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translator: mii

editor: Sleepchaser

In a casual fashion, a young man in his early twenties arrived at the Browns’ inn. More specifically, the bar and lounge. He had a fair complexion and handsome features. Wavy and dark brown tied loosely by his nape, long bangs concealing his green and slanted eyes. They peeked through the strands, and coupled with the mole under his left eye, such an appearance oozed out sexual appeal. 

Sitting at the counter, the young man, Karam Simmons, said, “A glass of wine. Cheese as nibbles.”

“Noted.”

Following that, Karam quickly scanned the lounge. Cigarette smoke drifted through the room. It was dimly lit, courtesy of the candlelight. 

Among the many elderly men enjoying their beers, a young silver-haired boy stood out, drinking tea at the inner portion of the room. Karam only had a view of his back, but he could easily guess that the boy was a noble based on his elegant appearance and the butler standing by his side. Not to mention, his every action screamed nobility and he treated it as if it were normal, as if he was doing nothing out of the ordinary. 

“Who is that?” Karam asked the bartender as he picked up the wine glass that was served to him. The bartender glanced at the boy and whispered, “He is the second son of the Lesserhain family.”

“Hmm, so he’s from that family.”

Word had it that he attended the crown prince’s birthday party too, but Karam couldn’t even meet him, let alone greet him. The second son of the Lesserhains had only stayed for a little while at the venue, and not only that, he had kept to the members of lower nobility. Karam, who had only greeted the higher nobles, only had the chance to see him from a distance.

Karam was extremely curious as to whether the rumor was true: that the second son of the Lesserhains looked exactly like Princess Viola, who was nicknamed “Lily Under the Moon.” 

As he approached the boy with half the intention to tease him, the butler quickly blocked his path. 

“Pardon me. I’m not a suspicious person,” said Karam. “My name is Karam Simmons. My father is Count Simmons, and my current title is viscount. I wish to greet the second son of Duke Lesserhain if I’m blessed with the chance…”

At his introduction, the boy turned to him.

At that moment, Karam could hear the sound of blessed bells ringing in his head: He fell in love at first sight.

As Vio enjoyed his herbal tea in the lounge after dinner, he turned to look at the noble who had come to greet him. Karam Simmons. The fact that he went all the way to greet a noble’s second son who had usually holed himself up in the countryside was commendable in Vio’s eyes. So Vio did not want to ignore him. 

“Count Simmons… He owns the land east of the royal territory, right? I’m Violant. Nice to meet you,” he said, rising to his feet and offering his right hand.

Shaking hands was a common greeting. However, Karam stared at Vio with a stunned expression for some reason. Once Vio frowned at his rude gesture, Jill cleared his throat on purpose. That snapped Karam back to his senses.

“Ah… forgive my rudeness. I’ve lost my senses due to your beauty. Please call me Karam.” Karam got down on his right knee, respectfully took Vio’s right hand, and kissed the back of it. 

Not forgetting his status, Vio managed to keep silent, but he was so surprised that he almost screamed.

Why is he kissing the back of my hand? I guess it makes sense since my family’s status is high, but… it’s not something people do toward a second son, right?

Having never experienced this kind of greeting before, Vio was confused. It would still be understandable if he were a noble lady, but as he was not, shaking hands or bowing should be enough.

Vio retracted his hand at a speed that wouldn’t be considered rude, placed said hand on his chest, and bowed. He struggled to make sure he didn’t have on a strained expression.

Slowly, Karam stood, still looking straight at Vio’s eyes. “If you like, may I have the opportunity to chat with you for a while?”

Vio looked at Jill for help. It was just their first meeting, yet the other party had such an odd enthusiasm. Thus, Vio could only find this young man slightly creepy. Besides, the tobacco in the lounge was so stinky that he didn’t feel like staying long. Vio had come here to refresh his mood, but he was starting to regret his trip.

Jill said, “I’m sorry, but—” 

All of a sudden, Legion entered the lounge. “Lord Violant… Ah. Pardon my intrusion. Are you in the middle of a chat?”

“My, Sir Legion. You came to report about that case, right?” asked Jill. “Perfect. Young Master was about to return to his room, so please talk about that there. Young Master, are you alright with that?”

“Eh?” said Legion, dumbstruck. 

But Vio was on board with Jill’s idea. “Yes, I completely forgot about that. Excuse me, Viscount Karam. But I shall take my leave here. I have an important matter regarding the territory that I have to attend.”

“Is that so? Then it can’t be helped. I will be staying here for a while. If you want someone to talk to, please feel free to call me,” Karam said, truly disappointed. Then he bowed in a polite manner. 

Vio responded with an amiable smile and stood. He then hurried out of the lounge, goosebumps on his arms for a moment.