Chapter 81

Chapter 81
Chapter 81: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

Because a massive beast posed a severe threat, the Marquis had no alternative but to handle the situation personally.

“Ah, An…!”

The outburst occurred before the butler could intervene.

“Hic!”

Andri, carrying the garments, instantly stiffened and cast his gaze downward. Meanwhile, Elvia reacted quickly, shielding Lion’s eyes with her hand, a gesture likely foreign to her usual habits.

Lion…

‘Ah, so that was the root of the issue.’

Though slightly startled, he remained unconcerned.

Naturally, if his upper body had been exposed unexpectedly, Lion would have felt some shock regardless of the circumstances, but he had merely discarded his outer layer.

The regional climate leaned toward the severe cold.

A single layer proved insufficient even when wearing specialized training gear.

Furthermore, athletic attire of this caliber was never flimsy.

While details escaped him fully, weren’t weighted training garments typically kept close at hand?

“There are various garments available for trial, so perhaps changing within the designated dressing room would be more suitable.”

Using his index finger, Lion gently guided Elvia’s hand away as he spoke.

“…”

Clarentia maintained her fixed gaze on Lion without a flicker of expression.

“Athletic wear slips on and off with ease, yet Andri has prepared several alternate pieces as well. Securing assistance from a domestic servant seems prudent.”

An interval of silence settled over the room.

Both Andri and the butler began to perspire nervously.

Moments later, the tension broke.

“Understood. Then I shall take my leave temporarily.”

“Very well. I will be waiting.”

Fortunately, Clarentia showed no stubborn resistance.

Instead, when presented with a sensible course of action, she tended to follow that direction.

Following Clarentia’s departure toward the dressing quarters, escorted by the household maids.

“…I am deeply grateful. Please also accept my apologies for this discourtesy, Lord Lion.”

Butler Jasper offered a profound bow of appreciation toward Lion.

Overcome by emotion, the man even appeared on the verge of tears.

“M-my child… no, our Duke was not originally like this… that is. Khung!”

“It is quite alright, take your time.”

“Thank you. Your kindness is extraordinary.”

The butler pressed a handkerchief to his eyes and nose, offering explanations that bordered on excuses.

The Duke possessed a thoroughly normal disposition.

A series of unfortunate events had merely rendered the ruler somewhat eccentric.

“Neglecting personal well-being entirely while laboring tirelessly for the domain! Such a tragic Duke… how profound this isolation must be!”

“Indeed.”

Lion found himself partially agreeing with the butler’s assessment.

Did Rikschel not endure a similarly solitary upbringing devoid of companionship while maturing as the designated successor?

Before forming a bond with Lion, relentless study consumed every waking hour.

And what of Clarentia, who bore the full administrative weight of Byedantis?

‘At the very least, Rikschel had his grandfather.’

Extreme preoccupation invariably forced individuals to discard personal desires first.

After all, baseline survival required minimal effort.

‘Though for the Marquis of Byedantis, the burden manifested in rather unique ways.’

Regardless, early-stage hardships typically unfolded in this manner.

Given Clarentia’s advanced prowess as a swordsman, endurance would likely outlast the average person.

Yet what awaited beyond that threshold?

‘Even Grandfather required a Mental Fatigue Recovery Potion, the exhaustion was severe.’

The strain remained relentless.

Human resilience possessed natural limits.

Lion glanced sideways toward Elvia.

Elvia wore a mask of absolute inscrutability.

Perhaps a quiet wave of empathy stirred within her.

After all, the sensations mirrored years of personal experience.

“How would you prefer I proceed, then?”

“Th-that is…”

Faltering momentarily, the butler appeared caught off guard by Lion’s direct inquiry.

Emprarrassment washed over him as though his innermost thoughts had been laid bare.

Yet, he reasoned, what sacrifice was too great for the Duke’s sake?

Fixing a strained, distressed gaze upon Lion, the butler spoke.

“Would you consider keeping the Duke company for a brief span of days?”

“A companion.”

“Indeed! If you remained at his side for a few days, perhaps even two, the Marquis might… undergo a slight transformation?”

Even the butler lacked complete conviction in the proposition.

‘……Does the butler possess such acute perception?’

