Chapter 4

Chapter 4
Chapter 4: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

The initial impression that hit me was absolute madness.
Even masked away, this Shilling Shop was entirely absurd.
The asking prices were utterly ridiculous.
“Wait, this key is ancient, so why is it priced in the millions all by itself?”
Shouldn’t antique items be dirt cheap?
It felt akin to discovering that tattered, moth-eaten garments were actually worth a small fortune.
Did that realization bring any disappointment?
Not in the least.
Lion shifted his focus from the Life category over to the Food section.

『 Magic Seasoning A』

* ■0,000 Shillings
『 Magic Seasoning B』
* ■0,000 Shillings (MD Recommended!)

The scenario remained identical.
What sort of condiment could possibly command tens of thousands of shillings?
It was a moment that should have provoked anger, yet for some inexplicable reason, a grin crept across Lion’s face.
“This right here…”
It was unmistakable.
This setup mirrored the cash shop interface from the early days of ‘In the World’!
To be precise, it mirrored a cash shop envisioned from an NPC’s perspective.
That particular store, known as the ‘Suspicious Shop,’ peddled bizarre merchandise at exorbitant rates.
Meanwhile, the player—the designated ‘Hero’—would meticulously choose and retrieve miraculous artifacts tailored to the situation.
This phenomenon was likely a lingering remnant of old game mechanics that had survived through numerous updates and been largely forgotten.
Regardless.
“That simply means every single one of these wares possesses a distinct function.”
Lion chuckled softly and dismissed the Shilling Shop window.
At least for the moment, the exact nature of those items remained a mystery.
Confirming that the inventory wasn’t filled with worthless junk was quite enough.
“Splendid.”
I will simply accumulate funds gradually and acquire the lot of them.
Soaking up the radiance filtering through the window drapes, Lion savored the moment of repose.
It was a tranquil afternoon.
“Though I have a lingering sensation that something slipped my mind…”
Ah, Grandfather.

