Chapter 73

Chapter 73
Chapter 73: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

The equipment possessed vastly superior craftsmanship compared to the pieces acquired from the Shilling Shop.

“Hmph, do you like it?”

“Naturally. Thank you so much.”

“Wait a moment, it is far too soon for astonishment. Cast your eyes upon this as well.”

Mudu drew an object from his belt with an air of triumph.

And there it lay.

“…”

[Mudu’s High-Quality Dagger (★★)]

* A skillfully forged blade bearing Mudu’s name engraved upon it.
* Suited for combat against adversaries, yet equally practical for cleaving through stubborn thickets or severing thick ropes.

It was a dagger.

‘I appreciate this, but…’

Rather than a staff or a wand, a dagger had materialized out of nowhere?

Even so, he remained the eldest scion of a distinguished magic lineage.

To anyone other than Lion, it could easily have been interpreted as an elaborate form of mockery: ‘Since you are incapable of wielding magic, use this instead!’

Noticing the perplexity in his gaze, Mudu offered a reassuring smile.

“Did you not mention heading toward Baidantis Territory? If so, carrying a blade is essential.”

“Because it is a region renowned for swordsmanship?”

“That is certainly part of it, but the locals there harbor a strong disdain for those who go unarmed.”

Baidantis Territory maintained a peculiar local custom.

Every resident, regardless of age or gender, was expected to bear a sword.

“Perhaps the tradition emerged simply from dwelling among an abundance of ferocious beasts and rugged folk.”

“I see. I was unaware of that; it is impressive how thoroughly you understand the region.”

“Well, it happens to be my homeland.”

“…!”

That detail had entirely escaped him.

He had never realized Mudu’s origins traced back to Baidantis Territory.

“Did I fail to mention it previously?”

“I merely knew that you had wandered extensively before settling here.”

Mudu scratched his head with a soot-stained finger.

“Why do you suppose I summoned you here today?”

“Did you not simply call for me? I confess I gave it little thought.”

“…”

Mudu’s brows furrowed sharply, a look of bewilderment crossing his features.

“Even with who I am, would I summon the Young Master of the estate without a purpose? Fasten that dagger to your belt—wait, why is your belt already so burdened? Attach it to your thigh or somewhere clearly visible instead. Those scoundrels always target weapons first during an ambush.”

Regardless, the weapon had been crafted out of genuine concern.

Lion offered a wry smile.

“My thanks.”

“Don’t mention it! Cough…”

Mudu stroked his mustache before shifting the conversation with subtle intent.

“If you truly feel gratitude, on your return journey, if you happen to pass through the Dwarf Village, please convey my regards to the Village Chief. He is my younger brother.”

“Is that all? Is there anything specific you wish for me to deliver?”

“Why would you trouble yourself with carrying such trivial burdens?”

“Truly, nothing at all?”

“…”

Only then did Mudu rummage through his pockets and produce an aged band of metal.

[Old Ring]

* A plain, weathered ring covered in countless scratches.

“It represents the very first piece of jewelry my younger brother ever forged.”

That single detail spoke volumes.

“I will ensure it reaches him safely.”

“Good. He will not send you away empty-handed in return.”

Mudu let out a hearty laugh and waved a dismissive hand.

“I have delayed you long enough! Be off with you!”

“I am departing now.”

Lion stored the ring safely within his inventory.

He resolved that under no circumstances must this item be misplaced.

‘Still…’

The sentiment felt far heavier than he had anticipated.

He had always viewed travel as merely setting off on a whim and eventually returning.

This marked the first occasion where someone had genuinely worried over his safety and urged him to come back unharmed.

Was it because of the numerous gifts? Or perhaps the new attire?

A profound warmth bloomed within his chest, leaving him feeling completely fulfilled.

A natural smile graced Lion’s lips as he made his way back toward the grand estate.

‘Not entirely unpleasant.’

—

“…Is such an extreme measure truly necessary?”

On the morning of their departure.

Lion muttered the words, staring at the carriage parked before the main gates with an expression of utter disbelief.

