VIO Ch 68 – Looking for a Scholar (II)

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Translator: mii

editor: sleepchaser

Four days later, the court doctor, Melliez, finally gave Vio permission to leave the castle. And so, Vio visited Ars’ office with Legion.

“Your Highness, I will take my leave from the castle and move to an inn in town. I’ve come to greet you before I go.”

“You’re really going to move to an inn? I’ve heard about this from Lantz, but… you’re only staying in the royal capital for a few days. Why don’t you just remain in the castle?” asked Ars, sitting on a chaise lounge in the drawing room. He also urged Vio to take a seat, so the latter sat facing him.

“No. I feel sorry having to borrow your knight any longer than this.”

“As I thought, you’re bothered by Fion?”

“No, it’s just that I feel bad.”

“I see. But send me a letter when you will leave the royal capital. Although the case has been settled, there are still some people who are suspicious of your family. I also want to make sure of your whereabouts so that any unnecessary trouble won’t occur.”

Vio obediently nodded at Ars’ frank request. “I understand. If it’ll make everyone feel at ease, I will be happy to cooperate. Then I will let you know the inn when I’ve decided on one.”

“…Yes, please do that,” Ars said with a bitter smile. Then he stood up as if he just remembered something and grabbed a sheet of paper from his office desk. He handed it to Vio. “It’s not like this is an exchange for your compliance, but here.”

“This is…?”

“A list of secluded but talented scholars. You said you were looking for a botanist before, right? I recommend the first one, but… I don’t know if he’s willing to be hired since he hates nobles.”

“Did you especially make this for me? Thank you, Your Highness. So you recommend Dawn Samarelli, huh? He’s a former priest… I see,” muttered Vio as he scanned the list. Apparently, Dawn was doing research with herb cultivation as his focus. It made sense that a former priest would be interested in herbs. Charity work and medical practice were some of the major roles of the temple.

“I made you feel uncomfortable in the royal capital. Not to mention, you’re my cousin. This much is nothing,” said Ars casually. 

Despite this, Vio was happy because of this. He softly smiled as he held the sheet of paper with care. “Thank you very much, Your Highness. I am grateful for your concern.”

“…Yeah. Well, uh, be careful,” Ars said, turning away his flushed face. 

Then he said to Legion, “Legion, make sure to do your duty as his guardian knight.” 

At the sound of those words, Legion saluted with his hand on his chest, standing near Vio. “Yes. Even if I have to exchange my own life in order to do so.”

A bitter smile slid across Ars’ lips. “You’re so serious. There’s no need to exaggerate.”

“No, this is my sincere resolution,” replied Legion, solemnly again as expected, causing both Vio and Ars to smile wryly.

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Cheval and Lantz came to see Vio off at the carriage stop by the castle.

“Thank you for taking care of me the last few days,” said Vio. “I’m really grateful.”

“You’re welcome, Lord Violant. But serving as your knight is easier than doing the work of the Knights’ Order, so we should be the one to thank you,” replied Cheval with a grin.

Lantz glared. “Please refrain from saying such a rude remark, Sir Cheval. You’re putting us to trouble as well. None of us have had it as easy as he says, so please don’t misunderstand, Lord Violant.”

“What now, Sir Lantz? You also said that this is better than the usual!”

“I mentioned that it’s easier to manage my time as Lord Violant’s knight, but I don’t want to be lazy.”

“I’m not saying that either!” Cheval glared at Lantz due to the latter’s serious rebuttal, and the exchange turned into an argument. 

Vio laughed out loud at their interaction. “You two are really close, aren’t you?”

Such words caused them to zip their lips and frown. They didn’t appear too happy.

Amazed, Legion said, “In any case, don’t fight in front of Lord Violant. You’re being rude.”

Since they looked embarrassed, Vio shook his head with a smile. “It’s fine, Legi. Being able to fight like this is proof that they’re close. It’s much better than being distant and cold with each other. Anyway, Sir Cheval, Sir Lantz, we’re still going to stay in the royal capital for a while, so please visit me whenever you need me. I will tell His Highness where I’m going to stay later.”

“Yes… By the way, Lord Violant,” asked Cheval, “May I write a letter to Miss Rille?”

Vio nodded. “Sure. But I can’t do anything if Rille refuses…”

Cheval’s question had surprised him. So he was the type of man who wrote love letters to women?

Apparently, Lantz and Legion had the same thought, looking at Cheval with a confused gaze.

“Do you even have the sense of romance to write a letter?”

“I never heard Sir Cheval mention writing a letter before. How uncanny. It’s amazing how much he changed after finding his fated partner…” 

Cheval replied in a calm manner, “I don’t know how to write one, so I’m planning to have Sir Lantz teach me.”

“This is the first time I heard this.”

“Because I haven’t told you yet.”

“…I guess that’s fine. I can at least do some corrections. I’ll make sure to fill the paper with red ink,” Lantz said, a faint, ominous smile plastered on his face. 

“This is not an exam!” said Cheval. “Hey, are you assuming that I’d write a bad letter?!”

Impressed by Cheval’s sincerity, Vio nodded. “I understand. If your feelings don’t cool down even when she’s far away from you, then maybe Rille will reconsider it. And if Rille doesn’t hate your advances, then I’ll support you, Sir Cheval.”

“Lord Violant… Thank you very much!” said Cheval with a large smile, before bowing with vigor.

After they had finished bidding each other goodbye, Vio and his servants left the castle via carriage.