Chapter 184

Chapter 184
Chapter 184: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing
Lion instructed Nature to create a modest flame.

The tiny spark blooming within the darkened space cast its glow solely upon the journal and the fingers of Lion as they turned the leaves.

After a brief pause, Rikschel moved closer to Lion, his gaze dropping to the pages of the record.

With my brother already present, achieving the initial objective is nearly impossible.

And what remarks should I offer…

The private sentiments of the Family Head were perpetually a subject of curiosity for me.

I never imagined the method would involve stealthily perusing his personal chronicle!

‘I felt inquisitive.’

What precise subjects does the Family Head chronicle within his book.

Does he harbor anxieties, or does he release his frustrations?

Or perhaps…

He might have inscribed his internal conflicts that he could share with no one.

The Family Head held the status of a renowned mage, a nobleman, and a benefactor to champions.

He must have found those who failed to measure up to his criteria quite displeasing.

Perhaps…

‘I might fall short as well.’

On the whole, Rikschel possesses exceptional talent.

However, measured against the Family Head, he fell short.

I can only approach his standing through immense exertion, if at all.

Even if my age were advanced by a decade, would I acquire the capacity to safeguard the world as the Family Head achieved?

‘Earning my brother’s confidence remains a difficult task.’

Consequently, my inquisitiveness rapidly dissipated, replaced entirely by apprehension.

“Rikschel.”

At that precise instant, Lion extended a hand, patting Rikschel’s shoulder in a gentle manner.

The gesture was merely light, yet Rikschel derived an inexplicable sense of steadiness from the minor action.

‘…Indeed.’

Any outcome was acceptable.

Even if I fail to satisfy the expectations of the Family Head, he will harbor neither disappointment nor shame regarding me.

The exact dynamic applied to my brother.

Rikschel offered a slow nod, following which Lion proceeded to gently turn the opening leaf of the journal.

And contained within…

“This is.”

“Indeed.”

Contrary to his prior apprehension, the written text detailed occurrences from a period far more distant than Rikschel had anticipated.

-An infant has entered the world. We resolved to designate her with the moniker Lara.

Stated differently, the entry dated back to the infancy of Patrick’s daughter, who served as the mother to both Lion and Rikschel.

Rikschel found himself momentarily speechless, his gaze fixed upon the immaculate penmanship.

Lion shared an identical reaction.

Despite the volume belonging to his grandfather, he never conceived that such passages would manifest.

‘In truth…’

He had covertly infiltrated the space to search for diverse items, harboring hopes of uncovering details concerning champions or remnants of bygone eras.

Yet, not a single private document existed, let alone references to champions, leaving him uncertain of his next course of action until he encountered the journal.

Naturally, he never imagined that Rikschel would enter the chamber.

‘The stickler for rules, at what point did he mature to this extent?’

Certainly, trespassing into another individual’s quarters and inspecting their personal record constituted improper behavior, but regardless, Rikschel appeared to have crossed one of his self-imposed boundaries, and the sensation was not entirely disagreeable.

Furthermore.

‘I was unaware that Grandfather maintained a journal.’

Public perception of Patrick Asteri did not align with such habits.

He projected the image of a cold-hearted figure who would restrict his written logs strictly to objective factual events.

Even considering the intimacy they had recently developed.

Lion stared at the concise sentence visible amidst the dancing flame for a prolonged duration.

Perhaps influenced by the warmth of the fire, the austere line seemed endowed with a subtle vitality, radiating a touch of affection.

“I shall continue reading.”

“Understood.”

Lion advanced the pages at a measured pace.

The journal lacked continuous entries.

Rather, the formatting resembled scattered memos more than a traditional chronicle.

It appeared as though a single line was jotted down exclusively on notable occasions, conveying an aura of casual detachment.

Given that an archmage possessing comprehensive knowledge of universal laws would scarcely forget the significance of such monumental dates, these notes likely stemmed from an overflow of jubilation.

Such a reaction was entirely natural.

The passages effortlessly elicited a smile.

-Why is Mother capable of speech while Father remains silent?

-He finally uttered words after I presented him with a collection of playthings.

