Chapter 59

Chapter 59
Chapter 59: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

Older Brother’s talent is not limited to just one.

If I were to place Older Brother into the hands of the author, he would forever remain indebted to Spirit Arts.

And perhaps…….

A sideways glance – Rikschel covertly observed Lion.

Even though he shows no outward signs, Older Brother understands the situation as well.

Yet he brought me this far.

Because we need to buy time until the Family Head arrives.

‘If that is the case.’

It is far better to handle it this manner.

Rikschel spoke with an affable smile.

“This is Older Brother’s favored sanctuary. He invariably comes here whenever he wishes to study or rest.”

“Ah, as one would expect from someone who holds a deep affection for nature……”

“However, Freya has trespassed here.”

“That is.”

“Ha-ha. Naturally, it is merely the foolish behavior of a young companion, but an error is an error. Older Brother has magnanimously brought her here as a guest.”

Therefore, refrain from any reckless actions, keep quiet, absorb your fill of nature, and depart for home obediently when the Family Head arrives.

That was the underlying message.

‘That brat…….’

In the reckoning of elves, she is barely a nursing infant, yet her tone of voice is remarkably sharp.

Embrog paced forward with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression maintaining a pleasant smile.

“I shall express my gratitude for that, as it stems from Lion’s inherent nature. To be precise, it originates from the subtlety that only a top-tier spirit medium can manifest.”

“Older Brother exhibited kindness even before he possessed the ability to perceive spirits.”

“It remains a point of consideration whether he was previously unable to perceive spirits due to their total absence in the mortal realm, or simply because he lacked the capability.”

A silent clash of spears.

The adage claiming that one cannot strike a smiling countenance proves to be an absolute fabrication.

Just how many concealed daggers were they hurling at one another behind those smiling facades at this very moment?

As they both maintained a low growl, seeking to inflict injury upon each other while leaving no openings.

“Pardon me……”

Freya, who had trailed behind them, addressed Lion.

“Hmm? You accompanied us as well?”

In truth, I had intended to let her depart because it appeared she was receiving an excessive reprimand.

She must have been thoroughly chastised by my family as well.

“Since you are already here, take a brief rest.”

“Th-that is……”

As anticipated, her eyes were swollen as though she had undergone a rigorous scolding.

The instant Freya’s gaze locked with Lion’s, she murmured softly.

“I am truly sorry. I attempted to commit a grievous wrong.”

“……”

I had not anticipated an apology from her.

Furthermore, it was not merely an attempt to smooth over the awkward situation.

She acknowledged her transgression and offered her apology with genuine sincerity.

“In truth, I desperately desired to gain insight from Lord Lion. Thus, even though I was fully aware I should not have……”

She explained that elves remain distant from alchemy, and the specific path of alchemy Freya herself pursued differed markedly from that of the alchemists residing within the magic tower.

It must indeed have differed.

A moral failing, perhaps.

‘Though that would hardly align with my own path either.’

Regardless.

She stated that this ordeal made her realize that everything she had pursued thus far was fundamentally flawed, which was the true reason she came to offer apologies.

She even added that it would be entirely acceptable should I choose to decline her apology.

‘No, well…….’

Now, considering the totality of the circumstances, I am well aware that a catastrophic event was narrowly averted.

Yet, did the catastrophe not ultimately fail to materialize?

‘In reality, it could never have occurred in the first place.’

Had Elvia not maintained surveillance upon me ever since I crossed into Mimir Forest?

Even if a kidnapping attempt had transpired, I would have been safely escorted back to the mansion within less than an hour.

That precise reality accounted for why Lion, unlike his past life, was simply proceeding as he pleased.

Therefore, I held no reservations about accepting her apology.

However.

‘If I were to readily accept her apology under these exact circumstances.’

It would generate complications externally.

In particular, Embrog’s gaze is remarkably piercing.

It conveyed the distinct implication that accepting her apology would result in Freya being excluded from the ongoing negotiations.

Freya, however, appeared entirely oblivious to this dynamic.

Ugh. Mortals and elves alike.

I grow weary of polished speakers.

‘…There is no necessity for that at present.’

A swift glance –

Lion cast his gaze toward the far boundary of the forest.

Swoosh.

Sensing the chill of the wind drifting in from the direction of the Asteri Mansion…….

“Ah, it appears Grandfather has arrived.”

“Hmm.”

It seemed sufficient time had been successfully acquired.

Rikschel wore a triumphant smile.

“Let us converse further at another time.”

Rather than offering a verbal acceptance of Freya’s apology, Lion simply ruffled her hair and turned on his heel.

“……?”

Freya, utterly failing to comprehend the meaning behind the gesture, stood frozen for a moment as she instinctively patted her newly ruffled locks.

—

“You have arrived with notable speed.”

“I surmised the matter to be of an urgent nature, hence I hastened my pace. I ask that you forgive the Elder’s Companion for the anger displayed.”

Embrog’s demeanor had undergone a dramatic shift compared to when he was interacting with Lion and Rikschel.

Beneath his amiable smile, his eyes flashed with sharp intensity.

The King of the Elves. The Elder Elf’s Companion.

One of the mortal figures who successfully vanquished the adversaries of all existence across the continent.

Patrick Asteri.

While exchanging jests with his descendants remained feasible, dealing with this specific individual proved exceedingly difficult.

Particularly.

A brief glance.

Embrog’s eyes flickered momentarily toward Lion before shifting back.

‘Solely on account of Lion, you see.’

Lion Asteri.

He has yet to even forge a contract with a spirit… no, he has scarcely encountered one, yet he commands extraordinary talent capable of communicating with high-level entities.

Such a phenomenon is genuinely astonishing.

He possesses an aptitude for alchemy?

