Lord of Caldera - Chapter 225

Chapter 225: Chapter 225

“…What just happened?”

Someone’s stunned words captured the thoughts of the entire crowd. No one had even managed to catch Sylas’s movements. In the blink of an eye, he had closed the distance, and before anyone realized it, the knight was airborne.

“What in the world…?”

“Even if he’s from Corleone, is this even possible?”

“He didn’t even draw his sword…”

Murmurs spread among those who had regained their senses. People unfamiliar with swordsmanship looked on in confusion, but those who understood even a bit were in silent shock.

“He closed that distance with a single leap?”

“And the strength to send an armored knight flying with one blow…”

“A monster has appeared from the Corleone family.”

Though the Corleone family was famed for their swordsmanship, it was still within the realm of human capability—except, perhaps, for their legendary founder, Leonik. But Sylas’s movements now were on a level that felt like the dragonslayer himself had returned. Swordsmen watching from the sidelines trembled, swallowing nervously.

“W-what is this…?”

Gerard’s eyes were wide as he stammered. He had barely registered the start of the duel before Roberto was down, and Sylas was dusting off his hands.

“Well? The duel’s over.”

“T-this is a trick!”

Instinctively, Gerard yelled, his face twisted in disbelief. Sylas chuckled.

“What trick?”

“I-I don’t know, but it was a trick! This isn’t possible!”

“Well, it happened, so I guess it is possible.”

Sylas’s easy going attitude made Gerard grit his teeth. No matter how he looked at it, this was beyond the realm of normality. There had to be some sort of deception at play!

‘Was it elven magic? Or some kind of artifact? I’ll demand a proper investigation…’

“What is going on here?!”

A voice boomed from outside the circle of people. The crowd turned as one, holding their breath.

“L-Lord Leon!”

“The Count’s representative… why is he here?”

Leon Winslow, the acting lord in the absence of the Herning Count and the de facto ruler, wielding immense power. His sudden appearance made nobles and commoners alike freeze.

“I received a report that someone was causing a disturbance in the territory. Step aside!”

“Y-yes, sir!”

The crowd parted quickly, fearful of incurring the wrath of the one overseeing the elven trade. Leon, leading his guards, approached and narrowed his eyes at Gerard.

“You again? You seem to cause trouble quite frequently.”

“M-my lord, that’s not… I mean…”

“Silence! Your excuses are endless.”

Leon’s harsh words made Gerard’s face flush with embarrassment. Though Leon was younger than Gerard, he held the position of acting count. Even if the Cataldi family aspired to challenge the four ruling families, they were far from that level. Not to mention that the Hernings dominated the West.

“And who were you causing a scene with this time…?”

Leon’s gaze shifted to Sylas and then froze.

“…”

“…”

Leon rubbed his eyes, thinking he must have been seeing things. But no matter how much he blinked, Sylas’s figure didn’t disappear.

“S-Sir Sylas?”

“It’s been a while.”

“Yes, it has. But… you’re here…?”

Leon’s gaze turned robotically, as if a broken doll’s head, from Sylas to Toby, and then from Toby to the fiery red hair. When he finally met Ray’s cold eyes, all color drained from his face. Leon quickly knelt and greeted her with a loud voice.

“Leon Winslow, acting on behalf of the Herning Count, greets the rightful lord of the Herning family!”

“…!”

Leon’s explosive statement left the entire square in stunned silence.

“The rightful lord of the Herning family?”

“Could it be that the absent Count is…”

All eyes shifted to Ray. Very little was known about the current head of the Herning family. Those with detailed knowledge were tight-lipped. All that was widely known was that she was the former count’s adopted daughter and had played a significant role in the elven trade. Rumor had it that since the trade with the elves was effectively managed through her, even Leon, with all his power, didn’t dare to aspire to the count’s position.

“Stand up.”

“Yes!”

Leon quickly rose at Ray’s chilly command, feeling no trace of shame despite the numerous stares from all around. Pride didn’t matter—his life did.

“You seem to be managing the territory well. Your lord praised you.”

“T-thank you.”

“And I assume you’ve profited greatly as well. Wealth and power far beyond what you deserve.”

Leon swallowed hard at Ray’s icy words. He’d been careful to avoid giving her any reason to find fault, but if she decided to hold him accountable, it wouldn’t matter. Ray was, after all, the true ruler of the domain. After a brief silence that felt like an eternity, Ray spoke again.

“But I suppose it’s all necessary for my lord’s plans.”

Leon let out a deep sigh of relief. He’d passed, it seemed.

“For now, let’s head to the castle. I’ve kept the office empty, ready for the rightful owner.”

“Understood. But before that…”

Ray’s gaze shifted to Gerard, whose legs nearly gave way under her stare. The Count herself? That woman is the real Count? If this was a nightmare, he desperately wished he could wake up.

“Gerard Cataldi.”

“Y-yes, ma’am!”

“I’ll remember today’s events.”

That one statement was enough. Gerard collapsed to the ground, unable to stand any longer. Leaving Gerard and the shocked crowd behind, Sylas and his party headed toward the castle. All anyone could do was watch them depart in stunned silence.

“Wasn’t that a bit too much? He probably won’t sleep well for months.”

“It’s the perfect lesson for a brat who didn’t know his place,” Ray replied with a smirk.

Sylas laughed. “True. Better he learns this way than to recklessly throw his weight around until it really costs him.”

After a few months of nightmares, Gerard’s arrogance would likely simmer down. Upon arriving at the castle, the group was shown directly to the guest chambers.

“Sir Max will be arriving shortly,” a servant informed them.

“Sir? Max isn’t a noble,” Sylas noted, raising an eyebrow.

“I took the liberty of conferring an honorary knight title upon him,” Leon explained.