Admittedly, the vehicle bore no family crest.

Yet… could anyone genuinely mistake this for a conveyance meant for ordinary travelers?

“Verify that no supplies are missing and that all defensive magic circles are fully inscribed.”

“Understood!”

Ignoring Lion’s murmurs, Rikschel continued to double-check the preparations.

“Brother. I had hoped to accompany you myself, but I believe I am on the verge of a breakthrough in my magical studies, which unfortunately detains me.”

He should have anticipated this outcome the moment Rikschel offered that regretful excuse days prior.

Rikschel’s absence simply meant he had ensured every possible detail was meticulously managed.

“Good grief…”

Lion decided resistance was futile.

The depth of his younger brother’s solicitude was staggering.

And this vehicle was an Asteri original!

Lion swung the carriage door open and stepped inside.

The interior proved remarkably expansive, clearly enhanced by spatial magic, and the seating rivaled the comfort of a plush bed.

Not only that, but a private washroom and a retiring chamber were also included…

‘Wait, why are these amenities present?’

“Are we not merely traveling to a settlement adjacent to Baidantis Territory? Will we not be utilizing teleportation gates?”

“Indeed. That is precisely why we arranged conditions to be as ordinary as possible.”

“…”

This qualified as ordinary?

If the exclusion of the family crest was the only metric, perhaps so.

He felt as though the quiet resolve he had forged mere moments ago to appreciate Rikschel’s efforts was rapidly evaporating.

Rikschel simply smiled at Lion’s reaction.

Knowing how frugal his older brother tended to be, he had expected some degree of hesitation.

Nevertheless, solid reasoning underpinned such elaborate preparations.

“Brother, do you happen to know the primary targets of highway bandits?”

“I cannot say I do.”

“They invariably target individuals who appear reasonably affluent.”

“Ah…”

In other words, the more ostentatious the exterior, the fewer brigands would dare approach.

Consequently, Elvia would be able to journey in greater comfort.

“I understand. Thank you, little brother.”

“Think nothing of it. In truth, your disciple provided several useful suggestions.”

“Freya?”

“Yes. Prior to your departure, she visited and offered various recommendations. Furthermore, I personally selected the coachman.”

“Oh.”

Come to think of it, did Freya not hold a prominent position within the criminal underworld?

In the warmth of her cheerful and polite demeanor, he had nearly overlooked that fact.

The realization that Freya had handpicked the driver implied the individual was far from ordinary.

Most likely, the person was a trusted operative from the shadows.

“Are you certain this is wise?”

“Certainly. There is no cause for concern. The individual is entirely reliable.”

…How could one be so confident?

More importantly, was it prudent to entangle oneself with underworld figures?

‘At this point, I suppose it is acceptable!’

Lion chose to drop the line of questioning.

Regardless, he felt genuinely grateful for the thorough preparations.

Especially considering how occupied Freya typically remained with her own affairs.

“It pains me that I cannot share in this journey.”

“We shall certainly travel together next time.”

“Yes!”

After exchanging final farewells, Lion finally boarded the carriage.

“It remains remarkably spacious upon a second look…”

Elvia took her place in the driver’s seat, stating her intention to remain vigilant against potential ambushes, while Andrie secured a position near the cargo hold to address any unforeseen emergencies.

She had insisted that her attire must remain pristine throughout the trip.

‘As expected of an escort commissioned by a Swordsmanship household after all this time.’

Such heightened tension was entirely justifiable.

As Lion inspected the interior once more, the driver’s voice rang out, announcing their imminent departure.

Their initial destination was a domain governed by Count Rungen, situated just south of Asteri Territory.

Lion settled comfortably into his seat and glanced out the window.

The carriage moved at an impressive pace, causing the surrounding landscape to blur past swiftly.

First came a cluster of modest dwellings, followed by rolling meadows, until they finally plunged into the dense forests bordering the domain.

‘Quite comfortable, all things considered.’

Despite the vehicle’s exorbitant luxury, he had not anticipated such a smooth ride.

