Chapter 165

Chapter 165
Chapter 165: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

Mart!

A retail hub featuring fixed-price merchandise, distinct from a traditional open-air market.

Furthermore, it served as a venue where one could occasionally stumble upon unusual and rare goods.

As Lion paced down the orderly aisle, his pulse quickened for no clear reason.

‘Especially on a sultry day, it simply could not be rivaled.’

Surely, everyone has encountered this sensation at least once.

In the dead of summer, when mere breathing induces perspiration, and the blinding sun feels utterly oppressive.

When humidity-drenched garments cling tightly to your frame, and the breeze proves as stifling as the exhaust from an outdoor compressor, you seek refuge inside a mart…

Hwaaah!

The invigorating sweep of air conditioning that revitalizes your lungs and cools your core!

Young Baek Yi-hyun had likewise been so utterly spellbound upon his initial encounter that he remained trapped in its thrall for days.

Perhaps for that very reason, whenever leisure permitted, young Baek Yi-hyun would linger near the rear sections of the mart.

Naturally, being unaccompanied made it somewhat awkward and daunting at first.

The hum of mingling voices, the rhythmic clatter of shopping carts.

Even the recorded advertisements blaring from overhead speakers.

For a timid youngster, such stimuli were quite intense.

Even so, young Baek Yi-hyun consistently returned.

His motivation extended beyond mere appreciation for the chilled air conditioning.

‘I favored the lively atmosphere.’

Entire families would venture out together, exchanging laughter and conversation.

They would engage in spirited debates regarding whether a particular item warranted purchase.

Witnessing such scenes brought him quiet joy.

Reflecting upon it now, it was a form of vicarious contentment.

Yet, he felt no trace of jealousy.

“Well now, young customer, you’re back again? Try a sample of this.”

This was because a certain staff member invariably looked out for Baek Yi-hyun amidst the surrounding indifference and neglect.

It was the employee stationed at the grilling station for complimentary ham samples.

He would call out to the bashful child wandering through the aisles, personally slicing a portion noticeably larger than standard, dipping it generously in ketchup, and handing it over—a benevolent soul whose actual name remained entirely unknown to him.

“I cannot afford to purchase any…”

“That is quite alright! Besides, I am required to finish grilling all of this before my shift ends.”

With that, the man gave a playful, exaggerated wink.

It was undoubtedly a fabrication.

Even if every single sample was successfully distributed, leaving early was out of the question, and failing to meet the required quota without finishing the samples would undoubtedly invite reprimands from management.

‘He must have harbored deep concerns of his own.’

In truth, concentrating on active customer solicitation rather than tending to an impoverished child would have served his interests far better.

Looking back, feelings of profound regret and gratitude welled up…

Regrettably, I lacked the maturity back then to grasp such nuances.

Consequently, I rejoiced with innocent foolishness.

“Thank you very much!”

Young Baek Yi-hyun would invariably respond with a bright greeting and devour the thick slice of ham, so substantial that a single toothpick could barely support it.

How exceptionally savory and delectable that salty, thick cut of meat tasted.

‘In reality, perhaps I sought validation.’

The assurance that this space welcomed me. That this individual would not cast me aside.

The comfort of knowing I could finally let my guard down here.

Pondering the past, I wonder if I was not largely nurtured by the kindness of countless strangers.

Certainly, hardships and unfair trials abounded… but those chapters are firmly behind me now.

“That reminds me, samples…”

Lion glanced around the perimeter, muttering quietly to himself.

Maintaining stock levels of this magnitude clearly indicated substantial financial backing.

Naturally, given that this was Easter rather than an ordinary establishment, abundance was to be expected.

In that case…

“It should prove acceptable.”

While realizing the concept would demand further discussion, wouldn’t it be advantageous to introduce an attraction akin to ‘an exclusive opportunity to taste rare ingredients seldom seen even by nobility!’?

Guided by this thought, Lion navigated toward the 『Special Ingredients』 corridor.

And there…

“Oh…”

Truly, an extraordinary array of provisions had been assembled.

『Salt Carrot』

-Upon biting through the skin, it delivers an intense salinity, surpassing even rock salt.