Spirit Arts represent an entirely different echelon of talent compared to the simple brewing of potions.

How could the remarkable capacity to harness the abilities of spirits spanning dimensions ever be compared to mere concoctions!

In theory, spirit communication can even facilitate dimensional traversal!

‘The fundamental complication lies in the sheer rarity of such talent.’

Elves, by their very nature, maintain a restricted population.

They harbor minimal desire for reproduction, and societal convention dictates that intermarrying with outside races strips one of true elf status.

Furthermore, while the vast majority of elves can wield Spirit Arts, that capability is far from universal.

Consequently, the lineage and transmission of Spirit Arts have gradually withered in modern times.

Acknowledging the gravity of this decline, the “Non-Racial Theory” has recently gained significant traction.

Traditionally, Spirit Arts are viewed as an innate birthright exclusive to elves, yet anomalous individuals occasionally emerge beyond these boundaries.

From dwarves sensitive to fire spirits, to rare humans or beastmen capable of summoning mid-grade entities.

Elves. And High Elf Embrog exerted every possible effort, transcending racial divides, to cultivate such latent talents.

Freya stands as living testament to that philosophy.

Even though she remains a half-elf, essentially abandoned by the Elf Country proper.

Fortunately, her aptitude for Spirit Arts manifested, prompting the Elder to bestow protective magic upon her for baseline preservation.

‘Therefore, I intend to claim Lion Asteri.’

Had Lion Asteri occupied the position of the official successor to the Asteri household, I would have yielded with deep regret and walked away.

I harbored no ambitions to embroil myself in mortal politics.

However, reliable reports indicate that the designated successor here is his younger brother, Rikschel Asteri.

That child, despite his tender years, wields a remarkably sharp tongue.

If that is the case… would it not be acceptable?

Mutually speaking, that child’s horizon of learning will inevitably expand.

Simultaneously, we shall impart the sacred truths passed down by our precursors regarding Spirit Arts.

To achieve that objective, I must successfully persuade this individual before me.

‘Formidable.’

Embrog’s initial impression of Patrick Asteri was the biting cold and severity of a midwinter gale.

‘As expected of the Elder’s Companion.’

Embrog had partaken in countless diplomatic exchanges with diverse races, yet such an overwhelming presence remained truly rare.

It manifested through his mana, and his very essence appeared aligned with it.

Gulp.

I swallowed hard, entirely of my own accord.

‘This outcome is preferable.’

Individuals of this caliber typically possess astute business sense regarding practical affairs.

They calculate gains and losses through pure instinct.

Therefore, should I present an appropriate trade-off in exchange for Lion Asteri, the negotiation might conclude with surprising swiftness.

…Or so Embrog calculated.

However.

“Grandfather, did the journey here exhaust you in any way?”

“I remained entirely unaffected.”

“Where did your travels take you this time to warrant such an extended absence?”

“I attended a renowned swordsmanship household as an honored guest.”

“……”

Something felt amiss.

Embrog slowly swept his gaze across the surroundings.

The collective auras of the elves and spirits providing his escort raged with open hostility against Patrick Asteri’s domain of mana.

Patrick himself was beyond reproach, while Rikschel Asteri standing beside him radiated an energy no less intense.

Because of this volatile atmosphere, ordinary servants dared not even approach this guest pavilion.

Even Freya appeared deeply ill-at-ease amidst the tension, hunkering quietly in a corner while absentmindedly braiding her hair.

‘Yet why…….’

Why does our future, our beacon of light, the peerless genius Lion Asteri sit composedly beside Patrick without a flicker of concern?

Since he was not actively manipulating mana, the precise currents remained imperceptible.

Slurp.

Embrog raised his teacup for a sip to steady his nerves.

Even so, opportunities always present themselves through vulnerabilities.

“You both appear remarkably close.”

“Grandfather showers me with immense affection.”

“Hmm. Hmm.”

Patrick Asteri offered no denial whatsoever.

That reaction confirmed that the outward appearance reflected reality.

“Ha-ha. It is heartwarming to witness such a tight bond between grandfather and grandson. We typically lead solitary lives once adulthood is reached, making such scenes a rarity.”

“You did not journey here solely to discuss the pleasant quality of the air, did you?”

Patrick inquired with directness.

“……Fortunately, the successor of this domain has already resolved our minor misunderstanding, leaving no weighty matters for discussion. Rather, it is we who owe an apology.”

The moment the words left his lips, Embrog rose from his seated position and offered a formal, respectful bow of apology.

Instantly, the escorting elves behind him lowered their heads in unison.

“Although she is merely a half-elf, the child under our protection nearly committed a grave discourtesy, and thus we formally offer our apologies to Lord Lion Asteri.”

He continued without pause.

“Furthermore, we extend our apologies for entering the Asteri Mansion bearing arms, despite the absence of any actual commotion. Thanks to the Elder’s Companion’s magnanimous understanding, no real harm transpired.”

Two distinct apologies were delivered, yet the respective recipients were clearly demarcated.

The apology concerning the incident with Freya was directed to Lion.

Entering the Asteri Mansion without proper authorization, meanwhile, constituted an entirely separate transgression.

“……”

Patrick’s brow twitched slightly.

A masterclass in adopting a submissive posture while executing a graceful escape.

That precisely encapsulates why I harbor an aversion to elves.

Despite their youthful outward facade, one can never determine whether a millennium-old elder lurks beneath the surface.

“And so, of what actual utility are apologies comprised solely of spoken words?”

“Prior to Lord Patrick Asteri’s arrival, I communicated with the Elder. He informed me that an elf bearing a suitable gift of apology has already departed from our homeland and should arrive shortly.”

“Do you intend to impose upon our hospitality for several additional days?”

“We shall indeed impose upon you, unashamedly so. Furthermore……”