Chapter 284

Chapter 284
Chapter 284: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

The mastermind behind that elaborate scheme was…

“Haaaam.”

I woke up from a refreshing nap inside the carriage.

“You’ve woken up right on time. We’ve nearly arrived.”

“You coughed at precisely the correct second.”

“Wait, did you not sleep at all?”

I had rested for a considerable duration, during which my grandfather and younger brother had clearly been hard at work.

“We caught some shut-eye as well, so do not fret.”

“Indeed, Brother. The Family Head’s carriage was exceptionally cozy.”

“Is that so?”

The two of them confirmed in unison.

‘They definitely worked.’

Workaholics would never let travel time go to waste.

Even if he could deceive others, Lion could not deceive himself.

‘I used to be just like that.’

When commuting via train or even boarding a plane for business trips, hadn’t I always crammed into a cramped seat while tapping away on my laptop?

‘It is quite efficient.’

Combining travel and labor at once cuts down on overtime!

…That is likely what is running through their minds.

‘Still, the workload never actually shrinks either way.’

Did you know?

Work simply breeds more work.

Tackling future duties ahead of schedule felt like dragging forward obligations that were meant to be handled much further down the line.

Consequently, the utopian future where one might finally enjoy leisure after a job well done… simply does not exist.

It is a genuine real-life sloth purgatory.

Even though I am toiling harder than anyone else!

Regardless, one should rest whenever the opportunity arises, but…

There is one undeniable truth Lion understands well.

‘I can never rest in solitude.’

If two workaholics congregate, they will never choose to pause.

And Rikschel, of all people…

‘He has a partner of his own!’

I am referring to Marquis Byrdantis.

They already lack sufficient time to spend enjoying each other’s company, yet he is laboring alongside my grandfather?

Furthermore, once a productive ambiance is established, Marquis Byrdantis will naturally gravitate into that exact workflow.

‘That absolutely cannot happen.’

Lion firmly shook his head.

They need to come to a realization.

That everyone ought to rest together when others are taking a break!

‘Phew. I suppose I have no other choice but to intervene.’

Lion knows the drill.

The proper technique to halt a workaholic in their tracks.

The first approach is to overwhelm them with enough distractions that they cannot even spare a thought for labor.

Failing that option…

‘A crisis far greater than work must erupt instead!’

Given that the odds of such a massive catastrophe befalling those two right now are quite low…

* Lion, you are wearing that plotting expression once more, aren’t you?

Indeed. That is correct.

Lion communicated a subtle sign of agreement that only Tiamatrak could perceive.

“Then you must both be exceptionally occupied once we reach the Imperial Palace. Rikschel, yourself included.”

“As expected, we cannot unwind quite as comfortably as ordinary nobility.”

Petrick validated Lion’s inquiry.

Naturally, it was also an objective fact that numerous practical duties awaited their attention.

They had to continuously observe whatever machinations the Archbishop, the First Prince, and the Central Nobles were cooking up.

‘More crucially, the initiative to eradicate the corruption must also move forward.’

However, should my primary grandson discover the details of that operation, I was well aware of the facial expression he would make, forcing me to keep it concealed.

‘Still, I dropped a hint previously, so it should suffice.’

Petrick averted Lion’s gaze and peered out through the carriage window toward the Imperial Palace.

Meanwhile, Rikschel, who had been observing his father, prepared to seize the opening to voice a similar sentiment when…

“Hmm…”

Lion parted his lips as though about to speak, then abruptly shut them.

“Is something the matter, Brother?”

“Ah, no, it is merely…”

He flicked his hand dismissively as if it were insignificant, then, upon receiving their piercing stares, he tentatively brought the topic up.

“I simply figured I ought to exercise caution so as not to obstruct your endeavors. Hahaha.”

“Obstruct us? Whatever individual would utter such a nonsense phrase?”

“Indeed, who on earth would say that to you? I was merely pondering it privately.”

The pair were thoroughly flustered.

They never could have imagined that Lion, of all people, would harbor such a thought!

‘What course of action should we take, Family Head? Brother appears deeply solitary.’

‘Hmm. We have been conversing exclusively among ourselves regarding the corruption dilemma, so that outcome is certainly plausible.’

‘Yet that hardly implies we have free time to spare, does it?’

Petrick groaned softly at Rikschel’s observation.

It was an undeniable truth.

Petrick, patriarch of the Asteri Family, alongside his heir Rikschel, were personages who drew immediate scrutiny simply by existing.

Should Lion position himself between them, he would inevitably attract the collective gaze of onlookers as well.

‘This differs entirely from the Coming-of-Age Ceremony.’

