Chapter 97

Chapter 97
## Chapter 97: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

It was an ordeal that genuinely called for a reprimand, yet receiving an actual scolding felt rather unjust.

No, wait…

I had genuinely given it my absolute all, only to inadvertently overshoot the mark…

“Very well. Since you are bound to face a scolding either way, you shall assist me with a task.”

“…I understand.”

“First of all, change into these.”

Lion handed over garments he had thoughtfully prepared beforehand.

“What could this be…”

『 Hot Spring Bath Set (★)』

-Perfect for wearing in hot places.

-Naturally dyed with healthy loess.

It was a complete hot spring attire ensemble.

Lion had crafted these directly within his quarters during his stay in the Baidantis Territory.

Missing out on such a convenience was simply out of the question.

“Indeed, this appears exceptionally well-suited for a setting like this.”

Though it came as a slight surprise to see a short-sleeved and short-trouser design, it proved remarkably practical regarding freedom of movement.

Rikschel donned the outfit immediately and displayed a hint of astonishment.

‘This is infinitely more comfortable than anticipated.’

There were no restrictive seams, and it carried a wonderfully weightless feel against the body, crafted from a fabric boasting superior moisture-wicking properties.

And atop that, another touch awaited.

“Here.”

Lion rolled a towel into a cylindrical shape and set it squarely upon Rikschel’s head.

‘A sheep’s head wrap is a mandatory tradition for hot springs.’

As a grown man, he had little functional need for such a decorative headpiece, yet whenever he had visited hot springs with companions in his youth, forming this exact sheep’s head shape was an absolute ritual.

It had even sparked a trend for a period, and above all, it possessed an undeniable charm!

Rikschel, clearly unaccustomed and slightly self-conscious, adjusted the sheep’s head wrap a few times before stepping over to stand beside Lion.

“How shall I assist?”

Upon his inquiry, Lion unsealed his alchemy vessel.

Reclining within it lay a thoroughly roasted…

“…Is that not an egg?”

“Precisely.”

Rikschel found himself momentarily baffled by the spectacle.

Leaving aside everything else, was this not an apparatus meant for alchemy?

Could one genuinely prepare meals inside such a device?

A fundamental question naturally arose.

“Are you perchance in the midst of pioneering a novel research venture?”

“Not at all. I merely roasted it.”

Lion extracted the steaming egg, transferred it to a bowl, and offered it over.

“Shell it for me.”

“Shell it?”

It was hardly an arduous demand.

Even Rikschel was fully capable of peeling a boiled egg.

Nevertheless.

‘…Come to think of it.’

It struck him that he had never once peeled one manually by himself.

“I understand.”

At any rate, as long as the exterior shell was cleanly separated from the interior without issue, the task should suffice, correct?

Rikschel assumed a resolute stance and drew forth his staff.

“Hold on, wait?”

Lion blinked in genuine astonishment.

Was the man not taking this far too seriously? And for what reason was he summoning his magic staff?

“To achieve absolute perfection in the shelling process, utilizing magic would appear optimal.”

“That is hardly necessary.”

Granted, if the objective was flawless precision, magic would indeed deliver the finest result.

His assertion was not inherently incorrect.

Employing magical energy would permit him to strip away the shell immaculately, down to the very last microscopic crumb.

Yet going to such lengths merely for an egg felt somewhat excessive, did it not?

‘Besides, his physical vessel has likely not fully recovered its equilibrium.’

While the medicinal spring water excelled at healing physical lacerations and restoring stamina, it possessed no capacity to replenish depleted mana.

Were mana to be restored as well, the spring would cease to be a mere thermal bath and instead function akin to an ‘Elixir Bath.’

“Lower your staff, and allow me to demonstrate the proper method.”

Ultimately, finding himself unable to watch any longer, Lion stepped forward to instruct him in the art of egg peeling.

“Observe closely.”

Lion gently tapped the egg against a smooth stone surface to fracture the shell, subsequently rolling it smoothly across the rock.

In response to the motion, the meticulously baked shell fractured with a delicate, rhythmic clicking sound.

He inserted a fingernail into the finely webbed cracks, lifted away a single fragment, and then systematically unwrapped the remainder much like a delicate parcel, exposing a firm, gorgeously browned interior.

Dense and lustrous, radiating a rich, savory fragrance, it appeared cooked to absolute perfection at a glance.

“Oh, it possesses a dark hue. I have never laid eyes upon such a thing.”

“That is the result of prolonged roasting. Care to sample a portion?”

“Indeed. I shall partake.”

Rikschel bit into the roasted egg without hesitation.

Firm!

“…!”

“How is it? Quite distinct from the ordinary, is it not?”

Unlike conventional boiled eggs, the albumen of a roasted egg is defined by its delightfully dense texture.

Furthermore, because ample salt had been applied prior to the roasting process, the seasoning had deeply permeated the interior, permitting it to be enjoyed effortlessly even plain.

