Never Mind the Heir, I’ll Focus on Healing - Chapter 151

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Heir or Not, I Just Want to Heal — Episode 151

Lion headed straight for the Zoo.
Upon arriving, he swept his gaze across the grounds and tilted his head with a thoughtful frown.

‘This is nothing like the zoos I remember.’

Rather than a place where caged animals were put on display, the concept felt more akin to an enchanted garden teeming with rare creatures. Most of the facility housed herbivores and small omnivores, with staff stationed at intervals throughout. The entrance where Lion now stood was no exception.
The attendant launched into an explanation with practiced, polished eloquence.

“Welcome to the Rare Animal Protection Ranch. Allow me to outline a few important guidelines.”

The briefing was lengthy, but the essence boiled down to this: there were no animals that posed a threat to humans, though many were skittish and prone to hiding.

“Should you happen to see fewer animals than expected, please don’t be discouraged. For guests who encounter fewer specimens, we offer complimentary magical ice cream as compensation!”

Lion nodded appreciatively at the sophisticated marketing at work.

“Should you have any other questions, our staff standing by will be happy to assist. We hope you have a wonderful time!”

With the briefing complete, Lion stepped through the entrance, and the true vista of the Rare Animal Protection Ranch revealed itself.

“Ah.”

The first thing to greet him was a sprawling meadow carpeted in grass so soft it seemed one could walk barefoot without drawing a single scrape.

“Indeed. They really are charming,” Lion replied.

‘Seeing them in person feels somewhat different.’

Regardless, the creatures were clearly popular—other guests already present were gathered nearby, vying for their attention.

Ricshel’s knowledge of animals proved surprisingly extensive.

‘So I really did want to come to the Zoo!’

He’d thought himself without hobbies, but now it seemed he had a streak of animal devotion after all.
Of course, this was Lion’s own misunderstanding.

‘I memorized every animal book in preparation for this day.’

Whenever time permitted, he’d studied animal-related texts.
There was only one reason.
To have more delightful conversations with Lion!
And today, all that preparation was finally paying off.

Bleat.

Whether recognizing new visitors or not, the Gem Hedgehog and Cloud Sheep had drifted away from the other guests and approached Lion and Ricshel.
The sheep playfully nuzzled Lion’s leg with gentle little butts of its forehead, displaying affection.
It was the other visitors who reacted to the sight.

“How adorable……!”
“It does things like that!”
“It’s cute just standing there, but watching it move makes it even cuter!”

Clearly not a common performance to witness.
Lion lowered his hand and gently stroked the sheep.
Then the Gem Hedgehog, wrapped in its radiant jewels, approached from the side and snuffled at Lion curiously before slowly lowering its spines to him.

“……!”

Ricshel’s eyes widened slightly at the sight.
The Cloud Sheep he could understand, but the Gem Hedgehog had quite a prickly temperament.
Moreover, since it treasured its jewels — its primary means of food incentive — offering up its spines was a sight even most caretakers rarely witnessed.

‘As expected of my brother…….’

Whether due to his Spirit Summoning or not, he seemed to have a talent for Taming as well.

‘Now that I think about it, Spirit Summoning and Taming are said to be closely related.’

He’d have to make time to spend with the animals whenever possible going forward.

“Oh. Did I win you over?”

Lion, for his part, casually continued stroking the hedgehog’s face with his fingertips.

“My goodness, the Gem Hedgehog doesn’t usually warm up to people like this! How remarkable.”

A staff member patrolling the area for safety covered her mouth with both hands in surprise.

“The guest must have won its favor!”
“Wow, I’m jealous.”
“Say, little hedgehog, would it be alright if I just touched you once?”

When what appeared to be a young noblewoman extended her hand — adorned in white gloves — the hedgehog abruptly turned its head and retreated, quills flaring up defensively.

“Oh, how cold…….”
“Ah, treats! Perhaps the lady doesn’t have any treats?”

Seeing his wife’s dejected expression, her husband quickly glanced toward a staff member.

“Would you like to purchase our snack service? According to our rare animal protection protocols, there is a standard fee…….”
“I don’t care about the cost—just give us the treats!”
“Of course. We’ll add it to your bill at checkout.”

The attendant sold the snacks with practiced efficiency, and soon a small packet nestled in the noblewoman’s hand.
Then…….

“……!”

The Gem Hedgehogs and Cloud Sheep converged from all directions, along with various other animals, their eyes gleaming as they fixed their gaze on the noble couple.

“Good heavens! Good heavens!”

Though it might have felt overwhelming, the young noblewoman seemed delighted by the attention, her cheeks flushed as she distributed the treats among them.
Ricshel, watching Lion fade from the animals’ interest in an instant, spoke up in a quiet voice.

“Shall we purchase some treats as well?”