—

Meanwhile, since the early hours of that morning…
Petrick, the head of the Asteri household and Lion’s grandfather…
“…”
He had chosen to postpone his scheduled luncheon with the Emperor solely to wait for Lion.
Such was his deep affection for his eldest grandson.
To hell with the Emperor’s company.
Beholding his grandson’s countenance took precedence over everything else at present.
Given his grandson’s typically sluggish and unpredictable nature, Petrick hadn’t actually anticipated an immediate visit the previous day.
Even so…
“He’s late.”
Though Petrick delivered the words with a frosty edge, Silvia, his personal attendant, understood him thoroughly.
Beneath his stern exterior, he was merely fretting that his grandson might be too indisposed to travel.
‘Truly, he is a shadow of the man he once was.’
Watching him, Silvia couldn’t help the private reflection.
In bygone days, wielding peerless tactical insight and staggering magical prowess, he had marched across the continent side by side with the ‘Hero.’ That formidable aura was entirely absent now.
Even at this very moment, he was undoubtedly churning through a dozen anxious thoughts: Should he reprimand the boy for his infrequent visits? Should he commend the resilient spirit of an Asteri heir? No, what about maintaining the dignity of the Family Head? And various other fretful worries.
“His health was reported as fine.”
“Then why on earth hasn’t he arrived…!”
Finally unable to contain his mounting frustration, Petrick barked aloud.
“What could those concoctions possibly matter so much?”
“Perhaps he is attempting to accomplish something meaningful?”
“What could a lad with such frail constitution possibly achieve? Bah, he ought to simply rest…”
I must ensure he is properly fed and lives a life of absolute comfort!
“Lacking both financial means and physical strength!”
Petrick Asteri stood among the pivotal figures who steered the war against the Demonic forces to a triumphant close alongside the Hero.
Even prior to those historic events, the Asteri lineage commanded such absolute authority that the Imperial household itself dared not cross them.
Had he desired it, he could easily have claimed the title of Duke, Grand Duke, or carved out an entirely independent realm!
His choice to forgo such lofty titles stemmed solely from a distaste for deep political entanglements.
Yet, for reasons beyond comprehension, his eldest grandson was currently engaging in eccentric escapades.
‘My head is throbbing.’
He genuinely felt that enduring a second Mana Shock would have been preferable to this trial.
Back during those episodes, the boy simply sequestered himself indoors with books, eliminating any anxiety over physical injury.
Yet following the third incident, the lad had taken to scavenging weeds for some inexplicable reason.
This simply would not do.
No matter how he analyzed the situation, his grandson lacked the physical stamina to roam about freely.
“It is only natural for you to feel concerned, My Lord.”
“…Concerned?”
To be frank, that observation struck the exact center of the target.
Petrick harbored deeper anxieties regarding his grandson than anyone else alive.
“After all, this marks the third occurrence.”
The atmosphere within the chamber grew heavy in an instant.
A Mana Shock.
For the fortunate few, surviving the ordeal triggered an awakening into powerful spellcasters, opening the door to a new existence.
Conversely, the unfortunate souls who failed to awaken perished in the process.
The fact that Lion had managed to endure three such events made him an extraordinary and unprecedented anomaly.
It came as no surprise that the entire household lived under a cloud of worry concerning his well-being.
Furthermore.
“Scarcely any time has elapsed since the second episode.”
For an ordinary mortal, enduring even one such crisis in a lifetime was an extreme rarity.
Yet Lion had faced three, with the temporal gaps between them growing progressively shorter.
No historical precedent existed for such a case, nor was one likely to arise in the future.
After all, these matters were typically settled once and for all.
“And yet, you appeared quite pleased.”
“Of what use is joy when confronted with mortality… Haa.”
I am well aware. This is merely my own selfishness speaking.
The selfish desire to see Lion lead a robust and unhindered existence.
Cloaked in that sentiment, I found myself unable to curtail his pursuit of leisure.
Besides, raising my voice in anger would likely only frighten the boy further.
Adding emotional distress to a grandson whose constitution was already delicate was the last thing I wanted to do!
Which explained why I suppressed the urge to march over there myself and settled for summoning him periodically…!
“Haa. Very well, you mentioned earlier that he was brewing concoctions. Since when did he acquire proficiency in alchemy?”
“While he is frequently overshadowed by Young Master Rikschel, he possesses a remarkably sharp aptitude for learning. Furthermore, alchemy does not demand active mana channeling, making it a viable endeavor.”
“Hmm.”
Petrick let out a subdued sigh, his expression remaining sour.
‘Hazardous.’
What disaster might ensue if the boy accidentally handled a toxic botanical specimen?
“Judging by the inventory of gathered herbs, there were no materials present that pose a health risk. Furthermore, he has placed no independent orders for ingredients, so there is no immediate cause for alarm.”
“That provides some reassurance, at least.”
While their discussion continued,
Tap, tap.
A domestic servant offered a gentle rap at the doorway.
“Lord Head. The First Young Master has arrived.”
“…”
Upon hearing the announcement, Petrick bolted upright, immediately exchanging a swift glance with Silvia.
“Please, bid him enter.”
Silvia murmured in a low tone while deftly smoothing out the creases in Petrick’s garments.
“Ahem. Send him in.”
Summoning his composure, Petrick granted formal permission for entry.
“Did you request my presence?”
Lion stepped into the study with an entirely unconcerned demeanor.
‘Indeed.’
Unlike his usual self, his expression radiated cheerfulness. His complexion also appeared remarkably healthy, lacking its former pallor.
And…
“Hmm?”
Petrick narrowed his eyes slightly as he inspected the youth.
Something subtle had shifted.
His bearing carried a distinct nuance compared to the period preceding his third Mana Shock.
It was as though he had ceased second-guessing the reactions of those around him or attempting to deflect conversations awkwardly.
“It has been some time, Grandfather.”
“…!”
Ordinarily, the boy would have offered a subdued, hesitant reply.
This instance, however, proved entirely different.
There was no sense of affectation; it was a display of genuine tranquility.
The entire aura surrounding him seemed transformed.
“I am aware that you worried over me while I was unconscious.”
“…!”
A flicker of astonishment crossed Petrick’s features.
Such a reaction was entirely justified, given that the topic of Mana Shock was a subject Lion typically avoided like the plague.
Describing it as a deeply sensitive nerve for Lion would be an understatement.
