editor: ASplashofMusic
“By the way, Lord Violant, what is your opinion on banning Lord Rupheus from entering the guest room?”
Vio looked up at the knight, surprised by Legion’s sudden question. “What?”
Legion stared at Vio, eyes serious. “Up until now, we were helpless to prevent him from harming you since he’s your brother. Not to mention, he is also set to be the next head of your family. But… after the incident that transpired last night, shouldn’t we now have reason to turn him away at the door? Moreover, Her Grace granted us permission to retaliate against Lord Rupheus.”
Vio pondered for a while.
The words of the head of the family were absolute. That was the case for any noble family. From this, it can be seen that the Duke, Vio’s father, held the greatest authority within the family. Following that was Vio’s mother. If the wife of the family head was of low social status, then her authority might be the third highest. But since Viola hailed from the royal family, she was the second most authoritative figure in the Lesserhain family. The next was Rupheus due to his position as the heir. The ranking would be different if Vio’s paternal grandparents were still alive, but they had already died.
Other families would hold family meetings to deliberate on certain matters, but the Lesserhains didn’t do that. The authority to make decisions lay solely in his father’s hands.
If I could, I’d definitely turn him away at the door. But that’s not possible.
Vio immediately came to a conclusion. “Legi, you can’t turn him away unless I’m already asleep or have urgent matters to attend to. I’ll naturally avoid meeting him as much as possible, but I can’t refuse him if he brings up a family matter. Listen, it is our responsibility to maintain the prosperity and defensive forces of our territory. As the second son, I have to act in accordance with the interests of my territory…”
For that reason, turning the heir away without listening to what he wanted to discuss was the same as Vio renouncing his already small existence in the family. If he wanted to strengthen his voice within the family, he had to continually produce good results until he could say, “I’m useful, so you have to listen to my opinions.”
In Vio’s case, his father had given him Leca town, so he only had to bring prosperity to it… but it wouldn’t be easy to make his father and brother recognize his success.
This ranking within the family was a delicate matter, so no one among the nobles would speak about it in public. And since Legion was a commoner, that was all the more reason why he couldn’t have known about it. So, Vio briefly explained it to him.
As a bright man, Legion understood at once. “I understand,” he said. “Please forgive me for my ignorance.”
“No, this is the first time you’ve served under the second son of a lord’s family, right? If you’re curious, just ask Jill. He’ll explain the specifics to you. But it’s a relief that you consulted me about this first. You know about the evaluation criteria for a guard, right?”
“Yes… But even so, I planned to do all I can to turn him away whenever he comes.”
“You shouldn’t turn him away, but it’s alright to keep him waiting. I also need time to prepare.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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Happy with the decision, Legion broke into a smile. “I understand. Then I will do as you say.”
At that moment, there was a knock at the door. After Vio expressed his permission to enter, Lantz entered the bedroom. “My apologies for disturbing your chat, Lord Violant. I was sent to deliver a message to you…”
“I don’t mind. Since you are the messenger, the message must be from His Highness,” said Vio. He then glanced at Legion and signaled him to withdraw. Legion bowed and immediately left the bedroom.
Meanwhile, Lantz walked deeper into the room until he stood beside the bed. Seeing Vio try to get up, Lantz said, “You don’t need to mind me, Lord Violant. Please remain in bed. I have only come to deliver a message. His Highness the Crown Prince Ars and Princess Liona wish to visit you tomorrow afternoon. Is this alright with you?”
“…Sir Lantz. You reported last night’s incident to His Highness, right?”
“Yes, I did. Lord Rupheus’ act of violence has disturbed the peace in the royal castle. The flowerbed was also damaged due to his actions. Is there a problem with what I did?” replied Lantz in a natural, matter-of-fact manner.
Somehow, Vio could sense the iciness in the depths of Lantz’s green orbs. Vio fixed his gaze on him. “Are you angry? Or is it just my imagination?”