He remained fully aware that the carriage was in motion, yet virtually no jolts disturbed the cabin.

Road noise was similarly muffled.

To exaggerate slightly, it rivaled the ride quality of a high-end sedan.

Even so…

“Hmm.”

As anticipated, the experience lacked the distinct sensation of truly traveling.

While the physical comfort was deeply appreciated.

‘With no one else around, stepping outside should be fine.’

Pulling his hood down to shadow his face, Lion made his way out to the driver’s bench.

“Young Master?”

Elvia, who had been gazing at the passing scenery with a complex mixture of emotions, turned toward him with a questioning look.

“Why have you come out here? Without internal protective spells, the wind will prove rather bothersome.”

“I shall only remain for a moment.”

Did he not crave the authentic sensation of travel?

Remaining confined to the cabin the entire time defeated the purpose of leaving the estate.

Lion inhaled the crisp scent of grass and observed the landscape from beneath the shelter of his hood.

At the same time, riding on the open bench proved considerably less forgiving.

His lower back ached slightly, and whenever the wheels struck a substantial stone, the jolt resonated sharply through his frame.

He felt as though he might easily bite his tongue if he were not careful.

Even so.

‘I am glad I came out.’

The wind brushing past his cheeks accompanied by the rhythmic sound of hooves.

And the beaten dirt path, naturally worn smooth by generations of travelers.

It carried the very romance he had vaguely envisioned during his childhood.

The freedom to roam wherever the road led, akin to a protagonist embarking on a grand adventure in a game.

The courage to face an uncharted world without fear.

The younger Lion—or rather, Baek Yi-hyun—had long admired such elements while losing himself in virtual realms.

Perhaps that was why he could never fully walk away from those games.

While character progression and cooperative raids held their own appeal, above all else…

This peaceful moment of wandering without burdens or anxieties remained paramount.

The core attraction was simply this sense of leisure.

And then.

Lion glanced toward Elvia, whose gaze remained fixed entirely upon the horizon.

‘As I thought.’

She appeared genuinely content.

After all, how long had it been since she last ventured beyond the estate’s boundaries?

Since entering service, her movements had been restricted strictly between her quarters and the local village.

Even then, her role had always been that of a Head Maid or attendant.

Choosing the driver’s seat was likely her way of experiencing the outside world directly through her own eyes.

Reluctant to disturb the tranquil atmosphere, Lion absorbed the scenery alongside Elvia for a quiet moment before breaking the silence.

“How does it feel?”

“Quite novel, truth be told.”

Elvia raised a hand, allowing the passing current of air to press against her palm.

“Though it is merely an ordinary dirt road, it is not a view I have known throughout my life. Hehe…”

A soft chuckle escaped her lips, carrying a multitude of suppressed emotions as she embraced the unexpected joy.

“My thoughts exactly.”

Lion smiled and nodded in agreement.

“I have always longed for a journey such as this.”

“…”

Elvia continued to watch the scenery unfold, her expression softened as she avoided meeting his gaze.

One could only imagine the extent of the hardship she had endured constrained by a fragile constitution.

There had been a genuine risk she might have perished without ever setting foot outside the territory.

To think she had recovered sufficiently to reach this point…

‘To be sharing this journey together.’

It was a scenario she would not have dared to imagine mere months prior.

Children possessed an astonishing capacity for growth, yet she had always believed Lion was an exception, remaining largely unchanged even past his twentieth year.

Yet, starting from a certain fateful day, he had begun to mature visibly with every passing sunrise.

‘When did our little master grow into such a young man?’

Had she not consumed the elixir Lion provided back then.

Had Petrick not delivered that vital remedy to her door.

She might have remained entirely indifferent, watching such changes pass her by without feeling a single spark of emotion.

She might have succumbed entirely to the numbness of a monotonous existence.

“Indeed, one must continue living simply to witness such wonders.”

“Quite right. Survival is worthwhile for moments like this.”

An unspoken understanding passed between the two young figures.

“…”

The coachman remained entirely focused on his task, driving the team steadily forward as though he had heard nothing at all.