Lord of Caldera - Chapter 256

Chapter 256: Chapter 256

The Count understood the situation and nodded. However, there was still something unsettling in his mind.

‘But it’s strange. Has His Majesty ever shown an interest in heroic tales?’

The current Emperor was indeed known for his love of leisure and indifference to state affairs. However, he wasn’t the type to be taken with an individual’s fame. He was someone who would ignore anyone, even heroes, as long as they didn’t antagonize the Imperial Family.

“I have a question.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“Did someone personally speak to His Majesty about Sylas? Did anyone propose the invitation?”

“No. His Majesty merely heard the rumors.”

Rozier’s response flowed smoothly, his face as calm as an undisturbed lake. However, the Count didn’t miss the unnatural quality of his composure.

‘Someone must have whispered to His Majesty. And this man is likely part of that faction.’

The political intrigues within the Imperial Family were tangled like a spider’s web. It was impossible to know all the hidden details or to give definitive answers. But to deny it so emphatically? That suggested he was directly involved.

“I understand. You must be tired from your journey; please rest well. You’re welcome to enjoy the festival as well if you wish.”

“Thank you for your kindness. I do have a personal request, however.”

“A request?”

“I would like to meet Sir Sylas, if possible.”

As expected. The Count nodded, foreseeing this request.

“Do as you please. He’s an adult now, and I have no authority to prevent him from meeting his guests.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

After bowing deeply, Rozier left the reception room. Alone, the Count stared at his cold tea, muttering to himself.

“That snake thinks he can play with poison, but to a hawk, he’s nothing but prey.”

He saw no need to intervene in their schemes. If left alone, Sylas would handle it himself.

“This is a surprise,” Sylas murmured, looking at his visitor. Rozier Ridgeback. The crown prince’s closest aide and a cunning strategist known as “the snake.” He was also the man who had come as an inspector to the North and had been thoroughly humiliated by Sylas.

“I didn’t expect he’d have the nerve to face me again after that.”

“Please mind your manners, Sir Sylas.”

Rozier addressed Sylas calmly, who was lounging at an angle.

“I am an envoy of His Majesty the Emperor. As one without a title, you shouldn’t conduct yourself this way.”

“And if I do?”

“Only an ignorant and uneducated person would act in such a manner.”

Sylas’s eyes narrowed. This man didn’t even seem to know the difference between courage and folly. While it was commendable that he wasn’t intimidated, his lack of situational awareness was pathetic.

“Do you know the hallmark of fools who think they’re smart?”

“Enlighten me.”

“They always go out of their way to provoke others, thinking it’s clever. And when their target reacts as intended, they boast as if everything went according to their plan.”

“Is that so? But wouldn’t a truly wise opponent not respond to provocation?”

Just as he expected. Rozier’s face wore a triumphant expression, as if he believed he’d succeeded in annoying Sylas. Sylas clicked his tongue and replied.

“I don’t think that’s true wisdom.”

“Then what is?”

“Stabbing straight into the heart with a knife. That way, the fool who felt secure will die thinking, ‘This can’t be happening.'”

At Sylas’s blatant threat, Rozier’s expression hardened. Sylas continued, cutting off whatever Rozier had been about to say

“Of course, as he dies, he’ll probably think, ‘Because of this act, you won’t get away unscathed! Regret it!’ Convinced that punishment is inevitable.”

“Isn’t that only natural?”

“That’s why a wise person would walk away unharmed. Truly wise is the one who kills a boasting snake and continues on as if nothing happened.”

Sylas finished, casting a chilling look at Rozier.

“And it just so happens that I see a very wise solution right here—one where I kill the snake in front of me without taking any responsibility or facing any punishment.”

Rozier gritted his teeth. Threatening the Emperor’s envoy? He was about to jump up and shout at Sylas when Sylas continued.

“Do you think everything’s settled just because I let your master manipulate an imperial decree once?”

“…!”

“Remember this. I have never met His Majesty. I haven’t reported your crimes, which means I hold no guilt in keeping silent.”

Rozier’s eyes wavered at Sylas’s words. Usually, if someone overlooks a crime, they can no longer bring it up without implicating themselves. But Sylas had an excuse.

‘I simply didn’t have the chance to report it—what more could anyone say?’

It was a single statement, but one that cleared him entirely of any complicity in Rozier’s deeds. If he had no physical means of reporting it, there was nothing to be done.

“There’s no evidence or witness,” Rozier protested.

“The northern king and nobles are witnesses.”

“They didn’t say anything at the time.”

“All they have to do is testify that your statements were suspicious. Perhaps they were unsure at first, but now that they think about it… it seems clear enough. It’s a bit of a charade, but one that works just fine.”

“What would His Majesty think if the entire North accused you? He might suspect you’re hiding something. By then, your master would likely abandon you.”

“…!”

Rozier’s face turned pale. Even he knew that things could very likely turn out that way. Sylas pointed downward with his finger.

“Kneel.”

“….”

“I won’t ask twice.”

Rozier lowered his head and knelt, swallowing his pride in favor of survival.

“Good. That’s the proper posture for a conversation.”

“Ugh!”

“Now, why have you come? Answer with utmost courtesy.”

“My master… has instructed me,” Rozier replied after a deep breath, his gaze fixed on Sylas. “He said it’s time for you to choose between being celebrated as a loyal subject or infamous as a tyrant.”

“Hmm.”

Sylas remained unruffled. He had expected worse. In fact, this was milder than he anticipated.

“And?”

“Excuse me?”

“That can’t be all. What’s in it for me if I choose loyalty?”