Never Mind the Heir, I’ll Focus on Healing - Chapter 283

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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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I Don’t Care About Being the Successor—I Just Want to Heal | Chapter 283

Patrick watched the two brothers bicker back and forth, and a silent laugh escaped him.

‘They’ve grown so much.’

He’d thought only Lion had matured, but now he could see that Ricshel too had developed considerably.
No wonder the boy had begun to show pride and consideration—things he’d struggled with before.
Patrick found this change deeply satisfying.

“You audacious brats. Did you really have to destroy that mountain lodge like that, knowing full well what it was?”

And so Patrick was able to express genuine affection instead of mere thanks.

“Grandfather, I didn’t know.”
“Yes, and it was my brother who first suggested we spar instead.”
“Unfilial wretchedness. After this Imperial Birthday Celebration ends, I’ll have to go personally and have it restored.”

There were serious matters scattered about.
Yet the three of them exchanged jokes easily, even leisurely.

“Haha. Grandfather, you’re quite the wit.”
“No jest.”
“But my hands are in this state too?”
“That will be resolved before then, so don’t worry. However, the matter is delicate enough that I’m planning it in strictest secrecy—I cannot speak of it yet.”

He added that in due time, they would come to understand on their own, and then all they need do is follow the “Guide.”
Lion and Ricshel both nodded.
It was reason enough to be satisfied.
And even more so because it came from no one but their grandfather’s own hand.
He cherished Lion and his grandchildren above all others.

“Understood.”
“Good. The birthday celebration isn’t far off now, so please rest as much as you can.”

Ricshel looked at Lion with an expression that said, Did you hear that?

“The same goes for you, Ricshel. From now on, leave all matters to me.”
“… Understood, Head of House.”
“Now then, shall we be on our way.”
“Yes.”

The three rose from their seats.
Having exerted themselves, eaten well, and even replenished their energy, they found themselves in a state of perfect contentment.

‘How peaceful.’

When Ricshel had run away, Lion had thought a catastrophe would follow, but it had ended better than expected.
How wonderful it would be if everything continued to unfold this smoothly.
If he could spend his whole life facing only trials of this magnitude—haha.
Lion patted his full belly as he thought this.
He knew well that everyone, even he himself, would not achieve such a thing, but at least for today, it seemed best to indulge the thought.

* * *

After being discharged from the Magic Tower, the few days of rest passed in what felt like the blink of an eye.

—Finally getting out?

Tiamatark had sulked for days after I left him behind, muttering under his breath the entire night—but he seemed quite delighted by this rare outing.

“Yes. It’s time.”

Today marked the beginning of the festival celebrating the Emperor’s birthday.

‘Though strictly speaking, it starts this evening.’

The high nobility like House Asteri had various preparations to make beforehand, so we were departing early.

‘Not that I have anything to prepare, mind you.’

I couldn’t very well tell the family, “Oh, I’ll head out later,” when they were all leaving together, could I?
So I decided to go ahead and get ready with them.

-You look quite impressive.

“Really? This isn’t even my formal wear.”

-Perhaps it’s because you usually look so odd in your everyday clothes.

“……I’m genuinely grateful for that.”

In any case, my appearance didn’t look half bad.
And.

“How adorable.”
“Squeak!”

Since this was a rare opportunity to get properly groomed and polished, I’d fashioned cute accessories for Pus and Nature as well.
Pus stood still with one front paw raised, apparently uncomfortable with the delicate lace bib, while Nature puffed out his chest proudly in a black bow tie.

-What about me?

“You’re already wearing something magnificent.”

The Ability-Blocking Ornament that Lion had given me.

-Hmm…… Fair point.
-Even for a dragon like me, this looks rather useful.
-And the more you look at it, the more appealing it becomes.

“Right, right.”

Lion easily placated Tiamatark’s complaints and finally donned his gloves.
Fortunately, gloves were essential attire at aristocratic galas, so that was one less worry.
Few nobility participated in either parties or the Hunting Competition barehanded.

‘Come to think of it, the schedule is rather packed.’

We would enjoy the festival for two days, and on the fourth and final day, there would be the Hunting Competition.
Of course, one could argue that nobility pickled in wine and luxury wouldn’t exert themselves too much, but……

‘The rewards are quite generous, though.’

An event—or rather, a ceremony—that directly inherited an ancient founding legend in which the Emperor received game hunted by devotees and granted them his blessing. The first-place finisher received a considerable reward.
Even if Kyle were to capture the current Emperor’s favor, I doubt it would change the outcome.

‘It’s a ceremony meant to demonstrate the Imperial Court’s authority, after all.’

That was why, no matter how powerful a family was, they had to put their best effort into the event.
Even Lion, though not the heir, was required to participate simply because he was the eldest son.

“Ugh, I’m not really interested in participating in a Hunting Competition like this.”

-You know, I think taming suits you better than hunting.
-If there was a domestication competition instead, you’d definitely win first place.

“You’re not wrong.”
“Squeak!”

Pus, for his part, wagged several tails in front of Lion as if to say he alone could be trusted.
With each wag, wisps of fluffy fur drifted away, but Lion didn’t mind—he scooped Pus up and buried his face in the soft fur.

“Right. You’ll catch everything for me, won’t you?”
“Yelp!”

Just as Lion was still clutching Pus and burying his face in the plush fur, a knock sounded and Ricshel entered.

“…Brother. However fond you are of animals, if you get covered in fur after dressing up like that, the servants will be heartbroken.”
“Oh.”

Only then did Lion set Pus down.
Servants waiting outside the room rushed in at once, brushing the fur clinging to Lion’s clothes, then combing out Pus’s ruffled coat.

Shake-shake-shake!

