Chapter 24

Chapter 24
Chapter 24: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

Right on schedule, Andrie’s excitement reached a fever pitch.

“Unbelievable, good grief, this is!”

As he inspected the newly delivered implements one by one, he began whispering to himself in a rather alarming manner.

Lion could not make sense of any of it, whether it was specialized shears crafted by some academic guild or a stitching apparatus designed for flawless hems.

“What about the older tools? I had grown quite fond of those…”

“Please clear them all away immediately!”

Oh, really?

They always say a true artisan never blames their implements, after all.

Yet would an artisan of such high standing not already possess most of these?

How deeply frustrating it must have been to go without them for so long!

Andrie placed a hand over his heart and inhaled deeply, as though decades of pent-up exasperation had finally evaporated.

“My sincerest gratitude! Truly, Young Master. I will dedicate myself entirely to forging a masterpiece.”

“I would greatly appreciate that.”

Though a part of me actually wanted to tell him there was no need to rush, the sheer quality of the materials combined with the craftsman’s exceptional skill stirred up a sudden eagerness to see what marvelous creation might emerge.

And then…

‘I do actually want to lend a hand in crafting that ceremonial attire, don’t I?’

Lion casually dropped another remark into the conversation.

“Would you mind instructing me whenever you have some spare time?”

“Pardon?”

“In sewing techniques, I mean.”

“M-Me, teach you, Young Master?”

“Older Brother?”

Andrie and Rikschel spoke in unison, both of their jaws dropping.

“Most certainly not! What if you prick your skin? It is far too dangerous.”

“W-Well, yes, I suppose I could give instructions… though beginners tend to prick their fingers quite frequently, and those stitching devices can be rather hazardous, Young Master.”

As anticipated, objections were raised immediately.

“Relax. I am not asking you to teach me advanced methods straight away. I simply wish to experiment with the basics.”

“Hmm, may I ask your reasoning behind this?”

“By selecting the fabric and discussing it together, I gained a firsthand appreciation of your artistry and dedication, Andrie. That was when I understood that garments are never fashioned through casual judgment. If I, the patron commissioning the attire, remain entirely ignorant of these techniques, I might never truly appreciate the extent of your labor.”

Ah, what a wonderfully smooth-tongued argument that was.

Rikschel, having fallen victim to that persuasion on multiple occasions, felt compelled to shake his head repeatedly to resist its charm.

Naturally, he failed.

‘I-It is hardly incorrect, though.’

Is it not, in fact, the most sensible perspective to hold?

My older brother’s discerning judgment always stems from such thoughtful places.

Rikschel, already thoroughly won over, attempted to maintain a cool detachment… or so he believed.

“If we comprehend the technique and recognize the creator’s intent, will the person wearing the garment not also develop a deeper appreciation for the attitude required to wear it?”

“Th-That is precisely correct!”

Andrie had already surrendered to the logic entirely.

It was a thousand times true!

“To think you would consider such nuances! Indeed, every single stitch, every method employed, and the very drafting of the pattern carry distinct purpose! Wearing something comfortably without understanding is fine in its own right, but there is a vast gulf of difference when that knowledge is present…”

“…”

Andrie’s enthusiastic speech showed no signs of stopping.

He appeared profoundly moved…

“R-Regardless, I shall instruct you in every detail!”

“Very well. First, take Rikschel’s measurements, and inform me when you are finished. I will simply observe.”

“Understood! Please, feel free to watch, or even try your hand at it!”

Andrie’s demeanor now radiated fierce loyalty.

Feeling somewhat overwhelmed by this reaction, Lion used Rikschel as a convenient excuse to dismiss the tailor.

The laborers repairing the doorway had already noticed the commotion and stepped aside.

‘I have no idea where they managed to recruit these people…’

They happened to be remarkably organized, which made things quite convenient.

In any case, with no one currently watching, it presented an ideal opportunity.

Lion ignored the various gleaming new implements and instead walked over to the stack of Andrie’s discarded preliminary patterns.

『Artisan’s Old Trouser Pattern』

* The fabric quality is exceptionally poor.
* Loose threads protrude from the seams.

‘Looking at this once more, it is truly astonishing. How on earth did he manage to craft such garments out of material like this?’

