Chapter 280

Chapter 280
Chapter 280: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

“Hmm…”

Head Chef Alex quietly engaged in deep reflection upon hearing the words spoken solely by Petrick, the master of the Asteri household.

‘The head of the household, a figure comparable to the heavens, intends to cook himself? That is absurd!’ …That, however, was not his actual sentiment.

Naturally, he experienced genuine astonishment!

Even so, Alex had a prior example to draw from, did he not?

That precedent was Lord Lion, the eldest scion of the Asteri lineage.

His culinary competence was remarkably high, to the extent that Alex felt profoundly impressed and even attained a level of instruction from him!

Nevertheless.

‘The head of the household…’

Presented an entirely different situation. Considerably different.

To begin with, the head of the household possessed a rather distinctive perspective on matters.

‘Frankly, when aesthetics are concerned…’

Alex swiftly dismissed the disloyal notion that abruptly entered his mind.

At any rate, the master’s personal tastes leaned somewhat… toward the peculiar side, and his cooking abilities were likely less than exceptional.

‘He is undoubtedly intending to prepare a dessert for the two of them.’

The incident wherein Lord Rikschel threw a fit and departed had already circulated among the domestic staff.

It was simply that the details had not yet escaped the estate due to their strict discretion.

“Is there none?”

As Alex’s contemplation extended further, Petrick posed the inquiry once more.

“P-Pardon me, Master. I was deeply deliberating upon what would prove most suitable upon receiving your inquiry. Desserts span a variety as vast as primary courses. Hmm…”

Given that the head of the household had personally honored them with his presence, an answer matching the gravity of the question was required.

Numerous confections flickered across Alex’s thoughts before vanishing.

At that moment, perhaps driven by panic, nothing appropriate came to mind.

‘Oh dear. If Young Master Lion were present, he would have conceived of something immediately!’

Sweets possessing the ingenuity and convenience of hotteok, alongside such delectable flavor!

Although he had been presented with exceptional confections numerous times thereafter, none left an impression comparable to hotteok.

That creation was truly extraordinary…!

Alex nearly commenced a vocal tribute to hotteok but managed to restrain himself and redirected his thoughts.

A confection characterized by uniqueness, simplicity, and exquisite taste.

‘Furthermore, it must align with the preferences of the pair of them.’

And lastly… it needed to be simple enough for even the master of the house to execute with ease.

In truth, this final requirement proved the most challenging.

“Ah!”

Alex forgot that Petrick stood directly before him and struck his open palm with his fist!

He had formulated a brilliant concept.

“There is one! I have conceived of an excellent dessert!”

“It must be something I am capable of preparing. Is that feasible?”

“Indeed. Any…”

“Any.”

“…confection that rivals all others while remaining simple to produce. Moreover, especially for you, Master, the preparation will prove even less demanding.”

Alex barely managed to gloss over the phrase “such that even an inept individual can manage it” and offered a wide smile.

“…”

Petrick perceived the implicit meaning as well, yet he lacked the luxury of displaying indignation in that setting.

Doing so would have amounted to a tacit confession.

‘Hmm. It appears I have been outwitted as well.’

Furthermore, even within a formal setting and in the presence of Hoffman, he had treated Rikschel with severity.

Petrick understood the emotional state of his youngest grandson better than anyone.

“What is the designation of this confection?”

“A parfait.”

A parfait?

Petrick’s brow contracted.

Was that not an elaborate sweet constructed of chilled cream that dissolves upon the palate, accompanied by flawless toppings?

Additionally, the quality varied significantly depending on the expertise of the confectioner.

“Naturally, this is not a conventional parfait, Master.”

Observing Petrick’s expression darken, Alex hastened to elaborate.

Absent Lion’s influence, any individual would have responded similarly.

His overwhelming presence and charisma stood peerless.

Alex was able to provide an explanation only because he had witnessed Petrick’s more vulnerable, human side on multiple occasions previously.

“It is a confection wherein one may customize the cream and toppings according to the Young Masters’ individual preferences.”

