Chapter 80

Chapter 80
Chapter Eighty: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

Lion felt a faint ripple of surprise for the first time in quite a while.

Isn’t this the standard way things are done?

Isn’t it usually handled like this?

“Regardless, thank you so much! Mudu will undoubtedly be overjoyed to hear about his family’s health so vividly! Oh, goodness me! I’ve kept you far too long. I need to pack quickly!”

“Indeed. Take your time. You pushed yourself too hard.”

Lion quickly regained his composure at Andrie’s remark.

‘Well… I suppose it is fine if he was pleased?’

From Lion’s viewpoint, this was the initial time he had laid eyes on so many dwarves.

Furthermore, if these individuals were Mudu’s kin, he could not simply dispatch a messenger solely to hand over a ring.

At the very least, he needed to understand how they were faring, whether anyone was ailing, and what events had transpired in the interim.

And an event had indeed occurred.

In addition.

‘Truthfully, I wanted to experience a touch of romance.’

Things such as stopping by an antiquated inn nestled within the snow-capped Baidantis Territory, or visiting a settlement where dwarves dwell together.

To be completely frank… it was an adventure I wished to undertake even if it had not been requested of me.

It was an adventure I could never have pursued while residing within the Asteri Mansion.

Lion felt a sense of fulfillment.

That alone was sufficient.

“Very well, shall we set off the moment you are finished?”

“…Indeed. I shall prepare promptly.”

Elvia, who had been observing Lion in contemplation while quietly clenching her fist and smiling to herself, departed the chamber to ready herself, and

Before long, Lion’s entourage advanced toward the residence of Clarentia, the Lord of the Baidantis Castle.

“Young Master. You ought to don these garments from this point forward.”

Lion changed into the attire provided by Elvia.

After all, he was entering the Baidantis household in the capacity of the primary heir of the Asteri lineage, necessitating the proper display of respect.

Yet…

“Isn’t this rather excessive?”

“Every other Young Master adheres to this standard.”

Elvia instantly disputed Lion’s perspective.

Is… that so?

Lion inspected his outfit.

It was appropriate for the occasion… No, he was dressed with far greater formality than during his days at home.

“Truly?”

“Yes.”

Though it felt somewhat constraining, he had to endure it for the sake of his public reputation.

It would only be for a brief duration in any case, and he could slip back into his comfortable clothing following his audience with the Marquis of Byedantis.

“Squeak.”

Lion was not the sole occupant feeling constrained.

Nature likewise appeared disgruntled, seeing as its nest—the pocket it had utilized—had been substituted with novel fabrics.

“Just tolerate it a little longer.”

“Hmph.”

“…”

Did it not just emit a “hmph” sound utilizing its brand-new beak?

…Let us simply overlook it.

After all, it is adorable.

‘Can this be deemed growth?’

Nature had not expanded in scale whatsoever since the moment it was initially summoned.

Despite being supplied with abundant spirit water and spirit stones.

Consequently, the sole method to discern that it had developed was through interactions of this nature.

“Squeak.”

Nature seemed dissatisfied with its fresh nesting place, pecking at the seams a few times before relenting and collapsing motionless.

“Endure it just a bit longer.”

Upon concluding his wardrobe change and conversing casually with Nature, the carriage came to a halt.

An instant later.

Thump!

The knights stationed within the ducal residence struck the ground in a synchronized rhythm, subsequently forming a protective escort flanking Lion.

It constituted a remarkably high level of distinction for a young master who did not even hold a peerage title.

“……Ah.”

Lion accepted the reception naturally and continued forward.

At the culmination of the pathway, a butler bearing a delicate visage and spectacles greeted Lion deferentially.

“Welcome to the Baidantis Family. Lord Lion Asteri. I am Jasper, the major-domo. The atmosphere is brisk, so permit me to guide you along this route.”

The butler, who introduced himself as Jasper, gazed toward Lion with luminous eyes.

He was overtly displaying goodwill.

“Have I crossed paths with this individual previously?”

It did not appear as though he had performed any noteworthy actions.

“Negative. This marks your initial encounter with him.”

Yet why was he displaying such elation? As he pondered…

‘Now that I reflect upon it.’

Lion cast his gaze around the vicinity.

The Baidantis household possessed a singular distinct trait.

It was profoundly silent.

Put differently, despite the presence of numerous individuals, there were none of the auditory cues of footsteps or rustling garments that would ordinarily be anticipated.