-As one reaches the core, the flavor transitions into a subtle, savory depth. This might well constitute a delicacy.

A purple-hued carrot, deviating entirely from the standard coloration, which naturally subdues the appetite.

『Catnip』

-The foliage exhibits rounded contours mirroring a feline’s paw.

-Otherwise indistinguishable from ordinary perilla leaves.

-Despite its designation, it possesses zero association with cats.

An aromatic herb featuring an endearing configuration.

Undeniably… unconventional.

However, it diverged somewhat from the brand of eccentricity Lion had envisioned.

‘Initially, I shall gather a supply.’

Since permission had been granted to utilize available items freely prior to departure, acquisition… or rather, harvesting a modest amount ought to be permissible.

At that exact moment.

“There it is!”

A vegetable resembling bean sprouts came into view.

Why the hesitation in identification?

『Sprout Bean Sprouts』

-These feature sprout-green coloration. When blanched in water, the pigment dissipates, transforming them into conventional bean sprouts.

-Ingestion in substantial quantities can alleviate various forms of physical pain.

-Failure to trim the roots will prevent the green pigment from fading, so caution is advised.

This uncertainty arose because the shade was markedly deeper than that of typical radish sprouts…

Fortunately, however, an experienced eye discerned that boiling would restore the familiar appearance and hue.

‘The roots will require trimming.’

Ordinarily, roots retain high nutritional value, prompting me to remove only withered portions for culinary use. However, adhering to that practice here would result in a vibrant sprout brew rather than a clear bean sprout soup.

Even so, acquiring bean sprouts here remains a distinct advantage.

Lion paused briefly mid-motion while attempting to gather a moderate portion.

“Did the description mention pain relief?”

Although conditioned upon high-volume consumption, are bean sprouts ever truly consumed in meager portions?

Upon blanching, an entire bundle condenses into a mere handful.

‘Hmm…’

Lion deliberated for a brief second, surveyed the surroundings, and ultimately retrieved a generous quantity of sprouts from the storage shelves.

The original intent was limited to bean sprout soup, but under the circumstances, executing an elaborate bean sprout feast seemed appropriate.

“Next, let us procure the spices.”

Humming softly, Lion resumed his stride.

His demeanor mirrored precisely that of a local resident running everyday errands.

—

“This quantity should suffice.”

Lion emerged from the storage facility bearing an armful of ingredients.

Just in case, the attendants stationed near the entrance exhaled silent sighs of relief at his secure return.

‘Phew.’

‘Anxiety mounted due to the prolonged absence, but this is a relief.’

‘Wh-what precisely are all those items?’

‘Do not attempt comprehension. There is undoubtedly a purpose.’

Following a brief exchange of glances, an attendant stepped forward cheerfully, offering assistance with the load.

“Did you find the warehouse inspection satisfying?”

“Indeed. It proved delightful, being stocked with impeccably fresh ingredients.”

“That is wonderful to hear! Perhaps…”

A fellow employee nudged him subtly, cutting short any inquiry concerning potential areas for improvement.

Strict instructions had been issued by the supervisor prohibiting any direct requests for feedback.

Given the circumstances, it was clearly a precautionary measure demanding utmost care.

Which was entirely logical, considering…

“Pardon?”

Lion tilted his head in mild confusion.

Simultaneously, his loosely secured hair loosened further, exposing a hair tie.

The Asteri crest was prominently embroidered upon the fabric.

Gulp.

Amidst his casual demeanor, the reality of his lineage as the scion of a prominent magical dynasty had nearly slipped their minds.

“Ah, negative! We merely wondered if there remained any other sections you wished to inspect.”

The attendant, having narrowly averted a linguistic misstep thanks to his colleague, swallowed hard and forced a composed tone.

“Hmm, the kitchen facilities are desired. Is it currently accessible?”

“Certainly! Preparations were finalized just moments ago, so please make yourself entirely comfortable.”

“I appreciate that. However, usage in solitude is preferred.”

“Al-alone?”

The employee was visibly startled.

The hesitation stemmed neither from unclean conditions nor unreasonable demands.

