Chapter 58

Chapter 58
Chapter 58: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

“You can’t see me?”

“I can’t see you. I can feel your presence, though… ”

As a practitioner of magic, he could sense her aura, yet her physical shape remained hidden from view.

It felt akin to Mudu’s predicament, or perhaps an even lesser state of manifestation.

“To possess such profound proficiency in spiritual arts, you are genuinely incredible, Older Brother!”

“It is nothing extraordinary. I only just recognized it now.”

“Pardon. You are only realizing this at this very moment?!”

Embrog, who had been quietly monitoring their exchange with his acute hearing, chimed in with astonishment.

“Ah, that is because individuals in the mortal realm rarely encounter opportunities to mingle with spirits.”

Lion replied in vague terms, though the explanation did little to clear the confusion.

Still, very well…

‘What option remains when he claims ignorance?’

Having concluded the stroll around the estate’s grounds, his footsteps naturally directed him toward the ground-floor guest chambers where the delegates were housed.

And there, several elves stood with their distinct pointed ears fully exposed…

Among them was Freya, currently undergoing a stern reprimand.

Standing like a misbehaving child with both hands raised in punishment.

“Hmm.”

Facing public admonishment right in the corridor rather than behind closed doors carried the unmistakable air of scolding a wayward youngster during a family outing.

As Lion paused in his tracks, Embrog, walking beside him, cleared his throat softly.

“I cannot speak for human customs, but that young one is merely a fledgling among our kind…”

His implication was that such corrective discipline was entirely standard procedure.

“Understood.”

Rikschel took the opportunity to recap the recent developments that had transpired within the manor to Lion.

“Initially, as I noted previously, the preliminary discussions were completed. Consequently, the elves have dropped their defensive stance.”

It appeared Rikschel had managed the negotiations admirably in his capacity as heir.

Furthermore, the dialogue itself seemed to have progressed advantageously.

Under those circumstances, it was logical for them to offer excuses regarding her youth while the elven visitors acknowledged their own lapse in decorum.

“You must have endured quite an ordeal.”

“Ahem, it is merely my duty, but… receiving your commendation is rather gratifying, Older Brother.”

Mid-conversation,

Flap flap!

Freya’s bound spirit, a Salamander, abruptly materialized and darted toward Lion.

It latched onto his trouser hem with desperate urgency, gazing up imploringly… as though begging him to intercede on behalf of its mistress.

“Hmm.”

Lion alternated his gaze between the persistent Salamander and Freya, who remained under reprimand some distance away.

Then, his eyes locked directly with Freya’s.

Freya’s eyes widened in sudden shock, followed immediately by…

“Hey, Lion! What on earth?!”

She began gesturing wildly toward Lion!

From the perspective of Freya, who had faced continuous lecturing from the Elven Elders ever since regaining consciousness, this turn of events defied all logic.

She failed to comprehend why the elders were present within the Asteri Family residence, nor why High Elves had become involved!

Added to that absolute confusion…

‘Why… why is my Salamander clinging to Lion Asteri?!’

And why would it approach him seeking salvation?

Moreover, how is that human capable of perceiving spirits?

He is merely human.

Could he possess genius-level aptitude in spiritual arts alongside his prowess in alchemy?

Gulp gulp.

She held an overwhelming amount of grievances yet found herself completely speechless, reduced to pointing frantically until the supervising elf issued a sharp command.

“Will you keep your arms raised at a proper elevation?”

“Ceeing!”

Freya ultimately thrust her arms higher into the air, emitting a disgruntled groan.

“You are the bane of my existence! I cannot even show my face back in the settlement anymore! How could someone of your disposition be my blood relative?”

The punishing elf appeared to share familial ties with her.

The elder promptly resumed the lengthy lecture.

“A mere child who has barely been weaned dares to abandon home to forge her own path, only to fraternize with dubious humans and cause complications for the descendant of an Elder Elf?”

“Abduction? Is this what you utilized your spiritual studies for? If so, return to the settlement immediately and undergo proper discipline!”