It felt as though Nature had sealed his auditory senses at the moment of its summoning.

Indeed, not a single domestic servant was visible.

“…”

The major-domo appeared to have perceived Lion’s perplexity, hastily wiping the beads of cold perspiration from his brow utilizing a kerchief.

It must have presented a peculiar sight indeed to Lion, who hailed from a completely different ducal house.

Not only that, but the Asteri clan was celebrated as a renowned lineage of mages!

They boasted a vast multitude of attendants, and their proficiencies were reputed to be exceptional.

‘What course of action should I take… I must ensure the Young Master is not alarmed.’

Jasper continued to dab away the cold sweat while stealthily surveying his surroundings.

He harbored intense anxiety.

The visitor was a peer of similar age who had journeyed to the castle after a considerable absence.

Furthermore, he was an individual whom the Marquis had explicitly granted permission to visit.

Lion Asteri!

He could not allow the guest to be frightened off by the eerie ambiance and depart prematurely.

“Um, our domestic staff managing the estate is rather limited at present. Rest assured, however, it is not so sparse that we remain incapable of ensuring our guests’ comfort, so please set your mind at ease.”

Likely on account of this, Jasper offered justifications as though preemptively rationalizing the situation.

“Oh? Is that the case? I understand.”

“…”

Jasper was disconcerted in an entirely separate manner by Lion’s composed demeanor.

This stemmed from the implication behind Lion Asteri’s reaction, which suggested the matter was of zero consequence whatsoever.

Jasper stared deep into Lion’s amethyst eyes, entertaining the notion that the youth had somehow remained entirely sheltered from the rumors and intelligence permeating the wider world…

Shudder.

Recognizing the discourtesy, he swiftly averted his gaze and stared fixedly ahead.

Those violet eyes, so characteristic of the Asteri family and appearing to pierce through any facade, remained entirely tranquil.

‘A-as anticipated, this is precisely what is required…’

To possess the capacity to associate alongside the Lady, or rather, the Marquis.

‘Since matters have reached this juncture, it is my sincere hope that this meeting cultivates an intimate bond with the Marquis.’

Reasoning that the Marquis herself would likely pay the circumstance no heed, he, functioning as the major-domo, would be compelled to exert additional effort as he swung open the portal to the receiving parlor.

“This is the drawing room.”

“Ah.”

“Please partake of some refreshments momentarily, and I shall summon the Marquis.”

Lion gave a nod of assent and seated himself.

Click.

The very second the portal sealed shut.

“The young major-domo is certainly applying himself diligently.”

Elvia murmured, as if finding his dedication commendable.

“Hm?”

“Based on my observation, he lacks the specific finesse required to function as an adept major-domo. He exhibits a somewhat timid streak. Nevertheless, his fidelity toward the head of the house appears absolute.”

“Indeed?”

“Yes. Assuredly, he would never engage in any reckless behavior.”

At any rate, it signified that he could be granted a degree of trust.

Lion rose to his feet and inspected the surroundings.

The physical estate was maintained in an orderly fashion, suggesting that the remaining elite servants had labored industriously.

The complication lay in the apparent fact that this constituted the total extent of their efforts.

Lion examined the window hangings and floor coverings, which appeared to have occupied their positions for a considerable span, before returning to his seat.

“The underlying cause for the shortage of servants surely stems from the succession crisis, correct?”

“Judging by the lingering aromatic trace of blood permeating the manor, that would appear to be the case.”

“…Hiccup!”

Andrie, startled quite abruptly, let out a small hiccup.

She habitually sought to dismiss discussions of such a nature, yet she appeared genuinely unsettled by the explicit mention of bloodshed.

Lion gently patted Andrie’s back and partook of the tea resting before him.

“There is no cause for concern. You are secure now.”

The tea possessed a comforting warmth and smoothness, defying the desolate and frigid climate characteristic of the fortress.

It was evident that even among the depleted ranks of remaining retainers, all of them deeply cherished and worried over Clarentia.

“I-is that truly so?”

“Affirmative. Therefore, I ask that you relax.”

“If the Young Master states as much, then I shall understand.”

Just as Andrie released an internal sigh and moved to sink her teeth into an adorable sword-shaped confection, following Lion’s lead.

“…”

Clarentia materialized abruptly in their immediate line of sight.

“Eh?”

Surprised by the sudden appearance, Andrie directed her gaze toward the entrance.

