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Editor, tlc: chiizuholic

“Ohh. Lord Violant is looking for a botanist?”

That night, Legion was having a late dinner with Cheval at the table in the servants’ room. Legion remembered this matter in the middle of their idle talk and asked Cheval about it. 

Cheval stared into space, stirring the stew with his spoon. He replied, “Yeah, and magicians too. You’re knowledgeable about this kind of thing, right? Do you know anyone who doesn’t enjoy the outdoors and will come to the Lesserhains’ territory?” 

“There are a lot of guys who stay indoors all the time. But if you want people who’re willing to go to the Lesserhains’ territory, that number suddenly drops.”

Cheval split and mashed the potatoes with ease using the tip of the spoon. Rille, who was passing by, noticed that and lifted her eyebrows. “Sir Cheval, have some manners.”

“Ah, I’m sorry.”

Rille then left the servants’ room, holding the tea set. She probably went to deliver it to Vio. Cheval watched her back with a love-struck face.

Legion shook his head, dumbfounded. He couldn’t understand how Cheval could make such a face when he had just been scolded by Rille.. It didn’t help that Legion wasn’t good at interacting with Rille.

“Hey. If you keep making that suspicious face, Rille will kick you away again, you know?”

“That’s fine. I’m happy as long as she pays attention to me.”

“Cheval. From the bottom of my heart, I think you’re really pitiful.”

Legion felt something sour rising up in his chest. Cheval was bad at romance. It was sad how much he took such pleasure in the little things.

“You don’t have to pick such a violent woman, right? You can get plenty of other ladies.”

“You don’t get it, Legi. Don’t you think having a girl like that only showing her gentle side to me will make me the happiest man on the earth? It’s cuter than a woman who’s pleasant to everybody.”

“…Is that so? I think a girl who’s amiable to everyone is better. But I won’t meddle since that’s your type. Anyway, have you thought of anyone?”

By force of habit, Legion had finished his meal quickly. Not having anything to do, he reached for his cup.

“Hmm? Ah, about the scholar and magician, right? I’ll ask my father if he has any recommendations. Most of the candidates I know hate nobles.”

“I’d rather not pick someone who may harm Lord Violant. How about a staunch fellow who won’t care who his employer is as long as they pay for his research?”

“I think even that kind of person will most likely avoid the Lesserhains. It’s not worth it to get your neck chopped halfway through your research because your employer was dissatisfied with you, right?”

Legion sighed. “Right. That’s how the public perceives the Lesserhains.” He reached for the pot and refilled his cup. He glared at Cheval when the other immediately brought his cup closer, but filled his friend’s cup as well.

“Legi, try asking Senior Eddie later. His information network is pretty wide. Maybe he knows someone.”

“No, I can’t ask someone from Captain Fion’s faction. I don’t want to put him in a bad position.”

“Hey, hey. What about me?”

“You’re from His Highness’ faction, aren’t you? That person doesn’t care about anything else as long as you’re loyal to the royal family, so you’re fine.”

“Well, you’re right.” Cheval nodded as he leisurely ate the last bite of the stew. Then he lowered his voice and asked, “But Legi, I thought Senior Eddie was in His Highness’ faction. So he’s in the Captain’s faction?”

“Yeah, seems so. Senior Morgan was talking about it at the bar before.”

“Isn’t that the head of the Captain’s faction? So it’s true. Uwahh, Legi. This part of you is really scary.”

“What do you mean?”

“You pick up unexpected information so nonchalantly. I’m consciously gathering information, but you’re not like that. You don’t think about using someone or anything like that, right? That’s why everyone opens their heart to you,” Cheval muttered, looking terrified.

Legion frowned, offended. “Even I give weight to my position, too. I’m careful not to get too involved with each of them. In the first place, I don’t like the idea of using other people or having different factions. We’re supposed to be colleagues, right? Friends are friends. We should just take care of each other.”

“Ahh, right, right. I’m tired of hearing your passionate preaching. It’s easier said than done. You can do it, but I can’t. Okay?”

“Cheval, it’s because you don’t change your flippant attitude. That’s why――”

Before they could argue like they used to back when they were roommates, they heard a cough. There, Jill was standing at the entrance.

“Please be quiet. If you are going to disturb Young Master’s rest, please do that outside,” Jill warned, his eyes serious.

Legion and Cheval instantly subsided and meekly chorused, “I’m sorry.”

“Thank you for your understanding. Then, take your time.” Jill bowed and left the room.

The knights could finally breathe again. Cheval whispered, “Hey, did you notice when the butler came in?”

“…No.”

“Just who is he?”

“I don’t know, but he’s certainly strong. Whenever he’s around, my back unconsciously straightens. He reminds me of Lord Frangista,” Legion said with a wry smile, recalling the first nobleman he’d served. He was also his mentor in swordsmanship.