Chapter 178

Chapter 178
Chapter 178: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

“It’s fine. We just arrived too…….”

“I arrived on time, so I am not late, older brother.”

Before the Second Prince could reply to Lion, Rikschel quickly cut in.

“Still, His Highness the Prince arrived first and waited.”

“It’s fine. I’m quite close with Young Master Rikschel, so I don’t consider this a discourtesy.”

Close?

Lion’s eyes widened as he looked back and forth between the two.

‘I didn’t know about this.’

To be honest, it would have been strange if they weren’t close.

They shared the same goal and were similar in age.

Furthermore, Rikschel was fully supporting the Second Prince.

Yet, he had never imagined they were close.

Even when conversing with the Second Prince, there were no such signs, and my younger sibling…….

‘Became a bit sharp because of me.’

So much so that I couldn’t even ask anything.

Besides, at the Coming-of-Age Ceremony, Rikschel and the Second Prince didn’t exactly converse.

But they’re close?

‘If this had been found out yesterday, it would have been a huge problem!’

Didn’t I almost ruin the human relationships my younger sibling had built?

I hate to say it myself, but Rikschel’s social circle was quite narrow.

Even counting Grandfather and Lion himself, it was only a handful.

That’s why I tried to help him build a close relationship with Marquis Byedantis.

Naturally, in terms of ability, he was at a level where he didn’t necessarily need to form connections yet, but wouldn’t he eventually hit a wall if he handled everything alone?

That’s why I thought it would be good to assign him a friend of similar age……

‘He was handling things well on his own!’

It was truly welcome news!

“……”

Meanwhile, Rikschel, who hadn’t thought the Second Prince and he were close at all, simply turned his gaze and stared at the speaker, the Second Prince.

‘What is he scheming?’

Let me tell you in advance, neither the Second Prince nor Rikschel ever considered each other friends.

They were merely business partners who could talk reasonably well. That was it.

Yet the Second Prince suddenly started acting like that.

‘Could he have figured it out?’

No. In that short time, he couldn’t have deduced that the disguised person was his older brother.

Not even with the Merchant Guild Leader’s help.

Besides, if there had been an attempt, the Asteri Family would surely know about it.

So, in that regard, he could rest easy for now.

‘More than anything…….’

Rikschel turned his gaze back and looked at his older brother.

He looked noticeably pleased.

He didn’t know why he was pleased, but he suspected it might be related to the advice he often received, such as, ‘One must make many friends.’

If so, he didn’t want to ruin his older brother’s wish.

Rikschel replied with a smile as if drawn in.

“Yes. That’s right. The Second Prince and I are quite close.”

Then, he even stepped forward and hugged him as if delighted to see him.

Of course, in reality.

“I don’t know what you’re scheming, but take it easy.”

“He’s the real power of Asteri who is struggling; shouldn’t I at least make a good impression?”

Yet, cold words that showed no hint of friendship were exchanged beneath the surface.

“Pfft.”

The Merchant Guild Leader, who watched the scene unfold, couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Indeed. You two are, ahem. Clearly very close!”

The Merchant Guild Leader, receiving glares from both of them simultaneously, deflected their intensity with a genial smile and continued,

“However, since I am meeting Lord Lion Asteri for the first time, please grant me the honor of a formal introduction.”

“I see. Please sit down first.”

The Second Prince immediately separated from Rikschel and invited them to sit, and only then did the chaotic atmosphere settle.

“Ah, I’ll have someone bring some tea for a moment. Please, the four of you, have your conversation.”

Willy seized the opportunity to make his excuses and quickly escape the situation.

Indeed, it must have been difficult for him.

They were all heavyweights with whom no one could interact casually.

The Second Prince. The leader of the underworld. The successor of the Asteri Family.

And all of them…….

Were closely observing the movements of Lion Asteri.

However, Lion himself sat there with a vacant expression.

After Willy departed, the Merchant Guild Leader bowed appropriately and introduced himself.

“I am Jade, the Merchant Guild Leader in charge of material distribution for this project. It is a great honor to meet Lord Lion Asteri, who planned this hot spring business.”

“Jade.”

It seemed it was simply too risky to operate openly as Jack.

It was a name befitting a Merchant Guild Leader who had taken charge of a large merchant guild at a relatively young age.

“As you know, I am Lion Asteri. And you don’t need to attach the grandiose word ‘planner’ to me.”

“Grandiose word? Not at all.”

Jack, no, Jade, smiled broadly and praised almost to the point of worship how brilliant it was to set up the initial plan.

It seemed to be in order to fulfill the role of a ‘Merchant Guild Leader’ convincingly.

He was clearly someone adept at speaking, friendly, and strangely genial.

It was undoubtedly intended to make them believe that due to his eloquent speech and skill, he had caught the eye in the ‘underworld’ and earned the position of Merchant Guild Leader.

Lion feigned agreement with Jade’s words and nodded.

‘But…….’

For some reason, the gaze directed at him felt quite burdensome.

It was as though he was overflowing with curiosity yet unable to approach easily.

‘It’s similar to the Second Prince.’

In truth, since he had already learned information about ‘Jack’ and his legacy, it would have been better for Lion to maintain a close relationship with Jack.

However, not right now.

‘It’s a minefield all around.’

Across from him, the Second Prince was watching him closely, and beside him, Rikschel sat tightly.

Since both were quick-witted, things could easily veer in an unfavorable direction.

