Chapter 148

Chapter 148
Chapter 148: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

I need to investigate what kind of individuals they are, seeing as someone who hasn’t even reached adulthood is being worked to the bone simply because they cannot manage their duties alone.

Are they genuine talents, or do they mirror the current Emperor?

‘If they fall into the Emperor tier.’

I hesitate to voice this, but my assessment is that Rikschel shouldn’t have to endure such heavy strain.

Regardless of whether outcomes prove favorable or disastrous, there is no valid reason to sacrifice my physical well-being and youth, correct?

‘Naturally, I comprehend your sentiments.’

Someone must labor diligently for the sake of the nation.

Since the ruler is utterly useless, the rest of us are left to clean up the mess!

“Mmm…”

Lion ruffled his disarranged hair.

Well, that logic isn’t flawed, but in reality… wouldn’t that render the Emperor’s existence entirely obsolete?

‘No, the more I ponder this, the more infuriated I become.’

The chief executive wrecks everything, while the subordinates below are ground down to the bone.

My grandfather suffers a similar fate because of that senile—well, not exactly frail, but.

At any rate, he is long past the conventional retirement age, yet he toils day and night to rectify the Emperor’s blunders!

A hereditary slave-labor system!

That is utterly unacceptable.

‘If I am not vigilant, I might end up the same way…’

Even now, the Imperial household, consciously or unconsciously, has unloaded all administrative burdens onto the Asteri Family.

For the moment, the burden hasn’t shifted to my younger sibling, the legitimate heir, but what if the Second Prince proves incompetent…?

*Gulp.*

Ah, simply reflecting on the prospect startles me wide awake.

Regardless, I ought to lay eyes on him at least once.

“You appear to have regained some of your alertness.”

Elvia, who had been closely monitoring the rapid shifts in Lion’s expression, offered a faint smile while presenting his garments and traveling cases.

“Indeed. I harbor some anxiety regarding Rikschel.”

“…Ah.”

Upon hearing those words, Elvia instantly grasped the exact scenario playing out in Lion’s imagination.

In truth, this wasn’t the first instance where the kind Young Master had fretted over his sibling.

If he agonizes this much over me, a mere witch, how much deeper must his concern be for family?

Yet.

‘He worries in such an endearing fashion.’

Contrary to Lion’s internal turmoil, Elvia felt not a shred of actual worry.

In Lion’s presence, the boy might project the innocence of a gentle lamb, but in reality, he possessed a temperament heavily mirroring Petrick’s.

Rather than needing protection from the Second Prince or subterranean factions, Rikschel likely wielded the most formidable influence of all… however.

“The Young Master does have a habit of becoming excessively absorbed in his assigned tasks.”

Elvia deliberately feigned innocence.

Well… wouldn’t that make things infinitely more entertaining?

It would also serve as a refreshing diversion for the young pup who usually busies himself solely with dreary matters.

And it would grant me the chance to showcase, if only slightly, the formidable competence of the puppy standing right before me.

‘Hehehe…’

Had Lion intercepted those private musings, he would have issued a vehement denial, but…

Regrettably, that was not the case.

As Lion slipped into his outer garments, Elvia, who had been inspecting the luggage, straightened up with a scheduled itinerary in hand and spoke.

“You will be lodging at the hotel for a duration of four nights and five days. During that interval, Young Master, you are tasked with critically appraising the hotel facilities from a patron’s viewpoint.”

On the surface, Elvia briefed Lion under the guise that this hotel excursion constituted an official business venture.

“Furthermore, the Family Head issued a specific directive instructing you to exercise extreme caution against sustaining any injuries.”

“Haha. Grandfather really does worry.”

Why would anyone anticipate physical harm on what is meant to be a relaxing hotel getaway?

He is quite the chronic worrier.

‘Indeed, his constitution was rather delicate back in those days.’

Might this not also represent a delightful manifestation of affection?

“I give you my word that I shall remain unharmed, so put your mind at ease.”

Lion flicked a hand dismissively with a smile, then finally tucked the swaddled egg securely into his pack.

“Understood. And I shall be standing by wherever you require my presence.”

Elvia smiled and unlatched Lion’s chamber door.

Thus, the barrier swung wide.

“Have a safe journey, Young Master.”

