Chapter 72

Chapter 72
Chapter 72: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

“Ahem, this has gone too far.”

Lion tucked away the fanciful daydreams playing in his mind.

Silvia’s recent situation had made him realize a fundamental truth.

If he harbored high expectations, he would only end up letting himself down.

At any rate.

“There are plenty of solid reasons to make the trip, aren’t there?”

Officially, the objective was to properly convey his gratitude and hand back the misplaced pendant.

It was also about time to pick up and drop off the garments that the head of the Swordsmanship Family had commissioned from Andri.

Lion neatly organized a strategy in his head.

If the mood turned out favorable, a wonderful outcome was bound to follow!

Lion offered a broad grin.

And.

—……

Only Nature, the Ancient Spirit, observed her master’s smile wearing a distinctly disgruntled look.

✦✦✦

A few days after the departure of the elves.

“That is a completely sound argument.”

Patrick listened to Lion’s explanation while massaging his temples.

There was simply no opening to criticize what his grandson was putting forward.

The leader of the Swordsmanship Family had lent unconditional assistance during the Library Labyrinth incident, so offering formal thanks was the proper course of action.

He would simply deliver the tailored attire at the same time.

“Even so, you are not permitted to go.”

Patrick shook his head with absolute determination.

“Naturally, receiving help demands that you repay the favor. However, your physical condition is still delicate enough that you need to exercise caution. That precisely explains why I visited the Swordsmanship Family personally on the previous occasion.”

Put differently, the grandfather, acting as the Family Head, had already settled the debt of gratitude that Lion owed.

“Since an ample recompense has already been delivered, postponing this visit for a later date is entirely acceptable.”

“…….”

He truly had not anticipated such an unyielding refusal.

‘Was the nosebleed episode genuinely that alarming to him?’

Even so, thanks to Nature’s intervention, he had emerged completely unscathed apart from a mild fever afterward.

The process of binding an Ancient Spirit had concluded quite safely… though.

‘It makes sense that he would worry.’

After all, this was his eldest grandson, who had spent years in a frail state.

Furthermore, the domain of the Swordsmanship Family resided well outside the borders of the Asteri Territory.

Within home territory, any crisis could be swiftly managed, but venturing outward meant that handling unexpected events would require time.

Naturally, it wasn’t as though rescue would be impossible should trouble find Lion abroad.

Patrick remained a master of high magic.

Still.

The mere fact that distance would cause a delay was the root of his anxiety.

Lion thoroughly grasped his grandfather’s apprehension, choosing to remain silent and merely return a reassuring smile toward Patrick.

“……My answer remains negative. Rikschel will likewise be unable to accompany you due to his ongoing regimen of training.”

“…….”

“Hmph. Is this young rascal attempting to challenge my authority?”

He fixed him with a deeply serious gaze for a prolonged moment.

“Hooouuu…….”

Patrick finally exhaled a heavy sigh, pressing his aching temples with renewed vigor.

‘Arguments have no effect on him.’

The boy was paying zero attention to warnings.

In truth, it looked as though he was merely informing him of the journey beforehand out of courtesy, purely to soften any potential worry.

From an objective standpoint, Patrick could find no legitimate justification to forbid Lion from leaving.

Lion was a grown adult!

Regardless of how formidable an Archmage Patrick Asteri happened to be, he could not bubble-wrap a fully matured man.

And his cunning grandson had already deduced that exact reality, wearing that very expression.

Striking the boy was obviously out of the question…

What options remained? In the end, he had no choice left but to concede.

“Very well. I yield.”

“Thank you!”

“On one strict condition, however.”

“Yes. Please state it, Grandfather.”

Patrick’s stipulations totaled three.

First.

“Take Elvia along with you.”

The anticipated requirement had been voiced.

In reality, Lion harbored no intention of traveling completely unaccompanied.

Naturally, venturing out into the broader world alone was something he wished to avoid, judging it far too premature.

“Second. Until you cross the threshold of the Duke of Byrdantis’s residence, keep the hair ornament you purchased at that modest storefront fastened in your hair.”

“……You were aware of that?”

He had found out about an event that went completely unmentioned?

As Lion’s eyes widened in surprise, Patrick let out a sharp scoff.