Impressed anew by Andrie’s craftsmanship, Lion aligned the neatly sorted pattern pieces against one another.

“So I merely need to join them in this fashion?”

Since the shape was that of a pair of trousers, the structure itself was straightforward.

‘Shall I attempt to stitch it together?’

Lion cast a brief glance toward the stitching machine.

Utilizing that device would make joining the pieces swift, but…

I have never operated such a machine before.

‘Furthermore, it somehow feels wrong to rely on a convenient tool without properly learning the fundamentals first.’

One must master basic skills before depending on equipment, isn’t that so?

That being the case.

‘Manual sewing must come first, surely?’

Naturally, traditional sewing implements were available here as well.

Admittedly, Rikschel had brought an entirely new set… yet.

There was something else that would serve the purpose well.

Lion reached into his inventory and retrieved a thread and needle.

『Repair Kit』

* Can repair misplaced name tags, shoe insoles, virtually anything!
* However, diminished item grades cannot be restored.
* An artifact crafted by an artisan who ultimately recognized the ceiling of their own talent. All artisan-class items can be repaired, though master-class items remain beyond its scope.

This was the very repair kit Rikschel and the magic tool boutique had provided as an additional bonus.

If not now, when else would such an item prove useful?

‘Besides, I am curious.’

I want to test the true extent of its restorative capabilities.

It is ostensibly an artisan’s creation. Judging by the description, it originated from a craftsman on the verge of attaining master status, possessing considerable skill.

It bore some age, meaning a slip of the finger might sting quite sharply, but that assumed one actually got pricked.

Moreover, I possessed a certain degree of confidence.

Needlework had been a necessity rather than a choice during my days in the basement.

I had been forced to reattach shirt buttons, mend socks riddled with holes, and even repair torn undergarments.

‘Granted, the scope of sewing required here is somewhat broader…’

I am certain it will succeed if I apply myself.

If not, I could always practice further back at the mansion.

With a lightened spirit, Lion threaded the needle and brought it toward the weathered pattern piece.

Then…

“Hm?”

The needle, which had appeared so aged and corroded that it seemed caked in rust, underwent a sudden transformation.

The reddish oxidation vanished instantly, the blunt point sharpened into a fine tip, and the slender shaft began to gleam softly.

“…Not entirely bad, is it?”

Perhaps it only reverts to its pristine state when applied to objects capable of being mended?

Magical implements are truly peculiar things.

Deciding he would simply have to revisit that magic tool shop someday, Lion carefully commenced his stitching.

Naturally, the initial attempts were far from effortless.

The thread was pulled far too loosely, causing the starting knot to unravel, or the spacing between stitches became erratic and uneven.

Nevertheless.

“…This is somewhat enjoyable, surprisingly.”

He had anticipated finding the manipulation of such minute objects frustrating and tedious, yet his mind grew remarkably tranquil.

As he concentrated slightly more, the irregular spacing smoothed into consistency, and his hands even began to pick up speed.

And then.

“…”

What could this be?

Something unexpected began to materialize.

A faint guideline began to trace itself along the unstitched sections ahead.

‘Is this another manifestation of a magical implement’s power?’

Regardless, it served as an ideal aid for a novice practicing his craft.

Lion did not hesitate to accept the advantage, guiding every single stitch with his utmost concentration.

Before long…

『Trouser Pattern (80% Completion)』

* The fabric quality remains poor, but the seams are secure.
* With a minimal amount of finishing touches, this should yield a respectable finished product.

A surprisingly decent item had taken shape.

At this point, a simple finishing process and an inside-out inversion would yield an ordinary pair of trousers.

‘This proved far simpler than anticipated.’

Just as he considered attempting a second piece…

A sudden presence registered nearby.

“Hm? Is it finished already?”

“Indeed. It has been complete for a moment.”

Rikschel, having finished his measurements, was observing quietly from close range.

“You must have been waiting quite a while. You really should have said something.”

“I could not bring myself to interrupt Older Brother while he was so deeply absorbed.”

Rikschel, who had initially voiced skepticism regarding the sewing lesson, now looked upon Lion with visible warmth and admiration sparked by his persuasion and actions.

