2 Comments

Editor: junirenn

After listening to Vio’s story, Wingart had a stern expression. “Hmm, I see. Rupheus did that, huh?” He pondered out loud. “He’s outstanding, but his cruelty is exactly like that man’s. It’s a shame. He was still cute and obedient when he was a child.”

“You’re right. When I met him at his social debut, it’s like he changed into a different person. It made me wonder if the rumor that anyone who participates in the Lesserhain’s coming of age ceremony will be possessed by the devil is true. I was really scared at that time,” Elise muttered with a sigh, shivering once she recalled how creepy it was, seeing Rupheus. After she prayed to the great spirit, she breathed in relief.

Vio tilted his head. “Coming of age ceremony…?”

In his memories of his older brother, Rupheus had always been scary. That’s why he couldn’t understand his grandparents’ words. Besides, Vio had never taken the ceremony.

With a complicated expression, Wingart explained, “I don’t know much about it either. However, the Lesserhain’s coming of age ceremony has been famous for a long time. It’s a ritual that only the eldest son can participate in, and they become cruel after completing it. ”

“That’s why they are ‘possessed by a demon’, huh…”

Vio felt an indescribable chill. He didn’t find it strange to know that his father and brother might be possessed by demons. Rather, he was strangely convinced.

Vio and his grandparents looked at each other awkwardly before Wingart cleared his throat and changed the subject. “Well, it’s only a rumor, and we don’t know the truth. I understand why you made your request, Violant. But we will help our daughter and granddaughter even if you didn’t ask. Don’t put us in the same category as your father.”

Scolded by Wingart, Vio was relieved, but he also hung his head in shame. He was so worried about various things that he doubted his grandfather.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, Violant. Dear, you have read the letters from Viola, right?” Elise asked as she intervened. “If we take his daily life into consideration, it wouldn’t be strange for this child to be wary of us.”

Apparently, Viola was sending letters about him to her parents. That meant they knew many details about Violant’s situation.

“Okay, I admit that I shouldn’t have scolded you, Violant, but know this. We hate the Duke of Lesserhain from the bottom of our heart. From now on, you need to be careful around him,” cautioned Wingart.

“I understand, Grandfather,” Vio replied obediently. 

A broad smile appeared on Wingart’s face in response. “Good.”

As he leaned back on the chaise lounge, he brought up another topic. “Then what about you? If you want to ask for help, then I can think of various ways to do so. For example, we can look for a family to adopt you or find you a good woman to marry… You can also study abroad or attend school in the royal capital. If you want to join the Royal Knights, then I can also help you enter a good division… Ah, but you have a weak body, right? Then do you want to go to the literary school full of magicians?”

Vio stared blankly at Wingart as he listed his options for evacuation. “No, Grandfather. As I said, I don’t need help since I’m planning to go against Brother. I also want to improve Leca Town’s livelihood, so I can’t leave.”

It didn’t look like Wingart liked Vio’s reply. “Why!? Why do you have to specifically choose the thorny path? Good grief, your features aren’t the only thing that’s similar to Viola…” he complained, frowning

With a tone that bore no room for argument, Vio replied, “But I’ve already made my decision.”

“…Haa. You’re just like my daughter. She won’t give up once she has made a decision,” Wingart said before he let out a deep sigh. Next to him, Elise had pressed her fingers to her forehead, as if it hurt.

“Grandfather, grandmother. Even if it’s scary, I’d rather fight with Brother than hide from him because I’m scared. It’s a matter of my self-esteem. I’ll run away when my life is really at risk. Please rest assured.”

Wingart and Elise looked at each other and helplessly nodded.

“I like that pride. If there’s anything we can do to help, feel free to tell us. Okay?” said Wingart.

Vio nodded. “Yes, Grandfather. I understand.”

Elise, who was watching their exchange, mildly asked, “Is that all, Violant?”

“Yes.”

“Then let’s have a chat. It’s been a long time since we saw each other. You won’t say something sad like you’re leaving immediately, right?”

“Of course.”

After that, Vio engaged his grandparents in leisurely chatter.