Chapter 136

Chapter 136
Chapter 136: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

Lion grasped the situation completely.

The sheer volume of responsibilities shouldered by the Asteri household was far too heavy for any ordinary individual to manage.

Not only were there constant internal household disputes, but virtually every major affair of the empire crossed their desks as well, leaving them with hardly any time for a proper night’s rest.

Consequently, his younger sibling, who had been inadvertently dragged into the chaos, had transformed into a relentless workaholic now trapped in a cycle where peaceful solitude was entirely out of reach.

‘Even after I specifically told him he could relax without any worries.’

A wave of sympathy washed over him, yet he understood the underlying psychology better than anyone else.

Do you understand what makes being a workaholic so terrifying?

It is that peculiar, nagging anxiety that convinces you you ought to be working even when you are supposed to be resting.

The boundary between work and leisure completely dissolves, leaving you convinced that spending your downtime on unfinished tasks is simply the more efficient choice.

‘Cough, I know that feeling all too well.’

I know it far too well!

Wasn’t I, Lion, once driven half to death by overwork at a regular company?

Do you know what the truly frightening part is?

Looking back, I wonder how I ever survived that period, but while I was in the middle of it, I actually thought, ‘This is much more manageable than I expected.’

As the human body remains in a state of constant exhaustion, one’s judgment becomes severely compromised.

That was precisely why he had been so attentive to the rest schedules of both Rikschel and their Grandfather…

It appeared his brother still hadn’t recovered enough to comfortably take time off by himself.

‘Still, it is a great relief that he reached out to me like this. Goodness knows how difficult it has been for him to carry this burden alone.’

At an age when he ought to have been out enjoying his youth, he was forced to juggle family politics alongside his own personal growth.

On top of all that, he had recently sorted out various temple matters, unintentionally taking on even more responsibilities.

Naturally, exhaustion was inevitable.

“Very well. In that case, let us go together.”

“Are you serious?”

Rikschel failed to suppress the smile that spread across his face at Lion’s response.

‘Everything is proceeding according to plan.’

He had wagered that phrasing it this way would guarantee his older brother’s compliance.

After all, Older Brother invariably placed the well-being of others far above his own.

“I will finalize the arrangements as soon as we get back.”

With his older brother’s consent secured, all that remained was to execute the plan.

“Yes. Absolutely.”

Fortunately, Lion remained entirely oblivious to Rikschel’s hidden agenda and simply nodded along.

‘I suppose I shall simply remain around the estate until the departure date arrives.’

Even though his stay at the temple had only lasted a few days, the prospect of returning home brought him immense happiness.

It was not necessarily because he preferred being cooped up indoors, but rather because the familiar surroundings offered unmatched comfort.

And…

‘I really need to look into that item I brought back from the temple.’

I am referring to the evil beast’s egg, of course.

Though I had wrapped it securely to shield it from further contamination by the lingering divine energy, there had been no observable changes since.

Judging by the way Nature kept a watchful eye over it, nothing seemed overtly amiss, but…

One particular detail remained quite peculiar.

The divine energy contained within the egg was simply not dissipating.

Leaving the situation unaddressed was unlikely to yield any positive outcomes, meaning I needed to figure out a viable solution.

Since I was already heading out with Rikschel, my plan was to drop by the magic tool shop beforehand.

Perhaps the proprietor would know of a remedy…

“Oh, and I am afraid I will not be able to visit that particular magic tool shop for quite some time.”

“Hm? Why is that?”

“The owner mentioned he would be closing his doors for a while due to unforeseen circumstances. The circlet I brought back from the temple was literally the last item he had available.”

“Good grief…”

The idea had no sooner crossed his mind than it was promptly dashed.

Even so, Lion did not feel overly discouraged.

After all, he knew of a much more dependable establishment.

‘I ought to drop by the Shilling Shop.’

They might have a wider selection of goods than before, and simply browsing could spark a good idea for handling the egg, so it was definitely worth a visit.

—

Following a hearty meal accompanied by a delectable dessert, Lion returned to the mansion while contentedly patting his comfortably full stomach.

“I will organize a comprehensive schedule and send it directly to your room later. I have a few other pressing matters to attend to at the moment, so it will likely take about a week.”

Rikschel escorted Lion all the way to his quarters before heading off to handle his remaining duties.

