Chapter 144

Chapter 144
## Chapter 144: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

“A snack I haven’t even tasted myself…”

Lion sank into contemplation.

Given the vast array of edibles in the world, unearthing something unfamiliar to him would be simple, yet the current assignment demanded…

‘It goes beyond mere culinary obscurity.’

While the phrasing seemed charming, concealed directives were never quite that straightforward.

‘Naturally, this does offer substantial clues.’

Wasn’t the Byrdentis Family’s heirloom considerably more intricate than this?

By comparison, this challenge…

-What was the treat you most desperately yearned to taste?

It possessed a surprising gentleness.

The complication lay in the fact that this task forced Lion to unearth the answer entirely on his own.

Lion plunged into deep reflection.

“A snack I longed to experience…”

First, I must rule out every single dish I have consumed even once since birth.

Furthermore, that includes anything I sampled briefly in my earliest childhood.

Eliminating a few immediate thoughts did narrow the parameters somewhat…

Yet among those remnants, deciding what to actually prepare remained elusive.

‘Of course, one could always attempt everything that comes to mind.’

Should I pursue that route, Nature’s diminutive belly might rupture from overindulgence.

Besides… it remains classified as a ‘snack’, does it not?

Even for an Ancient Spirit, excessive consumption would prove detrimental to its well-being.

Above all…

‘Since a formal mission has been issued for it.’

Lion preferred to provide something proper and substantial.

Consequently, careful deliberation was mandatory.

Lion folded his arms and shut his eyes.

‘In truth, I have pretty much exhausted every food denied to me during my youth.’

Due to harsh circumstances, my early years lacked the luxury of freely purchasing desired treats.

Financial scarcity presented the primary barrier.

Thus, I even maintained a written inventory vowing, ‘The moment financial stability arrives, I shall consume everything I ever desired!’

Looking back, the notion feels naive and endearing, but at the time, that sincerity outweighed everything else.

‘It served as a valuable lesson in its own right… So, what was the very initial food I tasted?’

Ah, indeed. That was the one.

French toast.

Though, calling it standard French toast would be inaccurate.

Would fried bread not be a more fitting description?

Thus, around the time I occupied the lower grades of elementary school…

Lion briefly conjured the past behind closed eyelids.

—

While sketching a weekend journal entry with crayons, his seatmate gasped upon inspecting Baek Yi-hyun’s artwork.

“Amazing! Yi-hyun, did you indulge in ice cream over the weekend?”

“Indeed.”

“I am terribly envious~.”

Young Baek Yi-hyun held a profound fondness for ice cream.

Within his household’s strained economic reality, ice cream was originally a luxury beyond imagination.

Nevertheless, a tall uncle occasionally appeared to bestow ice cream upon him.

“Hey. Youngster. Approach. Quickly.”

The proprietor of the neighborhood convenience store.

While navigating the streets with an empty stomach, the store owner would murmur cautiously while scanning the surroundings.

Baek Yi-hyun deeply cherished those words.

Prompt compliance invariably yielded delicious ice cream.

“Now. Should anyone inquire, claim it emerged spontaneously from the earth. Understood?”

“Much obliged!”

Perhaps moved by compassion for Baek Yi-hyun, who lacked parental attention, the man likely offered a treat whenever possible.

Initial shyness quickly dissolved, as the sweetness of the ice cream proved impossible to decline.

A hardened confection, essentially a lump of sugar infused with artificial fruit flavoring.

By the time he had received that gesture roughly five times, immense gratitude filled him toward the store owner.

Consequently, to young Baek Yi-hyun, that inexpensive ice cream represented the sweetest, most exquisite, and joyous snack imaginable.

“Truly? How envious. I prepared toast domestically. Are you familiar with French toast?”

“Unfamiliar.”

“It should resemble a delightfully soft, cake-like bread, but when I attempted it alongside Mother, it lacked sweetness entirely and charred, resulting in an unpleasant flavor. I would much prefer ice cream!”

Reflecting upon it now, that companion likely sought nothing more than companionship through persistent conversation.

