VIO Ch 26 – Birthday Party (I)

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Translator: mii

editors: sleepchaser, ASplashofMusic

After they had fitted their outfits, Viola returned to the Lesserhains’ residence with Flora. But before she had left, she told Vio that he must greet his father and brother on the day of the party, as per his father’s order. They were currently too busy preparing for the party to receive his greeting.

Considering who the order came from, Vio accepted it without hesitation. Otherwise, Rupheus would call him impudent. Besides, his brother had to obey their father as well.

In the four days before the party, Vio had to meticulously coordinate his outfits every day. And during his breaks, a teacher would come to check on his etiquette. By the end of his first day in the royal capital, Vio grew so tired that he gained a fever. But somehow, he managed to endure. Before he knew it, the first day of the celebration had arrived.

He would have to take walks with the other attendees and attend tea parties in the daytime. At night came the evening ball. This would be his daily routine for the next two weeks.

Vio had also heard a few rumors floating around during his stay here. Apparently, Princess Liona of the Kingdom of Ruslan would be attending the celebration. This was in accordance with the memories of Vio’s past life.

Upon learning this, Legion seemed to have grown wary of her arrival. His vigilance was justified, considering Erik’s attack on Leca town.

“Did you report that incident to His Grace?”

“No. It’s Erik who attacked us, so I don’t think Father will take me seriously. Remember: as of now, we only have some rumors of suspicious behavior from the Kingdom of Ruslan as our reasoning behind his attack. We don’t have concrete evidence that a large force exists behind Erik and his companion. And it’ll be troubling if our reckless statements trigger a war between the two kingdoms. We should remain silent for now.”

This was what Vio had concluded after much deliberation on the matter. After all, they had heard the rumors from Flora’s knight, Calia. This meant that Vio’s father should have also caught news of it, prompting him to take some protective measures. Thus, Vio didn’t think there was anything to worry about.

“But…”

“Legi. At the very least, I’m sure that nothing will happen during the princess’ stay. Moreover, the other countries have sent their own delegations to greet His Highness the Crown Prince. The Kingdom of Ruslan would be stupid to make a move at this time. Still, look out for any suspicious movements.”

“Understood. I will do my best,” replied Legion in a formal manner.

“You can also meet your old friends at the evening ball, right? Don’t you look forward to it?”

Legion was not exempt from the dress codes of the different parties they needed to attend. Thus, Viola had some clothes for Legion and him before their trip to the capital. She couldn’t let a knight of the Lesserhain family attend the party in strange clothing. And to mark Legion as Vio’s knight, his outfits used the same color scheme as Vio’s. Today, their clothes were both in the exact shade of gray. More specifically, Legion wore a gray suit jacket, a white dress shirt underneath it, and black pants. Since he was a guest, he had neither his baton nor his sword on his waist.

“I’ll be happy to see them again, but it’s more fun to be with Lord Violant.”

“Er… I wasn’t fishing for a compliment with that question, you know? You don’t have to curry favor with me.”

“How could I have such an intention? I was merely telling the truth,” said Legion, flashing a pleasant smile.

“I-I see…” Vio returned the smile but felt agitated and embarrassed at Legion’s occasional blunt compliments. They always seemed to come out of nowhere.

He wished for the knight to stop. But Legion had probably never given much thought to anything he said, so it would be useless to tell him that. Vio slowly averted his gaze and cleared his throat, trying to hide his embarrassment. “Well then, let’s go. The opening ceremony is starting soon, and I still have to greet my father and brother.”

“Yes.”

Jill and Rille were to remain in Vio’s room, so they sent them off. With that, Vio and Legion headed to the venue of the party. The large banquet hall on the second floor.

Everything inside the banquet hall screamed of extravagance. The numerous gold decorations embellishing the ceiling and walls. The glistening floor, polished to the point of reflecting the light of the chandeliers.

Upon entering the venue, Vio immediately spotted most of the Lesserhain family. They were chatting near the throne. Not many people populated that area; that was the reason he had noticed them right away. But Flora wasn’t there. Perhaps because she had yet to make her social debut.

Vio walked up to them, mentally prepared for their cutting insults. “It’s been a while, Father, Brother.”

Duke Elst Lesserhain turned his head, his sharp, hawk-like blue eyes ensnaring Vio. Vio had always hated when his father’s gaze rested on him. He felt like a rat being held down by claws at its throat.

“You’re here. You seemed to have grown a little taller since I last saw you.”

“Yes. It is thanks to you, Father. This period of rest has been beneficial for my health,” Vio replied, respectful.

Rupheus let out a scornful laugh. “Frail as usual. With such a weak body, you shouldn’t have come.”

“It was a personal invitation from His Highness the Crown Prince. It can’t be helped.” Then,  Elst said, “After greeting His Majesty, stay in the corner so that you don’t stand out. Understand?” His words held much implications.

Viola’s face twisted in a frown. “Dear—”

“I understand. I will do as Father said,” said Vio with a bow.

In response, Elst snorted and waved in dismissal, signalling his disinterest in listening to Vio any longer. 

Vio was about to walk toward a corner when Rupheus caught sight of Legion. “Why are you here?” he demanded.

Voice stern, Viola scolded, “I appointed him to be Violant’s knight after you had dismissed him. Do you have any complaints?”

Rupheus was weak against his mother, at a loss for words for a moment before finally gaining courage to say, “But Mother, this is not an event that a mere knight can attend. Moreso a commoner like this thing.”

“I was once a member of the platoon of the Royal Knights under the crown prince’s command. Thus, I also received an invitation from His Highness the Crown Prince.”

Thus, Rupheus lost his reason to drive Legion away. He shot him a glare of annoyance but nodded in the end. “That’s great, then. You may go.”

Vio and Legion nodded. Legion replied, “Yes. Please excuse us, Your Grace the Duke, Your Grace the Duchess, Your Lordship Marquis.”

Following that, Vio and Legion moved near the wall just a small distance away from the other Lesserhain family members. Soon after, the opening ceremony began.

It was time for the nobles to greet the royal family.