Never Mind the Heir, I’ll Focus on Healing - Chapter 154

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

I Don’t Know About Being a Successor — Let’s Just Relax, Episode 154

Willie lowered his hand from his forehead and straightened his posture.

Even with the difficulty set to such brutal heights, it was remarkable that the direct bloodline of House Asteri managed to earn Egg Coins — and yet, on the other hand…….

‘As expected.’

He couldn’t deny it any longer.
Of course, this didn’t mean he hadn’t acknowledged it until now.
As for the Marquis Patrick, there was naturally no need to speak of him; the heir Ricshel also possessed extraordinary Insight.
So it made sense that they’d expand their business with that brilliant idea of a hot spring.
But.

‘As for Young Master Lion.’

Willie still wasn’t sure.
He’d come of age, and if he were to act officially as a member of House Asteri, his connection with Ester Hotel would inevitably continue, yet the information was far too sparse.
Moreover, all the rumors he’d heard so far painted him as little more than an unremarkable eccentric.

‘Though I realized that wasn’t the case at our first meeting.’

Still, he hadn’t discovered anything beyond that.
Which was why he’d undertaken this Egg Coin test — and, presumptuously, attempted to quietly assess Young Master Lion’s potential as well.
Because only then could he determine what choice Ester should make going forward.
House Asteri could be sheltered since they were family, but Ester Hotel was different.

‘If my choice alone could shake the hotel…….’

What would become of the villagers who lived by this hotel alone? The staff members?
Their misfortune weighed far heavier than Willie’s personal unhappiness.
That was why he dared to weigh the firstborn son of House Asteri in the balance.
If this fact came to light…… the mere thought sent chills down his spine.
Yet despite this, Willie had to proceed.
For the hotel — more precious than the life of the owner and the one who’d cared for him since childhood, Ester herself!
Since Ester was now so frail that she could scarcely move, Willie’s choice was, in effect, Ester’s choice.

‘If he falls short of the mark…… I must exclude him entirely.’

So he needed to check more thoroughly, more certainly……..
But he’d managed to earn an Egg Coin before Willie could even render a proper judgment.
Willie exhaled a long breath and was about to speak again.
Then the staff member, as if struck by sudden realization, added something belatedly.

“Ah! B-but they said he looked like he was enjoying himself.”
“What?”

Enjoying himself? What was that supposed to mean?

“Oh, my apologies. Since the manager always asks that question at the end of these inquiries, I thought you might do the same this time.”
“……You’re right.”

The manager felt as though he’d taken a blow to the head.

‘Yes. I certainly used to ask that regularly.’

Wasn’t hearing that the hotel’s guests had enjoyed their stay the greatest happiness Willie could know?
But now, with his attention fixed on the Egg Coin and the firstborn of House Asteri, he hadn’t even thought to confirm that.
He’d only been thinking about how to adjust the Egg Coin’s difficulty.
Why had the Egg Coin System come into being in the first place?
It was precisely so that guests staying at the hotel might enjoy its facilities with greater delight.
He felt a touch of embarrassment, and something like self-reproach.
If the owner had witnessed his conduct just now, would she not have scolded him soundly?

“Always choose what makes the guest happy. Whether Ester Hotel or a humble inn—it matters not. Do you understand?”

“Hah.”

Willie could only let out a rueful laugh.
It seemed he’d grown far too tense with such distinguished visitors present.

“So, which aspect did they seem to enjoy most?”
“They remarked that the facilities for housing the animals appeared comfortable. However, they expressed concern about the method of purchasing treats.”
“Treats?”
“Yes. They pointed out that animals living in the forest or those with keen wariness would be unable to obtain treats that way.”
“……!”

It was a fair point.
Yet it was also the sort of thought guests forgot quickly once caught up in enjoyment.
At first they might feel a pang of pity, but then, viewing and delighting in creatures both charming and mysterious, such concerns would evaporate like morning mist.
But then.

‘The moment they leave the hotel, that regret will surface once more.’

Ah, aren’t those animals pitiable in hindsight?
Of course the hotel would care for them properly, yet still—one’s heart would feel uneasy. That particular flavor of unease.
And so the lingering taste of what should have been a joyful experience would turn bitter.
A small detail, perhaps, yet something management must recognize.
Only then could they post signs like “These animals are thriving,” could they not?

‘The Young Master Lion saw even that much?’

Willie could not yet be certain.
But something new had taken root in his heart—something different from before.
Not a desire to exclude that man, but rather a growing curiosity about what more could be gained through his Insight.

‘To achieve that…….’

The plan would not change.
What had been arranged must proceed as intended.

“What of the other facilities?”
“No guests have won Egg Coins yet, but with dinner service approaching, a few should receive them shortly.”
“Good.”

Whether that careful attention to detail extended only to animals, or to other matters as well, would have to be determined in time.

* * *

“Phew. I’m famished.”
“……Yes. Quite hungry.”

Lion emerged from the Rare Animal Protection Ranch with a contented stretch, moving at an unhurried pace.
Ricshel, beside him, was looking rather worse for wear.
His entire body ached.
The deer’s gait hadn’t been particularly rough, but having little familiarity with animals, his muscles had tensed rigidly throughout.
Under ordinary circumstances he would have despised the ordeal entirely, yet…….

A glance.

At the end of Ricshel’s gaze stood his brother, smiling as if he’d enjoyed himself immensely.

‘I’m relieved that you had such a good time, at least.’

Ricshel brushed the deer hair from his outer robe with a light laugh.
Still, if he ever had the chance to come back here again—

‘I should suggest it to the head of the house next time.’