The doorway remained firmly and clearly shut.

Instead.

Flap!

The casement window stood flung wide open.

‘What… By what conceivable means did she accomplish that?’

It constituted common knowledge that the swordsmanship practiced by the Marquis of Byedantis was formidable, yet the occurrence defied comprehension from the standpoint of an ordinary observer.

After all, the reception parlor was situated at a considerable elevation.

In truth, even had it been situated on a lower floor, she never could have anticipated that a Marquis originating from a celebrated lineage of swordsmen would make an entrance directly through a windowpane.

Despite this, the Marquis swept her gaze around with an entirely expressionless visage.

She appeared to be searching for something in particular…

‘Oh dear! This is hardly the appropriate moment!’

Andrie, recovering her composure, leaped to her feet and offered a respectful bow executed with immaculate aristocratic etiquette.

“I render my deepest respects to the Marquis of Byedantis!”

The Marquis offered a brief nod, strode across the flooring, and posed a direct inquiry.

Where are the garments?

“Y-yes. Um, if you would kindly wait a fleeting moment.”

Andrie scrambled hastily to her feet and retrieved the attire.

For a typical individual, such behavior would constitute the norm.

Yet it was not merely Andrie who harbored an intense degree of nervous tension.

Clarentia Bydenntis was trailed by a multitude of epithets.

The singular figure who commanded the pinnacle of authority amongst the entire Baidantis peerage.

The terminator who brought a definitive close to the brutal civil war.

…Naturally, had those constituted her sole monikers, Andrie would not have experienced such profound terror.

A sanguinary executioner, one who amassed her power via a pact forged with demonkind and consequently forfeited all emotional capacity.

A host of additional unsparing, highly critical titles.

Her overarching reputation leaned heavily toward the abhorrent… yet.

Even so, the Byedantis ducal house continued to stand resilient.

The fundamental explanation resided in Clarentia’s personal prowess.

She had successfully resurrected the faltering household within a remarkably abbreviated timeframe following the termination of the bloody war of succession.

Did her achievements cease there? Although lacking definitive proof, widespread whispers circulated suggesting she hovered on the precipice of attaining the rank of Sword Master!

Even considering her youth and the fact that she had orchestrated the demise of her own kin, she had ascended to a transcendent tier that rendered her virtually unapproachable.

Consequently, Andrie exercised extreme caution… but.

“You have arrived. Marquis.”

Lion paid the atmosphere no mind whatsoever, stood up, and offered a casual greeting.

The Marquis of Byedantis fixed her gaze firmly upon Lion and inquired.

“You are omitting your disguise today?”

“There exists no further necessity for concealment. I have stepped directly into the most secure sanctuary available.”

“I understand.”

Clarentia appeared to accept his assertion without resistance and took a seat.

And at that exact juncture.

“I offer my humblest apologies. The Marquis… Ah, Marquis…!”

Jasper, having hurried back into the chamber, dashed forward and positioned himself before the Marquis.

Whereupon he commenced offering justifications on her behalf.

“Um, my pace was sluggish, rendering it seemingly impossible for the Marquis to find the necessary moment to alter her attire. I beg your pardon, but would you grant her sufficient time to effect a change?”

Lion remained unperturbed by the affair, but the major-domo appeared acutely conscious of the awkward optics.

‘Now that I ponder the matter, her clothing.’

It consisted of training garb rather than a formal gown or ceremonial robes, presenting the distinct impression she had arrived directly from the sparring grounds.

‘They bear stains.’

It appeared the domestic staff had exerted maximum effort to cleanse the fabric, yet the discolorations remained unmistakably bloodstains.

It was entirely probable she had donned those exact garments on the date of the bloody purge.

“Um, Marquis? I shall render assistance.”

Possessing full awareness of the circumstances, his hyper-vigilant reaction was entirely predictable.

Even so, observing him perspire so profusely evoked a distinct sense of pity.

Lion set aside the confection he had been consuming and interjected.

“It appears the Marquis arrived devoid of fresh apparel. Ah, what are your thoughts on utilizing this opportunity to don new garments?”

“I shall comply.”

Before the major-domo could formulate a response, Clarentia readily embraced Lion’s proposition.

Yet…

Why did the major-domo’s facial complexion suddenly appear even more ashen?

‘Could this divergence from her original intent?’

At that exact instant.

Marquis Clarentia shrugged off her training uniform.