Chapter 212

Chapter 212
Chapter 212: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

It had slipped my mind.

Naturally, beastmen possessed the ability to shift between their animal and human states.

Furthermore, they could alter their physiology partially when the situation demanded it.

Much in the manner that Barg’s claws extended.

‘Though Barg’s limits stopped right around there.’

Let us disregard the occasional twitching of ears and tail as mere involuntary movements.

“You likely are unaware since he remains the sole beastman residing here.”

“Word is that even ordinary beastmen find achieving that degree of transformation quite a challenge.”

Urheel gave a low chuckle in response to Lion’s remark.

Indicating clearly that he was no ordinary beastman.

Just as a mild irritation began to stir within him.

“Should you desire it, I might inform him as well.”

“……Begin by tilling the patch first.”

That approach yielded nothing.

Convinced that spirit masters were formidable adversaries indeed, Urheel employed his altered arms and set to work with earnest application.

Scrape, scrape, scrape.

He cleared away the wild growth and broke up the hard earth.

Though his appearance retained a somewhat peculiar air, the tangible results were undeniable.

The process outpaced a traditional shovel and achieved precision because he could directly gauge the soil’s consistency through touch.

Once a suitably broad, even plot lay prepared, Lion moved along behind him, distributing fertilizer and forming neat ridges.

At last, the sweet potato saplings were planted and gently blanketed with soil.

‘……This fellow. He truly delivers results?’

The sentiment was the same as yesterday, yet his operational efficiency bordered on the absurd.

He grasped instructions swiftly and even sought out superior methods independently.

Had I encountered someone of his caliber prior to inhabiting this vessel, even an initial major disruption would have been met with total forgiveness, a summons, and a complimentary meal.

Beyond that, he had volunteered his assistance for what his superior—no, what Lion had in mind.

‘Indeed.’

The conviction grew that he would prove an ideal complement to Barg.

‘And this individual as well….’

He seemed to hold a genuine fondness for the settlement.

While departure would eventually claim him, spending a few years rooted here would undoubtedly yield immense benefits for the community.

And most crucially of all…

The mere presence of a bear beastman alone would guarantee the safety of the populace.

‘This is favorable.’

With this thought, Lion dusted the dirt from his hands.

The expansive flat terrain transformed into a cultivated field in an instant.

“Regarding the matter we discussed moments ago. Am I permitted to commence now?”

“Affirmative.”

“I am prepared to assist that red wolf beastman. Nevertheless, having settled the debt for my previous transgressions, I expect appropriate compensation in return.”

Lion signaled for him to proceed, causing Urheel to hesitate briefly before parting his lips.

“Ahem! That particular bait. You crafted it personally, did you not?”

“That is correct.”

“In that case, are your culinary capabilities broad enough to encompass other dishes?”

“Well, it ranks among my personal pastimes.”

“I suspected as much!”

Urheel’s countenance brightened instantly as he pressed onward.

“Then, on a weekly basis, would you be willing to prepare a dish for me that is sweet and delectable?”

“Culinary preparation?”

The condition caught him entirely off guard.

Anticipation pointed toward demands such as repatriation to his homeland or the construction of living quarters.

Yet he bypassed all of those for the sake of sweet provisions?

“Indeed. The potatoes and corn from yesterday were certainly acceptable, but my palate is fundamentally that of an epicurean. Furthermore, the bait you produced previously possessed an ethereal flavor unattainable even in my native land. That taste remains forever etched in my memory.”

“Hmm.”

Lion weighed the proposition, accompanied by Urheel’s sincere commendations playing softly in the background.

‘And on a weekly schedule…’

In truth, the task imposed no heavy burden upon Lion.

Rather, the presence of someone—specifically a bear—capable of consuming substantial quantities of his cooking meant he would incur no loss.

‘Nor did he request the inclusion of moonflower honey.’

Ingredients would hardly run scarce.

