VIO Ch 20 – Dark Clouds (VI)

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Translator: mii

editors: sleepchaser, ASplashofMusic, Katie_WanderingFujoshi

Around the time everyone in the mansion had changed their clothes and treated their injuries, a group of townspeople arrived at the estate, led there by the uproar.

Ed, who was on holiday, was part of that group. The moment he laid eyes on the wreck of a garden, he stood in a daze.

“Sorry, Ed,” said Vio, standing beside Ed. “You worked hard to build this garden, yet…” He cast his gaze toward the ground. It wasn’t Vio’s fault, but he was well aware how much effort and energy Ed had spent on the garden. Pain filled his heart just by imagining what Ed felt at the moment.

As such, Vio had prepared himself for Ed’s complaints. Contrary to expectations, Ed merely drew closer to Vio, face pale. “Young master, are you alright?!”

“Ah, I’m fine. It’s as you see before you… A knight with an Equestrian Dragon attacked the mansion. Legi drove them away.”

“So that’s what happened! Ah, what a relief. Don’t worry. I can just rebuild it,” Ed said, a gentle smile on his face. He then asked anxiously, “But young master, are you sure you are alright going outside like this?”

“Yeah. It’s kind of like shock therapy. I can finally step foot outside the mansion. I don’t have any panic attacks anymore.” Vio took a deep breath. “It’s nice outside. The air is really refreshing.”

Once Vio smiled, Ed sank into silence. Perhaps Ed was upset that his garden had been destroyed after all. Thus, Vio waited for him to vent. But then, Ed cried out, “I’m glad. If the garden’s destroyed, I’m sure that’s a sign it’s not needed anymore. After all, the reason I worked so hard on it was to comfort the young master. Since you couldn’t go outside,” said Ed, joy in his heart due to his master’s recovery.

A broad smile spread its way across Vio’s lips. “Thank you, Ed. But if you’re okay with it, I’d like for you to rebuild the garden. When it comes down to it, yours is the most beautiful.”

“Yes of course! It’s my pleasure.”

The two shared a laugh. Listening from the entrance to the mansion, the townspeople spoke one after the other, their volume near a shout’s.

“That’s unfair, Ed. Why are you the only one praised?!”

“Wah, what’s with this garden? It’s destroyed. Lord Violant, is it true that a dragon attacked the mansion?”

“Are you alright?”

Legion sent the crowd a sharp glare, stopping them in their tracks. “Hey, you’re all too close! Move back.”

“It’s okay, Legi. Everyone, thank you for your concern. I’m sorry for always making trouble. Everything is fine now,” said Vio with a bitter smile.

The moment after he had spoken, one of the townspeople raised his hand. “Oh, oh! I’ll help with the clean-up!”

“Ah, how sly. I’ll help too!”

“Hey, everyone. Bring your tools. We’ll need shovels and hoes.”

“Then we’ll carry the flowering plants that are still alive to the side.”

In the blink of an eye, the townspeople filled the garden. Under Ed’s guidance, they started the repairs. Vio stared at the scene before him, astonished. 

The townspeople burst into laughter upon noticing his expression. “It often snows here, right? So when we’re all in trouble, it’s normal for us to join forces to help everyone.”

“Yes, yes, Reeve. Please don’t mind us and take a rest. You look pale. We can handle this.”

“That’s right, Lord Violant,” said Legion. “Please return to the mansion. I will also give them a hand.”

“Okay, I got it. Then I will accept the offer. Thanks again, everyone. I’ll leave it to you all,” said Vio to the people around him. Cheerfully, the townspeople sounded their agreement in harmony.

In the drawing room, Calia sat next to Flora, drinking tea. Once she had caught sight of Vio entering the room, she stood immediately. “Lord Violant.”

“Ah, it’s alright; no need for courtesies. Just sit down. Rille, may I have some tea as well?”

“I will prepare it at once.”

Vio sat on the chair across from Flora, casting Rille a side glance as she left the room. His gaze was then drawn to the gauze around Calia’s head. “Dame Calia, how is your injury?”

“The town doctor examined it. I’ve been told it’s nothing serious.”

“I see. What a relief.”

As they exchanged words, Rille returned and served the black tea. After a sip, Vio sighed in satisfaction, savoring the flavor.  A chuckle left his lips. “I had a premonition this morning, but never had I thought Erik would appear.”

“I didn’t realize he was that suspicious person in town until seeing him again today,” said Flora, depressed. “I can’t believe he is still trying to harm you after what he did to you before…”

“No, Flora. He wasn’t aiming for me. He has a grudge against the whole Lesserhain family.”

“So this time, he was aiming for Flora?” asked Calia.

Vio nodded. “He probably realized that compared to hurting me, targeting Flora was a more effective method to strike at Father and Brother. They both wouldn’t care if I die, but Flora is different. After all, Flora’s the cutest.”

“That’s not true, Brother! Father and Brother Rupheus are concerned about you as well!”

Vio flashed a gentle smile. “Thank you for saying that, Flora.”

Flora would eventually understand Vio’s circumstances. But for now, he decided to avoid mentioning the details. He didn’t wish to see his sister in a sadder state than she already was.

