VIO Ch 91.1 – The Hermit in Endsk (II)

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translator: mii

editor: Sleepchaser

During the day, Liona, who had a lot of fun in the hot spring, not only allowed Vio to experience it, but the others as well.

While the hot spring in the annex was located near the garden, it was impenetrable to peeping toms, being surrounded by walls and all. 

Tired after taking a long bath earlier, Liona chose to relax in her room until dinner.

And so, Vio decided to try out the hot spring, uncomfortable and sweaty from the hot weather.

I’ve already tried out a hot spring on a trip in my previous life, but this is my first time as Vio.

Baths hardly proved extravagant in this world. Probably because of the existence of spirit magic, allowing people to clean themselves faster. Though Vio had never paid a visit to a commoner’s home before, he had heard that most owned a bath. Even if they didn’t, they could just make a trip to a public one. 

“Right!” said Vio, a good idea flashing in his mind. He stepped foot out of the room. In the hallway, Legion stood guard dutifully next to the door as he talked to Cheval and Lantz.

“Legi… Ah, sorry for interrupting.”

“No, it’s nothing important. Is there a problem, Lord Violant?”

Noticing Cheval and Lantz tactfully trying to withdraw after a quick bow, Vio said, “Wait, you two can stay here. Princess Liona said she’s going to rest for today, so we are free to have a soak in the hotspring. Everyone can take turns.”

“Really? That sounds very nice.”

“Yep. That’s why, how about we go together?”

“…What?” said Legion, stiffening. 

Under the impression that Legion didn’t understand him, Vio said, “Why don’t we enter the hotspring together? I heard sharing a bath with subordinates of the same gender will deepen the bond and understanding between both the superior and his subordinates. That’s what my father and brother did… I don’t really know, but it’s pretty common for nobles, isn’t it?” Vio’s words and actions clearly illustrated his hope to take a bath with Legion. 

And yet Legion let out a strangled groan, the expression on his face that of a dying man. Moreover, Cheval and Lantz looked at Legion faces of pity. Such reactions baffled Vio. 

Read this at perpetualdaydreams.com

“Pardon me, but I have to stand guard…”

“We can leave that to Jill while we’re bathing. He’s pretty strong, you know.”

“I know, but… Nevertheless, I will have to reject your offer,” said Legion. “I shall take a quick shower later.”

“…I see. Okay. Sorry for bothering you,” said Vio with reluctance, not wanting to force Legion into doing something he didn’t want. But he didn’t give up entirely, shifting his target to Cheval and Lantz. What a pity that when he turned to them, they suddenly moved away.

“Ahh, excuse me, Lord Violant. I have a meeting to attend now.”

“Yes, yes. Forgive us. Wah, we’re so busy.”

As they left, they emphasized the extent of their busyness, over and over again. 

With Jill standing guard by his side, Vio stepped foot within the open-air bath. The scent of sulfur brought forward a burst of nostalgia. 

A small flower resembling a chrysanthemum floated on the water’s surface. Probably a part of the herbs with medicinal benefits that had been mixed into the bath water..

“Jill, do you think Legi hates me?” Vio asked, a bitter expression on his face.

To which Jill looked at Vio in surprise. “…What makes you think so, Young Master?”

“When I invited him to bathe together and deepen our relationship, he refused me. Sir Cheval and Sir Lantz also ran away from me.”

Laughter spilled from Jill’s lips at Vio’s complaints, unusually loud in volume. Vio could only stare at him in shock, watching Jill clear his throat to keep his composure.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“I’m sorry. It’s nothing… I just think they’re still young. How cute.”

“What do you mean?”

“They are probably too embarrassed to take a bath with Young Master. Please don’t forget your position as a noble.”

Vio wasn’t convinced by that answer. “But Father and Brother bathed with their subordinates.”

“Young Master is a special case.”

“Even you’re not answering my question now… Why are they embarrassed? Shouldn’t it be me who feels inferior if we take a bath together?”

Vio leaned against the bath frame. Scooped some hot water with his palms palms. Reflected upon the water’s surface was the face of a young and fragile boy.

As knights, Legion and the others had fit bodies. Imagining their muscular, strong, and masculine figures was an easy task. Yet Vio was so sickly that even his skin appeared pale. He didn’t look very healthy, and he hated that.

The aesthetic sense of this country leaned toward a healthier side. Vio had a pretty face, but he believed that due to his frail appearance, he was far from the preference of most people around.

“Young Master, if you’re saying that you’re a bean sprout or anything like that again, I will scold you.”

Vio fell silent because of that. Jill had read his mind. He didn’t want to get scolded. 

Jill asked, genuinely curious, “Why are you so unhappy, Young Master? You don’t even get mad about the servant’s room, and yet…”

“I want to take a bath with my subordinates. It has always been one of my wishes.”

“…Hm. This is hard. Young Master is being unusually willful, but to my surprise it’s not something I can easily solve.”

“Ah, right. Maybe they don’t want to come in with me because it’s a private bath? How about going to a public bath?”

“Absolutely not!”

A yelp of surprise escaped Vio’s lips as he recoiled from fright, rushing to adjust his posture and looking back at Jill. 

Jill’s expression proved serious. In a clear voice, he once again said, “Absolutely! Not!”

“I-I get it… You don’t have to be so angry,” replied Vio to calm him, confused.