VIO Ch 67 – Looking for a Scholar (I)

1 Comment

Translator: mii

editors: chiizuholic, ASplashofMusic

tlc: chiizuholic

“⸺And that is the end of the report,” Lantz said as he ended his summary of the incident at the birthday ball.

Vio, seated on a chair by the window, organized his thoughts. “Hmm, I see. So the attacker had an amulet of the Goddess of Wisdom, Sophie.”

It matched with what Vio knew from the manga, but he pretended this was the first time he’d learned of it and nodded. Then he asked Lantz, “The captain showed me the amulet to check if I knew something, but… what exactly was that amulet? I’m not very knowledgeable about the ancient gods, so I’m not sure whether it has a special meaning or not.”

“The Goddess of Wisdom Sophie is known to have the ability to see the past, the present, and the future. Gamblers and mercenaries often carry her symbol around as an amulet.”

“Then why did that attacker have it? Because he’s a mercenary?”

“No. We suspect that he treated the assassination as a gamble.”

Vio nodded. “I see.”

So the Knights of Green Flash are covering up the fact that it’s like a badge of identification between members of the group aiming for Princess Liona. Then, I’ll pretend not to know anything either.

Right now, the Knights of the Green Flash and Princess Liona didn’t know who their enemies or allies were. Naturally, they would seek to avoid leaking information to the most suspicious party in this matter: the Lesserhains.

“I’m glad the allegations against my brother and I were cleared up. With this, I can safely go back to Leca town. Sir Lantz, did His Highness say anything?”

“You’re free to leave the castle, Lord Violant. But if possible, he wants you to leave a message before you return to your territory.”

“I understand. I’ll make sure to contact him before I go. Oh, and can you tell him that I plan to move to an inn in town once I get permission from the court doctor?”

Lantz was puzzled. “Wouldn’t it be fine for you to stay here until the day you return home, Lord Violant?”

“No, I’ll be dealing with private matters, and… since I’ve lived in the countryside for a long time, I feel more at ease staying in town than here in the castle. Besides, I feel bad borrowing you knights for so long.”

“Guarding nobles is also part of our duty. But if you insist, then I will pass your message to His Highness,” said Lantz, nodding. Then he seemed to remember something and asked, “Speaking of which, Lord Violant. How was the Flower Palace?”

Vio unconsciously smiled. “They agreed to take responsibility for my mother and sister’s protection. It has been a long time since I last met them, so I didn’t know that my grandparents were so kind. That’s right, I received some popular sweets as souvenirs. Sir Lantz, would you like to have some?”

“Sweets?”

“Yes. They’re called stained glass cookies, cookies that use candy as an ingredient. Do you not like pastries?”

“No, I like them…”

“Then please have some.”

Vio glanced around the room. Jill met his eyes and bowed before heading to the servants’ room. He should be telling Rille to prepare the cookies for Lantz.

When Vio turned back to Lantz, the knight looked confused. “Why are you giving me cookies?” Lantz asked.

“Eh? Doesn’t food become more delicious once shared?”

“…Is that so?”

“My grandmother prepared many baskets for me. I also set aside some for Sir Cheval… And I’ll enjoy the rest with the others. Hehe, it’s good to have someone to share with.”

If he’d been at home, Vio could’ve made it into a tea party with everyone sharing the same table, but he couldn’t do so here. People in the castle followed a strict hierarchy.

“Um, Lord Violant. If you don’t mind, I have one request.”

“What is it?”

“Could you perhaps prepare His Highness’ share as well?”

Vio’s eyes widened, and he casually affirmed, “With pleasure.”

　　　　　◆

“You asked him to give me sweets too?”

Ars shot Lantz a look of amazement as he was presented with a package of cookies. 

Lantz nodded earnestly. “Yes. It would have been ridiculous if I, a subordinate, received some yet my master, His Highness, received nothing.”

“You’re too serious… But I’m happy to hear that. Hmm, these cookies are pleasing to the eye. As expected from Grandmother. She loves new things, and she’s well-informed of the trends in town. I think Diana will like these.”

Ars only looked at them, not touching them at all.

“Sorry, but I don’t like sweet things. It’d be good if Liona were here…”

As soon as he said it, Liona came to visit Ars’ office. What perfect timing. She was dressed in men’s clothes again: a dark red coat and black riding trousers. As usual, Night and her maid accompanied her.

“Ohh, you came at the right time. My subordinate received some cookies from Lord Violant. Liona, you like pastries, right? Do you want to eat it?”

Liona joyfully responded, “Of course!”

Ars walked toward the drawing room’s couch and low table, the box of sweets in his hand. Liona had already seated herself there.

Meanwhile, Lantz immediately left the room to brew a pot of tea. Once the tea was done, he returned with the pot.

“What beautiful cookies. These are from Lord Violant?”

“Yeah. Grandmother seems to have given him many of these cookies, so he’s sharing them around.”

“Since these are from Emeritus Queen Elise, I’m sure they’re delicious.” Happily, Liona stuffed her cheeks with the cookies without any hesitation. “Mmm! It has a moderate sweetness and elegant taste. Why don’t you try some?”

“I’ll refrain. I hate sweet food.”

“It’s not good being too picky. You don’t know what you’re missing until you try it!”

“Then you should learn to eat sour things too.”

Hearing this, Liona immediately changed her tune. “Let me correct myself. Hating one thing won’t affect your life at all.”

Ars laughed at her. After he calmed down, he asked, “What happened? Weren’t you preparing for your return?”

“Yeah. But because of that incident, I decided to send the delegation back home first and return by another route for my safety. That sly fox’s recent scheme was scary.”

“Even if you change your route, you still have to pass through the Lesserhains’ territory, right? The only difference is whether you travel along the mountain path or through the Alpe Reeve plains. There’s no way you’re planning to go home by ship from the Country of Clarina, right?” said Ars, a severe look on his face.

The safest route from Istiah to the Kingdom of Ruslan  was through the plains. The Country of Clarina was hostile toward the Kingdom of Istiah, and as such was a dangerous place for Ruslan’s people to traverse. But between Ruslan and Clarina was a deep valley called Odo Cliffs, so Clarina had no choice but to use ships if they wished to attack Ruslan. However, the Kingdom of Ruslan was a marine nation. No one could compete with their ship technology. For that reason, Clarina rarely warred with Ruslan.

“Well, I’ll keep the details a secret. But I won’t use the Country of Clarina route. I’m not that stupid.”

Ars released a sigh of relief. It was then that Lantz proposed, “How about using an Equestrian Dragon?” 

“That’s the last resort. We’ve pledged to avoid using Equestrian Dragons unless it’s an emergency, after all.”

“I can lend you my knights’ Equestrian Dragon. It can send you to the border.”

“Hey, Ars. If you give Ruslan such special treatment, the other countries will criticize you. Don’t worry. I have Night with me… And I’m thinking of mingling with the commoners and going sightseeing on our travel home.”

“…So that’s your goal,” Ars commented with exasperation. 

Liona laughed. “It’ll be fine, Ars. I’m good at disguise.”

“Where can you find a member of royalty who’s good at disguise… You’re too much.”

“You can find one here, can’t you?”

“That’s not something to be proud of! Really… Night, I’ll leave Liona in your care. She probably won’t listen to you, but do your best.”

Night smiled wryly. With determination, he replied, “Thank you very much. I will make sure to do that.”