This ordeal… no, this experience might be worth letting him sample once.
It felt too precious an experience to keep to himself alone.

“Brother, what would you like to do about dinner?”
“Shall we go eat?”

They could certainly enjoy the leisure of eating privately via room service, but Lion was already scheming how thoroughly he’d exploit Ester’s facilities.
He had a feeling that if they went out to eat rather than ordering room service, they might stumble across Egg Coins or something similar.

“Very well. We should head that way, then.”

Ricshel, having evidently memorized the entire map already, made his way deftly toward the Restaurant.
As they passed through the Lobby and into the Restaurant, an appetizing aroma wafted toward them, and Staff Members stood in a neat line at the entrance, ready to show guests to their seats.

“This way, please.”

As if the Staff Member already knew the identity of all the hotel’s guests, he guided them to a table without so much as a confirmation.
The seat Lion was shown to offered a view of the outside landscape through a wide-open window.

‘This is more of a fine dining establishment than a simple restaurant.’

Before them lay neatly arranged tableware and dishes, topped with a handkerchief and a menu description written in elegant script.
What was rather peculiar, however, was—

“Aha-ha!”
“A playground. It’s a playground!”

An indoor play area had been set up right beside the dining space where young guests could run around freely.
The difference was that rather than a brightly colored playground designed to children’s tastes, this one was crafted from fine wood, carefully coated and carved with meticulous precision—an elegant sort of playground altogether.

“The structure is quite distinctive, sir. It doesn’t appear to kick up dust, but if it’s bothersome, we can arrange room service for you at once…”
“No. It’s fine.”

Lion waved his hand with a pleased smile.

‘In fact, something like that is exactly what you need.’

It was a heartwarming scene he’d never encountered in his usual haunts, and somehow it lifted his spirits.

“You’re pleased with the playground, then, brother?”
“Yes. Children are always like that—they want to run around even while eating.”

Ah, come to think of it, hadn’t Ricshel mentioned running a ‘spa’ business here?
If so… well then, should I take a shot at floating an idea?

“A waterslide might be difficult to manage, though?”
“…!”
“Hmm, shall we have a look at the menu?”

Lion, as if suddenly struck with inspiration, turned his gaze toward the menu, leaving Ricshel frozen mid-thought.
From appetizers to the main course, every element was flawlessly composed—a refined selection crafted from the finest ingredients.
But……

“Hmm?”

Lion’s eyebrows twitched slightly as he regarded the dessert.

[Ester’s Signature “Secret” Chocolate Bonbons]
—Children, minors, and those who cannot consume alcohol will receive Chocolate Crunch instead.

It stood out starkly from the other menu items, which listed only the dish names.

‘Secret, is it……’

Lion swept his gaze across the restaurant again.
Now that he thought about it, he couldn’t see “that” anywhere—surprising for the world’s finest hotel.

‘Though it might not exist at all.’

By his instinct, it was probably hidden somewhere clever.
After all, there was no better place to extract coin from the pockets of nobility.

“Brother.”
“Yes?”
“Thank you. You’ve granted me enlightenment once again. I believe this idea truly deserves to bear your name, and I think……”
“Ah. The food’s arriving. Shall we eat first and talk later?”

Lion deliberately cut off Ricshel’s words and snatched the first warm bread to emerge, spreading it generously with butter and jam before tossing it into Ricshel’s mouth.

“…….”

With food in his mouth, Ricshel couldn’t say a word.
Noble etiquette forbade it.
Though he felt somewhat cheated, the bread that his brother had buttered with his own hands tasted rather good, so he decided to postpone any discussion of business for now.

“The flavor is quite pleasant.”
“Isn’t it?”

From Ricshel’s measured response, one could tell—the meal was genuinely delicious.
Moreover, as each dish was served, staff members provided explanations that were quite pleasant to hear.
What was remarkable was that despite the considerable chatter from nearby guests, the atmosphere didn’t feel loud at all.
It was merely a cheerful, lively murmur at just the right pitch.
Lion suspected this too was the work of magical artifacts.
Thanks to them, the guests could enjoy their meals in pleasant concentration.

“My goodness, I’d love to hire your chef.”
“The way the interior cooked to such perfect delicacy!”

And yet……

“Please don’t hesitate to ask if you’d like more.”

This exquisite meal came with infinite refills!
Even those with delicate appetites were given takeaway boxes to eat at home, and there were separate menus designed exclusively for young children.

‘This is excellent.’

It wasn’t for nothing that this was called the Empire’s finest hotel.
In terms of service, it was truly beyond reproach.
Lion nodded in approval, swallowing the last piece of meat.
A staff member quickly approached once the meal was finished, clearing the dishes before promptly filling a teacup with fragrant tea.

“Did you enjoy your meal?”
“It was excellent.”
“Not bad at all.”

Hearing their words, the staff member smiled and presented the dessert.

“This dessert was made with spirits distilled here at Ester Hotel. And it contains Malt Puff—a creation of Ester Hotel’s own design—mixed into a chocolate crunch.”

Of course, since Ricshel was underage, he’d been given the Chocolate Crunch instead.

……

He seemed rather displeased.
Fair enough—as a successor, he’d already mastered the finer points of spirits—but this was hardly the moment to offer comfort.
Under normal circumstances, I might have offered a light consolation, but right now there was only one thing that mattered: the chocolate.
Sure enough, the staff member continued with the explanation.

“Please note that an Egg Coin may be hidden within the chocolate we’ve provided, so do bite carefully.”
“……An Egg Coin, you say?”

As the staff member’s words spread through the restaurant, a ripple of excitement swept across the diners.
An event like this, embedded in the dessert itself!
The guests’ faces flushed with anticipation.

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