Chapter 179

Chapter 179
Chapter 179: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

Luckily, following Lion’s polite yet firm refusal, the Second Prince dropped the subject of visiting the Asteri Family entirely.

Because of this, Lion managed to unwind somewhat as he partook of the tea and snacks prepared by Willy.

“This is delicious!”

Lion exclaimed while tasting a bite-sized sandwich cut into precise little squares.

The combination of the airy bread, the thin and crunchy apple slices, thick cheese, and well-cured ham struck a wonderful balance.

What is more, it felt refreshingly original.

‘People around here usually do not put savory items on their tea trays.’

Typically, the local tea spreads consisted entirely of sugary confections.

You would find crispy macarons and cakes designed to accompany bitter, fragrant tea.

The closest thing to a substantial meal was a batch of butter-heavy scones.

Of course, that did not mean he disliked such treats.

However…

‘At the end of the day, the sweet and salty combination is always the best.’

Does one not inevitably grow weary of eating exclusively sweet things?

At times like that, the salty ham tucked inside a sandwich like this helped cut through the cloying sweetness lingering in the mouth.

While the locals might find it slightly unusual, Lion preferred it this way.

“I am so glad you like it!”

Willy’s face lit up considerably at the compliment.

“Actually, the kitchen staff poured their hearts into designing this brand-new addition to the menu…”

Realizing he was saying a bit much, Willy smoothly adjusted his tone.

“I just figured we simply had to showcase it on a day like today, when Lord Lion was visiting.”

Rikschel nodded in quiet agreement, clearly approving of Willy’s choice.

After all, weren’t the snacks served at the hot spring inspired by the very dishes his older brother had come up with?

He would have loved to brag about it to the high heavens, but doing so would only give the Second Prince another opening to latch onto them.

Though his tongue practically itched to speak, he had no choice but to hold his tongue.

“I thought it was a bit unconventional to serve a sandwich at tea time.”

“Yes. If you chat for a long time over tea, does your mouth not get bored while your stomach starts rumbling?”

He explained that they had engineered a tea set capable of doubling as a meal to handle precisely those situations.

Naturally, they also kept the portions small so guests would not feel overly stuffed, while packing each bite with rich flavor.

He then cast a meaningful, subtle glance toward Lion.

It was as though he were communicating silently: ‘This is all thanks to Lord Lion stepping into the kitchen and sharing his advice.’

‘Ah, that is right. It really was like that.’

That period coincided with when he had started frequenting the kitchens regularly.

At first, the staff had kept their distance and eyed Lion warily, but after a certain day, they began firing questions at him one by one.

Lion could not offer any professional culinary secrets, but fortunately, their inquiries remained quite basic.

“Um, if you do not mind me asking, what kind of food do you prefer?”

“The food I like?”

“Yes! If you would be so kind as to tell us, I am certain our culinary knowledge will expand!”

It was strictly at that level. One might even call it casual chit-chat.

So, initially, he had been rather taken aback.

‘Why me?’

Lion always cleaned up his workspace meticulously to guard against any potential accidents.

Consequently, the staff never actually got the chance to taste his cooking.

Furthermore, he had never demonstrated his preparation methods to them.

Yet the skills possessed by the chefs in Easter’s kitchens were already second to none.

They might not have matched Alex, who reigned over the Asteri Family’s kitchens, but they were exceptionally skilled nonetheless.

‘Thus, at first, I assumed they were just buttering me up with flattery.’

If the eldest son of a prominent Magic Family went out of his way to visit the kitchens, he must take immense pride in his hobby, so they probably thought, ‘Let us stroke his ego!’

‘It would get a bit awkward if I shared what I genuinely crave.’

To begin with… I would have to start by asking, ‘Are you familiar with Korean cuisine?’ but wouldn’t that complicate matters unnecessarily?

Therefore, without giving it too much thought, he had offered a safe, moderate answer.

It was nothing particularly profound.

‘At most, something along the lines of “sweet and salty”?’

He spoke of how flavors alternate between sweet and savory, or novel combinations like dipping french fries into ice cream.

Yet…

Just before Lion’s departure, they had interpreted his words in their own way and brought these creations to life.

Taking another look, right beside the cubed sandwich sat another variety, this one filled with steak topped with a crushed potato sauce.

They managed to preserve the delicate, adorable aesthetic typical of desserts while clearly making sure it could serve as a hearty meal.

It struck a wonderful equilibrium—fresh and novel, yet not so bizarre as to be unpalatable.

And the flavor itself…

“Mmm!”

The velvety potato sauce melting between the crisp layers of bread, followed by the savory steak that released a burst of juices with every bite!

It was a flavor profile that instantly washed away the fatigue of the previous night and recharged his energy.

On the tier above that rested vanilla bean ice cream garnished with fried potato flakes.

It was a brilliant touch, serving as a smooth bridge from rich, savory elements to a soft, sweet dessert.

In short, it tasted akin to a high-end gourmet burger.

“I ought to hand out a massive bonus to the kitchen staff.”

“Indeed. We will continue striving to improve employee welfare.”

While Lion relished the exquisite food and engaged in light conversation with Willy, the other two slipped effortlessly back into work mode.

A variety of topics were discussed, but Lion made a concerted effort to tune them out.

‘Lounging around and eating is simply the best!’

He had zero intention of getting roped into their business!

Lion finished off his lukewarm tea with a final sip and rose casually from his chair.

“Ahem, I will take my leave now. Please carry on with your conversation in peace.”

Rikschel assumed Lion was merely manufacturing an excuse to slip away and looked apologetic.

He felt he had neglected his older brother because of his preoccupation with work.

Naturally, it was entirely a misunderstanding on Rikschel’s part.