Precisely.

The concept Alex had devised was a customizable parfait!

A creation allowing the inclusion of desired flavors and garnishes in whatever quantities one desired!

And to execute such a dessert…

“Your magical aptitude is an absolute necessity, Master.”

Ice manipulation, transmutation magic.

Coupled with thermal magic to assist in establishing a firm layer of cream!

“…Ho.”

It constituted a logically sound argument, and a faint smile touched the corners of Petrick’s mouth, diverging from his customary stern demeanor.

‘At the very least, this permits me to convey my remorse.’

“Then let us commence without delay.”

“Yes, Master. I shall retrieve the components, so I ask that you wait briefly.”

Thus, Petrick undertook the preparation of a dessert utilizing hands that had never so much as carried a serving platter, let alone touched water, all for the sake of his grandchildren.

And fortunately, owing to Alex’s instruction and Petrick’s formidable magical capabilities, the customizable parfait neared successful completion!

—

Simultaneously.

“…”

Lion had emerged victorious.

‘Goodness. How am I to proceed?’

The complication lay in the fact that this triumph was achieved by a narrow margin and accompanied by numerous injuries.

Lion surveyed the partially demolished structure and buried his face in his hands.

His soot-smudged visage grew increasingly untidy, and several locks of hair that had been cleanly severed by magic drifted away on the breeze…

Lion reviewed past events to determine precisely where the situation had gone awry.

‘That is to say.’

Lion, holding the advantage courtesy of Rikschel’s consideration, boldly summoned Nature.

Utilizing mana presented no obstacle, and he even possessed the confidence to employ martial combat arts.

The difficulty, however, arose elsewhere.

“Pip, peep?”

Nature, having soared upward with confidence, halted in confusion upon perceiving Rikschel.

Its demeanor seemed to pose the question, ‘Are you genuinely engaging in combat with your younger sibling?’

“Events transpired in this manner.”

“Peep…”

“If the action is to be taken, it must be executed with absolute sincerity.”

“Ppippi…”

“Indeed. Engaging in conflict is not a positive endeavor.”

“Peew!”

Ultimately, Nature yielded to Lion’s reasoning, reluctantly generating a powerful gale at its master’s behest to strike Rikschel.

While lacking lethal intent, it could hardly be classified as anything other than an opening strike.

And, predictably.

“…”

Rikschel absorbed the blow without so much as blinking.

‘As anticipated.’

This reaction yielded a profound realization.

‘My older brother does not intend to resolve this matter simply through a physical altercation.’

Regardless of how pressed for time he might be, he was not the sort to accept Jack’s assertions at face value.

What motivation, then, could underlie such a persistent desire for a sparring match?

Rikschel maintained a continuous internal dialogue while exchanging blows with Lion.

Consequently, two conclusions crystallized.

The primary realization was that he wished to evaluate firsthand the extent of his own growth!

‘To confirm whether I have matured sufficiently to share this weighty burden.’

It was a decision fitting for an alchemist and the primary heir of a distinguished lineage of magic users.

And the secondary conclusion.

‘He likewise seeks to verify the true scope of his own power.’

Yet his capabilities were not such that they could be openly demonstrated.

Numerous opportunists would inevitably be drawn to the enticing prospect, potentially inviting disaster in the future.

‘Thus, verification would not have been readily achievable.’

Seeking assistance from the Second Prince or Marquis Byrdantis would have presented significant hurdles.

Despite maintaining cordial relations, they remained external to the Asteri domain.

Yet the opportune moment had arrived.

Just as I, Rikschel Asteri, stood on the verge of blossoming, utilizing my own wretched existence as fuel.

Perhaps my older brother.

“You anticipated matters to this degree, did you not?”

“…”

“As expected, your foresight is remarkable, older brother.”

A tiny spark ignited within Rikschel’s gaze.

‘This conflict is not about securing victory or defeat!’

The very condition that had obsessed him regarding triumph or failure was, in truth, a trap laid by his elder brother.

Consequently, he resolved to fight with even greater intensity!