Meanwhile, the artisan…

Silently, she inspected the garment Lion had crafted from every angle.

“You initiated the work from this side. For a first attempt, your dexterity is… Hmm. Oh…”

She had seemingly intended to offer a mild compliment, but her expression steadily deepened into intense concentration, culminating in a peculiar exclamation.

Followed by an outburst.

“Good heavens! My goodness! I had completely overlooked this fundamental truth!”

“Pardon?”

“Good grief, how could I neglect something so basic! A stitching machine is, after all, merely a convenience-driven apparatus!”

“Is that not generally the case…?”

“Ah! A bespoke ceremonial garment has always been rooted fundamentally in hand-stitching! I nearly lost sight of that while pandering exclusively to mass-produced attire!”

Struck by a sudden wave of inspiration, she flung open the sketchbook on her desk and began rapidly sketching.

It appeared the muse had seized her once more.

“…”

Even Lion, who had been enthusiastically engrossed in his needlework moments prior, found himself unable to bridge the gap into Andrie’s creative frenzy.

Or perhaps, he simply preferred not to.

‘Well, I have satisfied my curiosity regarding the process, so I shall return another time.’

Glancing over at Rikschel, Lion spoke up.

“…Shall we head back now?”

“Let us do so. We have dinner scheduled with the Family Head this evening.”

“Ah, that is right! Yes. We must not miss dinner. Absolutely not!”

The two brothers quietly departed, leaving Andrie completely immersed in his work.

—

“Marquis. The Young Masters have arrived.”

“You are late.”

Upon receiving word of the youths’ arrival, Petrick finally set down his fountain pen and made his way toward the dining hall.

Given that he was walking at a brisk pace despite his complaint about tardiness, it was evident he had been anticipating this gathering eagerly.

‘It has been quite some time.’

Days when the direct bloodline gathered together under one roof were exceedingly rare.

Among them all, Petrick Asteri naturally carried the heaviest burden.

His current stay at the mansion was solely due to the impending Coming-of-Age Ceremony; otherwise, it would be no exaggeration to say he resided permanently within the Imperial Palace.

Fifty full years had elapsed since the conclusion of the great war against the Demon Race.

Yet countless lingering complications remained.

Sporadic remnants and residual traces of the demonic forces still surfaced.

Along with a myriad of emerging political developments.

Petrick was forced to shoulder the entirety of these responsibilities.

And that was scarcely the half of it.

He frequently found himself mediating strained relations among noble houses on behalf of a thoroughly incompetent Emperor, while simultaneously coordinating affairs with both the underworld and the temples.

In essence, he was fulfilling the sovereign’s duties alongside his own, to a degree where even dividing himself into two bodies would have proved insufficient.

There were moments when he yearned simply to spend quiet hours with his beloved grandsons, yet one cannot harvest two distinct crops simultaneously.

He persevered simply because he believed this relentless labor formed the sole path toward safeguarding his family.

Indeed, thanks to Petrick’s unyielding efforts, absolute peace had been maintained for half a century.

However.

Whether due to advancing age, or perhaps because Lion had grown notably more affectionate, a quiet yearning to spend his remaining years in tranquility had begun to take root within him.

‘How much longer do I realistically have left?’

Ah, of course, the natural lifespan of an Eighth Circle Archmage rivals that of Elves, a race renowned for their longevity.

Yet Petrick, who might well outlive both Lion and Rikschel, could not entirely escape waves of deep sentimentality.

“Hah. Still, one must fulfill their obligations to the end.”

At the very least, he wished to ensure that the precious treasures left behind by his departed daughter could live out their lives peacefully, pursuing whatever brought them joy.

Engaged only in what they desired, entirely free from anxieties regarding sustenance or the fate of the nation.

Living quietly amidst a garden of blossoms, in absolute contentment.

Should he achieve that, he would depart this life without a single regret.

Stepping into the illuminated dining hall, Petrick surveyed the long table groaning under the weight of lavish dishes, where his grandsons sat facing one another.

Lion, the eldest, was conversing with Rikschel with an air of complete ease.

‘I must continue to shield that child’s true potential from the world.’

Reaffirming this resolute intention within his mind, Petrick moved slowly forward and took his seat.