Chapter 50

Chapter 50
Chapter 50: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

Rikschel kept close behind Lion as they walked.

‘These sensations feel entirely unfamiliar.’

Barely a month had passed since they had last parted ways, yet strolling side by side carried a subtle awkwardness.

This sense of unease was partly why he had burdened himself with so many supplies.

He had wanted to be useful should any unexpected crisis arise.

Consequently, Rikschel’s pockets and bags contained far more than mere personal items.

*Squeeze.*

Absently, Rikschel closed his fingers around the keepsake his older brother had given him, then let it go.

‘The timing of all this…’

Well, the token could always be handed over once they returned home.

Right now, ensuring his older brother’s safe transit was the absolute priority.

Just in case anything went awry!

Then again… that apprehension might have been entirely unwarranted.

“How much for this?”

“Oh my, are you perhaps visiting from some noble estate? Just here to take in the sights? That will be roughly thirty coppers.”

“Thirty coppers, you say?”

“Indeed. Goods are terribly dear nowadays…”

Rikschel cast a steady, silent gaze toward Lion.

His older brother was presently bargaining with a merchant who clearly failed to recognize him.

The plump, crimson apple radiated such vivid freshness, carrying a sweet fragrance that invited an immediate bite.

‘…Thirty coppers for a single fruit? Were prices in our own lands truly that exorbitant?’

To the best of Rikschel’s recollection, thirty coppers was the standard cost of an entire dressed fowl.

And yet an ordinary orchard fruit commanded that steep sum?

Normally, such an item ran closer to three coppers, did it not?

Just as the thought crossed his mind that he would need to audit the cost of living for the local populace upon returning to the manor…

Lion hoisted a single apple dramatically into the air and raised his voice.

“I’ll take a hundred of these from a vendor selling them for under thirty coppers!”

“H-here! Ten coppers then!”

“You rogues! I’ll offer five!”

“Now hold on, don’t listen to these highway robbers! Apples are dirt cheap right now because of a bountiful harvest! Four coppers, I swear it!”

“…Four coppers?”

“Four coppers… Oh, blast it all! Three coppers!”

“Ah, three coppers it is. Let’s make the trade.”

Lion promptly returned the apple originally tagged at thirty coppers to its stunned owner and marched toward the merchant offering the lowest rate.

“Why did that first merchant attempt to charge such an absurd amount?”

“Because we likely resembled wealthy youths entirely ignorant of standard values. They were attempting to fleece us.”

Though the exact nuances of “fleece” remained somewhat vague, the implication of exploitation was clear enough.

‘Had it been me, I would have simply paid the initial price.’

In truth, whether an item cost three coppers or thirty, the expense was negligible pocket change to Rikschel.

Yet what would happen if others of their ilk allowed such behavior to pass unchecked?

Such dishonest practices, preying on travelers with inflated rates, would quickly become widespread.

Inevitably, visitors would cease coming entirely.

When the flow of outsiders dried up, market equilibrium would shatter, and the standard of merchandise would plummet.

“…!”

Could it be that his older brother had ventured out specifically to impart this very lesson?

How expected of his brilliant older brother!

‘I shall have to conduct a thorough market inspection later on.’

Silently resolving this within his own mind, Rikschel hurried to keep pace with Lion.

In reality, Lion had harbored no such grand sociological insights.

‘Trying to pull a fast one on me.’

He had simply refused to be gouged over exorbitant prices when cheaper alternatives existed.

Instructing the vendors to deliver the purchased apples directly to the orphanage, Lion proceeded to gather several additional provisions.

From the vegetable stall, he selected crisp cabbage, long leeks, and firm onions, followed by a tender chicken from the butcher across the lane.

“The fowl is precisely thirty coppers. If you purchase the whole bird, we will dress and clean it at no extra charge.”

Perhaps having observed the prior exchange, the butcher immediately quoted a fair and standard rate.

This time, the pricing was entirely reasonable.

“Very well. Clean one for me.”

Once an honest baseline was established, no further friction occurred.

Was that not proof enough of success?

Rikschel, initially tense and scanning every shadow, found himself utterly absorbed by the sheer efficiency of Lion’s bargaining technique.