“Did you honestly believe occurrences within my own domain could escape my notice?”

The statement implied that he had simply chosen to turn a blind eye.

It appeared his grandfather possessed a far broader scope of awareness than he had ever imagined.

“And finally.”

“Yes.”

Judging by how the final term in any arrangement tended to carry the heaviest weight, this point likely formed the core of the matter.

“Should anyone attempt to take advantage of your presence over there.”

He ought to handle the situation as discreetly as possible, steering clear of any unnecessary friction…

“Respond with the utmost unpleasantness you can muster.”

“……Pardon?”

“Sigh. Honestly, this constitutes my greatest source of anxiety concerning you, Lion.”

Patrick heaved what felt like his hundredth sigh of the day, standing up to approach Lion.

He placed a heavy hand upon the boy’s shoulder, dropping his facade of stern composure as a troubled expression surfaced.

“You possess far too kind a nature.”

“…….”

Lion’s jaw parted slightly.

Kind?

‘No, absolutely not…….’

To be completely fair, the only reason he hadn’t displayed any temper lately was simply because no one had crossed his boundaries.

Before a situation could even escalate into friction, his family, Elvia, and even the estate servants intervened to resolve matters, did they not?

He simply hadn’t encountered a catalyst for anger.

Even so…….

‘I can hardly claim to possess a saintly disposition.’

While calling himself heartless felt inaccurate, Lion knew for a fact he wasn’t someone defined by excessive patience.

“Grandfather.”

“Speak.”

“I suspect there is a slight misunderstanding here, but kindness is not a word that defines me.”

He had simply remained tranquil because zero motivation existed to stir up conflict.

Lion mentally retraced the memories of his life prior to inhabiting this current body.

During moments of extreme provocation, hadn’t he completely dismantled corporate structures without hesitation?

Even within this current reality…

He hardly viewed himself as someone who allowed others to walk over him, did he?

“…….”

Patrick fell momentarily silent in the face of Lion’s unwavering assertion.

The witch, who had been making her presence felt silently ever since the mention of Elvia joining the trip, reacted similarly.

“Um…….”

She appeared to harbor several thoughts on the matter.

“I believe the Family Head is advising you to behave like an entitled, formidable young master. Adopting that persona ensures that troublesome elements will hesitate to latch onto you.”

“Aha!”

So that was the underlying intent behind avoiding unpredictable characters who might approach with ulterior motives.

The concept was reasonably clear.

Lion cast his mind back through personal history.

“Pardon me, do you happen to know the correct route to this location?”

“Indeed. If you proceed down this path…”

“Oh goodness, I appreciate your help so much. By the way, you possess quite a striking appearance.”

“……Pardon?”

“Have you ever considered embracing the True Path?”

He needed to arm himself against such bizarre encounters.

‘Well, viewed from that angle…’

Lion nodded as comprehension finally dawned.

“Understood completely. I shall strive to be as thoroughly disagreeable as humanly possible.”

“Are you certain you have grasped the objective correctly?”

“Yes. Without a doubt.”

“……Very well. Should any complications arise, Elvia will provide assistance.”

“Have no fear, Family Head.”

“I hold you to that.”

The two exchanged firm, resolute nods.

“So, when do you intend to initiate your departure?”

“I am aiming for sometime within the current week.”

He needed to grant Andri adequate time to finish packaging the garments and finalize preparations.

“Understood. I shall oversee the logistical arrangements for the journey on behalf of the seamstress, so put your mind at ease.”

“Understood. My thanks.”

Lion inclined his head respectfully and exited the chamber.

He remained blissfully unaware of what those particular travel preparations entailed.

—

Armed with his grandfather’s formal approval, Lion made his way directly toward Andri’s establishment.

Before he could even broach the topic of traveling together toward the Byrdantis household estate…

“I have already received a full briefing from the Lord. I stand prepared to set out at a moment’s notice.”

Her tone carried an unusual, intense gravity.

Just how on earth had his grandfather phrased the explanation to her?

“Andri! I shall dedicate every ounce of my effort to ensuring the Young Master accomplishes this classified assignment!”

“……Classified assignment?”

Well, the pendant essentially functioned as an heirloom belonging to the Swordsmanship Family, and his intent was to return it discreetly, rendering the endeavor a private affair technically.

