Lord of Caldera - Chapter 250

Chapter 250: Chapter 250

Thanks to past incidents involving the two brothers and Sylas, the Count’s opinion of them had already changed. He couldn’t risk making things worse.

“Anyway, you’ve worked hard. I’ve prepared a banquet to celebrate your return.”

“Thank you, Father. I’d be glad to attend.”

“Are you sure you want it today? If you’re exhausted, you can rest today and attend tomorrow.”

It wasn’t just a modest banquet; it was a grand one that would last three days, so there was no rush for Sylas to attend immediately.

Sylas smiled at his father’s consideration. “I’m fine. I’m not tired, and I think many people will be eager to hear my stories.”

“Hmm.”

The Count nodded. In fact, everyone in the territory had been eagerly waiting to hear Sylas’s adventures, Count Bill included. He wanted to hear from Sylas himself what he had gone through.

“Very well, if that’s what you wish. The banquet will begin this evening, so rest well until then.”

“Thank you for your kindness.”

“It’s only natural for a father to do so,” the Count replied, smiling warmly. Then, looking at the others behind Sylas, he spoke again.

“I’m grateful to everyone for accompanying Sylas. Rest well until the banquet. And Sir Ray… or should I say Count Ray…”

As his gaze fell on Ray, the Count hesitated. He was aware that Ray had transferred from Ulrich to Sylas for some unknown reason.

It wasn’t a problem, as knights could change their liege as long as they hadn’t signed a lifetime contract. The real issue was Ray’s status.

“How should I address you?”

The Count, unable to decide, spoke with a slightly awkward look. Ray was not only a knight but also the head of a family and a count, and not just any count; he was a border count, just like Count Bill, which put them on equal standing.

“Please call me Sir Ray. I am simply a knight serving my lord.”

“But you’re a count. I can’t treat the head of a family as a subordinate.”

“If my title as count hinders my service, I’ll discard it immediately. I could even pass my position as head to someone else.”

“…!”

Count Bill’s eyes widened at Ray’s bold statement, and the other knights listening nearby were equally shocked.

No matter how much one spoke of chivalry, as human beings, it was natural to seek fame and fortune. Ray’s success was almost a legendary tale of rising through the ranks.

Yet, here he was, willing to throw it all away as if it were nothing.

“Watch your words. How can a head of a family speak so lightly?” The Count’s initial surprise faded, and he grew stern. A knight’s words should carry the weight of a mountain, especially for someone carrying a family on their shoulders.

“A person who treats important matters lightly only loses trust. Remember this.”

“I only speak lightly because it’s not important.”

“What?”

“The title of count was given to me for my lord’s sake. I sought power so that I could better serve my lord.”

Ray looked straight into the Count’s eyes, unwavering. For a moment, the Count flinched.

“If my status prevents me from serving my lord as a knight, I’ll gladly give up the title. Even if it’s the position of a border count, it holds no value compared to standing by my lord’s side.”

“…”

Everyone stared at Ray in astonishment, utterly stunned by his declaration. Even Sylas kept silent, observing Ray’s face.

Receiving the loyalty of a knight, the full devotion of a woman—it was a thrilling feeling. After a long silence, the Count finally spoke.

“Sylas.”

“Yes, Father.”

“You have gained a treasure beyond compare, truly something to be proud of,” Count Bill said.

“You flatter me,” Sylas responded.

“But know that the loyalty of a knight carries a weight equal to its value. Even though it is yours to keep, you must bear it responsibly for a lifetime.”

“I will carve it into my bones and always remember,” Sylas replied with conviction. The Count smiled, hearing the weight of understanding in his son’s voice.

“And Sir Ray.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“I will treat you as a knight, as you wish. However, please understand that, for certain reasons, I can no longer speak casually to you as before.”

“That will suffice. I am grateful for your consideration,” Ray nodded, accepting the Count’s compromise. With the conversation concluded, Count Bill clapped his hands to lift the mood.

“Now, keeping tired folks here any longer wouldn’t be polite. Rest well until the banquet tonight!”

As Sylas’s group disappeared inside, the crowd also dispersed to prepare for the evening celebration. Observing the preparations, the Count suddenly furrowed his brow in thought.

“Why does Max look so polished? As the only servant, he should be exhausted from handling all the chores himself.”

Could that be some Eastern assassin’s technique? The ways of the East were truly mysterious.

Upon his return to the family, Sylas relished the comfort that he hadn’t felt in a long time.

“I’ve been eating well, but it’s been annoying not being able to bathe properly,” he thought as he soaked in the warm water, feeling his muscles relax. After his bath, he stretched out on a soft bed, feeling as if he were in heaven.

Lying on the bed, he murmured to himself, “They must be all fired up.”

Sylas recalled the looks on everyone’s faces earlier: eyes filled with anticipation mixed with a hint of doubt. They wanted to hear his tales of valor firsthand but still believed the rumors must have been exaggerated.

‘Then again, I wouldn’t have believed it myself if I had only heard it back then.’

If he claimed everything was true, they probably wouldn’t believe him either. He could choose to tone down his feats to make his stories more believable, but that didn’t appeal to him in the slightest.

Sylas chuckled to himself at the thought. What did it matter if the story seemed more credible? What mattered was the legend itself.