VIO Ch 8 – The Reason He Couldn’t Go Outside (V)

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Translator: mii

Editors: sleepchaser, Katie_WanderingFujoshi

“A phobia of going outside?” asked Legion.

Jill nodded. 

They currently resided in the dining room meant for servants, located in the kitchen. There, a table stood, enough chairs for six people surrounding it.

“For now, please take a seat,” said Jill. “I will brew some tea for us.”

Legion sat in the seat farthest to the left as prompted. Then he absentmindedly looked at Jill’s back, thoughts wandering to what had transpired earlier.

As Jill had carried the unconscious Violant to his room on the second floor, Legion summoned the town doctor. Only after the doctor had examined him and declared nothing was particularly wrong did Legion feel relieved. Due to his unwarranted kindness, Violant had collapsed. If the situation worsened, Legion seriously considered taking his own life.

Jill set the cups of herbal tea on the table, taking a seat across from Legion. Watching Jill take a sip of tea, Legion followed suit. Only after he had drunk some did he finally realize how thirsty he was.

Eventually, Jill lowered his cup. Stared at Legion, gray eyes glowing with intelligence. “Sir Legion, are you aware of that traitor? A man named Erik?”

“Erik? No, I’m not aware… Is that the person Lord Violant had referred to before he collapsed?”

“You’ve guessed correctly. But I’m surprised that you don’t know this name. I believe he’s somewhat famous in the Lesserhains’ territory.”

“Although I was born and raised in the Lesserhains’ territory, I stayed in the royal capital since I was twelve. In fact, I’ve just recently returned to my hometown. I remember hearing some rumors by chance, but not once have I heard that name.”

“Truly? Two years have passed since that person’s name joined the wanted list here. Perhaps by now, everyone has lost their interest in him.” Jill heaved a heavy sigh. His gentle gray eyes darkened. Legion set down his empty cup.

“Erik Karland served as Young Master’s guardian knight until two years ago,” said Jill.

“A guardian knight?” Legion widened his eyes. “But Lord Violant said he hated knights…”

Once those words had left his lips, Legion received an inkling of what might have happened: Erik might be the reason why Lord Violant hated knights. 

Once more did Jill nod. “Erik was Young Master’s most trusted subordinate. In fact, Young Master placed his absolute trust in him and idolized him. Erik also said that Young Master was someone he would give his for, someone utterly important. He served Young Master well. They seemed like brothers of differing ages or close friends. As you may know, Young Master didn’t have many allies in Nada town. His Grace Duke Lesserhain and his elder brother treated him harshly. So he trusted Erik all the more.”

A frown crawled over Legion’s lips. “And that man betrayed him?” Honestly speaking, he was extremely jealous of that fellow called Erik. Found him odious despite never meeting him. If not for that man’s influence, Legion would not have had to maneuver past all these obstacles, of being branded a bad person, before Violant finally accepted him as a knight. 

Jill smiled wryly. “Erik’s circumstances were also tragic. He left after venting out his anger on Young Master. Perhaps at that time, his heart had already been broken. That’s why, despite Erik’s act of attempted murder, Young Master could not hate him. Rather, he wandered in the depths of despair, unable to let go.” 

According to Jill, Erik’s father was imprisoned on a false charge. He tried to make an appeal to the lord for his father’s innocence, but no one gave him the time of day. Eventually, his father died in prison. 

After that, Erik turned his blade toward Vio. Seriously injured, Vio wandered on the brink of death.

And… 

“Ever since that day, Young Master hasn’t been able to go outside. The doctor diagnosed it as a phobia. It is clear that the wound in his heart is the cause. If he goes outside, the memory of his betrayal would flood his mind, and fear would overwhelm him. Fear that someone would make an attempt on his life again. When it gets severe, he would collapse like today.”

“The cause is clear, so why did the duke exile Lord Violant to this faraway place on his own?”

Legion was unable to wrap his head around it. Most parents would try to protect their children if they were hurt. Even a bird wouldn’t throw its wounded chick from its nest. 

Jill responded to his confusion with helplessness, saying, “The Lesserhain family is well-known for its valor. Even though Young Master is from the direct line, he is considered worthless since he cannot step foot outside. He can’t even go hunting, much less fight in wars. Hence, His Grace Duke Lesserhain tried to disown him.” A pause. “But he conceded to the duchess’ desperate persuasion, driving Young Master away to the rural Leca town instead. Even His Grace would be troubled if he was forced to divorce the current king’s sister.”

“I see. So the duchess is Lord Violant’s ally, then?” A wave of relief washed over Legion, as if that matter concerned himself. It was painful just to imagine that scenario, of Violant lacking a single ally in his own family.

“Yes. And so is his sister. But Young Master’s elder brother, Lord Rupheus, hates him even more than His Grace does. While it might be common for brothers in noble families to share a bad relationship, I wish he could be more kind. He’s such a skilled person that it is a shame his personality leaves much to be desired.”

Jill seldom allowed his emotions to show on his face, but at this moment, there existed an expression of unadulterated disgust.

He doesn’t like Lord Rupheus, huh? Legion had served Rupheus for three days, but couldn’t grow to like him. As such, he felt a sense of affinity with Jill.

“Young Master lives alone under such circumstances here. He would have a panic attack if he goes outside, so please refrain from inviting him out again.”

“I understand,” said Legion, nodding. The moment he hung his head in remorse, Rille entered the kitchen. She glared at Legion, cold enough to freeze. Bursting with anger.

“Excuse me, Mr. Jill. Master has a message for Sir Legion.”

“What is it?” Legion replied, sweat springing from his back due to Rille’s intense glare.

“‘You’re now clear that I’m lacking as a master, right? Tomorrow morning, please leave the mansion.’” Rille gritted her teeth in frustration. “To be honest, I want to beat you up. How could you make Master say something like this?!”

“Now, Rille,” said Jill, trying to stop her, but Rille only shook her head.

“No, Mr. Jill. I won’t stay quiet! Listen, I won’t forgive you if you make Master suffer again. Please pack up at once,” said Rille, standing firm on her decision. She then left the kitchen with a sullen expression. 

Without a moment’s delay, Jill said, “Please forgive me, Sir Legion. I’ve let you hear her impudent remarks that don’t fit her station as a maid…”

“No, it’s fine. Miss Rille’s complaint against me is reasonable. Certainly, I’m unpleasant.”

Face the picture of puzzlement, Jill watched as Legion rose to his feet. “Are you alright?”

“I want to reflect on my actions.”

“What? Ah, sure…”

And Legion left the mansion without any regard for Jill, the latter still standing there confused.

But it’s not your fault, Legi… You didn’t know that Vio had a phobia… QAQ

A bit off-topic, but everyone in this novel really has beautiful eye colors! I only have ordinary dark brown eyes, so I always want to have those fancy eye colors!! (((but I’m too scared to use contacts aaaa)))