It was a question born of concern that his companion might feel left out.

“Hm? Well…….”

Lion hesitated in a way that was unlike him.
It wasn’t, of course, a matter of wanting to draw the animals’ attention.
Though this was his first time handling creatures so directly…….

‘They’re not particularly unusual, are they?’

According to what Ester and Ricshel had explained, there were supposed to be genuinely “rare animals” here.
But Cloud Sheep and Gem Hedgehogs weren’t especially rare, even in the In the World.
Which meant there had to be more…….
Lion lifted his head and surveyed the surroundings.

‘Just as I thought.’

Most of the guests were not venturing beyond this garden section.
Perhaps they harbored the impression that the forest was quite dangerous for people of their standing.
They might also reason that since the place was already enjoyable enough and there were time restrictions, there was no need to wander far.
Which meant…….

‘The animals deeper in live without ever receiving treats.’

Of course, Ester’s staff surely provided them with nutritionally complete feed and raw meat, but he felt a pang of sympathy nonetheless.

“Let’s buy some treats too.”
“Yes, that would be for the best.”
“And rather than staying here, I’d like to venture deeper in.”

Though Ricshel didn’t grasp his underlying intention, he purchased the snacks without protest and followed his suggestion, passing through the garden-like meadow and into a small forest.

Crunch.

‘As expected…….’

As they ventured deeper into the forest, Lion could sense that few human feet had trodden here.
The grass paths were well-maintained for guests to walk comfortably, yet traces of footprints were difficult to find.
At most, they were likely only the impressions left by the staff who maintained the grounds.

“……It seems few people venture this way.”
“Looks like it, doesn’t it?”
“People don’t really come out here……”

Ricshel caught on to Lion’s meaning a moment too late.
Then he turned to look behind them.
Where the sun still shone brightly and everything appeared ‘peaceful,’ crowds of people gathered.
Which meant the animals there consumed far more treats.
In other words, resources were abundant.
But here…….

‘Just a bare minimum existence, then.’

When eyes don’t turn your way, neither do resources.
Of course, lacking treats wouldn’t starve them to death.

‘……I see.’

Ricshel grasped something then.
So this was the teaching from Lion he’d been so eager to receive!
The greater truth that one must not neglect those who are cast aside!

“But Lion, how are we meant to find animals in a place like this?”

Ricshel asked the question deliberately.
Receiving Lion’s teachings was rewarding.
He always gained new insights, though truly internalizing them took considerable time.
But if he only ever gained one insight per lesson, that was merely passive consumption.

‘At the very least, I need to glean three truths from this, if not ten.’

Ricshel thought this and clenched both fists with renewed determination.

“…….”

Lion glanced sideways at Ricshel.
Enthusiasm seemed to be welling up in him.

‘Did I come here thinking only of myself?’

He felt a twinge of guilt.
For Ricshel, the sheep and hedgehog over there might well be among the rarest creatures he’d ever encountered.
Knowledge so thorough couldn’t possibly come from ordinary effort.

‘Still, if he’s going to enjoy this anyway, shouldn’t he see something truly worthwhile? That’s why I brought him here…….’

How to find them, he asks.

‘The truth is…….’

For ordinary people, there would be no way.
How could one coax out a wild animal deliberately hiding itself?
Even with treats in hand, success was unlikely.
But.
Lion possessed a sort of cheat code.
Spirit Summoning, namely.
More precisely, a small potato—no, a chick nestled in his bag alongside an egg, currently enjoying a most satisfying nap.
Lion lifted the edge of his pack and gazed down at Nature.

‘Still sleeping.’

Nature had the egg cradled beneath both wings, and was fast asleep, letting out little chirps—peep, peep—with each breath.
Perhaps Nature is building up stamina to advance to the next level of Spirit Summoning proficiency.
Either way, I didn’t want to wake her from such a peaceful sleep.
I’d observe for a bit longer, and if time really ran out, I’d have to ask for her permission and request her help.

“Lion.”
“Yes. Finding animals that are hiding is quite a difficult method, isn’t it.”
“I…….”
“But don’t worry. If you put in the effort, there’s nothing that can’t be done, so I’ll search diligently…….”
“That’s not it.”
“Hmm?”

Lion’s eyes lifted from the bag as he turned to look at Ricshel.

“……Eh?”

He couldn’t help but be startled.
Because there, beside Ricshel.
A massive stag with horns gleaming gold stood in perfect silence!

“It appeared suddenly, just a moment ago.”
“…….”
“I thought perhaps you had called for it, Lion…….”

Brother. I’m no Druid — how could I possibly summon an animal I’ve never laid eyes on before.
……Still, it was fortunate. Ricshel wouldn’t have to be disappointed.
Lion reached out his hand carefully.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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