However…

“Preparing it presents no obstacle whatsoever…”

“No obstacle?”

“Your aptitude for assistance remains unproven to me, necessitating a trial period spanning several days first.”

“You harbor doubts regarding my competence. A logical stance, given that I have no history of managing the youth in this vicinity.”

Fortuitously, Urheel accepted Lion’s condition with a compliant nod.

“For what duration shall this evaluation extend?”

“Three days ought to prove sufficient.”

“Magnanimous. I shall demonstrate exemplary performance throughout that interval.”

Swish.

Urheel voiced his confidence and thrust forward his paw.

“Ah.”

Withdrawing it quickly, he rotated the limb through several rotations until it resumed the form of a human hand.

Lion closed the distance and grasped Urheel’s hand lightly.

“Then, I anticipate our cooperation during this timeframe.”

Concealing his lingering reservations, Lion shook his hand gently.

Outwardly, all appeared tranquil…

‘Barg… seems inclined to hold a slight aversion toward you.’

Ah well. Who can say.

Pairing them together promised great benefits for Barg’s development, so feigning ignorance seemed the wisest course for the present.

—

…Barely two days had elapsed since that reflection.

A visibly defpirited Urheel requested an audience.

“What accounts for such a gloomy expression?”

“Hooouuuu….”

As Lion feigned ignorance and inquired about the circumstances, Urheel released a profound sigh before beginning his account.

“Comprehending the depth of that wolf cub’s animosity toward me proves entirely impossible.”

“Animosity?”

“His detestation is displayed quite openly.”

Precisely as anticipated.

Though oblivious to the fact, Urheel and Barg represented absolute opposites.

Or perhaps it was more accurate to describe the divide between them as currently insurmountable.

‘Naturally, this factor stands not alone.’

Their initial encounter had been far from auspicious, and the prison environment had hardly fostered warmth, based on his recollections.

‘Above all else, however….’

The core issue lay in a struggle for dominance.

Conflicts over hierarchy remained an inevitable constant among people.

How much more pronounced among beastmen.

‘Rooted entirely in the mutual conviction of superiority.’

Urheel assumed as a matter of course that his superior power and seniority placed him above Barg, while Barg, having established residence here earlier, naturally viewed himself as superior—or more accurately, as the ‘senior’ figure.

Recognizing this dynamic, Lion deliberately withheld his insights.

Possessing such knowledge would surely precipitate a direct clash.

Suppressing a smile that threatened to break through, Lion spoke.

“So, continuation is out of the question?”

“Negative. The completion of this assignment remains my firm intention. Besides, the endeavor holds value for that young cub as well.”

“Do you possess a strategy?”

“Affirmative. Nevertheless, your assistance is required.”

Urheel lifted his head, shedding the dejected posture he had maintained until now.

“Let this be understood in advance: mutual combat is strictly prohibited.”

“From the viewpoint of humanity, the measure might appear somewhat extreme, yet such practices are customary among beastmen. Does it not possess a certain purity? The bonds of fellowship forged through exchanged blows…”

“This happens to be the Empire, domain of mankind.”

Violence found no tolerance here.

Furthermore, despite Urheel’s casual delivery, beastman duels tended to involve brutal force.

Early capitulation might prevent disaster, but proceedings carried to their conclusion…

‘Strictly speaking, the proceedings rivaled underground fighting rings.’

With the meticulously crafted plan discarded, Urheel’s features lapsed back into gloom.

The outcome evidently refused to align with his expectations.

“Do you possess any constructive suggestions?”

“Hmm. At any rate, your objective is to reach a stage where Barg accepts your guidance, correct?”

“Precisely. Without his willingness to listen, initiating anything is impossible.”

“What are your thoughts on this alternative approach?”

Lion outlined the framework of his conceived plan in concise terms.

In essence, they would embark on a collaborative assignment.

“Assisting the settlement’s inhabitants?”

“Affirmative. The shared labor will prevent them from expressing their antipathy in a unilateral fashion.”