On that occasion, Lion served as the central figure, but the current circumstances were distinct.

Moreover, they were quietly preparing the Purification Initiative.

Drawing undue attention offered zero advantages.

Nevertheless!

When one’s singular eldest grandson declares himself lonely, can a person genuinely turn a blind eye?

‘Just as anticipated, the strategy succeeded.’

The lonesome grandson, however, was quietly celebrating internally.

In reality, while perhaps not matching the sheer volume of the other two, Lion was likewise slated to maintain a remarkably busy schedule at the upcoming banquet.

First and foremost, he needed to steer clear of both the Second Prince and Jack, while simultaneously managing to exchange greetings with Marquis Byrdantis.

Above all else…

It came as no surprise that rumors concerning Lion’s close ties with artisans had spread far and wide.

‘To begin with, aristocrats will undoubtedly petition me for introductions to Andrie’s boutique.’

Even subsequent to the Coming-of-Age Ceremony, Lion had continually worn ensembles crafted by Andrie while journeying across various regions.

‘Though I did commission several custom pieces of my own.’

To nobles ignorant of the underlying context, Lion must have appeared as an official brand ambassador for Boutique Andrie.

‘Particularly after my excursion to Hotel Easter, my notoriety skyrocketed.’

This constituted an objective fact that Andrie herself had openly attested to.

Alongside expressing her sincere appreciation, she had even contemplated expanding her storefront locations or taking on dedicated apprentices.

‘Not to mention Mudu.’

He was already a master armorer whose popularity was entirely through the roof.

I was well aware that securing a properly crafted artifact required a minimum wait of one year, stretching up to five years on occasion.

Yet by going through Lion, individuals could bypass that lengthy reservation queue and acquire an item instantly, so how could the masses possibly resist the temptation?

‘Well, for all these accumulated reasons…’

Does this not mirror the role of a broker entirely?

Lion let out an awkward chuckle to himself, yet he carefully maintained an expression of feigned disappointment at having no companion to mingle with at the gathering.

And to ensure the psychological hook sank completely, he appended a final remark.

“Ah, pay it no mind. It is merely that the fond memories from the Coming-of-Age Ceremony were so pleasant that the thought slipped out.”

Lion assured them not to worry, emphasizing that he would manage perfectly fine on his own.

He further suggested that they might proceed ahead and rest if they felt the need.

“…”

Petrick and Rikschel exchanged a silent glance.

Under ordinary circumstances, these two would have easily pierced through Lion’s transparent maneuvers, but…

Lion’s phrasing possessed a subtle variance.

‘Normally, Brother would instruct us not to fret because he intended to remain stationary.’

Specifically, whenever he was in the middle of orchestrating some elaborate scheme.

Does Brother not inherently prefer executing his plans in solitude?

Rikschel had found himself on the receiving end of that treatment on multiple occasions.

Uttering phrases such as, ‘I am amusing myself independently, so dismiss your concerns regarding me and tend to your own affairs.’

And on every single instance…

‘He accomplished something truly staggering.’

Rikschel had caught wind of the transpired events at his mother’s private villa.

Had those details not originated directly from his brother, they would have sounded like an utterly absurd fabrication.

Regardless, for Brother to make such a declaration now…

This constituted an unequivocal crisis scenario!

At the very least, from the perspective of these two individuals, it outweighed any other crisis imaginable!

“D-Do not fret, Brother. I cannot speak for myself, but the Family Head possesses a rather considerable amount of leisure.”

“……What did you just say?”

Petrick, who had maintained a quiet tongue until that instant, pivoted sharply toward Rikschel.

‘Did this young wretch just attempt what I think he did?’

For the first time in a considerable duration, Petrick felt genuinely unsettled.

If either of them was obligated to carve out time for Lion, it ought to have been Rikschel.

It had nothing to do with familial obligations between siblings.

It was entirely a matter of public perception.

Even as the designated heir of the Asteri Family, with the current patriarch, Petrick, standing in robust health, the entirety of public scrutiny would ultimately concentrate upon him.

Consequently, logic dictated that Rikschel should remain by Lion’s side.

“……Grandfather? And yourself?”

“Er…”

Rikschel’s sharp intellect raced at absolute maximum capacity.

He was forced to formulate a viable response within a remarkably compressed timeframe.

A solution that the Family Head could readily accept while simultaneously pleasing his brother.

‘Only a single alternative remains.’

Though he had not sought prior authorization from the other party involved, he felt confident they would comprehend the gesture.

Having finalized his internal reasoning, Rikschel blurted out the words without hesitation.

“As it happens, I have a preexisting appointment with Marquis Byrdantis. We previously agreed to share a dance together…!”