What prompted the Marquis of Byedantis to commission garments from me and personally accompany my journey to the Dwarf Village in the first place?

The underlying motive centered on fostering favorable relations with the Asteri household.

“The undertaking presents challenges… though perhaps an attempt is warranted…”

In truth, the task was far from insurmountable.

Both among close companions and alongside Lion, Clarentia stood in genuine need of friendship.

That role naturally belonged to my friend, Rikschel.

Yet, if an encounter occurred under current conditions, would camaraderie truly blossom?

‘Unquestionably not.’

Lion understood the respective temperaments of both Rikschel and Clarentia intimately.

‘Without a doubt, conversation would revolve entirely around administrative duties.’

The outcome would prove entirely counterproductive.

Furthermore, several practical obstacles remained.

“Initially, should we not ascertain the Duke’s perspective as well?”

Clarentia’s personal inclination held the highest priority.

Regardless of Lion’s exceptional capabilities, a refusal on her part left no room for maneuver.

In reality, the butler remained incapable of offering a definitive assurance on that front.

At that precise juncture, a voice intervened.

“What is the meaning of requiring my perspective?”

Clarentia emerged, having successfully changed attire.

The transition from the previous worn training garments into the formal uniform created a remarkably sharp appearance.

An authoritative aura characteristic of high nobility now radiated from the figure.

“That is…”

Hesitation gripped the butler as he searched for an appropriate starting point.

No matter the depth of his devotion to the Marquis of Byedantis, primal instincts of awe and apprehension remained inescapable.

“My intention is to tour the Duke’s territory.”

“You wish to inspect the surroundings?”

“Precisely.”

“To what end?”

“Curiosity regarding the indigenous flora here, given how distinctly it contrasts with the terrain of the Asteri Territory.”

“I see.”

“Should time permit, would the Duke be willing to serve as my guide?”

“Naturally, as the Eldest Son of the Asteri Family, preventing any untoward incidents is paramount.”

The butler exerted maximum effort to sanitize Lion’s phrasing.

Rather than replying directly, the Marquis of Byedantis fixed a steady gaze upon Elvia.

A slight tilt of the head followed, conveying a sense of delayed comprehension.

‘The perception of Elvia’s true power has registered.’

An inward sense of admiration stirred within Lion.

The underlying strength of the Marquis of Byedantis exceeded initial estimates.

‘A true Sword Master, without a doubt.’

Meanwhile, the butler continued a relentless stream of persuasion.

“Furthermore, the Marquis possesses comprehensive knowledge of the local terrain, and our schedule remains flexible…”

“Accepted. Dan.”

Pardon?

“Only Young Master Lion Asteri and myself shall embark.”

The decision appeared heavily influenced by the formidable presence of Elvia.

—

Regrettably, an immediate departure proved impossible.

Plans regarding a destination were actively forming when a knight burst into the chamber with urgent dispatch.

“An urgent report! A massive beast has descended directly into the central mountain range.”

“I shall handle this.”

No sooner had the words left her lips than Clarentia vanished through the window frame, returning only by the following evening.

“……”

Such developments were admittedly inevitable.

Given the substantial threat posed by a large monster, personal intervention by the Duke was non-negotiable.

However.

“Reporting in!”

“Mhm.”

“Apologies for the intrusion, yet I must deliver a report!”

“Mhm.”

A relentless succession of incidents and mishaps unfolded.

Each occurrence triggered an immediate departure by Clarentia.

A singular realization dawned upon Lion.

Under the current trajectory, remaining trapped here for an entire year seemed entirely plausible.

Forget departing—delivering the intended necklace appeared increasingly doubtful.

‘A substantial revision of the strategy is required.’

Venturing into the open fields carried excessive inefficiency.

Clarentia was liable to dart toward some distant crisis at a moment’s notice.

If that remained the case.

“Elvia.”

“Heh. Understood, Young Master.”

Elvia met Lion’s gaze with an expression that clearly signaled her full awareness of the summoning’s purpose.

“Would you be willing to endure a brief hardship for half a day?”

“I shall ensure your designated leisure remains entirely undisturbed.”

“Pardon? Ah, thank you.”

With an expression of quiet satisfaction, Elvia vanished from sight.

‘……’

What accounted for that particular sense of fulfillment?

