Chapter 229

Chapter 229
Chapter 229: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

Lion slowly blinked open his eyes, striving to keep his composure intact.

Though his memory was a complete blank, the present situation strongly implied that he had turned into quite the handful.

‘Still, I have a valid excuse.’

In truth, Lion hadn’t set out to wind up in this predicament deliberately.

It was simply the mandatory process required for fashioning jewels.

And honestly, hadn’t the final outcome turned out quite impressive?

‘Wait a second… speaking of which, where is the finished item?’

Where did I leave it? Was the creation actually finished?

……I cannot recall.

All that lingered was a vague, reassuring sense that it had gone well.

Lion wiggled his toes beneath the covers, his hands blindly searching his clothes for pockets.

Naturally, someone had already stripped him of his daily attire and slipped him into nightwear.

‘Though these feel more like hospital garments than actual pajamas…’

Peeking through half-closed eyelids, Lion covertly scanned his inventory.

“If you are searching for the gems, I have them secured.”

“…….”

Lion slammed his eyes shut instantly.

The hand that had been stealthily probing his pockets froze mid-movement.

“I took this step so that my older brother could dedicate himself entirely to his recovery, so I trust you understand.”

While the words were delivered with a gentle, earnest cadence, the freezing chill in the speaker’s tone was unmistakable.

It was glaringly obvious that he had messed up big time.

‘Right. Time to face reality.’

I have apparently degenerated into an absolute slacker who drank to excess, blacked out, and dumped a mountain of trouble onto my younger sibling.

Meanwhile, the endlessly kind Rikschel couldn’t even summon the fury to yell at him, choosing instead to suffer through this miserable environment just in case Lion managed to cause further chaos.

Proceeding entirely on these unfounded assumptions, Lion pushed himself upright.

Regardless of what had actually transpired, he opened his mouth to offer an apology.

“Yo—”

“You have done nothing wrong toward me.”

“Ah, is that so?”

He could only offer a sheepish, awkward reply.

‘This is bad.’

Judging by that icy reassurance, he had clearly crossed a line.

“So, then… why are you lingering in here…?”

*Thump!*

Rikschel shoved a towering stack of paperwork aside with visible irritation.

Well, perhaps it wasn’t quite as hostile in reality, but to Lion—who possessed a guilty conscience—it felt like a death sentence.

“Surveillance… no, I am providing nursing care.”

“Pardon?”

“It is a direct continuation of the jewel matter we discussed earlier. I have chosen to personally monitor and care for you in this room until you are fully mended.”

“You, yourself?”

In an ordinary household, such devotion from a younger sibling might seem sweet, if a bit suffocatingly overprotective.

Such a person would presumably have plenty of free time on their hands.

But who are we talking about? This is Rikschel!

He was the designated heir of the prestigious Asteri Family, a legendary household of mages!

Furthermore, he was drowning in critical administrative duties ahead of the Emperor’s fast-approaching birthday, rendering him busier than anyone else.

As undeniable proof, the paperwork demanding Rikschel’s attention was stacked like a jagged mountain right across Lion’s desk.

“Couldn’t you have delegated this to someone else?”

Naturally, Lion’s question was entirely logical.

“…….”

From Rikschel’s viewpoint, however, it was anything but logical.

Swallowing down a heavy sigh that threatened to burst forth, Rikschel mentally retraced the headache-inducing events of the past day.

Following his hurried investigation, it turned out his older brother hadn’t touched alcohol without reason.

He had also been inquiring about ‘special gems’ down at the local blacksmith’s workshop, while his brother’s spirit fluttered frantically about like a frantic bird trying desperately to mime excuses.

Naturally, Rikschel—who possessed zero affinity for spirits—had nearly gone mad trying to decipher the wordless messages, eventually resorting to watching the spirit slap its own chest and sketch rough diagrams with twigs.

‘Though I failed to catch every single detail, I pieced enough together.’

It became clear that the specific gemstone he had managed to recover was vital for whatever elaborate scheme his brother was currently plotting.

‘I still have no earthly idea how he managed to cut and polish such a masterpiece while completely sloshed.’

Still, shouldn’t a person at least acknowledge the aftermath of their actions?

Rikschel forcibly reined in his temper, returning his hand to his quill.

And then.

*Fsss.*

The magic-resistant writing instrument instantly erupted into roaring flames under the sheer surge of Rikschel’s uncontrolled mana.

“Hmph!”