The domestics lined up meticulously in their respective stations, bowing in unison.

The primary scion of the Asteri lineage.

This marked Lion Asteri’s inaugural public outing since attaining adulthood.

“I am departing.”

Naturally, Lion viewed the excursion with far less formality.

—

“Hotel Easter is situated in the northernmost sector of the Asteri Domain.”

Rikschel, sharing the carriage compartment, radiated vitality; fortunately, he appeared to have enjoyed a sound slumber the previous night.

‘Deciding to bring him along was the correct choice.’

Otherwise, he likely would have arrived here only after pulling an all-nighter.

“Consequently, the air is somewhat crisper than at the estate, but you won’t perceive the chill the moment you step inside the establishment.”

“Is that so?”

“Affirmative. Temperature-regulation enchantments are woven throughout the entire building.”

“Ah…”

Right, they undoubtedly employ arcane arts to preserve atmospheric comfort here.

Is that precisely why the property falls under the Asteri banner?

‘Summoning specialized spellcasters would also prove effortless.’

Viewed through that lens, the arrangement felt mutually advantageous.

Nevertheless…

‘Is this the entirety of the briefing?’

He directed a gaze toward his younger brother that silently implored for deeper insight, but alas, Rikschel merely nodded vigorously with a satisfied grin.

No, do not simply bob your head in agreement…

‘Hmph, this falls short.’

Lion experienced a faint sensation of inward defeat as the dialogue veered along a trajectory different from his original intent.

After all, the primary objective of this expedition was to secure ‘Rikschel’s recovery.’

‘It would have been entirely acceptable for him to display a bit more reliance on me.’

Lion understood intimately how exhausting human interactions could be.

The most gratifying aspects of his previous sales career stemmed from people, while the most exasperating elements driving him toward resignation likewise originated from people.

Did he not spend years mastering the suppression of constant irritation?

Even for Lion as an adult, acclimating to that environment required a protracted duration.

Yet young Rikschel was already navigating those treacherous waters.

‘I only wish he would voice his complaints openly.’

That consideration heavily influenced Lion’s decision to accompany him.

It mirrored a sound strategy employed with struggling newcomers who suffer in silence while trying to adapt to corporate life—pulling them aside to vent workplace frustrations freely.

Legal truancy!

A tactic wherein, under the pretext of counseling, you shepherd them to a café, purchase a beverage they genuinely desire rather than a standard bitter brew, and covertly grant them legal sanction for ‘consultation’ and ‘repose.’

Granted, idle complaining isn’t a sustainable long-term coping mechanism, but it provides the necessary fuel to persevere another day.

Yet his gentle younger brother, seemingly oblivious to Lion’s underlying intentions, remained preoccupied with entirely separate thoughts.

“I felt some apprehension that you might contract a chill, Brother, but you should remain perfectly comfortable as long as you confine yourself to the interior spaces.”

“Oh, really?”

Yet observing the situation now, what precisely is this?

Isn’t Rikschel turning things around and worrying about my well-being instead?

‘And this is a thought that has crossed my mind repeatedly…’

On occasion, albeit rarely, Rikschel treats me with the fragility reserved for a newborn infant.

I recognize that his intentions stem from care, but now that I venture out into the world, surely I am regarded as possessing competence far surpassing the baseline, correct?

I utilize fundamental sorcery alongside basic spiritual arts…

Furthermore, do my alchemy proficiencies not rest comfortably at an advanced tier?

“Are there any specific hazards I ought to monitor…”

“None whatsoever.”

“Even so, given the potential for unexpected actions on my part…”

“You are free to do precisely as you please. In fact, would such actions not ultimately benefit the establishment?”

For what reason?

“Because whenever you conceptualize a venture, Brother, it invariably culminates in triumph.”

“Oh, I am hardly that remarkable.”

“The thermal springs that provided me with profound inspiration were a prime example.”

“That occurred simply because our household manages the asset efficiently…”

“The crisis at the Sanctuary followed the exact same pattern.”

“That particular instance was merely…”

No, the truth was that Peter simply pitied him, causing the situation to spiral completely out of hand.

He attempted to formulate a rebuttal, but Rikschel’s gaze was already clouded by an unshakeable conviction.

‘Hmm? Could that be the case.’