Regardless, attention shifted to the subsequent phase of the plan.

Lion set out to locate the butler.

“Young Master, words fail to express my apologies……”

“There is no need.”

Interrupting the butler’s immediate reflex to apologize at the sight of him, Lion spoke with brisk efficiency.

“Can the transmission of reports to the Duke be suspended for roughly half a day?”

“Pardon?”

“At the present rate, returning empty-handed appears to be my only prospective outcome.”

Without elaborating further, Lion offered a deliberate, troubled shake of the head.

“Ah!”

Comprehension regarding the elapsed duration struck the butler, causing his complexion to pale as he vowed to take any measure necessary to intercept upcoming reports.

“Where is the Duke currently located?”

“Resting within quarters, presumably. During lulls in administrative duties, periods of deep, unbroken slumber are customary.”

He added further assurance that rousing the occupant would prove impossible even through physical shaking, provided official duties were absent.

“Therefore, even an approach toward the Duke’s chamber would likely yield no result.”

“Understood. Prior to visiting the Duke’s quarters, might I make a brief detour to the kitchens?”

“Indeed……? The kitchens? By all means, certainly.”

Favorable development.

With Jasper’s implicit authorization secured, no external interference could obstruct the strategy now.

A brief stop at the kitchens allowed Lion to gather a select assortment of ingredients before pressing forward without delay.

Before long, Lion and Jasper arrived directly outside Clarentia’s bedchamber.

Clearing his throat softly, Jasper tapped against the wooden surface.

“Duke. Are you awake?”

Predictably, the barrier remained shut.

A look of mild regret crossed Jasper’s face, while Lion quietly pushed the door open and stepped inside.

As anticipated, Clarentia lay stretched across the mattress in a rigid posture, eyes tightly sealed in a simulation of lifelessness.

Dark shadows beneath the eyes appeared somewhat deeper than before.

Such fatigue was entirely natural for a Sword Master whose formidable stamina had been relentlessly drained by ceaseless daytime and nighttime patrols.

Ordinarily, encouraging a comfortable, uninterrupted rest would be the priority, but Lion faced pressing constraints.

While the Marquis of Byedantis remained occupied with perpetual field operations, a re-evaluation of the Hidden Quest parameters had taken place.

-Even if return to the original seeker is no longer feasible, would placing it back into its primordial origin not serve a better purpose?

The primordial origin.

In other words, a specific location rather than an individual.

Lion deduced that this designated origin naturally pointed toward the Byedantis Ducal Household.

Consequently, during Clarentia’s frequent absences, Lion had diligently explored the entirety of the ducal estate.

Every area accessible to visitors had been thoroughly scoured.

Just in case an alternative site required leaving the artifact behind.

However…….

The quest completion notification failed to materialize.

This indicated that the unauthorized territory belonging to the Lion still held the accurate destination.

If so, that specific coordinate must reside directly within this room.

The private chamber of the Marquis of Byedantis.

No matter the audacity of the Lion, intrusion to this depth would normally remain unthinkable.

Fortunately, entry had been achieved smoothly through Jasper’s cooperation.

“Pardon this intrusion for a moment.”

“…….”

As expected.

‘True sleep remains elusive for her.’

The notion that a Sword Master would remain entirely unresponsive to physical stirring defied logic.

Clarentia was feigning unconsciousness.

The underlying motivation… while absolute certainty was impossible, the cause was clear.

Severe exhaustion dictated the behavior.

This accounted for the sealed eyelids, ignoring even the devoted personal servant and the butler alike.

Fixing a steady gaze upon the unmoving figure of Clarentia, Lion approached the adjacent side table and laid out the assembled components.

『Snow Ox Milk (★)』

-This milk originates exclusively from snow oxen dwelling upon pristine alpine peaks. Possessing a rich, fatty consistency akin to fresh cream, acquisition remains exceptionally challenging.

『Well-Melted Couverture Chocolate (★★)』

-A specialized chocolate composition containing virtually zero added sugar, boasting an astonishing forty-five percent cocoa butter concentration!

-Served thoroughly melted with a rich, glossy sheen!

Forcing a awakening was not the primary intent, yet curiosity might prompt an involuntary stir.

After all, a modest private picnic inside the quarters of the Marquis of Byedantis was about to commence!