Violant of the Silver

3 Comments

Editors, tlc: chiizuholic

Vio couldn’t believe his ears.

“I’ll marry her off while she still has that innocence, then show her what despair is. Or maybe I should let her fall into hell first. Which do you think is better, Violant?”

“Wha… What… Brother, don’t you care for Flora?! Why would you do that to her?!”

Vio had thought that Flora was safe. Yet his belief was unexpectedly crushed. The revelation made him feel faint.

“Of course I care. She’s an important chess piece that will make our family prosper. Unlike you who’s useless, she’s very valuable.”

“Chess piece…? Valuable…?”

Something snapped within Vio. He roughly wiped his sleeve over his eyes, then slowly stood up. “Brother, just what is your family to you? She’s your sister who shares your blood!” The anger made Vio see red. He glared sharply at Rupheus. “I’m indeed incompetent. I’ve always thought that it was reasonable for you to mistreat me. But Flora is different! If you try to do something strange to her, I will never forgive you!”

Looking at his brother who for once was rebelling, Rupheus’ countenance was full of interest. “Hoh… What are you going to do?”

Vio’s violet eyes glowed fiercely. Then he let out a slow laugh. “Brother, it seems you don’t understand. Even a mouse will bite a cat when it’s cornered. If I’m going to hell anyway, then I’ll make sure to leave a permanent wound on you.”

“Pfft… hahaha! That’s fine. But, Violant. Who told you that you can speak to me like that? It seems I need to properly discipline my younger brother.” Eyes gleaming, Rupheus clenched his right fist. Just as he raised his hand, he stopped moving.

“Please stop right there,” Jill said in a cold voice.

What stopped Rupheus were the blades on his neck. To his left was Legion holding a long sword to his neck, and on his right, Jill held a dagger. Both of their eyes were cold and full of killing intent. 

Rupheus said in displeasure, “It seems you fools really want to die.”

Vio smiled at Rupheus. “Brother, Mother has given them permission to retaliate. …So, what will you do now?”

Rupheus clicked his tongue. “She’s done something unnecessary again…” He grit his teeth in frustration but soon regained his composure. “I’ll leave today out of respect for Mother. But don’t think that there will be a second time.”

Vio raised his right hand, signalling Legion and Jill to lower their blades. However, he didn’t let his guard down and watched Rupheus until he left the room.

Once he was sure that Rupheus had gone, all of the energy drained from Vio and he sank straight to the ground.

“Lord Violant!”

“Young Master, are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine… Haa, now I’ve done it.”

Vio was already regretting hurling defiance at his brother. It might be cowardly of him, but he was really scared of quarreling with Rupheus. 

Wanting to comfort Vio who was really depressed, Jill calmly said, “You stopped him from drawing his sword. I think that’s admirable.”

“Is that so? But you guys drew your swords, though. Still, I have to thank you for saving me.”

It was a good save. If Jill and Legion hadn’t interrupted, Vio probably would’ve been all beat up by now.

Legion kneeled beside Vio. “For a moment, I wanted to make my hand slip. He’s just too awful.” 

“Thank you for enduring your anger.” Vio reached for Legion’s cheek, thumb grazing the side of his mouth. “Legi, your lips are cut. I’m sorry I’m such a disappointing master.”

Legion grabbed Vio’s right hand and shook his head. “No, you’re not disappointing at all! You protected me, didn’t you? Besides, I’m your shield. This much is nothing to me! I’m the number one knight in this country; I have a sturdy body.” He smiled to show that there was nothing to worry about.

Looking at that gentle smile, Vio started to cry.

“Does it hurt somewhere?”

“Yeah… It hurts. My heart hurts.” Vio put a hand to his chest, uncaring of the tears dripping down his face. “Erik also said something like that before. Even though he was important to me… Why didn’t I realize he was suffering?”

Regret burned his chest, choking him painfully.

Jill gently patted Vio’s back. “Young Master, please don’t blame yourself. You were still thirteen at the time. It’s unreasonable to expect you to know everything when you were that young. It was His Grace’s and Lord Rupheus’ duty to do something.”

“Yes. That Erik guy was also at fault. Since he didn’t seek your help, he’s also partly responsible.”

Vio desperately wiped his tears and looked at Legion. “Maybe it’s just me, but aren’t you too harsh on Erik?”

“I’m sorry, but I hate him.”

“I see. So you hate him. Then I guess it can’t be helped.”

“Yes.”

Vio couldn’t help laughing a little at Legion’s blunt words.

“Hey, you guys. I want to protect Flora. Please help me.”

Immediately after Vio relayed his request, Legion and Jill knelt down and bowed their head. They spoke in unison, “As you will.”

It would be a thorny path for them, but they readily accepted his wish. At that, Vio’s eyes grew wet again. He hugged Legion and Jill. “…Thank you. I’ll leave it to you.”

Both of them stirred in surprise, but they nodded vigorously.

“Yes!”