“…No,” Lantz said, averting his gaze. A tell that he was likely lying.
Vio eventually sat up. “I apologize for my brother’s behavior last night. Please tell me if you are unhappy with him. I am also at fault for my inability to act aggressive against other people.”
“Lord Violant is not the one at fault. I just cannot forgive his violent behavior. To fling a person out of the room as punishment while they’re injured…” Perhaps thinking he had said too much, Lantz coughed. “Forgive my rudeness.”
Vio gaped at Lantz. Lantz was acting unlike his usual silent self, just straightforwardly spitting out all his thoughts. It was probably because he couldn’t stomach his dissatisfaction any longer.
Vio felt like he had just witnessed one of Lantz’s hidden sides. He always acted calm and centered. Yet deep inside, his heart was actually brimming with passion for justice.
Lantz continued, “Moreover, shouldn’t he have praised you, his younger brother, for saving the foreign princess instead of reprimanding and punishing you? I simply cannot comprehend the reason behind his actions, which makes me even more discontent. And, don’t you think he is indirectly being rude toward our kingdom’s important guest too?” Then he turned to Vio, waiting for the boy’s response.
Flinching upon receiving Lantz’s attention, Vio attempted to explain, “Uh… My brother wasn’t angry that I saved the princess. He’s angry that his embarrassing failure of a brother stood out after ‘scoring points’ with an important guest. I swear to the Great Spirit that I didn’t help Princess Liona for the sake of scoring points with her, but the problem is that it seemed like it. My brother is of the opinion that having other people talk about me is a humiliation… The same can probably be said for my father too.”
They had always told him, “Don’t show yourself in public” and “Don’t embarrass us.” Personally, Vio also didn’t want to hurt the Lesserhains’ reputation because of his involvement with the royal family.
“I don’t understand. I have only accompanied you for a few days, but I know that Lord Violant is a great person.”
Vio sighed and beckoned Lantz to sit by the bedside. Though an expression of puzzlement crossed Lantz’s face, he quietly obeyed.
“Sir Lantz, do you remember my brother talking about me having a trauma of going outside?”
“I do recall him saying such a thing… Though I didn’t quite pay attention to his words because I had been preoccupied with worrying whether I should intervene or not. I apologize.”
“No, it’s fine. I’ve suffered from a trauma of going outside for the last two years. I was too afraid of the outside world. Even if I took only one step out of the mansion, I would have a panic attack. Worst case scenario, I would even collapse. My father and brother are lionhearted men. With my weakness, it’s natural for them to be disappointed in me.”
They had repeatedly told Vio that as a man, he should get a hold of himself. However, it had proved to be an insurmountable task for Vio.
Not satisfied with that explanation, Lantz argued, “But you’ve strolled around the royal capital before.”
“Yes. I’ve managed to overcome my trauma around a month ago. I’m completely fine now in that aspect, but I still can’t bring myself to hold a sword.” Vio released a sigh. “My brother has already talked about my trauma and the circumstances surrounding it yesterday in your presence… so there’s no use hiding it from you. Until two years ago, I had an important friend. He was my previous guardian knight, Erik.”
“Erik…” Lantz indeed remembered that name.
“Two years ago, he stabbed me and betrayed me before disappearing. You’ve seen it before, right? The scar on my stomach.” Vio lightly touched his stomach through his sleepwear and flashed a smile. “I found out just yesterday that my brother had been the instigator of Erik’s betrayal. Until then, I had blamed myself for Erik’s betrayal, so I thought I had to endure my brother’s constant ridicule. But I won’t stand for it any longer. I will fight my brother from now on.” Vio’s hands, which had been resting on his knees, balled into tight fists.
Upon noticing the trembling of Vio’s hands, Lantz grew worried. “Do you feel unwell? Shall I call the doctor?”
“No, I’m fine. I’m just… scared.”
This time, Lantz’s expression shifted to one of surprise.