Consequently, everyone acquainted with his history tiptoed around the subject whenever he was near.
‘For him to broach the topic of his own accord…’
The mere mention of the Mana Shock seemed to anchor their attention, drawing them inexorably into Lion’s narrative.
“I possess no innate talent for magical arts.”
“Young Master…”
“Peace, Silvia. It is merely the objective truth.”
The words concerning his own existence were brief, yet carried far greater weight than his usual sparse remarks.
“Nevertheless, I had no desire to live as a useless individual. I refused to accept such a fate. Hence, I deliberated and applied myself to study. And today…”
Reaching into his pocket, Lion extracted a diminutive vial and set it neatly upon the table before Petrick.
“Did you craft this yourself, Young Master?”
“Indeed. That explains why I requested an extension of a single day. I figured you must have been carrying a heavy burden of fatigue lately, Grandfather.”
Silvia’s jaw parted slightly in sheer disbelief at the statement.
‘Although he did take up the study of alchemy…’
He had never successfully brewed a potion prior to this.
Yet that was not the most astonishing aspect. Young Master Lion explicitly stated he had formulated this remedy with the Family Head’s well-being in mind.
‘How remarkably compassionate can a soul be?’
His personal circumstances alone provided ample reason for constant agony and despair.
After all, he walked a path where the specter of another Mana Shock loomed over him indefinitely.
And yet, his thoughts centered on others… on his own kin…!
Recovering her composure swiftly, Silvia offered her praise.
“You are truly extraordinary, Young Master. To prepare a restorative specifically for the Family Head.”
“…”
“I am certain the Family Head will be deeply touched.”
Petrick dropped his gaze to the small flask resting before him.
‘With me in mind…’
He comprehended the sentiment behind the gesture intimately, and a profound wave of gratitude washed over him.
The boy’s thoughtfulness was commendable beyond words… but!
It also presented a somewhat awkward dilemma.
Petrick had long since ascended to the ranks of transcendental beings.
While he remained bound by mortal limitations, his physical resilience was such that he could consume lethal toxins as though they were spring water.
Consequently, a standard restorative would yield virtually zero physiological impact upon him.
‘At the very least, the sincerity of the gesture has been communicated clearly.’
It was safe to assume Petrick would experience no tangible medicinal effects.
Still, he took care not to bruise the boy’s feelings.
“Is that the extent of your business, then?”
“It is.”
“Understood. You are dismissed.”
“I brewed this with you in mind, Grandfather. Please partake of it when your schedule permits.”
With those words, Lion turned and departed, maintaining a bright expression until the chamber door clicked shut behind him.
The entire encounter had spanned barely five minutes. In truth, it was less than three.
Click.
The moment the barrier closed, Silvia and Petrick turned their collective gaze back to the vial.
” Judging by the hue, it appears to be a standard mana restorative.”
“And yet, I detect no residual scent of ambient mana.”
“It bears a striking resemblance to rare specimens I have encountered in the past.”
Swish…
When the flask was inverted and gently agitated, no particulate sediment drifted within; only a pristine, luminous blue fluid swirled inside the glass.
‘An impressive grade.’
Regardless of the quality of apparatus utilized, producing a flawless concoction overnight without deep, foundational expertise in apothecaries and alchemy was an impossibility.
Casting a sidelong glance, Silvia probed cautiously:
“Shall we run an analysis on the contents, just as a precaution?”
“…Negative. I am certain there is no peril involved. I wish to experience my grandson’s genuine intent without interference.”
As anticipated.
Concealing her amusement, Silvia set the vial down and inclined her head in a respectful nod.
“Then this old servant shall withdraw for a brief moment.”
Click.
“Ahem.”
Only after Silvia vacated the room did a genuine smile break through Petrick’s stern facade.
It manifested merely as a slight relaxation of his furrowed brow, but it was there nonetheless.
“It has been an age since Lion offered me a token of affection—so long that memory fails me.”
Long ago.
Back when Lion Asteri could barely manage upright locomotion and rudimentary speech, the last such offering had been a single wild bloom plucked from the courtyard gardens.
‘We were all gathered together during those days.’
The azure fluid within the flask somehow mirrored the clear sky of that cherished era.
“Age is truly catching up with me.”
Indulging in sentimental reflections over bygone years.
Chuckling softly, Petrick flicked open the stopper of the potion bottle.
Consuming a remedy destined to have zero effect on his constitution felt somewhat wasteful, yet he refused to discard a gift presented by his grandson.
Lifting the flask to his lips, Petrick ingested the azure liquid in a slow, deliberate swallow.
A crisp, invigorating fragrance accompanied the coolness…
His racing thoughts settled into profound calm.
And almost immediately, he drifted into a brief slumber.
In that state, he revisited the dreams of that specific day.
It proved fleeting, yet wonderfully sweet.
“…”
A reverie dedicated to a period he missed with every fiber of his being.
Yet the experience carried no bitterness or sorrow. Instead, he awakened feeling revitalized, as though the persistent throbbing behind his temples had vanished entirely.
Gazing out the casement window toward the horizon, Petrick muttered under his breath:
“Stubborn as ever, following your own path. Yes, exactly as you always have.”
Remaining motionless for a considerable duration, Petrick stared into the blue expanse above and spoke his thoughts aloud once more.
“Indeed. I cannot justify keeping him caged simply because his body is delicate.”
He deserved the freedom to pursue whatever paths caught his interest.
Furthermore…
“My sole task is to discover a reliable method to prevent these Mana Shocks entirely.”
Petrick arrived at his unilateral decision.
He remained entirely oblivious to the reality that Lion’s physical vessel had fundamentally evolved into a conduit capable of perceiving mana flows.
Regardless of the underlying mechanics, the mission to win over Lion’s grandfather had concluded in resounding success.
The sole minor complication lay in the fact that the estate staff remained utterly clueless regarding Petrick’s shifting perspective or the true state of Lion’s health.
Lion Asteri had collapsed and risen from his bed looking like a corpse!
Following that ordeal, he had scavenged weeds to concoct a mysterious elixir!
And presented the resulting brew directly to Lord Petrick!
…For what purpose?
…Could it possibly be a farewell offering?!
Naturally, such eccentric speculations rapidly permeated the entire manor grounds.

“Word has it that young Master Lion is hovering on the brink of death!”