Lord of Caldera - Chapter 102

Chapter 102: Chapter 102
“This feels like a scam. The knight-in-training is you, after all.”

“It’s a scam, indeed. But is there a problem?”

“…None.”

Toby sighed, acknowledging Sylas’s honesty. Come to think of it, honesty was probably the last word he’d associate with Sylas.

“Either way, well done so far.”

“Is it time?”

“Alright, with my reputation spreading this far, the Winslow family will surely seek me out.” The rumors were already widespread, and there was no way to reel them back in, but no one would let them spread further if they had any sense. Most importantly, Sylas was Ray’s lord, and like it or not, they would seek to meet him in hopes of reclaiming Ray.

“They’ll think it easier to use me than to force Ray to comply.” Of course, that illusion wouldn’t last long.

Clank.

“They’ve arrived.” A short while later, a few knights stepped down from a carriage. They walked directly toward the table where Sylas was dining and bowed.

“Excuse us. Are you Sir Sylas Corleone?”

“Yes, I am. And who might you be?”

“Viscount Caden requests your presence, sir. Will you honor his invitation?” Sylas offered a quiet smile at the knight’s words.

“With pleasure.”

Sylas and his companions promptly entered the carriage and soon met with Viscount Caden. The encounter moved along smoothly, as if everything had been prepared in advance. The baron, his face marked with faint grey streaks and a determined expression, spoke to Sylas.

“A pleasure to meet you. I am Caden Winslow, head of the Winslow family.”

“Sylas Corleone, third son of the Corleone family. Thank you for the invitation, my lord.”

Sylas greeted him with a respectful bow, and Viscount Caden’s gaze wavered slightly. Sylas’s manners were impeccable, far from the brash arrogance Caden had anticipated based on what he had heard from Beric.

“Not an easy opponent,” Caden thought. Beric’s description had suggested someone rougher, but he hid his surprise with a composed smile.

“Of course, I had to invite you. I’ve already heard of your achievements. With all you’ve done for my territory, how could I ignore you?”

“Thank you, my lord. I also wanted to meet you in person.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, I’ve heard that you’re the father of Sir Ray, who has sworn loyalty to me.”

Viscount Caden and his son, Leon, stiffened slightly at Sylas’s direct approach. They quickly regained their composure, and Caden nodded with a broad smile.

“Indeed, I’ve heard of it as well. To have such an outstanding individual as her lord is something my family can be proud of.”

“You flatter me, my lord. In truth, I am the one who falls short of her loyalty.”

“Haha, the young man is too humble. If you’re unworthy, who could possibly be?”

On the surface, their exchange seemed cordial, but a cold gleam flashed in their eyes as they regarded each other. This was only the preliminary talk; the real conversation would happen when they were alone.

“Ah, I forgot to introduce my successor.”

“Pleasure to meet you. I am Leon Winslow, sixteen years old this year.”

Leon, who had been standing quietly by, finally spoke and greeted Sylas. After a brief bow, he looked at Sylas with a hint of expectation.

“I’ve heard a lot about you from my sister. To embark on a knight’s journey as soon as you came of age—something I wouldn’t dare to attempt myself.”

“It’s nothing extraordinary. I merely wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps.”

“Regardless of the reason, it’s impressive. I haven’t yet trained enough to even be a proper knight.”

Leon subtly added an edge to his words, as if implying, Do you even have the skill to be a knight at your age?

“Is this kid serious?” Sylas thought, fully understanding the taunt. Leon smiled brightly as he watched Sylas.

“If it’s alright, Sir Sylas, I’d like to spar with you. I have much to learn, and I hope you’ll allow it.”

In other words, he was challenging Sylas, confident in his own skills. Sylas felt his irritation flare at the young noble’s sneer.

“As a guest, how could I refuse your request? Sparring with a fellow knight is always a pleasure.”

“Yes!” Leon was delighted by Sylas’s acceptance, having already heard from Beric about Sylas and Toby. Sylas apparently left most duties to his retainer, suggesting his own skills might be lacking. After all, a true swordsman would always be eager to test his mettle.

“Even if he’s a Corleone, that’s all in the past. How much real experience could he possibly have?” thought Leon. In the monster-ridden west, swordsmanship was essential, not only for the head of the family but also for the heir, who faced few equals among his peers.

Confidently, Leon led Sylas to the training ground.

“This is the family’s training area.”

“It’s well-maintained. Impressive.”

“Well, in the western territories, constantly harassed by monsters, a drop of sweat in the training ground saves a drop of blood on the battlefield. We can’t afford to be careless.”

After this brief exchange, both men picked up wooden swords, while Viscount Caden positioned himself as the referee on the ground below.

The Winslow father and son exchanged glances before the duel began.

“Don’t overdo it,” Caden’s gaze seemed to caution.

“I know,” Leon’s look replied.

As fellow nobles, this duel was not meant to escalate into a family dispute. It was a chance to retaliate for Beric’s beating and to gain an upper hand in future negotiations. Taking it too far would only backfire. With a nod, Caden spoke aloud.

“May this duel bring no shame before the goddess. Begin!”

Thwack.

No sooner had he spoken than Leon lunged forward. His speed was swift, like the wind, a stark contrast to his earlier humility.

“Heh, sorry, but I’ve lived through enough real combat.”

From a young age, Leon had tirelessly accompanied the baron on monster hunts, swinging his own sword and facing bloodshed firsthand. Unlike this sheltered noble brat!

“First, a quick blow to his forehead…”

Thwack.

“Ugh?!”

A sudden impact to his forehead left Leon stumbling backward. Sylas’s wooden sword had struck him before he’d even noticed.

Sylas smirked, watching Leon struggle to grasp what had happened.

“I’ve been fighting on battlefields for over ten years, kid.”