Part 273: Virion A

Hello, Virion. I've not seen much of you as of late... Are you keeping well?

Well enough. Busy with noble deeds and so forth. ...Keeping up the good name.

Er, Virion, about before...

I should go, milady. Forgive me.

Oh, yes. Yes, of course. It's just that... Well, you haven't been yourself recently. You seem tired. I rather miss my lively old Virion.

Milady, when you called me dishonest, it gave me a pause. Am I a credit to nobility? Do I bring honor to house and peer? Can I yet be better? I am unused to thinking such things, and my ponderings gave me a terrific headache. I've barely had a bite to eat and grow ever thinner by the day. If I think any harder, I fear I shall simply waste away.

Hah!

Scorn does not become you, milady.

My apologies. But I promise, I'm not mocking your plight. I just find this ever so amusing. For you see, you have already proven me wrong and don't even realize it.

Hmm? You have me at a disadvantage, sweet lady.

I said you were superficial and dishonest. A blight on all who hold good blood. But here you stand, anguishing about whether you are worthy or not. That alone proves your worth!

...For true? A great relief if you feel so. Now I think... I must away to... the inn...(faints)

Virion? Virion! H-help! Someone! Virion has collapsed!

F-forgive me. I haven't eaten a morsel all day, and I suddenly felt quite dizzy.

You fainted because you were hungry? I thought you'd suffered a mortal wound!

Perhaps if I had some salted pork... And bread... And an apple or two...

You are a remarkable man, in every sense of the word. Well, instead of lunching at the inn, perhaps you might dine with me today? I recently took down a fat boar that would be perfect in a turnip stew.

I would be honored, milady.