Chapter 286

Chapter 286
Chapter 286: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

Lion’s expression shifted abruptly, leaving the first prince even more unsettled than before.

Amidst the brilliance of the banquet hall, Rikschel and Byrdantis exchanged quiet words near the most illuminated corner.

Outwardly, the pair appeared to be sharing gentle pleasantries…

“An intruder has arrived.”

“Your Grace, that description is rather severe. An intruder?”

In truth, their dialogue carried a far more serious weight.

Their gazes drifted naturally toward the area occupied by the first prince and Lion.

“That phrasing is too impolite for such a person.”

“Understood.”

Marquis Byrdantis gave a casual nod before posing another question.

“How do you intend to handle this? If we are talking about the first prince, he will inevitably disclose everything.”

“Indeed.”

That certainly presents a complication.

Yet, because the first prince has already made his move, my brother will inevitably pick up on the clues.

‘The intelligence network of the first prince leaves much to be desired.’

Even so, my brother possesses the keen insight to piece together the whole picture from mere scraps of information.

Rikschel adjusted his cuffs, lightly touching the accessories Lion had crafted for him.

‘Therefore, it is wiser to observe just how far my brother’s analytical capabilities will reach.’

The extent of what can be inferred from the first prince’s accounts…

“You must have anticipated that the second prince would attempt to turn this situation to his advantage.”

“Is he not already uncovering nearly all of it?”

“Naturally, because it is my brother.”

Marquis Byrdantis grasped the situation immediately.

Lion Asteri defies simple categorization by the word ‘eccentric’.

‘Though, admittedly, there is no one more eccentric.’

He possessed extraordinary talent and authority alongside the maturity required to wield them effectively.

‘Even this ornamental piece serves as proof.’

At first, I wondered why he would create such an item as a present, yet now its utility has become apparent.

Clarentia tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

The cuff adorning her ear caught the light brilliantly, accompanied by the distinct murmur of admiration from nearby nobles.

He surely anticipated this much.

‘Perhaps… it dates back to when he asked me to accompany Rikschel Asteri.’

To orchestrate such plans with such meticulous precision.

Had he so desired, he could have easily replaced the imperial family’s name with Asteri.

However, Lion Asteri would never pursue such an ambition.

‘He finds tedious matters utterly tiresome.’

No doubt he would offer a faint, sheepish grin and remark, “Pardon? Why would I ever desire such a bothersome position?”

That was precisely the sort of person he was.

“In that case, we should simply proceed with our designated duties.”

“Agreed. Observe the expression of the second prince over there—quite amusing, isn’t it? The first prince will likely be dealt with shortly as well.”

Unfazed and possessing composure second to none, the two moved purposefully through the gathering, commanding the attention of the room despite the first prince’s presence.

“Though, a minor obstacle has arisen.”

“What might that be?”

“I have never acquired the skill of ballroom dancing.”

“A solution is readily available.”

Marquis Byrdantis offered a remarkably pragmatic remedy.

“You may simply dance upon my feet.”

Indeed, a remarkably sensible approach.

The sweeping hem of the dress would conceal his shoes, and the Marquis was an accomplished dancer.

Furthermore, given a Sword Master’s constitution, the light frame of a slender mage would impose no burden whatsoever.

He had even worn flat-soled shoes in anticipation of unexpected scenarios.

…Assuming, of course, that Rikschel Asteri did not find the arrangement mortifying.

“If that option displeases you, you could always dance with clumsy steps. It would certainly draw attention in its own right.”

The heir of the flawless Asteri lineage, revealed to be entirely uncoordinated!

It would become the talk of high society for years to come.

“…There remains some time before the dance begins, so I shall weigh the options. Let us move that way first.”

“As you wish.”

And so, moving like clockwork along their predetermined path, Rikschel and Marquis Byrdantis drew the gaze of the assembly.

It was a masterclass in drawing attention away from other matters…

—

Just as Rikschel had foreseen.

“Goodness me. So the individual orchestrating this against me is Her Majesty the Empress.”

“Th-that is precisely the truth!”

“Oh dear! I never could have imagined!”

Unaware that he was being thoroughly manipulated by Lion, the first prince chattered on eagerly.

‘Heh. Exactly! Living such a detached life as he does, he naturally believes whatever he is told.’

In truth, the chaos at the hunting competition has nothing to do with Lion Asteri, but rather that illegitimate sibling!

Though, if it concerns Grandfather—or rather, that cunning old schemer Lepicent—he might use the opportunity to eliminate Lion Asteri as well, so I wove the narrative accordingly.

Terus dropped his gaze as far as possible, adopting a sorrowful tone.

“I realize I have committed grave errors against you driven by ambition for power… Ah, as you know, my standing is finished anyway. That is why I am confiding in you.”

“This intelligence is invaluable. I am deeply grateful.”

Despite the exaggerated gratitude, Lion merely leaned against the railing with folded arms, observing Terus.

Though the conversation had lasted only a few minutes, he had successfully extracted critical details from the first prince.

Namely, that an incident was slated to occur during the hunting competition.

While the exact method and location remained unknown, desperation would likely drive them to deploy their final gambit.

‘And I happen to have a convenient shield.’

Standing directly before him was the first prince.

They would undoubtedly attempt to place the entire blame upon him.

Fabricating evidence implicating the first prince in the plot would be a simple task for them.

‘He appears entirely oblivious to that fact…’

The sheer volume of information he had delivered was astonishing in its own right.

Those previously allied with the first prince had already distanced themselves.

Only members of the Lepicent household remained in his circle.

It was highly improbable that they would have entrusted such secrets to the first prince.