With practiced, fluid precision, Rikschel tossed the charred remnant straight into the wastebasket. Only then did he recall his brother’s pending question, offering a delayed response.

“This is simply the most efficient course of action I could select.”

“R-really? Then as long as I make a full recovery, I’ll be free?”

“Indeed. However, I will be the one making the final determination on when you are recovered.”

“Mm….”

Acting entirely out of habit, Rikschel pulled out a fresh quill and stepped closer to the bed.

“I shall remain by your side from dawn until every last trace of your hangover, scrapes, and contusions has vanished.”

Contusions?

Lion quickly inspected both of his arms and legs.

Now that he thought about it, calling them standard contusions was a stretch… but he certainly had acquired a collection of minor bruises while synthesizing those blasted gems.

‘Wait a minute….’

He glanced down at his bruises, then up at his younger brother, only to catch Rikschel giving him a firm, absolute nod of verdict.

So, in other words, he was doomed to endure this bizarre forced cohabitation until every single bruise completely faded?

‘No way! Minor bruises should totally be exempt!’

Aren’t bruises just a natural part of everyday life?

“Hold on, I don’t recall what happened yesterday, but surely it wasn’t that severe of an injury.”

“True. It is not a life-threatening injury, which is precisely why I will supervise you until you are completely healed. Naturally, without the aid of healing magic or divine intervention.”

Just as a spark of relief touched Lion’s face, Rikschel swiftly dropped the second half of his decree.

“And, of course, recovery potions are strictly prohibited as well.”

Good grief.

What on earth did I manage to pull off yesterday to drive him to this extreme?

It was painfully obvious that asking wouldn’t get him a straight answer.

Lion cast a silent plea for rescue toward Nature, but the spirit simply crossed her arms and shook her head in absolute refusal.

“Does this mean you’ll be handling Pus’s walks, too? That sounds dreadfully exhausting for you.”

“Ah.”

Rikschel nodded smoothly, as if he had entirely anticipated that concern, sealing his victory with a warm, placid smile.

“Pus’s daily strolls will be managed by the other estate servants for the time being. Pus gave his full consent, as well.”

“Wait, how on earth could a dog give consent… Pus?”

The hound was nowhere to be found.

“Lord Pus! Right this way for your fresh water!”

“My goodness, aren’t you just the cleverest boy!”

Instead, melodic cheers drifted in from the courtyard below, offering undeniable proof that the staff’s job satisfaction was skyrocketing.

“Kiying!”

Followed closely by the cheerful yip of absolute delight from Pus himself.

Seriously, how on earth did he manage to win the dog over so easily?

It felt a bit embarrassing to admit it out loud, but Pus used to treat Lion like a god, following him everywhere like an attached shadow!

“Furthermore, you are strictly forbidden from leaving this bedchamber until your recovery is certified complete.”

“…….”

“Not a single step outside.”

*Thud.*

Lion collapsed backward against the mattress, the grim reality finally sinking in.

This wasn’t nursing care at all. It was an outright ban on freedom disguised as medical recuperation.

‘And right at such a critical juncture, too…!’

Burying his face in his hands, Lion gave himself over to silent despair.

I am officially under house arrest…

Total house arrest!!

—

Several hours slipped by.

Lion happily snacked on a plate of extravagant pastries laid out on his bedside table, a completely different tune playing in his head.

‘Actually… is house arrest really all that bad?’

Well, human desires are fickle things; his initial panic stemmed purely from frustration at not being able to chase down his immediate goals.

Besides, wasn’t Lion someone who had spent his entire life secluded in his room anyway, both in his past life and his current one?

Even if it was his beloved younger brother sharing the space, he had initially worried about the spatial crowding.

Yet…

‘It is remarkably peaceful.’

To his absolute shock, Rikschel remained glued to his desk without wandering off.

Furthermore, out of considerate restraint, he avoided pestering Lion with conversation or even throwing accusatory glances his way.

In place of freedom, his room had been upgraded with every imaginable luxury.

Whenever hunger struck, exquisite meals materialized effortlessly, and fresh fruit platters appeared whenever he craved a light snack.

The pampering didn’t stop there.

Engrossing books filled to the brim with entertainment were stacked high, and the latest cutting-edge alchemy journals he had been dying to read were handed over fresh off the press.

And still, the stream of perks refused to dry up!

Perhaps worrying that Lion might suffer from cabin fever, visitors began trickling in.