Blended with the thermal spring water infused with the essence of Flame Herb, it even carried a remarkably refreshing aromatic profile.

“This is exceptionally delicious!”

It undeniably tasted wholesome without placing any undue strain upon the digestive system, yet it possessed an irresistible quality that drew one back repeatedly!

Achieving such a culinary feat through the simple act of roasting an egg was quite impressive.

‘It is gratifying to see him relish the meal.’

Lion felt an inexplicable surge of satisfaction and rubbed the tip of his nose.

“At any rate, shelling them in this fashion proves far simpler. You may consume them as you peel, so I leave the task in your hands.”

“Understood. I shall attend to it.”

Having imparted the technique for the eggs, Lion turned his attention to preparing another culinary accompaniment.

Specifically, the item in question was…

‘This particular stone mushroom.’

Ordinarily, these mushrooms possessed a density akin to actual stone, rendering them entirely unsuitable for roasting, yet Lion had previously tasted them prepared in this manner and found them magnificent.

That feat had been accomplished through the assistance of elemental spirits!

Since it was roasted with the minor enchantment of a low-tier elemental entity, achieving the same result with Nature’s cooperation should be entirely feasible.

“Are you prepared to assist?”

Nature, whose vitality had fully returned, puffed out its chest and prepared to emit a burst of flame from its beak, practically exclaiming, “Simply place your trust in me”…

Then it came to an abrupt halt.

Following a brief interval of profound contemplation, it extended a single wing toward Lion.

As though signaling a demand for compensation.

『 Companion Spirit ‘Nature’ Demands a Snack.』

“…”

“…”

For a fleeting moment, absolute silence descended between Nature and Lion.

A tense psychological standoff commenced, prompting Lion to feign ignorance as he opened his discourse.

“Very well. Shall I provide you with spirit-infused water and spirit stones?”

Negative, absolutely not.

A visible surge of tension entered the creature’s wing-tips.

『 Companion Spirit ‘Nature’ Demands a Snack!』

An emphatic exclamation mark punctuated the message.

Lion studied Nature intently for a moment.

『 Caution: Administering an excess of mortal delicacies risks spoiling the companion.』

The prior advisory notification flashed back into his consciousness.

Was this the exact consequence the warning implied?

Had it been an ordinary domestic beast, one might have wrestled with a moral dilemma.

Aside from the hazard of cultivating bad habits, continuous indulgence was likely detrimental to its well-being.

However…

‘Is it truly problematic?’

Consider everything it had done: was this not a fiercely loyal entity that would readily expend its personal energy to safeguard Lion during moments of genuine mortal peril?

It was not as though it had ceased consuming spirit stones or elemental water, nor did its physical form appear prone to excessive weight gain; it merely resembled a plump, golden tuber…

“Peep!”

Sensing Lion’s irreverent inner musings, Nature flared up in visible indignation.

“Such a demanding temperament. Fine, have your way.”

Lion retrieved a s’more confection he had assembled prior to Rikschel’s arrival.

“Assist me with this task, and the confection is yours.”

“Peep.”

Upon Lion’s concession, Nature’s vocalizations instantly shifted back to a dulcet tone.

Positioning itself directly before the stone mushroom, it parted its beak and released a focused stream of thermal energy.

Immediately thereafter…

『 Roasted Snow Mountain Stone Mushroom (★★)』

-Stone mushrooms prepared via a specialized thermal technique.

-Yields a meat-like, chewy texture coupled with a distinctive savory profile. A universal favorite!

The roasting process had indeed achieved success.

Moreover, the exterior possessed an even more radiant golden-brown caramelization than the previous attempt.

The outer layer bore a rich amber tone, and upon being severed with a blade, flavorful mushroom juices welled up from within.

‘That appears remarkably appetizing.’

Lion swallowed his saliva and pierced the morsels with skewers for effortless consumption.

” Splendid work.”

True to his word, Lion transferred the s’more confection into Nature’s waiting grasp.

“It will soften again if subjected to minor warmth, so ensure you melt it properly before partaking.”

“…”

Nature accepted the confection with luminous eyes, promptly applying a gentle heat to it before happily nibbling away.

Regardless of its elemental nature, the creature possessed an uncanny intelligence.

It was a heartwarming spectacle that naturally drew an affectionate smile.

“Hyungnim. The task is complete!”

While monitoring Nature’s mealtime, Rikschel had meticulously shelled the remaining eggs, arranged them neatly within a vessel, and brought them forward.

“Ah, right on schedule.”

Lion placed the flawlessly peeled eggs onto a flat stone slab and walked over to retrieve Petrick, who was still luxuriating in the thermal spring.

Petrick appeared to hold a profound fondness for the waters, as he was reclining with an expression of utter relaxation.

“Grandfather. Pray partake in some refreshments.”

“Splendid!”