Of course, Pus returned to normal with a single shake of his body.

“Well, it seems your preparations are complete, so shall we go? The family head is waiting.”
“You’re ready already? Let’s head out.”
“Yes.”

Hurrying downstairs, Lion found his grandfather already prepared and seated in the carriage.

“You’re late.”
“Sorry. Pus is just too adorable. Ha ha ha.”

Lion boarded the carriage with an easy laugh, and once Ricshel had also climbed in, the servants lined up in perfect unison and bowed deeply.
Patrick, who had been scanning the long procession that stretched down the path, opened his mouth.

“Let’s depart.”
“Yes, sir!”

As the wheels began to roll, the knights of House Asteri rode alongside, escorting the carriage.

‘Quite a sight.’

Lion gazed at the villagers waving from the streets and leaned back comfortably.

‘Once the party’s over, I’ll need to start seriously looking into information about Mermaid Island.’

In truth, despite the occasion being the Imperial Birthday Celebration, Lion didn’t have much to do.

‘Better just avoid Jack and the others.’

The rest would be handled well enough by his family.
And…

A slight smile played at his lips.

“Why are you smiling?”
“Oh, I’m looking forward to the party.”
……

I thought you didn’t much enjoy parties, but perhaps I was mistaken?

“It’s something to anticipate.”
“You as well, Lord Asteri?”
“Yes.”
……I see.

Come to think of it, save for Lion’s Coming-of-Age Ceremony, House Asteri had never once participated in society events.
Being too occupied with duties was the chief reason.

‘Hmm… I’ll need to make sure the house hosts parties more frequently from now on.’

While Ricshel was formulating yet another new plan, Patrick and Lion exchanged a peculiar smile across from each other.
Indeed.
The real reason the two of them were looking forward to the party was that the House Asteri’s beloved youngest member, Ricshel, would be bringing an actual partner!

‘Hehe. And the ornament I prepared for this occasion turned out beautifully too.’

Excellent.
Lion kept his rising smile in check, closing his eyes.
Noble carriages would be converging from all directions, so the journey would take some time.

‘The breeze is pleasant, at least.’

With the gentle swaying of the carriage, drowsiness crept in.
If he took a proper nap now, he’d arrive in the Imperial Capital refreshed.
Or so he thought in that moment.

Rumble!
Crash!

In an instant, dark clouds smothered the sky, and a torrent of rain poured down.

…Huh?

It had been quite clear just moments ago.

‘Probably just a sudden downpour.’

Dismissing the puzzle, he closed his eyes again and sank into sleep.
After Lion had fallen asleep.

“Everything’s ready?”
“Yes. Perfect.”

Patrick and Ricshel exchanged a quiet word.
A brief conversation whose subject and purpose remained obscure.

Nod.

The two of them gave a small, subtle nod.

“Start it when the hunt begins.”
“Understood, Lord Asteri.”

* * *

While the conspiracy unfolded among the succession, absent only Lion—

“There’s quite a bit of rain today.”
“……”

The one who faced a gloomy birthday.
Emperor Tailius lifted his gaze at the voice that came with the downpour.
Before him stood the Second Imperial Prince—the bastard he had carelessly sired—dressed in impeccable finery.

“It must weigh heavily on you, Your Majesty, to spend such a rare birthday in this manner.”
“Weigh heavily?”

The Emperor answered quickly, awkwardly smiling despite the turmoil beneath the surface.

“My only concern is whether Kyle—my son—might be disappointed. Ha, haha……”

For a lifetime, he had refused to acknowledge the boy as his son.
Even now, in his heart, that conviction remained unchanged.
Yet now, he could no longer afford to show it outwardly.

“Will it not feel rather lonesome if it rains even on the day of the Crown Prince’s enthronement?”

Yes.
The next Crown Prince would be the Second Imperial Prince—Kyle.
He would appoint him as such himself.
Which meant he would place all his power in those hands.
It was an act of tightening the noose around his own neck.

‘I cannot die now.’

It was bartering away the future to purchase the near term.
And to buy himself even a few more breaths, he had no choice but to crawl and grovel before the bastard standing before him.

“But, well……”
“Speak freely, Your Majesty.”
“The Empress—should we not check on how she fares?”

Part of the Emperor’s resolve to hand the throne to the Second Imperial Prince stemmed from the Empress.

‘If I followed that woman’s words, the next Emperor’s name would not be—’

Aionius, but Lepicent instead.
If that came to pass, he would have no face to show the emperors who came before him, even in death.
Or, to speak plainly, he was terrified of how much mockery would follow him beyond the grave.

“There is no need for such concern.”
“Ah, I see. I merely worried about you……”
“Whatever may occur, it will all unfold within my grasp.”
“……”

A chill ran down his spine.
The true meaning of those words was clear.

‘Events are already in motion.’

The Empress.
Lepicent, the Marquis Family who headed the Central Nobility, was quietly orchestrating something—
and the Second Imperial Prince had already become aware of it.
Truly, such intelligence-gathering capabilities were chilling.
This was the first time he’d felt such fear since Patrick Asteri.

‘It was fortunate I didn’t board that ship.’

The foolish Empress and the Marquis family would crumble under their own avarice.
The Emperor opened his mouth, praising his own judgment a hundred times over and flattering to keep the other’s favor.

“I shall remain still as death, so you may pursue your aims freely.”
“I am grateful for your permission.”

The Second Imperial Prince, Kyle, smiled with genuine sincerity.
He already knew everything they would attempt.
But that wasn’t what mattered now.
There was only one objective.

‘Extract Lion Asteri while chaos reigns.’

Then cleanse his Contamination completely, and simultaneously isolate him from the events unfolding in the Imperial Court.
That was all.

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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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