Lord of Caldera - Chapter 245

Chapter 245: Chapter 245

Just then, Chief Steward Gordon rushed into the room, his face uncharacteristically alarmed. Bill blinked, unused to seeing his calm and collected steward so flustered.

“What’s the matter, Gordon? Catch your breath and then speak.”

“Y-Your Excellency, a delegation has arrived from the Elven Principality.”

“What!?”

Visitors from the north were one thing; they were part of the same empire. But elves were a different race, a separate nation altogether—and from the far west, no less! What could have brought them all the way to the eastern territories?

“Why would they visit our family?”

“They mentioned… they have come to discuss an engagement between Sir Sylas and the Elven Princess.”

“…”

Bill realized he’d spoken too soon. He had to retract his words from just moments earlier. The world indeed had no shortage of shocking surprises—especially when it came to his son, Sylas.

“Thank you for coming such a long way. As head of the family, I welcome you,” Count Bill greeted the delegation.

“We are honored to be received personally by the Red Dragon of the East,” replied the elven representative. Although the delegation was labeled as elven, more than half of the group was from the western Herning family.

“We’re here mainly as guides. Those who wish to meet with Your Excellency directly have come from the Principality.”

“I understand.” Bill nodded. It made sense; elves, who had long lived in isolation, would face difficulties if they traveled alone in the Empire. Without intermediaries, they would likely be hindered by territorial lords even before any cross-species issues arose. The higher number of human escorts was intended to ensure smooth passage and oversight.

“So, who is the representative from the elves? I would like to speak with them,” Bill asked.

“Please wait a moment. They are still somewhat unfamiliar with human etiquette,” the Herning representative replied. He approached the elven leader and whispered something, likely explaining human customs. The elven representative sighed, nodding reluctantly before stepping forward and bowing.

“Greetings to the lord of the Corleone family. I am Helion, appointed as the representative of the Principality.”

“A pleasure. We welcome you here.”

“We are honored to be welcomed by the direct descendant of the Half-Dragon Lachesis,” Helion replied, prompting Bill to blink in confusion. Half-Dragon Lachesis?

“I think there’s a misunderstanding. The founder of the Corleone family was known as Leonik,” Bill said.

“Yes, Leonik was his name among humans. But he was known as Lachesis among the ancient dragons. It seems that part of his legacy was lost in human history.”

Bill was taken aback. He knew the founder, Leonik, was a famous figure, but he never imagined his renown extended to the elves. And to think they knew a name even his own descendants were unaware of.

“You’re certain? This isn’t a mistake?”

“I was told he had brown hair and violet eyes and wielded a red-bladed sword. There are even legends about how he was unscathed by any flame, including dragon fire. Unless this describes another Leonik?”

“…”

It was true. The family records described Leonik precisely in this way. While one could guess his appearance from seeing Bill or Sylas, the legend of Leonik’s red-bladed sword and his immunity to fire was something only the family knew.

“Who would have thought our founder’s fame had reached so far?”

“He has many celebrated stories among us. Although they are oral traditions rather than written records, we could compile them for you if you wish,” Helion offered.

“That would be greatly appreciated,” Bill said, visibly pleased. Seeing his reaction, Helion seized the opportunity to present the true purpose of his visit.

“Since it may take time to gather these stories, we can’t provide them immediately. For now, please accept these gifts we’ve brought,” Helion said, gesturing toward the ornately carved chests behind him. Inside were artifacts radiating a mystical aura—high-grade magical tools rarely crafted, even by elves.

But Bill’s expression turned serious. “I’m afraid I cannot accept these.”

“M-may I ask why?” Helion replied, surprised.

“Accepting gifts would imply agreement to the engagement proposal. Sylas hasn’t even returned yet, so how could I decide on his marriage alone? If these are merely gifts, I might accept, but I cannot take them as engagement offerings.”

“…” Helion was stunned. Among humans and elves alike, noble marriages were seen as means to elevate the family. It was not unusual for parents to seize good opportunities for their children and inform them later. But here was a father who would not proceed without consulting his son.

“A dragon’s offspring does not come from lesser creatures,” Helion mused to himself. He didn’t know Bill’s full capabilities, but he could tell the Count was a man of honor, surpassing even some elves in nobility. Quickly realizing his error, Helion adjusted his approach.

“I must have misspoken. These are indeed gifts, not engagement offerings.”

“Didn’t you refer to them as engagement offerings just now?”

“I must have twisted my tongue, being unaccustomed to the imperial language. These are purely goodwill offerings, so please accept them,” Helion said, hoping to alleviate the tension.

Still, Bill hesitated. Noticing this, Helion added, “For reference, Sir Sylas has already discussed this with the Grand Duke, and His Highness did not seem opposed to the idea.”

“Is that so?”

“I swear upon the name of His Highness Arathion, Grand Duke of the Sword.”

With the Grand Duke’s name invoked, Bill finally nodded. Such a solemn assurance was not to be taken lightly.

“Very well. Under those circumstances, I shall accept.”

“Thank you for your understanding,” Helion said, bowing with a smile. It was a promising start to the negotiations.

News spread quickly through the eastern territories.

A delegation from the Elven Principality has come to arrange a marriage with the Corleone family!

The elves were a race renowned as the inheritors of ancient magic and masters of magical artifact creation. While they were often derided as arrogant, in matters of marriage, they were practically untouchable—an alliance with them was a privilege beyond reach for most. And now, they were proposing an engagement?

“This will make the already-powerful Corleone family even stronger.”

“What on earth is going on? Who’s this marriage candidate?”

“Is there any way we could make contact with the elves too? If we could just establish a trade route…”

The news had a ripple effect, especially among families close to Corleone territory, who grew restless at the opportunity for interaction with the elves. But none felt the impact more intensely than Sylas’s two half-brothers within the Corleone family.