No further disturbances arose until Lion’s hands were completely occupied with provisions.

Only then did Rikschel let out a quiet sigh of relief.

It truly seemed that nothing untoward was going to transpire.

Reading about security in theory and actually living through it were two entirely different matters.

The tension that had locked his muscles began to slowly drain away.

“Well? Nothing of note is happening, is it?”

“…Indeed so.”

“Anyway, we’ve acquired everything needed, so let’s head back. Didn’t Grandfather mention he would return from his journey today?”

“Ah, yes. The Head of the Family stated his urgent business was concluded. According to his timetable, he should arrive prior to evening meal… Is that the reason you personally elected to procure the provisions?”

“Perhaps. It has been quite some time since we all sat down together.”

“A splendid notion. Allow me to carry the parcels.”

“Ah, in that case, take this particular bundle.”

With a brief parting word, Lion quickened his pace toward the estate.

“…”

Rikschel, trailing closely behind, suddenly halted in his tracks.

With evening approaching, if his older brother intended to prepare the meal himself, would he not require the main estate kitchens, much like the previous day?

He had assumed Lion was hurrying back simply to meet the dinner hour.

Yet this particular path led toward…

“Older Brother. Is this not the approach to the Library?”

The destination where Lion had stopped was none other than the threshold of the Labyrinth.

That very anomaly had rested in quiet dormancy before abruptly swallowing his older brother whole, only to release him a full month later.

Even granted that Lion had successfully claimed mastery over the Labyrinth, that remained merely Rikschel’s understanding.

Though he forced himself to maintain composure, offered words of comfort to his grandfather—the Head of the Family—and continued fulfilling his duties as heir, Rikschel privately viewed the Labyrinth as an exceedingly hazardous entity.

So much so that he would gladly have sealed it away permanently.

Just as his suppressed anxieties began to bubble back to the surface.

“Everyone has already arrived.”

Petrick, returning directly from his official duties, was striding toward them without even pausing to remove his heavy traveling coat.

“Head of the Family?”

“You are here, Grandfather.”

“…”

Rikschel stared, utterly bewildered by the unfolding scene.

Certainly, an evening meal with the Head of the Family had been anticipated… but was the chosen venue not profoundly bizarre?

Yet the two of them were behaving as though every detail had been prearranged.

“What on earth is happening here?”

With a stern expression, Rikschel demanded clarification from the pair.

“Ah, there was a minor detail I omitted mentioning… this is where we shall dine this evening.”

“W-what?! Absolutely not! It is far too dangerous.”

“There is no danger. I reinspected the perimeter only yesterday.”

“When did you venture inside the Labyrinth by yourself once more, Head of the Family? Did you possess prior knowledge of this?”

“I granted my formal permission.”

“No, how could you possibly…”

Permission had been granted?

Rikschel struggled to process the statement.

Intellectually, he understood the reality.

The environment was secure.

Lion had emerged unharmed after an entire month, establishing himself as its master.

Furthermore, he had even retrieved a legendary relic of the Hero.

Reports from the Swordsman confirmed he suffered no injuries and possessed vitality superior to his past self.

Even so… surely the Labyrinth was hardly a suitable salon for a casual family supper!

Rikschel’s gaze shifted back and forth between the two men, his expression telegraphing a torrent of unvoiced protests.

Indeed, even now, he ought to step forward and interpose a firm refusal.

Would that not be the sensible course? As the thought formed.

“Little Brother.”

Lion offered a mischievous smile.

“Are you not at all curious to witness what lies at the very heart of the Labyrinth?”

“…”

Rikschel found himself unable to formulate an immediate reply.

To a practitioner of magic, such an invitation held an undeniable, profound allure.

“Consider it. Would I ever lead you and our grandfather into a perilous trap?”

No, no. He must not allow himself to be swayed by mere curiosity.

“Even so, I must lodge my formal objection…”

“Hahaha. Let us step inside first; if the prospect displeases you, I shall dispatch you straight back.”

Ignoring Rikschel’s ongoing objections, Lion reached out and swung the Labyrinth’s heavy portal wide.

“Older Brother!”

Beneath the boots of the three family members, a dense magic circle woven from intricate geometric formulas instantly flared into existence.

