Chapter 214

Chapter 214
Chapter 214: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

Following the conclusion of Uruhil and Barg’s nocturnal game of truth or dare, a minor shift rippled through the Asteri Mansion. The newest addition to the Knight Order was none other than the household’s junior-most member.

“Uruhil, our newest recruit.”

“……”

Naturally, he hardly resembled a newcomer in terms of speech, physical build, or combat capability, yet he unfailingly addressed Barg as “Senior.” The complication was that he extended this courtesy to no one else. Fortunately, the Knight Order enthusiastically embraced this eccentric, family-tree-defying bear beastman.

“What? No objections raised?”

Lion inquired with a puzzled expression while conversing with Rikschel. Rikschel shook his head in response.

“It’s simply because of his strength.”

He then shared an excerpt from the report submitted by the Knight Captain.

-Bears possess the capacity to tear individuals apart.

-A combatant of such magnitude will significantly aid in skill progression!

“……I understand.”

In essence, an additional formidable sparring partner had been acquired regardless of age or hierarchy, which presented a favorable outcome. Given that the Asteri Knight Order maintained a relatively casual atmosphere compared to alternative factions, the integration appeared well-received.

“Furthermore, everyone is genuinely pleased that Barg now has a beastman companion upon whom he can depend. There had been quiet apprehension among the ranks.”

“That comes as a relief.”

Thus, Uruhil’s situation reached a swift resolution. Naturally, Lion also fulfilled the preliminary conditions that had been negotiated beforehand, which entailed the creation of confectionary treats.

“This is…”

“Since you have arrived at the Asteri Mansion, you ought to sample this first.”

It was hotteok. Filled with nuts and sweetness, it appeared ideal. In contrast to the candied fruit he had tasted for the very first time, the texture offered a distinct contrast.

“……! This is magnificent. I request your favorable consideration moving forward.”

“Likewise.”

And so, Uruhil officially integrated into the Asteri household. It was only after a considerable duration had elapsed that Uruhil’s clansmen eventually arrived in search of him—specifically, after he had already vacated the dormitories and constructed a private dwelling of his own.

“I never anticipated he would choose to remain for so long.”

The integration was so absolute that Lion would eventually voice this exact observation.

—

Time marched forward, eventually bringing about the scheduled visit of the Marquis of Byedantis to the Asteri Territory.

“The carriage has reached the adjacent village, so their arrival is imminent.”

“It should require approximately a day.”

In that case, preparations must commence. While the overarching arrangements would be managed by the household administration, some encouraging news had just reached his ears.

‘Mudu’s parents are joining them as well.’

Word had it that, through the personal consideration of the Marquis of Byedantis, Mudu’s family would accompany the delegation in the capacity of resident technicians for the estate. Consequently, a brief detour to the blacksmith’s workshop was in order to inform Mudu of this development.

Naturally, this did not encompass the entirety of Lion’s preparations.

“Elvia, is that initiative proceeding according to schedule?”

“Indeed. I am devoting every possible effort to it.”

Elvia offered a smile that suggested she was finding amusement in the undertaking.

‘That is a relief.’

Freya’s return had required more time than anticipated, likely due to personal affairs demanding her attention. Regardless, the temporary absence of one of Elvia’s primary sources of amusement had been a minor concern, so seeing her vitality restored was reassuring.

‘Truth be told, I share in that happiness.’

What precisely could occasion such delight? Naturally, it pertained to his younger sibling’s romantic prospects—or, more accurately, successful social engagement.

‘Still, intervention is required on my part.’

If any overt romantic undertones were displayed prematurely, both parties would merely experience a sense of burden. Therefore, Lion’s strategy consisted of…

‘Infusing everyday life with a touch of distinction!’

The scheme was hardly monumental. Rikschel possessed physical attractiveness and competence—what precisely was he lacking?

However.

‘Just a single element.’