“The thought of going against my father and my brother has never crossed my mind before. They’re… really scary. To me, it’ll be less scary to jump off a cliff than to make them my enemies.”
“…Is there anything I can do to help you?”
A chuckle left Vio’s lips. “Thank you. Your concern is enough. I can’t involve an outsider in this matter.”
“Then, why don’t you talk to His Highness about this matter?”
“No, I can’t. His Highness has worked hard to maintain the power balance between the royal family and the Lesserhains. I don’t want to force him to intervene in the Lesserhains’ internal matters. That will simply create unnecessary conflict since involving outsiders is my brother’s sore spot.”
As Vio predicted, Lantz grew silent.
“Please don’t worry. I plan on talking to my grandfather…” said Vio. Then in a teasing tone, he continued, “If my life is ever at stake, then I will leave my family and run away. You know that my guardian knight will definitely ensure that I safely escape. After all, he’s the best knight in this kingdom.”
The tautness in Lantz’s features eased. “You’re right.”
“Ahh, Sir Lantz. I would like to request something from you if possible.”
“What is it?”
“Please charge the cost of reparation for the flowerbed to my family’s mansion. Once my father hears of this incident, he will definitely scold my brother.”
“I apologize, Lord Violant, but…” said Lantz, awkward. Vio inwardly had a bitter smile, wondering whether his request was repulsive. However, Lantz’s next sentence surprised him. “I’ve already sent the bill to the Lesserhains’ mansion.”
“…What?”
“At the same time, I also attached a detailed report of the incident. As a member of the Royal Knights, it is my duty to maintain the peace in the royal castle. I cannot make any exceptions, even if the offender is the heir of the Duke.”
“Sir Lantz, this incident has really angered you, hasn’t it?”
Lantz once again averted his eyes, assuming an air of innocence. “…Well, I probably got a little annoyed. But it’s still within the scope of my job.”
“Is that so?” Vio said, bursting into laughter. Lantz also broke into a smile. An unusual sight coming from him.
After indulging in shared laughter, Lantz regained his usual expressionless face and asked, “Then, may I know your response to the message?”
“Tomorrow, huh. I don’t mind, but I request that they don’t make their visit too grandiose… I think my brother won’t come here anymore, but I might anger my father this time.”
“I understand. I will make sure to guide him like it’s nothing important. Then I will take my leave now, Lord Violant. Thank you for listening to my rant. May the Verdant Spirit of Yuglena be with you.” Afterward, Lantz politely bowed and left the room.
Seeing Jill enter the room with a playful smile, Vio returned the smile. The image of his father scolding his brother slightly refreshed him.
Thank you for the update!
Vio’s scum older brother is in for a scolding, lol
I wish Vio’s mother be more protecting tho after finding out his scum brother’s malicious intention to the youngest sister.
I can’t wait to see him visit his grandpa ! That’s going to be interesting for sure ! 😆 I can’t even imagine the look on Rupheus’s face when he finds out ! 😂 it’s gonna be great, bios totally going to win them over and wreck Rupheus now that the globes are off ! 😂
Lantz is cute.
Thanks for the chapter!
Totally !!! 🥰💕
Awe!! 😂💕 Lantz acting all cute and tsundere about it ~ also I love that we’re getting all these etiquette and noble hierarchy breakdowns !
I’m so happy Vio has an ally (≧▽≦) I’m sure that with some help he’ll be able to rebel from his family
Thank you for the chapter!!! ❤️❤️
Lantz is so adorable for some reason…
Thanks for the chapter~
Vio: please don’t get involved in my family affairs
Prince (via Lantz) : …ALSO that b*tch broke my flower bed
I’m happy Vio told Lantz the truth. He has so many people willing to help him, with the ability to help him, I just wish he would share his burden more. The Prince would probably LOVE to make trustworthy and sane Vio the head of the Lesserhains and also seriously decrease their power. And he should let Night know about Erik just in case.
Thank you for the update