Chapter 134

Chapter 134
Chapter 134: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

Even though a multitude of thoughts rushed through his mind at once, Lion fought to maintain his composure.

First off, the trajectory of the seal connected to that malady, which he had perceived with a connoisseur’s gaze, was not recorded anywhere.

“However…”

While it remained merely an unsupported theory, Lion judged the likelihood of that barrier existing to ward off outside interference to be exceptionally high.

It was the only logical explanation.

After all, not a single individual among living beings possessed the capability to forge such a confinement.

Lion himself had very nearly sustained injuries just by probing the essence of the affliction.

“Had it not been for Nature’s intervention…”

He might have been rendered blind or unconscious for several days.

At any rate, a single truth remained undeniable: Lion was not yet powerful enough to concern himself with this matter.

It was a bitter pill to swallow, but that was the reality.

“Pull yourself together.”

Drawing a deep breath inward, Lion resumed his analytical train of thought with a steady mind.

In a way, it was a stroke of good fortune.

What if he had attempted to dismantle the ward recklessly, lacking proper insight?

At best, Lion would have borne the consequences entirely on his own shoulders, but consider the alternative.

What if he had unlatched the container without taking any safety measures?

And what if something that ought to have stayed hidden escaped from within?

“The suffering wouldn’t stop with me.”

A barrier rated at level 3 or higher matched the scale of the Great Barrier shielding both the Demon Realm and the Empire.

If so, what would a level 5 threat entail?

Without a doubt, a catastrophe far surpassing any war against demons would unfold.

Naturally, the Asteri Territory would be obliterated.

…No.

“The term ‘obliterated’ falls short of the truth.”

To be blunt, Grandfather would have been dragged back to the front lines, and Younger Sibling Rikschel would have joined him.

Alongside Elvia, Knight Captain Rikson, and Barg, of course.

Even Freya and the remaining villagers would have had to throw every ounce of their strength into the fray.

“Thankfully, for the moment, it remains nothing more than a worrisome fantasy.”

Nothing had been set into motion, nor had any disaster actually transpired.

It was an even greater blessing that the world had remained tranquil following the war.

Had the conflict with the demons still been raging, entities would have swarmed in before Lion could even begin to ponder the situation.

“Still, I must investigate with utmost caution.”

If even a whisper concerning the box leaked out, it could serve as the prologue to a fresh tragedy.

Lion became aware that he was gnawing on the inside of his cheek.

It was an old nervous habit from his early days adjusting to society whenever impatience crept over him…

“Could it be because this is a dream? I am displaying more emotion than usual.”

Unconsciously, traits from his past resurfaced.

“Me, impatient?”

Over a hypothetical scenario that had not even materialized?

“Ah.”

Before long, Lion understood the root cause of his restlessness.

It stemmed from the realization that he was no longer traversing his path alone.

Indeed, immediately after coming to possess this body, Lion had cared little whether he drew his last breath at any given moment.

He had simply gone through life accepting whatever fate threw his way.

Yet now…

“Things feel somewhat altered.”

It was still true that personal harm or hardship held little weight for him.

However, the mere thought of those surrounding him coming to harm produced a sickening vertigo, the likes of which he had never experienced in his life.

“…”

Regardless, it was a relief that he had come to this realization prior to tampering with the ward.

“Look before you leap.”

It would prove far wiser to proceed with deliberate slowness, dedicating time to fully comprehending the nature of the container before taking any further action.

Regaining his composure, Lion responded naturally to the ongoing conversation.

“So, you are suggesting that barriers possess a directional nature as well?”

“Precisely. Well, constraints designed to imprison oneself are rarely implemented, so it is natural that the concept seems foreign to you.”

“Haha. My understanding of this field is entirely nonexistent.”

“Even so, your grasp of the subject is remarkably swift.”

The Archbishop’s eyes gleamed with curiosity.

In truth, grasping the mechanics of seals was notoriously difficult.

Ordinarily, without firsthand encounters, one could not hope to absorb the concept through a handful of casual remarks.