Even absent the presence of Lion Asteri, the kitchens were meticulously maintained, with all culinary implements kept in pristine condition.

The dilemma lay precisely in that pristine condition!

‘Even so, is it entirely safe…’

When ranking the three most hazardous zones within Easter, the primary spot belonged to the hunting grounds, followed by construction sectors.

And the tertiary position was undoubtedly held by this very kitchen.

Perpetually razor-sharp cutlery. Stoves operating with firepower far exceeding standard commercial restaurants!

Would solitude not expose the young master to unnecessary risk?

Sensing shared apprehension among the remaining staff, silent signals were exchanged once more.

Whereupon…

“Ah. Concern exists regarding potential injury?”

Lion had instantly read the situation.

“Th-that is…”

“If a visitor were to sustain harm, would memories of Easter not be marred…”

The flustered staff waved their hands frantically, offering hurried justifications.

Word had already circulated widely that Lion Asteri possessed zero magical aptitude.

Regardless of his personal indifference, assuming others—particularly staff members—would remain unaffected was unrealistic.

‘This constitutes a severe complication…’

Cold sweat beaded visibly and invisibly upon the attendants.

Observing their distress, Lion thought…

‘Oh, a sense of sympathy arises.’

Their emotional state was entirely comprehensible to him.

Prior to his transmigration, appeasing formidable authorities from their vantage point had been a daily necessity.

‘Nevertheless, reassurance is warranted.’

Proving that fact, however, presented a slight hurdle.

Merely demonstrating culinary prowess through advanced knife work would fall short of a definitive resolution.

Such a display might only cause them to dwell further upon their lapse in judgment.

‘A more decisive approach is required…’

Lion pondered briefly before formulating a strategy.

It was a maneuver executable solely by the ‘eccentric Lion’.

Namely…

“All apprehensions are understood.”

“Pardon?”

“Anxiety persists regarding the possibility of personal harm, correct?”

“Th-that is correct.”

“In that case, tangible proof demonstrating immunity to injury should suffice, correct?”

Having spoken, Lion strode purposefully toward the active stove.

Radiant heat radiating from the vicinity indicated an exceptionally intense flame.

‘In fact, this proves advantageous!’

The intended recipe for the day demanded high-intensity heat.

After a swift inspection of the burner, Lion donned ‘those specific gloves’.

“Gu-guest?”

The gloves were fabricated from material imbued with ‘Benevolent Love’.

Without hesitation, he positioned his bare hand directly over the roaring flames!

“Aaaah!!”

“Oh heavens, mercy me!”

The employees shrieked in terror, rushing forward in a panic.

Because of their oversight, the guest’s hand…!

“Um, hello?”

“Observe.”

Yet, Lion’s hand remained completely unblemished.

Even the fabric of the gloves showed no sign of scorching.

“My grandfather harbored excessive worry, resulting in numerous protective heirlooms. Consequently, anxiety is entirely unnecessary.”

Indeed. A method accessible only to the eccentric Lion!

Plunging one’s hand directly into an open blaze served as definitive proof of safety!

As an added benefit, it signaled that domestic relations within the family remained untroubled and free of grievance.

An exceptionally effective tactic, was it not?

Naturally, had his grandfather witnessed the spectacle, his brows would have furrowed to an even greater degree.

“Therefore, dismiss your concerns and depart. Solitary cooking is my preference.”

With those words, Lion unlatched the kitchen door himself, gazing expectantly at the group.

Pushing the matter further was no longer an option.

“Understood, understood…”

“Should assistance be required, please sound the signal bell at any moment.”

Creak-

As the door clicked shut, the attendants expelled from the kitchen muttered in bewildered tones.

“Applying such enchantments to ordinary attire…”

“Clearly, profound affection is directed toward the guest.”

“Indeed. Utilizing protective artifacts of that caliber indicates he already commands a substantial role within his household.”

“Haha. Our worries were entirely unfounded.”

Conversing in hushed tones, they drifted back toward the employee lounge, concluding that the supervisor’s warnings regarding utmost caution had been entirely justified.

Meanwhile, left to his own devices…

“Hehe.”

Preparation of the desired dish could finally commence!