VIO Ch 17 – Dark Clouds (III)

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Translator: mii

Editors: sleepchaser, Katie_WanderingFujoshi

After Legion had gone out through the back door, he dropped to a crouch immediately, paying no mind to the raindrops falling against him. The picture of puzzlement.

How could he say that with such a frighteningly calm expression?!

When Legion had served as a knight for a noble, he had obviously taken a bath with his former master. He never thought much about it until now. Yet he couldn’t do such a thing with Vio.

That person doesn’t fully understand his own charm. That’s why I’m troubled.

Vio’s self-esteem was quite low. Perhaps it was due to the years of scorn received from his father and elder brother. In fact, Vio was convinced he lacked any good qualities. 

I pity him for having such an elder brother… I’m sure Lord Violant is quite capable as a son of a noble.

Although he was only governing a rural town and village, he had the ability to rule. He possessed a wide perspective and keen judgement, able to make swift decisions one after another. Just by considering these aspects, Legion doubted other fifteen-year-old nobles could do the same.

Rupheus disparaged every aspect of Vio. Even so, Vio had an amiable demeanor and treated his subordinates with kindness and fairness. He was the ideal master for Legion.

Plus, his beauty. Just with his faint smile, the townspeople had already lost their heads. After spending most of the daytime with him, Legion had further understood Vio’s excellent personality. That only made him thoroughly adore his master.

Ah, bathing with him is simply impossible for me. Normally, he’s already dazzling enough. I’ll definitely break down if I see him naked. 

It was like looking at something sacred, but with an ambiguous urge to touch. Legion had never felt this way with his former master. It was strange for him. Yet somehow, he had a hunch that he couldn’t break free should he ponder about it any deeper. 

Legion gazed at the trees in the garden swaying from the strong wind. 

I didn’t find anyone during my patrol of the area, but in this storm, I wouldn’t be able to hear a thing if someone slipped into the mansion. There’s also Lady Flora’s matter, so I must become their shield. I must protect them!

Fighting spirit renewed, Legion stood guard motionlessly in front of the door. After a while, it swung open.

“Legi? I’m done, so come in.”

“Yes! Huh, Lord Violant?! What’s with that outfit?!” said Legion, voice cracking at the last sentence. But he quickly disguised it with a cough.

On the other hand, Vio looked puzzled, standing there in a nude-colored robe. “Isn’t this normal?”

“Y-yes. Pardon my rudeness.”

Certainly, the gown was normal as sleepwear. However, because Vio was always well-dressed in conservative clothes, this was the first time Legion had seen him wearing loose clothing. He tried to avoid seeing Vio’s clavicle, which peeked out from his gown, maintaining eye contact as he said, “If you don’t wipe your hair, you’ll catch a cold.” 

“Hm? Ah, you’re right,” said Vio as he nodded.

Pinching a lock of his silver hair that was dripping with water, he muttered a spell as though drying it with magic was bothersome. “Heed my wish. O’ gentle spring breeze. Come forth wind!”

A soft, warm breeze gently blew through Vio’s hair and disappeared. His hair dried in an instant.

“Look. It’s dry now,” Vio said, like it was not a big deal. But such a sight had Legion stunned.

Although Vio had made it look easy, using offensive magic on humans was surprisingly difficult since it required fine adjustment. If he was not careful, he might injure his body. It might even prove fatal in some cases.

“Lord Violant sure is incredibly skilled as a spirit magic practitioner, huh?”

“What? That’s just a combination of the basics though.”

“No, no. I have been wondering about this for a long time. Aren’t you completely different from what the rumors say in Nada town?” 

“Ah, are you talking about how I have no talent for spirit magic? But that’s only natural. I improved after I came here,” said Vio indifferently.

Frustrated, Legion asked, “You’re not going to correct them? The duke and your brother will surely apologize after they see your current achievements.”

“Them? Apologizing?” Under the small lamplight set up in the bathroom, Vio’s purple eyes sparkled in amusement. “Do you really think so?” he asked.

Legion couldn’t help but avert his gaze. “…No.”

“Right? Nothing will change. I’m still useless since I can’t go outside. Rather, they will ridicule me even more. They’d say I am talented yet not using my gift for anything worthwhile. If that’s the case, then to be slandered like so is much easier to endure.”

Legion couldn’t refute him at all and said, “I’m sorry, Lord Violant.”

Noticing Legion’s dejection, Vio chuckled. “You’re a good person… However, I’m sure the number of bad rumours about me are increasing even more now. Maybe next they’ll call me selfish for monopolizing the best knight in the kingdom.”

“Lord Rupheus was the one who selfishly dismissed me, though?”

“That’s nothing out of the ordinary for him. Now that you already understand his nature, don’t show him any weakness. If you’re careless, he’ll devour you.” In a playful manner, Vio slid his hand horizontally along his neck. But his eyes. They were serious. Legion shuddered at how easily he could imagine it. 

“In my case, he leaves me alone since I’m his younger brother. I’m thankful for that,” mutters Vio without much thought.

“Can I ask one more thing, Lord Violant?”

“Sure, but… Can you come to my room after taking a bath? I’m thirsty right now.”

“Ah, I’m sorry!” said Legion, recalling that they were still in the bathroom. He rushed to bow. 

“It’s not a problem, so raise your head. Hey, am I that scary?”

“No way. I have never meet any noble’s son as gentle as Lord Violant.”

“Then why are you overreacting like that?”

“That’s… uh. This is embarrassing, but I’m afraid of you hating me.”

Vio was surprised with his response, but then, a soft smile blossomed on his lips. “I only despise traitors. If you’re not one, then I won’t hate you.”

“I would never betray you!”

“Then that’s a relief. Both of our worries decreased by one, right? Well then, see you later.”

After Vio had left, Legion grew perplexed to the extreme again. I definitely won’t be able to win against that person my whole life!

Just how much of my heart is he going to steal? He’s really unfair! Good grief…