And inevitably…

『By the sovereign authority of the Library’s Master, honored guests are formally invited.』

『Registered Attendees: Petrick Asteri, Rikschel Asteri』

『Current Master of the Library: Lion Asteri』

In the next instant, all three were drawn seamlessly into the interior.

—

Blink.

Rikschel fluttered his eyelids open, uncertain precisely when he had squeezed them shut.

‘Where are we?’

Instead of the scholarly rows of bookshelves he had anticipated within the Labyrinth, a crisp, refreshing breeze brushed against his face.

“…!”

Rikschel stood frozen, utterly robbed of speech by the vista unfolding before him.

It was a landscape far surpassing any bounds of imagination, bearing no resemblance to the dusty archives he had envisioned or briefly toured in the past.

Vibrant grass carpeted the ground beneath his boots, dotted with clusters of unfamiliar, blossoming wildflowers.

A dense canopy of woodland stretched across the distant horizon, and when he turned his head toward the flank, a tranquil, deep lake mirrored the gentle caress of the wind.

A modest, rustic cottage sat bathed in the warm amber glow of a setting, crimson sun.

And there stood his older brother, having arrived ahead of them to tend a crackling hearth.

“So this was what remained hidden…”

Rikschel murmured the words before he could stop them.

The atmosphere was so profoundly serene that his previous dread felt entirely foolish.

Granted, enduring an entire month here in absolute solitude must have constituted a severe ordeal.

‘This differs entirely from my presumptions.’

Rikschel was finally forced to concede that his apprehensions had run away with him.

For reasons unknown, this domain held no hostility toward his older brother.

Rather… indeed.

It possessed the cozy intimacy of a secluded countryside retreat.

“It appears you were quite comfortably accommodated.”

Evidently sharing identical sentiments, Petrick let out a dry chuckle and murmured his observation.

“Indeed so.”

The exchange between grandfather and grandson was brief, yet in that single moment, they shared a profound sense of shared relief.

Above all else, the predominant realization was simple:

It was a boundless blessing that Lion had not endured undue suffering during his absence.

Without exchanging another word, the two strode forward to join Lion by the hearth.

The firewood, radiating the rich hues of twilight, cast a comforting warmth.

“Pleasant, is it not?”

“You appear to have mastered the art of leisure.”

“Ha. Come closer, take your seats.”

Lion guided the two visitors toward the edge of the glassy lake.

“Rest your legs here for a brief moment.”

He promptly produced two roughly hewn wooden chairs, setting them neatly in place.

“Where on earth did you acquire these?”

“I manufactured them myself. I figured seating might prove necessary should guests eventually pay a call.”

The two men seated themselves without further hesitation.

Granted, the chairs lacked the ergonomic refinement and plush cushioning of the fine furnishings utilized within the estate.

Yet, considering that Lion had shaped these very pieces with his own hands while isolated and thinking of his kin, they carried a warmth surpassing any luxury.

“Here, partake of some warm tea while I finalize the meal preparations.”

Pouring steaming water into rough wooden goblets, Lion vanished inside the rustic cabin for a moment.

“I ought to assist…”

Rikschel half-rose from his seat, only to be gently checked by a motion from Petrick, causing him to settle back down with an awkward expression.

Following that.

“…”

There remained virtually nothing that required their attention.

Together, they observed the dying sunset ripple across the surface of the lake, transitioning gradually into the silver radiance of moonlight, starlight, and the steady glow of the nearby lantern.

Though reluctance lingered in his heart, he had to admit it was remarkably…

Peaceful.

No impending crises demanded immediate resolution, nor was there any urgent paperwork awaiting his desk.

And perhaps because his older brother had personally shaped this sanctuary…

‘It bears the nostalgic air of the Mimir Forest campsites.’

For reasons difficult to articulate, the surroundings felt strangely familiar.

“That boy. Did he genuinely spend an entire month dwelling thus?”

Amidst the quietude, Petrick murmured under his breath.

A multitude of reflections drifted through the elder’s mind.

Normally, such a heavy concentration of thoughts would have brought swift mental fatigue, yet curiously, the memories and musings surfacing now carried no weariness whatsoever.

‘Indeed. It felt precisely like this during the days I journeyed alongside the Hero.’