Following that, Flora slightly bent forward in excitement. “Brother, since you can go out now, are you going back to Nada town?”

Looking at Flora’s eyes that gleamed with expectation, Vio revealed a bitter smile. “I’m afraid not.”

“Why? Mother will surely be happy to see you home.”

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“I like it here, Flora. I want to continue living here,” said Vio. “And I feel bad for saying this since you’ve only just arrived, but after three more days, you’ll have to return to Nada town. It’s much safer in the lord’s residence. No, maybe it’s better to evacuate with Mother to Grandfather’s place.”

Vio’s grandfather on his mother’s side was the former king. He had left the royal castle, now living with the former queen in the royal villa that stood on the outskirts of the royal capital. If his daughter were to request for his help, he would definitely take in Viola and Flora.

Flora’s expression became one of puzzlement. “Why would we need to evacuate?”

Calia asked, “Is this related to that situation?”

Vio nodded again. “We now have proof that there’s truth in Dame Calia’s warning. As such, we should quickly take action. Flora’s life would be in jeopardy if we don’t send her home soon. Any later and she might not be able to return anymore. I’ll entrust my sister to you, Dame Calia. If something happens, make sure to escape with her to my grandfather’s residence.”

“I understand,” responded Calia.

“Wait! What in the world are you two talking about?” asked Flora, looking like she was about to cry. Even if she didn’t understand the conversation, she could still sense that the situation was dire.

“Everyone has their roles, Flora,” said Vio. “Mine is to protect Leca town and Amade village. And yours is to protect Mother.”

“Mother?”

“Yes, and yourself too. You don’t have to think about Father and Brother.”

Though she looked confused, Flora nodded in compliance to Vio’s instructions.

Well, Father and Brother would consider it a disgrace as military men for women and children to protect them. Saying anything of the sort to them would be useless.

As he wryly smiled in his thoughts, Vio stared at Flora’s face.

I’m glad Flora came to see me. This could be the last time I’d ever see her.

Vio had no knowledge of the military history of the Kingdom of Istiah. But he did know that if their kingdom were to enter a war against the Kingdom of Ruslan right now, they would surely lose. Those living in the Lesserhains’ territory were considered the spearhead of this kingdom’s forces. But due to the oppressive rule of Vio’s father and brother, the territory had fallen into ruin. The kingdom’s defense had been crippled.

Erik said something would soon happen.

Vio made a mental note to complete his preparations before it was too late.

 

⋆̩☂︎*̣̩ ✢ ⋆̩☂︎*̣̩

 

By evening, the townspeople had finished tidying up the flower beds the Equestrian Dragon had destroyed. They had filled the pits with soil and flattened them out. Afterward, they gradually returned to their homes. Once Vio had sent them all off, he gazed at the empty garden in melancholy. 

Legion stared at Vio’s hair reminiscent of silver threads swaying in the wind, a distant look in his eyes. “Are you bothered by Erik Karland?”

Vio shifted his gaze to him, blinking in surprise. Secretly, Legion grew satisfied that Vio’s focus was now on him.

“Are you bothered by him, Legi?” asked Vio, parroting his words. 

“No, I’m not.”

“You’re lying. I’m not bothered by Erik, but you are,” said Vio in a calm tone, hitting the nail right on the head.

Feeling somewhat awkward, Legion averted his gaze “…I’m sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing?”

“It must have been an unpleasant question to be asked.”

“You’re in a bad mood, huh? You sure are easy to understand.” Vio chuckled. Then he muttered, “You know, I can’t completely hate him no matter what…”

Although Vio didn’t explicitly say who he was referring to, Legion knew it all the same. Most likely, it was Erik. His sullenness grew apparent on his face. 

It brought a giggle out of Vio’s lips. “Seems like you hate him.”

“Of course! He called me his junior, even though he is a traitor! It’s irritating to have the same position as someone like him.” Just by recalling it, Legion was furious.

“I previously wondered how he was, but it looks like he’s doing well. It seems like he was scouting out this area but couldn’t control himself when he happened to see Flora. His recklessness hasn’t changed at all.” Vio sighed, allowing his sorrow to escape. “He still wishes for revenge even after stabbing me… It would be better if he could free himself from his hatred.”

As Legion pondered whether he should say something, Vio changed the topic. “Legi, I’ve decided to have Flora return to Nada town. It’s going to be busy soon. When the time comes, I will be in need of your help.”

“Yes, certainly!”

At Legion’s response, Vio nodded and quickly left for the mansion, refusing to answer any more questions. Legion watched as his figure shrank into the distance, a bitter flame flaring in his heart.  

As long as Vio ordered Legion to slay Erik, he would readily chase that man to the ends of the earth. But he didn’t.

“If he still wants to cause trouble for Lord Violant, he’ll have to say his final words the next time we meet!” muttered Legion, overcome with determination.

Vio had finally gained peace after his biological family had exiled him to Leca town. If anyone intended on destroying his peace, Legion would protect Vio, regardless of his opponents.

He shot a glare at the area beyond the Alpé Mountains. Following that, Legion returned to the mansion.

Translator’s ramblings:

*cries because Ed is such a cinnamon roll*

This marks the end of the first arc! dun dun dun~

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