Indeed, that classmate frequently extended kindness to Baek Yi-hyun.

Whether sharing writing utensils requiring sharpening or offering early access to newly released educational comic books, the gestures were consistent.

Regrettably, however, young Baek Yi-hyun failed to forge a lasting bond with that peer.

The reason?

Envy.

It felt as though a heavy stone had settled permanently within his chest.

At that juncture, he remained unaware that such casual exchanges had left a lingering scar.

Realization dawned only after identical circumstances repeated two or three times.

‘That experience ultimately shaped my resolve.’

No matter the sacrifice required, I vowed to eventually consume whatever foods I desired.

—

“I indulged quite extensively.”

From the moment financial independence was achieved, I divided my time to track down establishments offering that vexing French toast, or ordered delivery in copious amounts.

Naturally, toast acquired through such methods tended to be dry and soggy, lacking true culinary appeal.

Even so, I consumed it relentlessly. It functioned as an emotional release.

Recognizing the wound as self-inflicted, I sought to mend it independently.

“Substantial weight gain accompanied the process as well.”

Lion chuckled softly at the memory, snapping his eyes open.

The pain had dulled significantly since those days, transforming into a mere anecdote recountable with an amused smile.

…Regardless! Childhood cravings such as French toast had long since been satisfied through adult purchasing power.

“Which presents the current dilemma.”

Releasing his crossed arms, Lion vigorously scratched his head.

Persistence along this trajectory would lead to the hotel arrival entirely devoid of a solution.

That outcome was unacceptable.

Lion intended to craft delectable snacks for Nature with utmost urgency.

“Very well.”

Lifting Nature gently, Lion rose to his feet.

An inability to resolve the dilemma through thought alone signaled a deficiency in data.

Under such conditions, empirical field research offered the sole remedy.

“Let us venture toward the night market.”

“Beep!”

Promptly donning his outerwear, Lion departed the quarters.

The placard bearing the inscription “Entry Ban” remained stubbornly affixed to the portal.

—

The night market exuded its customary vibrant energy.

“Inexpensive. Inexpensive!”

“Freshly baked loaves available now! Featuring the current season’s favored whole wheat variety!”

“Closing hour reductions! Abstaining now guarantees your own loss!”

The atmosphere and pulse of the night market contrasted sharply with diurnal commerce.

While daytime markets catered to daily necessities for survival, nocturnal bazaars specialized in gastronomy and leisure.

Vivid illuminations intertwined with rich aromas of diverse spices.

Simultaneously, the unmistakable scent of grilling meat drifted through the breeze!

‘This evokes the arrival of the Elves.’

The singular distinction being…

‘Has whole wheat bread consistently commanded such popularity?’

Shifts in contemporary trends appeared evident.

Lion examined the freshly baked whole wheat loaves displayed before him.

Yet, the silhouette appeared remarkably familiar.

‘…Does it not resemble the whole wheat bread I previously produced?’

While skeptics might argue that all bread shares structural similarities, the identical configuration—complete with whole wheat dusting and knife-scored patterns—was undeniable.

Word must have circulated effectively from the orphanage.

‘Though, my own methods were derivative as well.’

Nodding, Lion drifted alongside the pedestrian current, surveying the nocturnal bazaar.

‘Goodness, pickpocketing would prove effortless amidst this throng!’

Such was the density of the crowd.

It mirrored the bustling energy of corporate employees gathering for Friday evening libations!

“Ppippi.”

Tucked securely within Lion’s pocket, Nature chirped softly, as though counseling serenity.

“My tranquility remains undisturbed.”

While Nature’s strategic perch atop the coin pouch provided auxiliary security, current financial reserves rendered such petty theft negligible for Lion anyway.

Though, what prompted such contemplation?

‘……The perpetrator’s ultimate fate.’

Apprehension would be swift, accompanied by rather unpleasant consequences.

“Perhaps I ought to sample that offering?”

“Peep!”

Purchasing several items alongside Nature, Lion partook in a shared tasting.