Lion finally isolated the origin of his lingering discomfort.

I wondered why the conversational flow felt so discordant…

Rikschel evidently already regards me as a figure of immense stature.

‘This is entirely incorrect…’

Lion harbored zero aspirations to involve himself in family politics or assume the responsibilities fitting an official ‘heir.’

He felt entirely content simply possessing a remarkably talented younger brother.

“Younger brother.”

“Yes, Brother.”

“I am deeply appreciative that you hold me in such high esteem, but I am hardly a figure of such magnitude. You are the one demonstrating exceptional capabilities.”

“…”

Rikschel closed his eyes and offered a slow nod.

Indeed. I anticipated he would respond along those exact lines.

‘He does this purely for my sake…’

He adopts this posture out of a protective instinct, likely fearing I might view him as a threat to his succession standing.

Is he not reiterating this reassurance because he worries my position within the family might be compromised?

If such truly represents Brother’s hidden desire, Rikschel stands fully prepared and deeply grateful to shoulder the mantle of heir, and subsequently, that of Family Head.

Moreover, while Brother possesses extraordinary brilliance, his physical constitution remains fragile.

‘If he allows himself to be driven to such frustration merely by conversing with foolish individuals…’

I suspect I would be compelled to sweep all those obstacles away.

Though, in all likelihood, the Family Head would intervene long before I had the chance.

However!

What was the ultimate outcome of Brother masking his brilliance purely for my benefit?

It resulted in him becoming a target.

‘Brother insists he is unhurt, but to a certain degree, projecting his presence is an absolute necessity.’

Short-sighted individuals lack the capacity to look beyond the immediate horizon.

They remain utterly incapable of perceiving Brother’s true radiance.

Consequently, I am left with no alternative but to operate with a degree of overt influence.

The sole reason Rikschel Asteri commands such prominence is because he commands the backing of a true pillar behind the scenes.

Namely, the eldest son, widely recognized as the eccentric anomaly of the Asteri Family.

Lion Asteri.

“Understood. I grasp your underlying intentions completely, Brother.”

Still, if I were to articulate those thoughts aloud, how immense a burden that would place upon Brother’s shoulders!

“On this particular occasion, my sole objective is genuine repose, so you need harbor no concerns, Brother. Elvia briefing me on the itinerary serves merely as an official formality.”

“Mm.”

“Should I declare a vacation openly, it would inevitably ignite a flurry of speculation, which explains the precaution. If that arrangement caused you any discomfort, I offer my apologies…”

“No, nothing of the sort.”

Lion waved a hand dismissively.

He even experienced a fleeting pang of guilt, wondering if he had inadvertently pressured a child who merely sought a moment of respite.

“Even so, since you are traveling under the guise of business matters, that makes sense. Ah, speaking of which, I was informed that Easter boasts a vast array of amenities. Would you care to elaborate?”

“Ah, I neglected to show you the documentation!”

Rikschel promptly retrieved a sealed envelope from his inner pocket.

Upon that specialized stationery…

A formal missive accompanied by luxurious parchment featuring an artistic rendering of ‘Hotel Easter’ alongside descriptive notes.

Lion initiated his review by scanning the letter swiftly.

『We extend this missive to our most treasured patron.』

-Our establishment, Hotel Easter, remains dedicated to granting guests an indelible experience.

-Throughout your tenure, we provide the finest bedding, culinary offerings, and recreational services entirely free of charge.

-Additionally, our hospitality staff remains permanently stationed to mitigate any potential inconveniences, so please direct inquiries our way at any hour.

…

-We sincerely hope you savor the premier day of your existence alongside Easter.

Lion subsequently shifted his attention to the inventory of amenities listed below.

Exquisite dining establishments coupled with bespoke tailoring boutiques.

A grand reception hall alongside theatrical staging facilities.

And…

‘A designated hunting preserve?’

It appeared the grounds incorporated expansive sectors where beasts and magical creatures were set loose for nobles who fancied sport hunting.

‘That detail brings something to mind…’

Lion experienced a sudden flash of memory concerning his past escapades playing the virtual realm ‘The World.’

The diverse seasonal festivities, recurring approximately every month or two, invariably featured the recurring tagline ‘hosted by Hotel Easter.’