Those tasks presumably had something to do with his pending affairs and that mysterious ‘hotel’.

“Take it easy on yourself.”

Even with a vacation just around the corner, running oneself into the ground was never a sensible choice.

Lion watched Rikschel depart and let out a soft sigh.

“You really do not need to fret over him so much.”

At that precise moment, Elvia materialized silently from the shadows to offer words of comfort.

“Once we successfully resolve this single issue, Young Master Rikschel will finally be able to enjoy some proper downtime.”

“Is this hotel project really that significant?”

In response to Lion’s inquiry, Elvia paused for a moment, gently tapping a finger against his chin before answering.

“One might say that the hotel is tied to a grand undertaking of considerable magnitude.”

“…A grand undertaking?”

In political circles, the phrase “grand undertaking” rarely carried a trivial meaning.

Lion’s thoughts immediately began racing.

“Are you referring to the second prince?”

“Indeed. You have hit the mark.”

As expected, the matter ultimately traced back to one of the imperial heirs.

…Yet how on earth did a simple hotel connect to the second prince?

Could he be attempting to accumulate secret funds through a hospitality venture?

No, the timing made little sense for that sort of scheme.

Especially when he was actively stirring up trouble with the Crown Prince’s coronation drawing ever closer.

That meant the true objective was likely something else…

‘It sounds as though someone operating in the shadows is attempting to establish a front by posing as a prominent Merchant Guild Leader.’

In other words, if the hotel venture succeeded, they would naturally require a dedicated merchant guild to exclusively supply goods.

And if a mysterious faction emerged under such circumstances, could the underworld be involved?

Come to think of it, his younger brother also appeared to maintain certain connections to the criminal underworld.

‘Hmm… Ugh, let us not dwell on this any further.’

Lion gave his head a firm shake.

Fainting interest in matters best left alone was a quick way to attract unwanted scrutiny.

The public attention generated by the ambush on the road to the Baidantis Territory had been more than enough excitement for a lifetime.

‘Still, regarding the Crown Prince’s coronation.’

While rumors surrounding the first prince were abundant, astonishingly little concrete information circulated about the second prince.

The only widely accepted “fact” was that he suffered from poor health.

Yet Lion strongly suspected that particular detail was nothing more than a fabricated rumor.

Think about it logically—how could someone climb from the absolute lowest rungs of society all the way to the position of prince entirely on his own merit?

Could such a feat genuinely be accomplished by someone with a sickly constitution?

If that were truly the case, would Rikschel have ever chosen to back him?

He found that highly improbable.

‘Well, in any case, it is none of my concern!’

Wasn’t Lion entirely outside the line of succession?

Their paths were unlikely to cross frequently in the future, and even if they did, neither would be in a position to meddle in the other’s affairs.

He possessed zero desire to court trouble without cause.

Wasn’t dealing with the overarching ‘Main Character’ dilemma already complicated enough?

‘I refuse to get involved. Absolutely not.’

Tangling with palace politics was a surefire recipe for disaster.

Even looking back at his life before reincarnation, hadn’t he frequently witnessed ordinary people being swept away and losing their livelihoods simply because they were caught in petty office politics?

“……”

Elvia observed the young master, who appeared utterly lost in deep contemplation.

‘As anticipated, the memories from that incident continue to haunt him.’

He was undoubtedly thinking of the violent ambush they had endured while traveling to visit the Byrdentis family.

Elvia suppressed a heavy sigh deep within his chest.

‘Perhaps I should have exterminated every single one of them right then and there.’

Up until that point, Lion’s entire existence had been confined safely within the walls of the Asteri estate.

His only battles had been fought against the punishing mana shocks tearing through his body; he had never been exposed to such raw, unadulterated malice from the outside world.

The psychological impact must have been profound.

‘How wonderful it would have been if he had only ever witnessed the kindest aspects of the world…’

Elvia understood the reality of the situation all too well.

Regardless of how carefully one is sheltered, the harsh darkness of the world eventually demands to be faced.

Therefore, the only meaningful course of action was to help strengthen his young master’s resolve.

Rikschel was likely sharing that exact sentiment, which explained why he was insisting on bringing Lion along to the hotel.

It was unquestionably the correct decision.

Concerned that Lion might still be harboring second thoughts, Elvia carefully weighed his next words.