“Yet this young man…”

He had comprehended the principles flawlessly.

Not only did he recognize what a seal entailed, but he had also correctly deduced the directional aspect of it.

True to his reputation as a Messenger of God, he was entirely out of the ordinary.

“…”

Observing the Archbishop’s expression, Lion let out an internal breath of relief.

Fortunately, he had successfully sidestepped any suspicion regarding the possession of a sealed artifact.

While the inquiry had been unusual, the Archbishop possessed no grounds to jump to conclusions.

He appeared completely unaware of the container’s existence, let alone the presence of wards exceeding level 3, and even if he did, he could hardly suspect Lion—who currently lacked any Divine Power—could he?

“Theology strikes me as a deeply fascinating discipline, much like sorcery. I tend to harbor a strong appetite for knowledge.”

“Oh? Is that so? In that case, I shall personally retrieve a volume restricted to the inner seminary for your perusal during your next visit.”

“I am grateful.”

“Furthermore, should you desire it, I can arrange for a professor or scholar well-versed in theological studies to serve as your personal tutor.”

“Pardon?”

“Alternatively, what are your thoughts on Rihit? It is no exaggeration to say his talent is such that he has mastered every facet of theology since his youth.”

“…”

“As you have witnessed yourself, he is far from a malicious child, is he? For the sake of mutual—ahem.”

The Archbishop, who had been speaking with the unstoppable force of a breached dam, came to an abrupt halt.

“I uttered those words without any grandiose motives. My only wish is for the two of you to cultivate a close bond moving forward. It is merely my own selfishness speaking.”

This time, rather than sounding like a parent-teacher conference, the undertone clearly translated to, “Please take care of my child.”

“Good grief.”

A low chuckle escaped Lion as he rose from his seat.

“I appreciate the generous offer, but I believe we ought to consult Priest Rihit regarding his own perspective on the matter as well?”

Neatly pushing his chair back into place, Lion swept his gaze across the surroundings.

The background was gradually losing its focus, signaling that the time to awaken from the dream was drawing near.

“It would appear the Reverend Father has quite a lengthy agenda he wishes to pursue.”

“…”

For a moment, the Archbishop’s eyes widened in surprise before softening into a warm curve.

“Is that so?”

“Indeed. He harbors great ambition. He might even instigate complications that could prove troublesome for you, Your Grace.”

“How wonderful.”

Hearing Lion’s remark, the Archbishop slowly stood as well, extending a hand forward.

“Thank you for transforming my rigid, child-like student into an ambitious individual.”

It was a peculiar expression of gratitude.

“Come to think of it…”

Rihit flashed across Lion’s mind. To be specific, he recalled the look the young man wore when he defied authority to pursue his own desires.

…He bore the striking resemblance of a mischievous boy.

It certainly lacked the dignified demeanor expected of a priest.

Naturally, it suited a youth of his years far better, making it a pleasant sight to behold, though one might question its appropriateness from a traditional family standpoint.

“Well…”

Even so, observing the expression on the Archbishop’s face reassured Lion that there was little cause for anxiety.

After all, determination was already clearly written across the older man’s features.

Reaching out, Lion shook the Archbishop’s outstretched hand.

“When we meet again, I shall treat you to some refreshments.”

“I look forward to it. Until we cross paths in the waking world, then.”

With those final words, the scenery faded into darkness, and… Lion emerged from his pleasant slumber.

“…”

A blink.

Lion forced his dry eyelids open.

Though his physique felt thoroughly revitalized, as though he had enjoyed a deep sleep, the dialogue with the Archbishop remained crystal clear in his memory.

It was yet another bizarre experience.

“Ah, Brother. You are finally awake.”

“All the necessary arrangements have been finalized. You are free to head home whenever you wish.”

Rikschel and Rihit reentered the bedchamber, their respective duties evidently brought to a close.

“You must have endured a great deal of trouble.”

“This was nothing to speak of. Thanks entirely to the assistance provided by the Reverend Father.”

A bright, genuine smile crossed Rikschel’s face.

“Hahaha.”