“Negative!”

“Did anyone grant you permission to reply?”

“…”

Ah.

Though his familiarity with elven society was limited, intelligent life forms seemed fundamentally identical regardless of race.

“Well then, let us step inside and avoid inserting ourselves into that particular exchange.”

Embrog observed the two of them, offered a mild, awkward smile, and grasped the handle of his assigned chamber door.

However…

‘Sniff, this smells distinctly like a trap.’

Naturally, Rikschel would attempt to obstruct him, but this particular elf… carried the demeanor of someone well-versed in manipulative discourse.

Put simply, he was exceedingly cunning.

While his exact objective remained obscure, delaying him for as long as possible was likely the prudent course.

His instincts as a veteran merchant were screaming warnings.

‘Observe that expression.’

Did his features not twist into one of sheer greed the instant the Salamander displayed interest a moment ago?

Disregarding the doorknob beneath Embrog’s palm, Lion broke the silence.

“That reminds me, your companion over there appears gifted with considerable talent in alchemy.”

“…Whom do you mean?”

Lion gestured toward Freya.

At the gesture, the little lizard clinging to Lion brightened instantly, affectionately brushing its tongue against his cheek.

Though devoid of actual moisture, the radiating warmth felt quite unusual.

A reptilian creature… exuding heat.

“Based on the fragments overheard during her scolding, the general sequence of events is clear to me. Along with Freya’s underlying motives.”

“Does that mean you also recognize the severe peril you were placed in?”

“Yet you remain unharmed presently.”

“…”

There was no counterargument to be made against his safety.

Rikschel understood the underlying intent behind his Older Brother’s approach and maintained a prudent silence.

Still, every word required careful calibration.

A misstep regarding alchemy might expose the Hero’s Potion, while venturing into the topic of spirits risked an involuntary summons to the Elven Domain… it was a precarious balance.

Fortunately, Lion retained absolute composure.

“To my knowledge, the Elven Domain consists primarily of dense woodlands, ensuring pristine air quality. While this fortress incorporates atmospheric purification arrays, its benefits for elves must surely have boundaries.”

“…”

The observation was entirely accurate.

Embrog massaged his throat.

His throat felt uncomfortably dry and his eyes stung, perhaps reacting to residual dust.

Furthermore, after expending vast reserves of energy to complete this long journey, a deep longing for raw nature had already taken root.

Under such conditions, how agonizing must the environment be for youthful elves who had never previously journeyed beyond their borders?

‘His designation is Lion.’

Since the local spirits clearly favored him, he must possess exceptional consideration.

As Embrog and his accompanying elves remained quiet, Lion tightened his fist in silent resolve.

‘Indeed. There must be an underlying reason why the elves left their spiritual companions behind.’

They were simply overburdened.

Their probable intent had been releasing them individually once reaching the settlement to conserve vitality before returning to retrieve them.

Given that unsummoning them here was impossible, alternative solutions were non-existent.

“The Mimir Forest lies immediately adjacent to this estate. How would you view resting within its boundaries? It strikes me that the spirits would likewise find comfort and relaxation there.”

“Hmm.”

Initially, Embrog had shown minimal interest.

His throat felt raspy and his eyes irritated, but those were minor inconveniences.

He merely wished to conclude his official business expeditiously and depart.

Yet, a major variable had entered the equation.

Namely, Lion Asteri.

A human capable of perceiving high-ranking spirits from the outset!

‘Had he been born an elf, he might well have commanded the allegiance of a Spirit King!’

An elf perceiving high-ranking entities was astonishing enough, let alone a human!

Yet, judging by his outward demeanor, the surrounding humans remained entirely oblivious to the full extent of his capabilities.

Naturally, lacking the sight, such ignorance was unavoidable.

‘Mortals are truly obtuse.’

They congregate in massive quantities and systematically devastate nature.

‘Tsk tsk.’

He clicked his tongue mentally while keeping his external expression neutral.