“Even so, Young Master Rikschel will surely appreciate the company, will he not?”

“Hm?”

“I have frequently noticed how exhausted he appears of late. Even though this journey technically qualifies as a business trip regarding the hotel, I sincerely hope he manages to catch some rest while there. After all, you are the only one capable of ensuring Young Master Rikschel actually takes a break.”

“You are entirely right. Rikschel always pushes himself far too hard.”

If even Elvia was openly expressing concern, just how overworked had his brother truly become?

‘…Wait a moment. Now that I actually think about it, this is making me genuinely angry.’

Why on earth should Rikschel bear the brunt of the labor simply because a couple of princes chose to wage a political war?

Shouldn’t those royals handle their own conflicts?

Why must this young child be worked to the bone?

‘When we arrive at the hotel, I am going to make certain he cannot lay a single finger on any paperwork.’

Lion silently swore an oath in the depths of his heart.

Without a doubt! His brother would be permitted to do precisely three things: eat, sleep, and rest.

“Do not worry yourself. I shall keep a very close eye on him throughout the trip.”

“Heh. Very well. I am counting on you.”

Though each remained slightly misaligned regarding the other’s internal motivations, the two arrived at a tacit understanding.

…Well, perhaps everything would turn out for the best in the end?

“Oh, and by the way…”

Lion clenched his fists as a sudden realization struck him.

Come to think of it, Elvia had been conversing from outside the threshold without ever stepping foot into the bedchamber.

‘Now that I reflect on it, he has barely entered my room at all lately.’

Even when necessity forced him inside, he would complete his task with lightning speed and vacate the premises immediately.

‘Ah, could it be…?’

Was it possible the reason was tied to that mysterious egg?

The probability was exceptionally high.

Didn’t Elvia harbor a profound aversion to divine energy?

So much so that he had previously gone out of his way to dispose of clothing that had been even slightly brushed by it.

‘What if it is not merely a dislike, but rather a severe constitutional incompatibility?’

Much like a vampire’s flesh burning away under direct sunlight…

Lion hurriedly voiced his suspicion.

“Is the reason you are refusing to step inside because of the egg?”

“Indeed.”

“Could it be that your skin reacts painfully whenever you come anywhere near divine energy…?”

“Heh. That is exceedingly unlikely. A modest amount of divine energy is hardly enough to cause me physical pain.”

“…That is a relief.”

Lion exhaled a quiet sigh of relief internally.

If Elvia had genuinely been suffering internal harm, the sheer embarrassment of realizing it would have been unbearable.

“However, given that it appears to be the egg of a divine beast, my presence is unlikely to exert any positive influence upon its development.”

“Eh?”

Lion paused, tilting his head in sudden confusion.

The egg of a divine beast?

‘Ah.’

The pieces suddenly clicked into place in his mind.

That explained why Elvia had been keeping his distance from the room over the past few days.

‘I had completely misinterpreted the situation.’

The egg had been misidentified as belonging to a divine beast simply because it was saturated with a massive concentration of divine energy.

Furthermore, it had been retrieved directly from the sacred temple grounds, hadn’t it?

Under those circumstances, drawing such a conclusion was entirely understandable.

‘And if I were to suddenly announce that this is actually an evil beast’s egg…’

Explaining precisely how he possessed that knowledge would prove to be an agonizingly difficult task.

And even if he managed an explanation, the resulting complications would simply be too vast.

Therefore, only one viable approach remained.

Elvia needed to discover the true identity of the egg entirely on his own.

Or at the very least, he needed to realize that it was definitively not a divine beast’s egg.

Without wasting another second, Lion opened his mouth to speak.

“About that particular matter… would you mind taking a slightly closer inspection of the egg?”

“I would gladly assist, but the likelihood of contaminating a divine beast’s egg should I draw near remains uncomfortably high.”

“That…”

Lion deliberately let his sentence trail off, casting a fleeting glance toward the bed before dropping his voice to a faint whisper.

“To be completely honest with you… I am rather doubtful that it is actually a divine beast’s egg at all.”

“…Pardon?”

Elvia’s typically unflinching gaze flickered for a fraction of a second as his eyes drifted toward the egg resting snugly among the cushions.

…If not that, then what on earth was resting inside the shell?