‘Therefore, I am obligated to uphold those parameters.’

Even should my elder brother sustain minor injuries in the process.

“In that case, I shall participate with absolute seriousness.”

Lion instinctively sensed that the atmosphere had shifted dramatically from the petulant demeanor displayed moments prior.

‘Hm?’

…What could this signify?

Had his offensive maneuver failed to connect effectively?

What misunderstanding had occurred?

Lion’s perplexity, however, proved short-lived.

“I shall commit my full strength.”

A massive vortex of mana began to encircle Rikschel.

The surrounding space appeared warped under the pressure of the concentrated energy.

Conflicting energies collided, scattering the earth element and generating intense discharges of lightning.

And then.

Swish!

The resulting force was projected directly toward Lion.

To Lion, the entire sequence unfolded in the span of a heartbeat.

Flesh!

A sharp tearing sound emanated from his cheek.

Raising a hand to investigate, he encountered a smear of fresh blood.

‘No… this madman?’

A turbulent mix of emotions surged within him.

Such an intense confrontation had never been his intention!

Though he had provoked him, did this not cross the threshold of excess?

Even Lion, possessing limited experience in actual combat, recognized the reality of the situation.

This was no ordinary spellwork.

Neither could it be classified as mere sparring.

True to Rikschel’s declaration, he was deploying maximum power.

In other terms, it was lethal.

It induced a shiver down the spine of even Lion, who had confronted mortality during Story Mode.

“You evaded my offensive maneuver; as expected, your capabilities have accumulated significantly in the interim!”

Evaded?

Lion merely shifted his line of sight toward Nature.

It appeared the creature had swiftly manipulated the flow of energy.

Though constructed of mana, electrical discharges remained a facet of nature itself.

‘…Yet has Nature consistently exhibited such brilliance?’

As he fixed his gaze upon Nature…

The diminutive chick’s expression crumpled pathetically, accompanied by a sudden, immense surge of natural energy blooming outward.

『 ‘Companion Spirit’ Nature is consumed by wrath.』

Nature’s physical presentation underwent a transformation.

It appeared thoroughly incensed upon detecting murderous intent directed toward its master.

Particularly given that the adversary was Rikschel, whom Lion held in such high trust and affection.

Spirits are bound by duty to safeguard their contractors.

Furthermore, Nature…

‘I failed to protect the Druid.’

Echoes of past trauma combined with the innate instincts of a spirit were fully awakened.

Additionally.

Previously, Lion had been restricted by an insufficiency of mana.

『 A fraction of Nature’s true form manifests.』

『 Manifestation: Wings』

『 Normal state will resume upon the complete exhaustion of mana.』

Such a feat had now become attainable, albeit in a restricted capacity.

The endearing, mascot-like exterior vanished, superseded by sweeping wings and blazing plumage.

Though visibly consumed by flames, it was an anomalous heat that defied categorization under any standard elemental classification.

At that instant, the outcome was certain.

This encounter… Lion would secure the win.

Alternatively, it would require good fortune for Rikschel to escape physical harm!

“We have already exchanged blows, older brother, so I shall dispense with taking turns.”

“Um…”

Before the words “Wait a moment!” could cross his lips—

A tremendous output of thermal energy radiated from Nature’s expansive wings, and—

Instantly.

Whoosh!

A colossal fireball hurtled toward Rikschel.

Concurrently, a barrage of razor-sharp ice daggers descended from the opposite vector.

‘Wh-what is this?’

Under these conditions, halting Nature would resolve nothing!

Should either party attenuate their output, the resulting catastrophe remained entirely unpredictable.

‘There is no alternative remaining…’

In this scenario, a swift conclusion is required!

…Such was the narrative of a short while prior.

『 Spirit Arts Proficiency has attained Lv. 4.』

The untimely system notification regarding the advancement in proficiency materialized before Lion’s vision.

Nature had reverted to its standard appearance, aggressively pecking at the crown of Rikschel’s head as the latter lay unconscious from mana depletion.

“What an immense disaster…”