-Today marks my daughter’s third turning of the year, though she wept due to a pickpocket’s trick, compelling us to conclude the celebration prematurely.

On occasion, references to former companions surfaced, though they were framed as ordinary associates or peers rather than legendary champions or their backers.

-I was apprehended while redirecting Magic Tower personnel for her maiden debutante ball and received a reprimand from my wife. Nevertheless, intervention from the Imperial household remains undetected, thus I shall proceed according to plan.

-Following the debutante ball, the Crown Prince’s gaze directed toward my daughter is thoroughly insolent.

……Lion quickly flipped the leaf forward, encountering a severe and cutting malediction that his grandfather could not have plausibly authored.

On second thought, certain sections of the book bore burn marks, as if the writer had failed to properly contain his mana.

-Resolved.

“…….”

It marked the initial instance he experienced genuine apprehension while perusing another person’s private writings.

Naturally, it also represented his first time purloining such a volume.

Both Lion and Rikschel had abandoned their original intentions, their attention entirely captured by the record.

Chronological time slipped past as swiftly as the brief entries.

Lara. Mother discovered a cherished partner, entered matrimony, and bore a child.

The ink he yearned for grew progressively sharper and more distinct.

-A grandson has arrived. I bestowed the name Lion upon request.

“…….”

Thus, Lion Asteri made his entry into the realm.

-We have resolved to direct the research initiatives of the Magic Tower toward healing arts.

-A second grandson has been born. Once more, I provided the name Rikschel upon request.

Lion halted momentarily, preparing to advance to the subsequent page.

The appearance of Rikschel signified the concluding portion of the volume.

Lara, their mother, had perished shortly after giving birth to Rikschel.

“All is well.”

Rikschel spoke in a tone noticeably more composed than before.

“Indeed.”

Lion turned the manuscript to the final leaf.

The few remaining pages stood entirely empty.

Faint traces indicated an attempt to pen something down.

The premium-grade paper was warped and creased.

“This appears to be the conclusion.”

“Further content remains.”

When Lion bypassed the empty expanse, fresh writing materialized.

It constituted the ultimate entry, serving as the sole instance containing the grandfather’s inner monologue.

-I desire to impart more knowledge to my descendants than Lara was granted.

Surpassing all preceding text, the fibers of the paper were deeply depressed, bearing evidence of immense downward pressure.

Lion gently traced the irregularities formed by the script utilizing his fingertips before snapping the cover shut.

A turbulent mixture of sentiments washed over him.

The version of Patrick Asteri he previously envisioned was solely a peer to a champion and Lion’s elder relative.

While he recognized an intense devotion toward his kin, the current revelation offered…

In essence, he witnessed an aspect he had never previously contemplated.

That the man was likewise a father, cherished his daughter, and stood as someone who had outlived his own child.

This realization stemmed largely from the elder’s failure to exhibit such vulnerability to them, obscuring its existence.

‘He truly embodies a towering presence.’

He resembled the World Tree, the enduring symbol of the Asteri lineage.

Colossal, providing both shelter and canopy.

Yet, the growth rings remain concealed from external view.

‘…Though my initial expectation went unfulfilled.’

Lion idly manipulated the binding of the volume before securing it completely.

In truth, Lion harbored an alternative motive for infiltrating the quarters of the Family Head.

He had nurtured the hope of discovering intelligence pertaining to champions or their former comrades.

Even so, the experience brought a sense of contentment.

“However, what prompted your clandestine entry into my quarters?”

“……Pardon?”

Rikschel, absorbed in contemplation, snapped back to reality, reacting with a delayed start of surprise.

“My arrival stemmed from boredom, yet your motivations differed.”

Rikschel engaged in frantic mental calculation.

He had hoped the agreeable atmosphere might allow them to bypass the subject, but such a luxury was apparently unavailable.

‘Naturally, acting as my brother dictates, he would naturally inquire.’

The situation represented a thoroughly uncharacteristic behavioral shift for him, let alone drawing the scrutiny of his sibling.

Rikschel paused briefly as he formulated a reply.