The first guest was none other than—

“You really should have just stayed locked away in Bydantis Castle.”

It was the Marquis of Bydantis, dryly teasing Lion with a deadpan expression.

“Oh dear, you eccentric… I mean, young master! I knew you’d push yourself way too far!”

Followed by Mudu—who for the very first time deliberately used the title “Young Master” with Rikschel’s status firmly in mind—alongside a delegation of veteran dwarves possessing supreme mastery over gem crafting!

‘Thanks to their visit, I successfully handed over the gemstones.’

The dwarves immediately confirmed they would commence work on Lion’s commissioned projects right on schedule.

“We promise to bring you absolute perfection!”

“Splendid. Please pay close attention to the fine details.”

Ah, by the way, those miraculous jewels had been evaluated to absolute perfection.

The system notifications regarding their appraisal had shifted slightly as well.

『Cosmic Crystal (★★★★)』

* A breathtaking synthetic gem that outshines the very stars in the night sky.
* Good grief, a jewel of this caliber would captivate even the most uncultured fool!
* It captures the profound, crystalline clarity characteristic of elite minerals. This is the handiwork of a true artisan! How on earth did you pull this off?
* Estimated Market Value: Starting from 100,000 Shillings

Thanks to the assistance of the Silling Shop, the quality remained stellar, and the item rank stayed entirely intact.

Even better, the baseline market price soared to a staggering 100,000 Shillings!

‘As expected, high-grade gems hold insane value.’

His previous best had maxed out at 50,000 Shillings, making this a monumental leap in profit.

On top of that, hadn’t he successfully manufactured three distinct varieties?

If he had been desperate for quick capital, he would have offloaded them to the Silling Shop without a second thought.

However.

‘No, I can’t part with them just yet. Hmm.’

These specific jewels were destined to become invaluable components for his upcoming projects.

Even so, just to play it safe, he had handed two variants over to the dwarves for their work.

The single gemstone featuring the most flawlessly executed emerald cut remained locked securely inside Lion’s display case under Rikschel’s watchful eye.

Oh, and there was more fantastic news—again and again! The rewards refused to stop rolling in!

『You have successfully unlocked the achievement “The Dwarf King Has Arrived!”.』

『Received a reward of 30,000 Shillings.』

Completing the achievement netted him a rather substantial cash-back bonus.

Consequently, Lion’s personal wealth didn’t drop a single coin; instead, it swelled even further.

Furthermore…

『Blacksmithing Proficiency has advanced to Skilled Lv.1.』

『New Feature Unlocked: Jewel Crafting.』

Buried up to his neck in plush blankets, Lion crunched happily on a spiced cookie while admiring his skyrocketing blacksmithing stats.

It was a display of rapid, deeply satisfying progression.

Through this whole ordeal, he had finally unlocked the ability to manipulate and cut gemstones directly.

‘Oh wow. The grueling effort was completely worth it.’

The payout was just too sweet!

Though technically trapped under house arrest, the arrangement was turning out to be an absolute goldmine for Lion.

*Crunch!*

As Lion bit down on another cookie, a shower of crumbs rained across the blanket, only to vanish into thin air a second later.

‘Must be the work of Elvia’s spellcasting.’

Rikschel himself wasn’t particularly versed in domestic utility magic.

Regardless, contrary to his initial dread, coasting through life without lifting a finger turned out to be remarkably comfortable.

‘Besides, when bedtime rolls around, Rikschel will naturally head back to his own quarters.’

And if Lion simply announced he was ready for sleep, wouldn’t Rikschel likely wrap up his paperwork a bit earlier than usual?

‘Talk about killing two birds with one stone.’

Wearing a look of total contentment, Lion finished off his snack and wiped his fingers clean with a warm, damp towel left conveniently nearby.

Come to think of it, it was about time to call it a night.

“Hey, younger brother. It’s getting quite late, shouldn’t you wrap things up and head to bed?”

“Ah, you must be exhausted, older brother.”

Rikschel immediately concurred with Lion’s suggestion, setting his quill down on the desk.

However, things rarely panned out precisely the way Lion hoped.

“In that case, I will be borrowing your en-suite bathroom.”

“……Pardon?”

“Because I need to freshen up and prepare for sleep.”

Ah.

Rikschel clearly had zero intention of returning to his own bedroom tonight.

“Surely you didn’t assume I would sleep soundly in my own bed while my injured older brother remains confined here, did you?”