Petrick dried himself briskly with the towel Lion provided, donned the designated hot spring attire, seated himself upon the stone slab, and began to sample the provisions Lion had laid out.

“Should your throat feel parched while eating, you may utilize this.”

Lion produced a flask of elemental water and set it within their reach.

“Could this be…”

“Is this not a substance reserved exclusively for elementals and master summoners?”

“The direct physiological benefits are restricted to elemental practitioners, yet given that consuming eggs exclusively can prove rather dry, this serves as an ideal accompaniment.”

While its utility as a digestive aid or affinity enhancer might remain negligible, its crisp, revitalizing quality rivaled that of fine cider, rendering it a harmonious pairing.

‘The original intent was to produce Sikhye, of course!’

Brewing the malted grain naturally required a designated timeframe.

As a practical compromise, he resolved to prepare that particular beverage at a later date.

For the present moment, attention was best directed toward the meal.

“Do enjoy yourselves.”

Once Petrick initiated the meal, the remaining two individuals followed suit.

They partook of the savory roasted eggs and selected portions of the roasted stone mushroom to savor.

“Mm.”

Whenever their palates felt dry, they refreshed themselves with drafts of the elemental water.

Fortunately, the liquid functioned as a wonderfully revitalizing beverage carrying a pleasant, subtle sweetness.

As they spent a quiet interval partaking in the repast, Lion broke the silence.

“That reminds me, I have yet to offer my congratulations.”

“Regarding what matter?”

“Your advancement to a 5th Circle Mage. My sincerest felicitations.”

Rikschel’s countenance flushed a vivid crimson, evidently caught entirely unawares by the commendation.

“Indeed, congratulations are well in order.”

The grandfather chimed in to echo Lion’s sentiments.

“It is hardly a monumental achievement. I remain a long distance from true mastery. Did not the Family Head attain the 5th Circle at an even more tender age?”

Petrick lowered his beverage container and adopted a grave expression.

“True mastery is not measured by one’s youth at the time of breakthrough. It is measured by the sheer magnitude of the gulf separating each individual Circle.”

In other terms, the more extended the interval between consecutive Circles, the more formidable the endeavor to grasp the subsequent level of enlightenment.

Prompted by this insight, Lion posed a cautious inquiry.

“Then, Grandfather, which period proved most arduous for your own progression?”

“Without question, the endeavor to breach the 6th Circle.”

That represented the very path Rikschel would inevitably be forced to tread in the future.

“…!”

“I state this not to induce unnecessary apprehension.”

Observing Rikschel tense visibly, Petrick slowly commenced his narrative.

It resembled a historical recounting of past trials far more than a mere instructional lecture.

“Achieving the rank of 5th Circle Mage occurred during my early youth. I possessed an abundance of arrogance in those days.”

It was a level of innate talent that naturally bred arrogance.

Petrick had mastered the secrets of the 5th Circle prior to reaching his thirtieth year.

‘Presumably, the capacity to deploy illusionary sorcery marks the mastery of the 5th Circle.’

That specific illusion sorcery had posed such a formidable obstacle for Lion within the labyrinthine trial.

“I labored under the delusion that I possessed the capacity to endure all trials entirely on my own accord. Consequently, I elected to travel independently, which proved to be a catastrophic miscalculation.”

The elder paused momentarily, then canted his head slightly to the side, revealing a portion of his neck.

nestled among the weathered wrinkles of his skin lay a distinct, jagged scar—one bearing the unmistakable signature of a mortal injury.

“This mark…!”

It marked the initial instance both Lion and Rikschel had laid eyes upon the blemish.

Now that they considered it, the elder consistently favored garments featuring high collars designed to conceal his neck region.

Was that the underlying rationale?

“True to its designation, it represented an injury fully capable of claiming my life.”

“How managed you to survive such a fate?”

“I was the beneficiary of timely assistance.”

Petrick emitted a low chuckle as he cast his thoughts back into the archives of memory.

—

During that specific epoch, the operational objective dictated the relentless pursuit and elimination of a high-ranking fiendish entity.

However, the fiend’s tactical stratagem proved thoroughly insidious, resulting in Petrick becoming swiftly isolated and cornered in a state of imminent mortal peril.

He barely managed to evade instant annihilation, yet arterial blood continued to gush from his lacerated throat with terrifying velocity, rendering his demise merely a matter of time.

Regret flooded his consciousness.

To perish within a desolate wilderness of this nature.

Yet the reality was entirely irreversible.

It was an isolated, subterranean locale where summoning reinforcements bordered on the impossible.

Petrick maintained his composure, executing his final actions with cold, mechanical precision even as the threshold of death approached.

Pressing a hand firmly against his bleeding throat, he utilized his free hand to scratch out his final testimony.

At the bare minimum, he felt compelled to convey the grim reality of his fate to the betrothed and comrades awaiting his return.

Just as the final stroke of his final testament was about to be completed.

“You absolute madman, you utterly useless fool!”