Therefore, for now, he would simply play the part of the incompetent older brother.

“Hahaha. You don’t have to praise me so much. Everyone already knows, don’t they? I’m just here to lend a hand in your business……”

“Lend a hand? Your humility is excessive.”

“Even I don’t think it’s just a hand.”

“……”

No, I’m not even participating in a meeting, so why is everyone acting like this?

“If I hadn’t had this opportunity, I wouldn’t have been able to create the merchant guild under my command, and then Jade wouldn’t exist either.”

“That’s right. Moreover, you listened to the explanation of the business and even made additional plans, didn’t you? Truly outstanding insight.”

“Yes. Thank you all. Your Highness the Second Prince, I am also grateful that you evaluate me so highly, but……”

He felt quite burdened, as if he might be pegged as one of the key masterminds behind the business later on.

Doesn’t the old saying go that work only begets more work?

‘I should rest at the mansion for a while and refrain from doing too much.’

Since Jack would begin his active duties as a Merchant Guild Leader, he would have plenty of opportunities to see him often in the future.

Consequently, it was better to proceed slowly on multiple fronts.

“Indeed. Since your health is fragile, you wouldn’t have the leisure to worry about such things. Are you alright now?”

“Yes. Lately, I’ve been enjoying a rest in Easter and am doing fine, but if I overexert myself normally, I tend to fall ill.”

“I see.”

The Second Prince seemed to ponder for a moment before speaking.

“Then, in order to get advice from Young Master Lion in the future, I will have to visit the Asteri Family frequently.”

“……Yes?”

“Also, it seems I will be able to meet with Young Master Rikschel frequently.”

Having said that, the Second Prince glanced at Rikschel and offered a faint smile.

And Lion.

‘Ah! So that’s how it is!’

He finally understood the Second Prince’s true motives.

He had already overstepped, so he only realized it now.

Yes, even if one of the Second Prince’s curses was lifted, his standing within the Imperial Family remained quite precarious.

Couldn’t anyone see that he couldn’t even eat properly?

Naturally, he would want to escape that suffocating environment as an individual.

Straight toward the friend he relied upon the most!

‘And if he comes to the Asteri Family, it will also be much easier to meet with Jack.’

Even the Emperor or the First Prince would not dare dispatch an assassin into the Asteri Family grounds.

If they were to attempt such a stunt, Grandfather would not stand by idly.

That was why the Second Prince used the pretext that Lion, who conceived this business, possessed brilliant insight.

Furthermore, if he were to refuse now, when the Second Prince was so openly declaring his intent to visit, the situation would grow rather complicated.

However.

“Hmm, I am afraid that would be difficult.”

Lion neatly rejected the Second Prince’s request.

“……Why?”

There were numerous reasons.

Firstly, even if they were close, if the Second Prince visited the Asteri Family more frequently, Rikschel’s overwork would inevitably worsen.

What was the underlying reason for coming here?

Wasn’t it to see what kind of person the superior constantly driving Rikschel to work overtime actually was?

Yet if he were to permit this now under the guise of being close to his younger sibling?

‘It would all be for naught.’

Secondly, if he interacted with the Second Prince for an extended period, the probability of Lion’s true identity being discovered would naturally increase.

Even though his disguise distorted perception, minor habits would likely persist……

‘More than anything, I was the one who cooked for him.’

It was a style of meal entirely different from what was served here.

And Lion was planning to return to the Asteri Family and establish a market soon, wasn’t he?

It seemed he had already given away a considerable amount of information.

Lastly.

‘Well… even if there’s one curse left, he’s healthy now, isn’t he?’

Lion had already extinguished the Second Prince’s most urgent and massive fire.

Besides, hadn’t he happened to witness the Second Prince’s formidable weapons?

‘He’s not exactly someone who needs constant worrying.’

Moreover, with Jack—who had now stepped out into the light—firmly watching his back, he could handle assassinations or any other threats.

Thus, the final verdict was refusal.

And fortunately, he had a valid reason to deny the request.

“Grandfather. That is to say, the Family Head dislikes the entry of outsiders.”

Lion added with a polite smile.

“Even though I am the eldest son of the family, I am not in a position to defy the Family Head’s wishes. Of course, if you truly wish, I can convey this matter to the Family Head himself……”

Should that happen, the Second Prince would likely find himself in quite a predicament.

Escalating the matter to Marquis Petrik also implied that the Second Prince was visiting strictly ‘for official business’.

‘If the Second Prince were a minor, I might have let it slide.’

Unfortunately, the only minor present in this room was his younger sibling, Rikschel.

And in Grandfather’s absence, Rikschel’s legal guardian was none other than Lion.

Second Prince.

I’m sorry, but you’re banned from entry due to potential labor law violations.

“Yes. We cannot possibly defy the Family Head’s wishes.”

Rikschel, looking genuinely regretful, lowered his eyebrows and covered his mouth with one hand, acting as though deeply disappointed, and chimed in.

“Unfortunately, that’s just how things are.”

Before the Second Prince could formulate a response, the door swung open once more, and Willy returned alongside other employees, bearing a luxurious tea set.

“Although it may be modest compared to the Imperial Palace and the Asteri Family, I have brought the finest tea leaves obtainable from Easter.”

As the room grew lively again, Merchant Guild Leader Jade, quietly suppressing a chuckle internally, let out,

“You’ve been thoroughly outmaneuvered.”