First came a potato dish smothered in generous cheese sauce over mashed potatoes.

It delivered the intensely stimulating, greasy flavor profile characteristic of night markets.

Rather than promoting health, it offered a sensation capable of clogging one’s circulatory pathways.

Yet, consuming it within the distinct ambiance of the night market enhanced its appeal.

“Occasional excursions here might prove acceptable.”

Nature partook in a minute portion of the cheesy potato offering provided by Lion.

Naturally, however.

‘Zero alteration has occurred.’

The concealed quest remained unfulfilled.

Such an outcome had been anticipated by Lion beforehand.

Nevertheless, field research derived its validity precisely from practical execution.

“Very well. Shall we test this alternative next?”

Acquiring an exceptionally large skewer, Lion took a bite.

Firm meat yielded softly under the piquant seasoning, releasing a faint trace of woodsmoke into his senses.

“Beep.”

However, the flavor apparently failed to capture Nature’s interest, as she pecked at it sparingly before ceasing.

‘As anticipated.’

Lion nodded in silent validation.

The underlying rationale for visiting the night market.

Naturally, gathering culinary inspiration from local vendors constituted one objective.

Mental imagery frequently diverges dramatically from visual, gustatory, and olfactory realities.

Furthermore, a secondary motivation existed.

Conducting a preference assessment for Nature!

Nature invariably consumed whatever Lion prepared without voicing grievances.

She remained the ultimate companion spirit, entirely devoid of fastidiousness.

However.

‘Discerning her actual dislikes has proven difficult.’

Consequently, utilizing this opportunity to identify nourishment currently rejected by Nature seemed prudent.

Naturally, direct inquiry might offer greater efficiency…….

Does the prospect of venturing outward for shared leisure lack inherent value?

Lion resisted the temptation to surrender entirely to ruthless efficiency.

‘Thus, greasy or heavily salted profiles fail to interest her.’

Subsequent culinary trials continued under Lion’s direction, though…….

No particular dish elicited an enthusiastic response from Nature.

Ultimately, Lion’s own stomach reached maximum capacity.

‘Goodness, I am thoroughly stuffed…!’

Did this mirror the sensation experienced during the Elves’ voracious visitation?

Lion glanced toward Nature, briefly wondering if the nocturnal bazaar’s environment caused her discomfort.

Instead.

“Peep~ Ppippi.”

Her shifting physique indicated genuine enjoyment of the surroundings on her own terms.

Consequently…… the ideal culinary choice remained undiscovered.

‘Neither did any particular concept materialize for myself.’

While night market offerings varied slightly in ingredients, familiarity with their flavor profiles was universal.

Calling any of these the ultimate snack felt excessive…….

‘A brief respite is necessary.’

Extricating himself from the congested thoroughfare, Lion directed his steps toward a quieter alley situated slightly apart from the main bazaar.

Perhaps due to its separation from the primary route, pedestrian traffic remained sparse.

“Phew.”

As the clamor of the night market receded, a serene quietude enveloped the space.

Subsequently, Lion’s gaze…….

“Hm?”

Encountered a modest stall displaying diverse miscellaneous wares spread across a mat.

Specifically, those ‘various items’ captured his visual attention.

“Would you care to sample candied flower petals?”

Meeting Lion’s gaze, the vendor offered an amiable smile while lifting and gently agitating a glass jar.

Drawn as though enchanted, Lion extended a hand, prompting the elderly merchant to cheerfully present a sugar-glazed blossom.

『 Soft Rose Preserve』

* A confection produced by selecting rose specimens exhibiting exceptional petal softness and fragrance.
* The standard exceeds typical night market fare!
* Harmonious fusion of floral aroma and delicate sweetness.

Rather than consuming the rose preserve instantly, Lion scrutinized its structural form in contemplative silence.

A botanical specimen encased in crystallized sugar.

“……Ah.”

That precise moment sparked inspiration within Lion.

Candied Fruit.

The realization brought to mind that exact creation, did it not?