Accompanied by that declaration, the carriage glided smoothly into the interior grounds of the Imperial Palace.

The faint clatter of hooves subsided dramatically, lending an even greater impact to Rikschel’s bold statement.

“……!”

“Th-That is entirely correct.”

Petrick instantly grasped the underlying layers of Rikschel’s strategy.

It signified an intent to leave an even more formidable impression upon the assembled nobility than he himself could manage.

Accomplished via a partnered dance alongside a martial lineage Marquis!

‘Astute.’

The burgeoning alliance—or perhaps something transcending a mere alliance—forged between the head of a Swordsmanship Dynasty and the heir of a Magical Dynasty would inevitably capture the fascination of every observer.

Whether interpreted favorably or unfavorably.

Those who dreaded their augmented influence would suffer splitting headaches, while devoted enthusiasts of gossip would hail it as the ultimate romance for the ages.

‘And Lion as well…’

It appeared his eldest grandson genuinely desired for their connection to evolve constructively.

It constituted an exemplary resolution.

Provided, of course, that he possessed the capability to manage the subsequent fallout.

‘Still…’

Based on Petrick’s prior knowledge, Rikschel was entirely clueless when it came to formal social choreography…

‘Are you truly confident in this?’

‘……It has already reached this point, Family Head.’

Would it not ultimately prove more advantageous for the Family Head to retain greater freedom of movement?

“Oh dear, I truly ought to have kept my mouth shut!”

Lion hastily stepped in to smooth over the awkward atmosphere.

“I simply misunderstood the situation. Hahaha! I merely harbored concerns that you and Grandfather might be chained to your duties even throughout the birthday celebration.”

“……I-I see how it is!”

“Ahem, I was originally prepared to offer assistance to Rikschel out of uncertainty regarding his competency, but… it appears you are fully equipped to manage independently.”

“Indeed, Family Head. I shall handle my private social obligations personally, so I implore you to enjoy the festivities at your leisure.”

“Very well. Er…”

Are you genuinely certain you will be fine?

When Petrick silently rephrased his silent inquiry through a pointed look, Rikschel squeezed his eyes shut and gave a subtle shake of his head.

This reckless kid actually decided to commit fully, didn’t he?

“……We have arrived at our destination, so let us disembark.”

Quite right. A person must learn to clean up the messes they initiate in order to mature properly.

Though it would certainly be ideal should it blossom into a genuine, affectionate bond…

‘That outcome remains highly unlikely.’

Petrick, who possessed his own firsthand experience with matters of the heart, knew better.

Neither Rikschel nor Marquis Byrdantis held even the slightest shred of genuine romantic inclination at this juncture.

Instead…

They merely shared a convenient overlap of mutual interests.

“Following our costume changes in the designated parlor, Lion and I shall make our entrance side by side.”

“Understood. I shall proceed independently to escort Marquis Byrdantis.”

The trio stepped down from the carriage carriage, received concise directions from the attendants, and exchanged final words before separating toward their individual dressing quarters.

Just moments prior to parting ways entirely…

“Rikschel. Take this item.”

Lion extended a hand, passing over the Arcanum Set accessory collection, which he had meticulously prepared specifically for this occasion.

“This artifact…!”

Rikschel’s jaw dropped slightly as he stared at the jewelry piece, which radiated an undeniably ancient and aristocratic aura.

It even projected an overwhelmingly heavy presence.

‘Equipped with this…’

He felt a sudden conviction that he might genuinely outshine every other attendee in the hall.

“It is a token gift. Feel free to share it with Marquis Byrdantis.”

“……My deepest gratitude, Brother!”

Although events had deviated somewhat from his initial projections, granting the Family Head total autonomy ensured the overarching plan would proceed smoothly.

Furthermore, it successfully alleviated his brother’s persistent anxieties, turning the entire affair into an absolute triumph.

“You absolute rascal. Best of luck to you.”

“……Pardon? Ah, yes.”

Though he failed to grasp the deeper implication behind that parting comment, Rikschel willingly resolved to act as the primary tank destined to absorb the undivided attention of the gathered aristocracy.

And several hours later…

“Marquis Byrdantis and Young Master Rikschel of the Asteri Family are now entering!”

‘Goodness gracious…’

Lion gazed out at the sprawling cascade of system notification windows populating his visual field across the grand banquet hall.

[Blacksmithing experience increased by 15 percent.]

As the customized accessories he had bestowed upon the pair officially initiated their passive effects…

[Blacksmithing experience increased by 35 percent.]

[Blacksmithing experience increased by 15 percent.]

[Blacksmithing proficiency reached Lv. 3.]

His overall skill tier was escalating at a breathtaking velocity.