Securing a favorable standing with Lion Asteri took precedence above all else.

‘While he might currently prefer remaining amidst his kindred here, once he experiences the Elven Domain, where existence unfolds in absolute harmony with pristine nature…’

Would he not naturally choose to dwell there?

‘With talent of this caliber, lacking elven blood is hardly an obstacle.’

And beyond that…

Unlike ordinary humans, does he not possess an exceptionally gentle heart?

He had already grown deeply fond of the youth, though Embrog remained oblivious to the fact.

“What is your age?”

“My age? I reach adulthood within this cycle… Ah, I have turned twenty.”

Twenty years of age!

To an elven lifespan, that represented a stage where one was merely learning to walk!

How could such a tender soul be so benevolent!

‘That settles it. I understand completely now!’

He projects consideration toward the elven visitors, but in reality, his empathy is directed at the spirits themselves!

Embrog had observed the phenomenon prior to entering the manor.

The dense congregation of spirits surrounding Lion!

Moreover, those specific entities all possessed bonded masters.

They were elite, carefully chosen elven spirit masters who had never failed their contracts.

Each maintained a profound and unbreakable bond with their respective partner.

Yet, they exhibited an instinctive attraction toward Lion.

‘This indicates…’

The deeper he analyzed the situation, the more miraculous it appeared.

Allowing such profound aptitude to languish unclaimed for twenty years.

Especially given the notoriously brief lifespans of humans!

It defied every principle of elven logic.

For a human to display such affinity for the spiritual realm…

‘Patrick Asteri. I shall certainly raise the topic when the Elder Elf’s envoy arrives.’

To hand over Lion Asteri into our care!

“For what reason do you inquire regarding my Older Brother’s age?”

“Haha. It is nothing of consequence. Now then. You mentioned a forest?”

Regardless, rejecting the proposal served no purpose.

In truth, he would have readily believed claims of walking backward at this point.

The simple gesture of a highly sensitive high-level water sprite nudging him forward constituted proof sufficient to elevate Lion Asteri’s credibility to the absolute maximum.

Naturally, he had not encountered rumors characterizing Lion as eccentric either…

Either way, the development favored Lion entirely.

“Since many of our kin appear exhausted, let us proceed with that plan. Those requiring the vitality of the woodland, follow my lead.”

Then, remarkably, the majority of the elves who had been quietly lingering about assembled behind Embrog without a sound.

A falling autumn leaf would have generated greater disturbance.

“…”

Rikschel experienced a rare shiver run down his spine witnessing their synchronized silence.

Had the Elder Elf not provided prior warning.

Even factoring in Sylvia the witch alongside his own capabilities…

He might well have failed to notice several of them.

And while remaining entirely imperceptible…

Stagger.

“Oh my.”

Every time his Older Brother shifted position, he appeared to instinctively sidestep invisible obstacles, clearly signaling the heavy presence of numerous spiritual entities occupying the space.

Gulp.

Rikschel swallowed hard.

Had armed conflict materialized, the resulting casualties among their forces would have been devastating.

“Haha… They suggest that while mortal lives are fleeting, their potential blossoms prematurely, and the saying appears accurate. One is a practitioner of magic, while the other commands spirits.”

Yet he persisted in labeling his Older Brother a spirit master.

“My Older Brother possesses deep comprehension regarding the arts of alchemy.”

“Well, he practices alchemy, spiritual arts, and whatever other discipline happens to display superior promise.”

Rikschel winced inwardly at the smooth evasion.

‘That individual harbors designs upon my Older Brother.’

It appeared his Older Brother commanded substantial talent within the spiritual arts domain.

However, the realization failed to shock him.

Had his Older Brother not already demonstrated an array of diverse skills?

Spiritual mastery merely added to the collection.

And undoubtedly, further capabilities would surface as time progressed.

‘Consequently, surrendering him is entirely out of the question.’

—

What is your next step regarding the Asteri Family or the visiting elven delegation?