His aesthetic sensibilities were somewhat deficient, leading him to dress far less elaborately than appropriate. When an aspect of presentation falls short, subtraction is often more effective than addition, yet his attire remained remarkably austere for the heir to a ducal legacy.

‘Frugality has its merits, but…’

The Asteri Family’s treasury would not suffer even the most negligible dent from indulging in such luxury.

And…

‘Such a magnificent visage wasted.’

This assessment did not stem purely from familial bias; objectively speaking, Rikschel was exceptionally striking.

“Every individual feature stands out distinctly, yet they achieve such remarkable harmony!”

“When a training accident left a minor scar on your face recently, the distress it caused me was immense…!”

” Rumor has it the Family Head was similarly striking in his youth, so he has genuinely inherited that lineage!”

“Above all else, that bearing…!”

Even a cursory collection of such exclamations proved this point. What might happen if he applied even a modest amount of effort to his presentation?

‘Honestly, the result would be extraordinary!’

Accordingly, consideration was given to what might cause such appearance to shine with even greater brilliance, and only a single solution presented itself: attire, naturally. Tailoring the garments personally was briefly contemplated…

‘Were I to do so, the narrative trajectory would veer off course.’

His devotion to the family unit ran far too deep. Consequently, assistance was enlisted from Andri this time around. Fortunately, perhaps owing to their established rapport, Andri immediately commenced the work, and the garments were scheduled for completion today.

‘Furthermore, he appeared to be preparing an additional surprise.’

Since the work remained unfinished, specific details were withheld, accompanied merely by a meaningful smile and a subtle expression of amusement. Regardless, a stop should be made at that location while en route to Mudu.

‘In all honesty, the extent of assistance I can provide remains limited.’

A vigorous push forward was tempting, but neither individual possessed the temperament to appreciate such methods. Allowing them to converse naturally, discover common ground, and cultivate a rapport independently remained the optimal course.

Fortunately, Rikschel and the Marquis of Byedantis happened to share adjacent spheres of interest.

‘Though, admittedly, their common ground centered entirely on operational affairs.’

Even so, the capacity for fluid discourse to transpire between the leader of a preeminent Swordsmanship lineage and the heir of a Magic lineage remained noteworthy.

“Grandfather also granted you a designated short-term leave, correct?”

“Yes. Upon presenting the proposal precisely as instructed, Young Master, he readily approved the holiday.”

“The visit from the Marquis of Byedantis has necessitated the postponement of several alternative schedules for Rikschel, as I understand it.”

“That is accurate.”

“Splendid.”

Had a leave of absence been granted without a plausible pretext, Rikschel would undoubtedly have grown suspicious. Unless a justification felt entirely legitimate, he would instantly revert to administrative responsibilities, prompting the Family Head to fabricate an appropriate rationale.

“……”

Meanwhile, Elvia directed a subtle gaze toward Lion.

“Is something amiss?”

“An inquiry has occurred to me; might I pose it?”

Upon receiving Lion’s nod, Elvia proceeded without hesitation.

“Do you harbor intentions of uniting the two in marriage?”

Lion could not suppress a grin as he waved a dismissive hand.

“Ah, that falls outside my authority to determine… however.”

Lion envisioned the two figures standing side by side within his imagination and murmured softly.

“In all candor, do they not complement one another? Both possess kind dispositions.”

“……”

“They are capable, financially secure, and hardly appear the sort to neglect obligations in favor of romantic distraction. Furthermore, their ages align closely.”

“Indeed, I see.”

Elvia inwardly shook her head as she observed the young master enthusiastically muttering to himself once again.

‘He truly comprehends nothing of the situation.’

While the ambition to pair his sole younger sibling with a suitable match was commendable, Rikschel and the Marquis of Byedantis…

Elvia projected that any romantic sentiment between them was entirely nonexistent. At most, they regarded one another as pragmatic professional counterparts capable of coherent communication, and their respective political positions remained sharply defined. Politically speaking, a union between the head of a Magic lineage and the leadership of a Swordsmanship lineage would hardly be welcomed universally.