After all, the less he understood, the simpler he was to manage.

‘Even allowing for stray rumors…’

Acquiring intelligence of this depth… with all due respect, the first prince’s capabilities would fall short.

Besides, he had never successfully managed an independent endeavor in his life, had he?

‘Then someone else must be feeding him these details…’

As the silence stretched, Lion casually posed a question.

“The Empress targeting me is intended as a warning to the second prince.”

“Precisely!”

“And Your Highness shared this revelation with me in hopes of securing the second prince’s favor?”

“Y-yes!”

Nodding vigorously, the first prince continued to spill every detail.

“My younger brother holds a distaste for me and refuses even to converse. However, he might be inclined to listen to you.”

“Indeed. The second prince and I share a rather close rapport.”

Feigning deep contemplation, Lion murmured.

“I appear to have underestimated you, Your Highness. To possess insight of this caliber!”

It was an absolute falsehood, yet Terus’s face lit up with satisfaction.

To be appraised favorably by Lion Asteri, who enjoyed the backing of influential shadows, suggested that survival might be the least of his potential gains.

‘Ahem, indeed. I may not deploy it often, but my intellect is hardly mediocre.’

That must be the reason the Archbishop selected me, surely?

Since someone of that stature was already monitoring Lion Asteri, my involvement was merely supplementary, yet it seems to fit seamlessly.

Regardless, the outcome remains the same!

At the very least, I have provided actionable intelligence.

My contribution will be recognized.

“This… this is truly nothing.”

“Not at all. Compiling and synthesizing information to this degree is no ordinary accomplishment. Tell me… how did you manage it?”

“That is…”

Recognizing his impending slip of the tongue, the first prince clamped his mouth shut.

He recalled previous warnings that divulging too much was a perilous mistake…

“While seeking protection from His Highness the Second Prince, I also wished to make certain others recognized Your Highness’s exceptional talents.”

Lion offered a warm, ingratiating smile while continuing to dangle the lure.

“From my perspective, Your Highness’s acumen could prove immensely valuable moving forward. The Second Prince tends to harbor a rather rigid disposition, does he not?”

“He certainly does…”

“Or perhaps that assessment is not entirely accurate.”

Without missing a beat, Lion pressed on smoothly.

“Someone of his nature requires an associate capable of evaluating diverse perspectives. Yet His Highness the Second Prince remains consumed by personal vengeance while the First Prince… well, you understand my meaning?”

“Ah, I comprehend entirely.”

“Therefore, I must speak candidly. Rather than disposing of the First Prince, he should be elevated to a specialized station.”

“A—a specialized station?”

“An Imperial Tutor, for instance. You would serve as both his brother and his mentor!”

“An Imperial Tutor…!”

The first prince’s thoughts raced in a frenzy.

How accurately this touched upon his deepest anxieties and ambitions.

It tasted far sweeter than any hollow flattery from a sycophant.

Consequently, the first prince completely discarded his earlier resolve and let slip the true origin of his intelligence.

“Th-then, let me confide this as well.”

“Indeed? Please share, if only a fraction. I give you my word it shall go no further.”

Lion inclined his head and offered his ear, prompting Terus to cast a nervous glance around before whispering the most critical piece of intelligence.

“I cannot state it as an absolute certainty, but the temple is likewise monitoring these developments closely.”

“Is there tangible proof?”

“No concrete evidence exists, but I—I am the living witness.”

“…I see.”

Lion’s gaze hardened into frost for a fraction of a second before reverting to an amiable expression.

“My deepest thanks! I shall convey this to His Highness the Second Prince without delay. Do enjoy the remainder of the evening’s festivities to your heart’s content.”

“Truly? Th-thank you! Thank you! I shall repay this debt one day!”

Uttering hollow pleasantries repeatedly, the first prince departed the balcony with a vastly lighter step.

Believing himself secure, he would likely cause a spectacle within the ballroom now.

“Well, that proved rather productive, did it not?”

Lion smiled toward the shadows where a figure stood observing.

“Who authorized the Imperial Tutor position as a subject for discussion?”

The moment the first prince’s departure was confirmed, Kyle emerged from his concealed vantage point.

For reasons unknown, his expression bore a distinctly displeasure-filled edge.

“Ah. That happens to be the only role that comes to mind.”

“…Jack must have spoken utter nonsense to you. Pay him no heed.”

“Perhaps. Ha-ha.”

Kyle stepped up beside Lion, who had effortlessly navigated the intricate exchange.

“I overheard the entire conversation. Nevertheless, there is no cause for alarm. The temple has formally declared its intent to remain neutral in this affair.”

“Is that so?”

As anticipated, they clearly intended to exploit the impending incident.

He had likewise covertly reached out to the temple beforehand.

‘Officially, the temple maintains its stance of non-involvement. Therefore…’

Officially, that would remain the narrative.

And yet.

‘He remains the first prince.’

Few individuals possess the audacity to approach such a figure casually.

Among them, only a single person refuses to shy away from political entanglements.

The Archbishop.

‘He is deliberately provoking me.’

Naturally, having been pushed to such lengths at the Great Barrier, an eventual retaliation was to be expected.

The true complication lies elsewhere…

‘He has stepped back from direct involvement in this specific matter.’

Consequently, he is likely lying in wait to capitalize on the fallout generated by this incident.

And his ultimate objective is undoubtedly…

‘The position of the Hero.’

To examine the matter further.

If Lion were indeed the Archbishop—harboring decades of bitter resentment and convinced of its righteousness for the sake of his lineage.

‘The outcome is transparent.’

He will awaken the Hero.

Regardless of the cost.