Rihit offered a sheepish grin as he glanced over at Rikschel.

Judging by that reaction, it appeared he had engaged in a thorough, honest clash of wills with the temple administration.

The outcome had panned out precisely as Rikschel desired, and it seemed the young priest had managed to shed a considerable amount of accumulated stress as well.

“A successful pairing, all things considered.”

Pairing them up had proven to be the right call.

Swinging his legs out of bed, Lion set about tying back his tangled locks.

“It is a relief that everything resolved smoothly. In that case, I will take my leave.”

“Understood. I only wish I could accompany you back myself, but…”

It appeared some cleanup work remained.

“There is no need for concern, Brother. The Reverend Father is quite capable of managing these matters himself.”

“…”

It seemed Rikschel had grown quite fond of him as well.

“Until later, then.”

Offering a brief nod of farewell, Lion adjusted his disguise and gripped the handle of the door.

” …Ah.”

Just before stepping out, Lion glanced back at Rihit with a knowing look.

“Our next encounter is likely to involve the Archbishop.”

“Pardon?”

“Merely a hunch on my part.”

With that cryptic remark, Lion slipped out of the room first.

Rikschel followed close behind.

Barg, who had been standing guard in the corridor, cast a quick glance inside before the door swung shut with a sharp click…

“How could he possibly know that? Could it be…?”

The reason he took that nap was…!

Realizing the implication, Rihit instinctively clapped both hands over his mouth.

—

A few days later, word reached Lion from the direction of the temple.

The primary topic of conversation sweeping through the region naturally centered on the mysterious Guest who had made a brief appearance before vanishing due to the ‘completion of the Sanctuary.’

Through some creative embellishment, the temple authorities had managed to spin the event into the stuff of legends.

To shower further blessings upon the faithful, the heavens had dispatched a ‘Messenger of God,’ and one of the Archbishop Candidates had successfully finalized the Sanctuary utilizing that divine might!

“Well now. That is quite the narrative.”

Over a late-night dinner shared with Rikschel, Lion marvelled at the tale while chewing on a cut of steak.

Considering the chaos that had brewed within their walls, it constituted a remarkably effective piece of damage control.

“What matters more is the aftermath.”

Dabbing his lips with a linen cloth, Rikschel proceeded to outline the latter portion of the account.

“They offered an explanation as to why one of the Archbishop Candidates was the one to finalize the Sanctuary.”

The compassionate God of Flame had sent forth his messenger to aid in completing the sacred grounds as a form of warning.

The deity had temporarily lifted the obstacle solely to make them recognize their own shortcomings.

Lion nodded in silent agreement.

To smooth over the turmoil currently gripping the temple, the narrative inevitably had to take this direction.

“Once they made such a public declaration, the temple leadership had no other choice but to acquiesce. Word is that sweeping reforms have already been initiated.”

“That couldn’t have been a simple task.”

“Not at all. Surprisingly, it went off without a hitch.”

“Is that so?”

Lion suspected he knew the underlying reason.

The Archbishop must have regained consciousness.

Having expressed his gratitude within the dreamscape, he had undoubtedly thrown his weight behind Rihit and turned the temple upside down.

Regardless of how rigid the institution might be, defying an explicit mandate from the Archbishop was out of the question.

“They say the Archbishop himself, who had been absent from public view for so long, stepped forward in person.”

Just as anticipated. Naturally.

Taking a sip of his refreshing fruit juice, Lion listened intently to Rikschel’s update.

Since it was his first proper meal out in a while, the vibrant flavors were exceptionally satisfying.

“He even mentioned experiencing a dream involving a ‘Messenger of God,’ adding that right before the messenger departed, a parting remark was made: ‘This marks the final occasion I shall shield you from divine wrath.'”

” …Pardon?”

For reasons unknown, the story was veering into an unexpected direction.

“And so, they secured the Sanctuary instead of divine wrath, entirely thanks to the intervention of the Messenger of God.”

“Cough.”

Lion had to exert a tremendous effort to keep from spraying his drink across the table.