“Do not worry about me. I am just going to wander around and check out the lobby exhibits for a bit.”

“Understood. I will hurry and escort you out.”

“…I look forward to our next meeting.”

The Second Prince’s voice remained heavy with reluctance.

It seemed he was desperate not to lose the safe haven that the Asteri Mansion provided.

“Haha. I will see you at the coronation ceremony.”

Fearing that lingering any longer would trap him in conversation once more, Lion replied swiftly and departed the room without glancing back.

“…The coronation ceremony.”

Hearing that, the Second Prince gave a slow nod.

He had previously wondered why Lion Asteri would bother involving himself in such troublesome affairs, but the remark made everything click into place.

‘He is willing to aid the vulnerable, but he refuses to compete with them.’

He had suspected ever since their initial encounter in disguise that the man was the living definition of ‘bully the strong, protect the weak.’

He had weaponized that impression to project an image of harmlessness.

However, that assessment turned out to be his own misjudgment.

Perhaps, in Lion Asteri’s eyes, he was genuinely viewed as a ‘weak being.’

Consequently, the parting words were likely a polite way of telling him not to return until he had grown strong enough to stand as an equal contender.

It might also be a calculated move to keep external threats at bay while dealing with his unstable physical state.

‘I must push myself harder.’

With that thought anchoring his mind, Kyle turned his gaze back forward.

—

“Phew, that wrapped up reasonably well.”

Regardless of how divine the food tasted or how plush the seating was, formal social calls were an inherent pain.

Even with hazards lurking on all sides, a person could only take so much psychological pressure before feeling weighed down, thick-skinned or not.

Lion stretched lazily and strolled through the expansive lobby as if out for a morning walk.

To his relief, even wandering the public areas without his disguise, not a single soul approached him.

‘They must all be well aware of who is currently meeting behind those closed doors.’

The clientele visiting Easter for relaxation tended to be high-ranking nobles or commoners blessed with staggering fortunes.

Such individuals shared a singular trait.

They understood boundaries and knew where they stood.

They exercised extreme caution, particularly when royalty was involved.

‘…Though there are always exceptions to every rule!’

Like that particular aristocrat slowly making a beeline toward him from across the floor.

Perhaps emboldened because it was the eccentric Lion rather than Rikschel pacing about, the fellow seemed to think he could approach with ease.

He likely imagined that if he rubbed elbows with him long enough, some crumbs of influence might fall his way.

‘I will just brush him off casually.’

If he spouted enough nonsensical gibberish like a madman, the man would eventually grow exhausted and wander off.

Just as he cemented this plan in his head—

“Oh my, Lord Lion. You are still out here!”

An impudent voice rang out, effortlessly cutting across the noble’s path and blocking his approach.

“As it happens, I could not focus on business either, so I stepped out for some fresh air.”

It was Jade—or rather, the Merchant Guild Leader.

‘Hmm…’

So he had ended up tailing him after all.

Not that he had not anticipated it.

After all, the man seemed brimming with burning questions and had been eyeing him with a strange, suspicious intensity ever since he realized something was amiss.

Curiously enough, the guild leader had hardly spoken a word to him since their initial introduction.

And what did that silence signify?

It meant he was simply biding his time for the ideal moment to strike.

‘Frankly, this is preferable.’

He could not afford to get into a brawl with this fellow right in front of his younger sibling and his sibling’s peer—who conveniently held a superior station.

Which was precisely why Lion had deliberately left an opening.

‘If this matter is not settled here and now, he will undoubtedly track me all the way back to my family’s estate.’

Ugh, the mere thought made him shudder.

It felt akin to a complete stranger tracking mud into his sanctuary without bothering to kick off their shoes.

Furthermore, while he had lacked a valid pretext to turn away the Second Prince, he had even less grounds to dismiss Jade.

The man was not someone who would back down simply because he was told his grandfather forbade visitors. More importantly, Freya, who maintained ties to the underworld, was currently residing at the mansion.

If she ever decided to drop by and check if her subordinate was keeping out of trouble, Lion would have no choice but to grant her entry at least once.

“Haha. Thanks to you, I count myself lucky to cross paths with Lord Lion like this. I had been hoping we might enjoy a proper, unhurried chat.”

Before Lion could formulate a response, Jade spun around abruptly and shot a sharp, warning glare at the noble who had been attempting to close the distance.

“By the way, is that gentleman an acquaintance of yours?”

“Ah, no. I was just…”

“You are not! In that case, would you care to accompany me? It is far too crowded and noisy in this hall for a decent conversation.”

With that, he flashed an expansive, disarming smile.

“I happen to know a quiet spot nearby. Of course, you are under no obligation to accept…”

“Lead the way, then.”

Jade’s eyes narrowed in brief astonishment at the reply, which came far quicker than he had anticipated.

“I would hate to be a burden to someone who appears so exhausted! But I promise you will appreciate the change of scenery.”

“Then I shall accompany you.” With exaggerated, sweeping gestures, Jade stepped forward to lead the route, acting as though he were escorting royalty.

The destination they ultimately reached turned out to be an active construction site, widely regarded as one of the hazardous zones within Hotel Easter.

Not a single guest or staff member was anywhere in sight across the barren expanse.

There were no trees, no patches of grass—nothing but raw, excavated earth.

“Truly…”

“Indeed. There is not a soul around.”

True to Jade’s words, it was the ultimate secluded location for an undisturbed private chat.

Moreover, being an unfrequented area devoid of any noble protections, it carried an inherent psychological weight.

‘Though it makes no difference to me.’

Before Jade could steer the conversation toward his agenda, Lion preempted him with a completely relaxed expression.

“Ah, that reminds me. What is the exact nature of your relationship with the Second Prince?”

Strike first, ask questions later.