Urheel stroked his chin in contemplation before offering his assent.

“A sound proposal. As an affiliated knight of this locale, adhering to your directives is expected of him. And, as you noted, the nature of the task lacks extremism.”

“Furthermore, the simplicity of the work precludes any conflict arising from operational duties.”

Both parties nodded in unison, and Urheel, his anxieties settled, departed from Lion’s quarters bearing a far more serene demeanor than before.

As the sound of Urheel’s retreating footsteps faded into the distance…

“……Hmm.”

Will the arrangement prove successful?

The statements made to Urheel contained no falsehoods.

The assigned duty of aiding the villagers was genuine, and the tasks themselves remained relatively minor.

Even so, the nagging fear persisted that bickering might taint even the most trivial chore.

“Things will proceed smoothly.”

Elvia materialized, offering a gentle laugh at Lion’s expression.

“Youths typically mature through minor conflicts. Guiding them toward a secure environment for their disputes yields better outcomes. Besides…”

“Besides?”

“The spectacle possesses considerable entertainment value.”

Suggesting that observing a bear beastman and a red wolf beastman trade grievances offered a rare spectacle.

“……Indeed.”

In all honesty, a fraction of Elvia’s sentiment resonated with him today.

The dynamic was genuinely amusing.

Specifically, watching the hesitant Barg stumble upon a companion he could freely tease.

“Hoohoo.”

The pair exchanged low murmurs of amusement simultaneously.

The atmosphere bordered on villainous, though regrettably, no observers were present to witness it.

—

“Does this constitute the duty assigned to me, Young Master?”

“…….”

Urheel found speech difficult.

Judging by the surrounding cues, this appeared to be the exact assignment.

The villagers had directed them here with knowing expressions, confirming the validity of the location.

Yet acceptance proved impossible.

After all…

Urheel lowered his gaze, fixing his eyes on the diminutive, active figures positioned far below his height.

The target of his observation consisted of bright, sparkling eyes belonging to children barely reaching his knees.

Indeed.

The mission allotted to them was…

“It’s Uncle Bear and Brother Wolf!”

“Hooray!”

Supervising the children while the adult population labored in the fields!

“My word, the presence of two reliable young men to watch over the little ones brings such peace of mind!”

“Total reassurance. Truly reassuring.”

“Now children, try not to cause too much trouble, understood?”

“Pay close attention to your older brothers. Work will wrap up shortly, and then I shall return.”

“Understood!”

While the pair stood frozen in hesitation, the villagers offered swift farewells to the youngsters and dispersed toward their respective labor sites.

Consequently, an increased number of gazes locked onto the two beastmen.

‘The pressure is immense…!’

Urheel possessed prior experience in the instruction of youthful beastmen.

Even so, the volume of such individuals had never been particularly large.

Beastmen shared the characteristic of being born with immense power while remaining scarce in number.

‘Moreover, young beastmen tend generally to…’

Perhaps owing to their formidable innate strength, development occurred rapidly, accompanied by a natural tendency toward wariness.

‘…Which brings to mind, that small red wolf cub still appeared somewhat unformed.’

Might that explain the intensity of his suspicion?

‘In that case, the current assignment serves its purpose well.’

Proximity to youth naturally softened aggressive tendencies, paving the way for gradual reconciliation.

Relying on this deduction, Urheel took the initiative and stepped forward.

“Indeed. I am Urheel, tasked with your supervision for the day. Address me as Uncle, or whatever title pleases you.”

While age-wise the label of Uncle might be slightly premature, children viewed all adult males through that single lens, did they not?

At present, blending in smoothly to execute the mandate took precedence over all else.

“……! Um, we look forward to your guidance!”

Prompted by Urheel’s unforced advance, Barg mustered his own resolution and spoke up sharply, refusing to yield ground.

‘Leaving the children in the hands of that ill-mannered bear is entirely out of the question…!’