Violant of the Silver

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Translator: mii

editors: sleepchaser, ASplashofMusic

On Vio’s left, Fion walked ahead of him, his every step filled with vigor. He then flashed an ostentatious smile and in an exaggerated manner,  said, “Lord Violant is rather cunning. To use this joint practice to spread your name is a good move.” 

“You exaggerate. I won’t benefit from spreading my name, will I?” replied Vio, his own smile laced with bitterness.

Light laughter left Fion’s lips. “You’re good at feigning ignorance,” he said. “And we have arrived.”

Vio didn’t respond to his hostility. Reasoning with people like him was useless. Even if he were to try to clarify and solve the misunderstanding, Fion would merely find a way to twist his words into something strange. Vio would only be wasting his energy.

In the first place, Vio had never wished to make everyone like him. For him, it was enough to spend his days in peace surrounded by his loved ones. As for everyone else, he wouldn’t care if they hated him.

By the time they entered the red tent, Prince Ars and Princess Liona were already present.

“I’ve brought Lord Violant, Your Highness,” said Fion, his voice attracting Ars and Liona’s attention. They turned to them.

Vio bowed. “Your Highness the Crown Prince, Princess Liona, my apologies for keeping you waiting.”

The moment after, Ars replied in an amicable manner, “The match hasn’t started yet. Don’t worry about it.”

“Agreed. Lord Violant, we only came a bit earlier because of our curiosity. You did nothing wrong,” Liona said with a friendly smile. Then she told Vio to sit behind them.

“Is it really alright for me to stay in the same tent as Your Highness?”

“I don’t mind. I borrowed your knight after all,” said Ars. “Right, you should give Legion some encouragement.” Following that, he had his servant call Legion to the tent.

After a while, Legion arrived, clad in a full set of armor, his helmet tucked under his arm. Surprised, Vio asked, “This is merely a practice match, right? Does he have to wear armor?” 

In Legi’s stead, Ars nodded, saying, “Our original intention was to use wooden swords, but the situation has changed. It has now become a friendly, yet more official match. I apologize for that, Violant. You’re worried about how this has turned into such a serious matter, right?”

“I’m sorry, Your Highness.” Hesitantly, Vio added, “Er… this seems to be my mother’s doing…”

“Ah, it’s alright. I understand her reasons for doing so.”

Noticing Ars’s bitter gaze on his lips, Vio wore a wry smile. It was apparent that the knights had reported his injury to Ars. Before Vio could reply, Ars said, “Go and greet Legion.”

I’m thankful that His Highness chose to feign ignorance, but why is he so concerned about my family’s matters all of a sudden?

Did Ars wish to know what Rupheus had told Vio during his visit? But the normal assumption would be a mere exchange of small talk between brothers. Ars had no reason to suspect anything else.

Vio found it strange but decided to follow Ars’ instructions for now. He beckoned Legion and exited the tent with him. “Legi, you look rather different than usual. In a good way.”

Legion knelt on one knee, saying, “Thank you very much, Lord Violant.” Then he rose to his feet.

With a close view of Legion, Vio found him handsome in this get-up. He smiled. “I apologize for blowing this match out of proportion. Are you nervous?”

“No, the martial arts tournament I previously took part in garnered a much larger audience. Compared to that, this is still nothing.”

“It’s amazing that you consider this a small event.” Even until now, the number of guests who came to spectate the match still awed Vio. He couldn’t imagine what the martial arts tournament had looked like.

“So, what should I do to encourage you?”

Tentatively, Legion replied, “I would appreciate it if you could tell me to do my best.” However, Vio didn’t like telling others to “do their best.” In his opinion, it would only pressure the receiver.

After a little more thought, he asked, “Is it alright if I support you in my own way?”

“Of course.”

“Then extend your right hand.”

“Hm? Okay?”

Vio covered Legion’s hand with both of his own. It was slightly rough to the touch, callused from his many years of training in the sword.

“I pray for you to gain confidence in this hand, Legi. Whether you win or lose in the end, simply fight the way you usually do. So go and have fun.” Afterward, Vio squeezed Legion’s hand and shot him a smile.

Legion stared at Vio in befuddlement, a tinge of red coloring his cheeks. Then, overcome with emotion, Legion firmly clasped Vio’s hands. “My sincerest gratitude once again, Lord Violant. I feel like I can do anything now!”

Vio let out a laugh, overwhelmed by Legion’s energy. “R-really? I’m glad that you like it.”  Legion then released his hands.

Cheval hit Legion’s shoulder in encouragement. “You can do it, Legi!”

“We’ll be supporting you,” said Lantz in a soft voice, just right next to him.

Legion bumped fists with Cheval, responding that he would give his all. After watching their interaction, Vio blushed. “Um… Maybe I should have cheered for you in a similar way?”

“It’s alright, Lord Violant. Yours is more effective for me!”

“Really? But I didn’t use any magic on you.”

“You lifted my spirits. Thank you very much.”

Vio didn’t quite understand. But since Legion looked happy, like a dog wagging its tail, he decided to leave it at that.

Beside Vio, Night turned to Liona and said, “That looks nice. Princess, please do that to me too!”

“As if! That’s embarrassing!” she said, her face turning bright red.

Meanwhile, Vio took in the scene before his eyes. As I thought, what I did was pretty embarrassing, huh? I have to study how to properly cheer for other people next time.