Lord of Caldera - Chapter 255

Chapter 255: Chapter 255

Sylas’s power had grown to an excessive degree. Whether in personal strength or network, he had far surpassed what one individual should possess. If he chose, he could reshape the empire’s entire power structure.

“There are those who won’t just sit back and watch this.”

“What faction are you talking about?”

Sylas gave a cold smile in response to Toby’s question.

“Obviously, the Imperial Family.”

Once the preparations were complete, the Count commenced the grand festival. Endless supplies of food and drink flowed, while dancers and musicians filled the square with song. The overwhelming enthusiasm elicited cheers from the entire populace. The Count personally addressed the people.

“Eat, drink, and rejoice! Sing of my son’s accomplishments! Celebrate the birth of the Dragonslayer!”

“Hooray!”

“Long live His Excellency, the Count!”

The Corleone territory enjoyed considerable prosperity compared to other lands, thanks to the Count’s wise rule, and the people greatly respected him. However, it was also true that festivals were fewer and on a smaller scale than in other territories.

“I have no complaints about our lord, but it’d be nice to have more festivals.”

“Don’t be foolish. All that saved money feeds us.”

“You’re right. In other territories, families starve to death when the harvest fails.”

It was a luxury they dared not voice, yet the longing was there. Now, with this missing piece filled, the people cheered fervently. Naturally, Sylas’s name, the reason for the festival, was enthusiastically chanted as well.

“Long live our lord! Long live young master Sylas!”

“Did he really slay a dragon, though? Are you sure we didn’t mishear?”

“Have you not seen the Hydra skull His Excellency displayed?”

“I did. It was so massive, I was speechless.”

The Count had boldly exhibited the Hydra’s skull in the center of the square. Around the nine enormous heads, townspeople gathered constantly to marvel. When told that all those heads were attached to one body, people often looked in shock.

“They say he slew it alone at just sixteen. He’s incredible!”

“To think I live in the same era as a legendary hero.”

“Did he really kill it alone? Maybe he had help…”

“Are you suggesting that His Excellency would lie!?”

“No, no, I didn’t mean that!”

There were some who doubted, but any murmurs of disbelief were quickly silenced by the Count’s assurance. The Count had never uttered a single lie. His reputation was so solid that doubting him was almost unthinkable.

“Hail young master Sylas! Hail the Dragonslayer!”

“A hero of our age, the reincarnation of Leonik!”

As the festival’s excitement grew, so did the cheers for Sylas, and these praises spread to neighboring territories. Though the news spread slowly for now, within a few months, none in the eastern regions would be ignorant of Sylas’s achievements.

“Everything is proceeding as planned.”

“It’s all thanks to the trust Your Excellency has built.”

“Thank you for saying that. This helps ease the guilt I carried.”

The Count, visibly more relaxed by Gordon’s words, leaned back, finally relieved of the guilt he felt toward his son. Just then, Gordon received urgent news and furrowed his brows.

“Your Excellency, there is an urgent report.”

“An urgent report? What is it?”

“A delegation from the Imperial Family is arriving soon in our territory.”

“What? And why now, of all times?”

Count Bill blinked in surprise at the completely unexpected news. He had no clear idea of why they were coming, which only deepened his bewilderment.

.

“It is an honor to meet you for the first time, Your Excellency, Count. My name is Rozier Ridgeback.”

“Welcome. It may be rather noisy here, but I hope you understand since we’re in the midst of a festival.”

“Not a problem at all.”

The Count carefully observed the Imperial envoy. He was a man with a gaunt frame, piercing eyes, and eyebrows that arched as sharply as blades. If one had to describe him, he resembled a sharp iron spike.

“By the way, may I ask what brings you here from the Imperial Family? I can’t say I have any idea.”

This wasn’t sarcasm; it was a genuine question. Relations between the Corleone County and the Imperial Family were quite stable. The Count was an honest, duty-bound man, while the Emperor typically took a hands-off approach as long as duties were fulfilled. Any friction between them would have been unusual.

“But for a visit so sudden…”

Typically, time is given for preparations before an envoy is dispatched. Such an unexpected arrival without any prior notice was a breach of etiquette, even between ruler and vassal. Usually, this was done to exploit a weakness or conduct an inspection.

“I understand your feelings, Your Excellency, but I assure you it’s all a misunderstanding,” Rozier replied.

“A misunderstanding?”

“In truth, His Majesty’s decision for this visit was made rather abruptly. The full reason is contained here,” Rozier said, producing a small letter from his coat. It was clearly a private missive rather than an official document. The Count carefully unfolded it, revealing lines written in rough handwriting.

As he read through the letter, the Count’s expression grew puzzled.

“His Majesty wishes to invite Sylas to celebrate his sixtieth birthday?”

“That is correct.”

Rozier bowed deeply as he explained.

“As you may know, there is a traditional banquet in the Empire to celebrate the Emperor’s long life. It is held every ten years after he passes fifty.”

“I’m aware. I attended it myself ten years ago. But isn’t it still a bit early?”

“His Majesty wishes for Sir Sylas to attend the upcoming event. He has expressed a desire to meet the hero who accomplished such legendary feats.”

“I see.”

The Count nodded. Sylas, who had been traveling as a knight for some time, might seem like he could leave at any moment to the Emperor, who was unfamiliar with his current situation.

‘So His Majesty sent this letter quickly while Sylas was still here, asking him to wait until the celebration and then come to the capital.’