‘……Wait. A response is unnecessary.’

Is that not correct? My brother habitually evades difficult inquiries without offering direct answers.

Consequently, adopting the identical approach should prove acceptable, should it not?

“It remains classified.”

“Pardon?”

“I decline to share. Does your behavior not mirror this approach?”

Lion emitted a dry chuckle in response to Rikschel’s steadfast attitude.

He had previously categorized Rikschel as overly compliant, yet lingering resentment from their prior exchange appeared to have taken root.

“Very well. That reaction is understandable.”

“…….”

Is he simply dropping the matter?

Rikschel experienced a mild wave of bewilderment.

“You approach adulthood shortly, entering the phase where adolescence commences, rendering the maintenance of secrets entirely normal. Indeed.”

Rikschel felt an urge to counter the assertion, yet recognized that doing so would compel him to expose any clandestine motives he harbored, prompting him to maintain silence.

He fancied himself adept in verbal exchanges, yet victory against his brother’s eloquence remained unattainable.

Utterly subdued by Lion, Rikschel emitted a profound exhale and rose to his feet.

“As a minor undergoing adolescence, I shall deliver a detailed report concerning my transgression to our guardian.”

“Hold on?”

“Perhaps owing to my underage status, overcoming the burden of guilt proves impossible.”

“Wait, wait a moment.”

“I shall now take my leave.”

Rikschel offered a formal bow and exited the enclosure.

Whereupon Lion observed the outcome.

Rikschel’s lips were visibly protruded in a pout.

‘My word, is he genuinely navigating the trials of youth?’

Though he believed he possessed a comprehensive understanding of Rikschel’s disposition, the boy suddenly felt somewhat distant once more.

Minors presented an undeniable challenge.

—

Fortunately, the confession planned by Rikschel experienced a brief postponement.

The delay occurred because the business excursion undertaken by the grandfather was prolonged.

Furthermore, Lion’s confinement to the residence possessed a mere two days remaining.

This signified the arrival of the scheduled appointment for Hoffman to conduct his secondary evaluation utilizing the ‘toy’!

Lion stepped into the guest quarters, which had undergone a conversion resembling a localized Magic Tower.

Within the space…

“Hooouu.”

For reasons unknown, Hoffman projected an air of profound gloom, slumped in a posture of utter despair.

“Has an unfortunate circumstance transpired?”

“Well, you see…”

Hoffman released an additional sigh before initiating his explanation.

“To execute your directive, I dispatched my pupil to that specific magic establishment. Given their background at the academy, the location was well-known to them.”

“Proceed.”

“However… the establishment was vacant.”

“Explain?”

“The shop premises stood entirely empty. Aside from the inventory, the proprietor had likewise vanished.”

An operational magic store simply ceasing to exist?

“Consequently, I pursued various inquiries, contemplating the issuance of a private bounty, yet… zero intelligence surfaced aside from indications of movement toward the eastern territories.”

“The eastern region, you suggest.”

“Indeed. A lawless sector where the dominance of the underworld reigns supreme.”

“Hm.”

The situation carried suspicious undertones.

The underworld, of all possible locations.

‘Could this be the handiwork of Jack?’

Retaliation for his recent defeat at my hands remains a distinct possibility.

Lion offered a nod while concealing that specific deduction.

“My apologies. Having stated my willingness to fulfill any request, this task remains beyond my execution.”

“Disregard it. The assistance you have rendered thus far exceeds adequate compensation.”

“Indeed. I appreciate your sentiment. Should the individual re-emerge into public view later, I shall endeavor to secure the item by alternative means. As a substitute, I brought this item forward.”

Hoffman produced a vial exhibiting intricate glasswork craftsmanship.

A substance displaying a spectrum of hues shifted within the vessel.

“Though serving merely as an ornament within my own quarters, its utility to you is guaranteed.”

“This represents…!”

Recognizing the innate properties of the fluid, Lion’s jaw dropped in astonishment.

‘Flowing tears!’

A luxury commodity alongside a high-tier component documented to exist in a mere trio of locations across the Empire!

And its appearance materialized directly before his vision!