed his eyes while taxing his intellect to manage the aftermath of the sanctuary incident.

With the situation ostensibly resolved and the sight of his younger sibling’s face reassuring him, the tension gripping his frame dissipated, causing his eyelids to grow heavy.

“Peee…”

Nature, already half-slumbering, emitted a sound that hovered between a purr and a response before settling upon Lion’s chest to sleep.

Lion stroked Nature’s velvety coat and promptly drifted into unconsciousness.

—

Lion slowly lifted his eyelids.

‘Where might this location be…’

This was a dreamscape. He recognized the fact instinctively.

Lion rubbed the back of his head without particular reason and murmured.

“Had I grown excessively exhausted?”

He had encountered lucid dreams on a few prior occasions when he snatched rest periods amidst intense labor.

Yet…

‘The clarity seems remarkably vivid for a standard lucid dream, does it not?’

Even upon realizing one is dreaming, dreams rarely afford such freedom of movement.

Consequently, individuals typically find themselves swept along by the dream’s current, or the environment shifts, naturally prompting awakening… and yet.

“It remains entirely serene.”

He experienced no hindrance whatsoever in maneuvering his physical form.

Lion wandered through the dream realm wherever his footsteps guided him.

After traversing what felt like several minutes, the surrounding landscape slowly began to materialize.

Damp earth and sprouting blades of grass appeared, accompanied by the sensory impression of moisture hanging in the atmosphere.

Followed by a winding waterway where current rippled softly alongside a spring situated at its nexus.

This was the sanctuary.

‘Though the architectural layout differs somewhat owing to the dream state.’

Furthermore, the butterflies were entirely absent.

Just as the thought crossed his mind that he was experiencing an eccentric dream.

“You must be the guest in question.”

An unfamiliar voice drifted from an undetermined direction.

It constituted a timbre he had never encountered previously, neither in reality nor prior to his transmigration.

“You possess awareness of my identity?”

Abruptly, an individual materialized beside Lion.

He presented the appearance of a tall, middle-aged priest adorned with streaks of silver woven through his hair.

‘I harbor a distinct sense of having beheld him somewhere before.’

Despite not recognizing the man personally, why did such familiarity wash over him? Just as he pondered the connection, a fragment of memory surfaced.

It originated from a portrait.

Although Lion had bypassed formal heir instruction, possessing the status of eldest scion of the Asteri household mandated acquiring at least baseline knowledge.

Among those fundamental lessons rested the memorization of prominent figures across the Empire.

And this specific individual was undeniably.

“Might you be the Archbishop?”

“Hahaha. Your perception is keen. You truly are Petrick’s grandson.”

“……”

At that instant, comprehension dawned upon Lion.

This was no ordinary lucid dream.

If anything, it resembled an invitation extended by the Archbishop across the veil of sleep.

Could divine power genuinely manipulate reality to such an extent?

“Refrain from excessive anxiety. I summoned you here purely to articulate my gratitude.”

The Archbishop gestured toward Lion accompanied by a mild expression.

By that juncture, a table and matching chairs had manifested near the origin of the spring, upon which holy water brewed locally was poured in the manner of tea.

He displayed no indication of hostility toward Lion.

On the contrary, an intuition suggested the Archbishop intended to maintain absolute secrecy regarding the events transpired here.

Having previously received the gaze of the God of Eternal Flame, at least that internal instinct could scarcely prove erroneous.

Moreover…

‘The timing could not be more auspicious.’

Did he not harbor a pressing inquiry requiring an answer?

The subject pertained directly to ‘sealing’.

“Shall we, therefore, engage in a conversation for a brief duration?”

“Hoho. That proves an astute choice.”

Thus, within the confines of the dreamscape, Lion commenced a private audience with the Archbishop.