‘Potential rivals would perceive a threat.’

Numerous factions already harbored resentment over Marquis Petrick’s standing relative to the Emperor; should the Swordsmanship lineage align with them, no remaining force could check their influence.

Does this imply the young master’s scheme is entirely futile?

‘That remains a possibility.’

Even though her personal deductions might prove erroneous, the young master’s intuition frequently bordered on the truth. The underlying factor being…

‘Both individuals hold a deeper fondness for our young master than for one another.’

Consequently, entering into a contractual marriage purely for Lion’s benefit was entirely within the realm of possibility—and executed without a moment’s hesitation.

‘Should he discover that reality, he would offer fierce resistance.’

Regardless, the true nature of their dynamic would be brought to light through the impending visit. It was highly improbable that the observant young master would fail to perceive the underlying atmosphere. Elvia intended merely to derive modest amusement from witnessing the expression Lion would inevitably wear at that juncture.

‘Before long, even this tranquil domestic routine will become a memory.’

Concealing the information obtained from Petrick, Elvia retrieved Lion’s outerwear.

“If the scheduled course of action is to be pursued, preparations should commence shortly.”

“Has the hour progressed to that degree?”

Following his prolonged monologue detailing the dozen rationales why ‘the Marquis of Byedantis and Rikschel complement each other’ and ‘they ought to at least cultivate a friendship,’ Lion collected his wits and retrieved his outer garment. Whether romance or simple camaraderie, bridging the gap required active effort!

Before the arrival of the Marquis of Byedantis.

“Then, I shall take my leave.”

“Understood. Exercise caution and enjoy a secure journey.”

—

Simultaneously.

“……”

“That individual… that is indeed them, correct?”

“Appearances would suggest as much…”

Within the marketplace, which had successfully recovered its bustling energy, townspeople murmured softly while directing glances toward a particular figure. Stationed entirely alone in the center of the thoroughfare was an individual of such slender proportions that they might initially have been mistaken for frail.

“……”

Clad in garments unsuitably heavy for the climate of the Asteri Territory and conspicuously bearing a blade, their silhouette stood out in stark contrast to the surroundings. An apparent attempt had been made to obscure their identity beneath a hooded robe, but with the hood lowered, their features remained fully exposed to public view.

“The heat is oppressive.”

The enigmatic stranger—or rather, Clarentia Byedantis—muttered quietly to herself.

Her assessment was that proceeding directly to the Asteri Territory on foot would prove both faster and more efficient than relying on carriage transit. Additionally, a personal observation of the local populace’s daily existence was desired.

‘Every individual displays a smile.’

A distinct vitality permeated the area, contrasting sharply with the atmosphere of the Byedantis Territory, renowned strictly as a bastion of swordsmanship. Clarentia deduced that the underlying cause was an infrastructure oriented toward convenience.

‘Magical apparatuses…’

The standard of welfare befitting a domain governed by a Magic Family was genuinely astonishing. While essential magical implements were certainly accessible within the Byedantis Territory…

‘The sheer scale escaped my realization.’

A prior visit had occurred during Lion Asteri’s coming-of-age ceremony, but at that stage, development was incomplete, rendering her indifferent to the lifestyle of the region.

‘Had it not been for that individual, however…’

Such considerations likely would never have crossed her mind even presently, leaving her content to maintain the established status quo through mere preservation.

‘The ultimate destination of that path…’

Would undoubtedly have manifested as a gradual, unnoticed decline.

Consequently, a resolute decision had been reached for this journey.

‘Observation shall be conducted with my own eyes.’

Clarentia’s primary asset lay in her decisive execution. Conversely, her principal liability remained her decisive execution.

Affording her accompanying butler no opportunity to intervene, she had promptly leaped clear of the carriage.

“Oh, heavens!”

Her action effectively drowned out the butler’s customary shriek of alarm.