Violant of the Silver

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Translator: mii

editors: sleepchaser, ASplashofMusic

As they made their way to Vio’s guest room, Ars figured that he might as well unmask Vio’s true nature while he was at it.

Without announcing his visit, Ars entered Vio’s guest room. Even though he was of royalty, his action was still considered rude. However, the lord and his heir weren’t present, so he planned on dodging this issue in an appropriate manner.

Ars also felt curious as to why only Vio had been given a guest room in the royal castle. From what he had heard, Vio had selfishly demanded to stay in the castle, citing the excuse that his body was frail. 

Jill seemed surprised by the crown prince’s sudden visit. Ars informed him, “I came to visit Violant. Where is he?”

“May you please wait a moment, Your Highness?” said Jill. He then shifted his attention toward the window.

This caused Ars to follow his line of sight, a frown appearing on his lips. Was Vio still not coming to see him despite his arrival? But when he caught sight of Vio by the window, reclined on a chair with his eyes closed, all words flew from his mind.

Bathing in the gentle morning sunlight while asleep, Vio looked like an intricately made doll. Behind Ars, Liona and her knight sighed out of admiration to such a picturesque sight. 

In the midst of their awe, the butler quickly approached Vio and tapped his shoulder. “Excuse me, Young Master. Please wake up.”

“Hmm…?” Vio’s eyelids quivered before he opened them, revealing violet orbs akin to jewels. Sluggishly, Vio jolted and straightened himself, taking in his surroundings.

“Ah… Seems like I fell asleep. Sorry, Jill,” he said, gentle. His beautiful face, which had appeared cold in his sleep, now gave off a warm impression. Then, the instant Vio moved, the documents in his left hand scattered onto the floor. Vio intended to pick them up, but Jill intercepted and did it for him. After handing the documents to Vio, he whispered, “Young Master, His Highness the Crown Prince came to visit you.”

“Huh?” Only then did Vio finally notice Ars and the others. His eyes widened. However, he didn’t lose his composure. With a calm demeanor, he placed the documents onto the coffee table and stood before walking toward Ars. After going down on one knee before Ars, Vio said,  “Please forgive my rudeness, Your Highness, for greeting you in such a delayed manner.”

“…It’s fine. I forgive you,” Ars managed to say, a quiver in his voice.

Even though Vio had just woken up, his response had been flawless. Ars had planned on outwitting Vio, but the one who ended up shaken was him. Even at that moment, he couldn’t take his eyes off of Vio.

Since Vio had had his head down for most of yesterday’s celebration, Ars hadn’t really taken much notice of Vio. But now that he had a close view, he wondered how he could have ignored him. Then Ars recalled his aunt Viola, who was revered as a lily in the moonlight. It was natural for Vio, who bore a resemblance to her, to also inherit her beauty. 

Ars cleared his throat, trying to conceal the rising temperature of his cheeks. “Ah, I apologize for not informing you beforehand about my visit.”

“No… I don’t mind. Rather, I’m extremely delighted that you came to visit me. It’s an honor to have Princess Liona stop by as well. Please, take a seat.”

Liona widened her eyes in interest. “Oh? You know me?”

“Since the first time I saw Princess, who is as beautiful as the sun, I was unable to forget you.”

Laughter escaped her lips. “Thank you. That makes me happy. You’re Violant, right?”

“Ah, forgive my rudeness. I’m the second son of the Lesserhain family, Violant Lesserhain,” said Vio with a bow, extending his left palm towardLiona. She accepted it, letting him guide her to the table. She sat next to Ars. Urged by Ars, Vio sat on the chair across them.

Shortly after, Rille served tea and sweets before bowing and excusing herself. Her swift, smooth response was as expected from a maid of the prestigious Lesserhain family.

“You didn’t tell me to keep your name in mind. Why? I thought you would do so,” said Liona, though she sounded like she was speaking to herself.

Regarding that matter, Vio looked somewhat apologetic. “On the contrary, I request that you forget about me. At any rate, I’m sure that few people remember me. Not to mention, I rarely attend social gatherings.” Before Ars could refute him, Vio changed the topic, turning to the crown prince as he asked, “Speaking of which… Your Highness, you said you came for the sake of visiting me, but do you have some matters to discuss with me?”

I guess it’s natural for him to ask that. Although he’s my cousin, not once had he popped into mind until now. Now that I came for a visit, he must suspect that I have some hidden motive.

In fact, Vio’s suspicion was right. Ars visited him with the intention of exposing his true nature. But Vio had been quite polite so far, with not a hint of rudeness to be seen. Ars felt disappointed. Even though he was the crown prince, barging into someone’s room without prior notice was rude, so Vio had reason to scold him. But he didn’t seem angry at all. 

Without thinking, Ars said, “Ah. I met your knight at the training ground earlier. I wish to have him compete with Princess Liona’s knight in the sword. However, he told me that we had to ask for his master’s permission.”

Liona prodded him with her elbow and sent him a scathing glare. Realizing how improper he was acting, Ars corrected himself, saying, “No, I’m sorry. I should’ve shown concern for you first. I’ve heard from Legion that you’re feeling unwell. Were you exhausted from the long trip?”

“Yes… That seems to be the case. I apologize for worrying you. I’ll be fine after a bit of rest,” replied Vio, casting his gaze to the floor. Due to his originally fair skin, he looked even paler than usual while sick. 

Ah, I can see why Legion feels anxious over Violant. With that pale skin of his and that fragile beauty, it feels like he’ll disappear once I take his eyes off him.

Although his thoughts sounded like a jinx, Ars simply couldn’t view him in any other light.

Looking up, Vio stared at Legion who was standing by the wall, confusion etched on his face. “Um, could you elaborate on how you intend for them to compete? If it’s too large-scale, then… my father and brother will scold me.”

“It’ll be similar to an extension of training, so we won’t make it that grand. Isn’t that right, Prince Ars?”

Ars nodded. “It’s just as Liona said.”

Vio sighed in relief. “Then I don’t mind. By the way, who will be his opponent?”

“Oh, it’s the knight by my side. Night, come here.”

“Yes!” Heeding Liona’s call, Night crossed the room and bowed to Vio. “My name is Night.”

“Sir Night? Can you please tell me your surname as well?”

“Pardon me, but I was an orphan. I don’t have a surname,” answered Night, face stiff with tension. Out of reflex, the direction of their conversation brought a frown to Liona’s features. Knowing how many aristocrats had looked down on Night’s origin, Ars waited for Vio’s reaction. He was sure that Vio would make a face and say, “How can someone without a surname accompany the princess?”

“Is that so? Then I’ve asked a rude question, haven’t I? For you to serve as Princess’ personal knight despite having no background…”