A disguise would likely prove necessary as well.

“There is no need to maintain such a high level of tension.”

“Understood! I shall behave precisely as I always do!”

“At any rate, our departure is scheduled within the week, which is why I stopped by to check if you required additional time.”

“My preparations are entirely complete! And…….”

Andri tugged forward a tailor’s mannequin standing nearby.

“Young Master. Would you care to test the fit of these?”

“What might these be?”

Lion inspected the garments closely.

The fabric unmistakably radiated the aura of ‘Benevolent Love’…

『Master Seamstress’s Luxurious Travel Attire (★★★)』

-These garments were crafted specifically at the request of someone wishing for your absolute safety regardless of your destination.

-They exude an undeniable aura of luxury and status. No observer could ever dare look down upon the wearer!

-They absorb and disperse a designated threshold of physical impact.

“The Family Head personally commissioned these items in anticipation of an occasion precisely like this one.”

“I see.”

The man truly harbored deep concerns.

‘Even so, thanks to that foresight, I’ve acquired fine garments.’

They lacked the stiff ostentation of a formal suit while avoiding the mundane appearance of standard wanderer clothing.

If anything… they mirrored the exact aesthetic of a cherished ‘Young Master’ traveling in comfort.

“Hehe. Adjusting the tailoring to achieve this balance required a rather substantial amount of time.”

“…….”

He had narrowly avoided parading across the territory looking like a traveling clown.

“I am genuinely grateful.”

Andri beamed brightly, looking like someone who had weathered a challenging creative process.

“Go ahead and slip them on.”

“Very well.”

Given the sheer volume of consideration poured into the project, trying them on was the minimum courtesy.

Lion stepped into the fitting area and changed into the travel attire.

True to expectations, the fabric felt feather-light, offering extraordinary comfort without the slightest restriction of movement.

“Just as anticipated! They complement your appearance wonderfully!”

“That is merely the natural result of an elite artisan’s craftsmanship.”

“Such high praise delights me! Hahaha… Ah! That reminds me, Leah specifically requested that you drop by the smithy once you stepped down into the village!”

“The smithy?”

“Indeed! I figured paying a visit would be wise since you were descending to the settlement anyway.”

She offered an encouraging thumbs-up, repeatedly insisting that he need not worry about the upcoming journey in the slightest.

“Understood. I will stop by. Regarding the expense for the clothing…”

“Payment is completely unnecessary! This fabric, this workshop, and even the loyal clientele I’ve gained are all blessings I owe entirely to you!”

“In that case, I shall wear them with sincere appreciation.”

Andri escorted Lion out, visibly content with the interaction.

It brought a sense of relief to witness her radiating far more vitality than during their earlier encounters.

Lion proceeded directly to the blacksmith’s workshop just as Andri had directed.

Upon arrival…

“What took you so long to arrive!”

The dwarf smith, Mudu, stood with his thick, muscular arms folded tightly across his chest, glaring at Lion with clear irritation.

“Mudu! Have you been keeping well?”

“Well? What part of my current existence could possibly be described as well! Dealing with those pointy-eared brats running amok around the forge has been a relentless hardship!”

“Haha.”

The complaints undoubtedly stemmed from interactions with the low-level Fire Spirits currently residing there.

“Have you encountered any complications regarding the flames?”

“None whatsoever! In fact, the thermal output has grown noticeably more stable ever since those pointy-eared visitors came and went, so I suppose it functions well enough.”

Despite holding a traditional dwarven aversion toward elves, he refrained from further complaints since the outcomes proved advantageous.

“More importantly, you instructed me to come here—what is the occasion?”

“Hmph. Follow me!”

He trailed behind Mudu into the inner depths of the forge, where…

“What is this setup?”

“It appears the fellow has cultivated a variety of domestic pursuits during the interim period. Consequently, I decided to assemble a proper set for you.”

『Mudu’s Comprehensive Tool Kit (★★★)』

-Houses every conceivable implement imaginable for field work or craft.

-Rests comfortably within the palm while maintaining an exceptional lightness! Crafted through an undisclosed secret technique.

The collection contained an array of specialized tools.

Neatly housed within a compact carrying case, the equipment promised effortless transport for Lion during his travels.