Lord of Caldera - Chapter 259

Chapter 259: Chapter 259

“I’ll head to the palace to announce our arrival. You all stay here. Perhaps Dani could show Sylas around the capital in the meantime.”

“What? I…!”

“An excellent idea. With nearly a year of Academy life, Dani must know every corner of the capital.”

Before Dani could protest, Sylas chimed in smoothly. The Count nodded with a smile.

“Yes, consider this a chance to bond as brothers.”

“There’s no grudge between us, Father. We’re brothers, after all.”

“Haha, thank you for saying so.”

With a laugh, the Count departed for the palace with his guards. Left behind were a pale Dani and a cheerfully smiling Sylas.

“Well, little brother, could you show me around the capital? I’m not familiar with the area.”

“….”

Dani’s eyes trembled as he heard Sylas’s request, whispering right beside him. It felt like a nightmare.

Sylas followed Dani through the capital, exploring various spots. They didn’t bring any guards. Chronoa was crowded enough already, and moving in a large group would only draw more attention. Besides, Sylas’s strength made him more than capable of protecting himself, so his retainers agreed to stay behind.

Despite his nervousness, Dani diligently guided Sylas around the capital, sweating all the while.

“This is the central fountain. It’s a common meeting spot because it’s easy to find and stands out.”

“Hmm.”

“And over there is a statue of the first Emperor. There’s no need to explain; he was the founding father of the Empire.”

“I see.”

“And that is the Imperial Library, a treasure trove of the Empire’s knowledge. As long as you can prove your identity, anyone can—”

“Enough.”

After following Dani around for some time, Sylas spoke up, looking mildly irritated. The chill in his voice made Dani flinch.

“I-Is there a problem?”

“Why are we only visiting tourist spots? Why aren’t we going anywhere near the marketplaces?”

Because I’m deliberately avoiding them! Dani clenched his teeth, almost blurting it out. The capital’s marketplaces were always packed with people. This meant there was a high chance of running into someone he knew.

“The marketplaces are crowded at this hour. It’s better to focus on sightseeing areas…”

“Let’s go. I want to see the marketplaces.”

Hearing Sylas’s words, Dani closed his eyes. There was no way he could refuse.

“Understood. In that case, let me take you to the finest smithy in the capital. Although it may not rival the Elves, it’s considered the best in the Empire.”

“Yes, that sounds interesting.”

Dani swallowed nervously. A smithy would mean a lower chance of running into acquaintances. Although there were Academy students who liked weapons and often visited the forge, it wasn’t a frequent hangout for most. Besides, with the Academy on break…

“Dani? Isn’t that Dani from the Corleone family? What brings you here?”

A voice called out from behind, and Dani froze in place.

.

‘Stay calm. I need to handle this smoothly.’

Dani took a deep breath, forcing a smile as he turned around. As expected, a familiar figure was watching him and Sylas.

“It’s been a while, Senior Dietrich.”

“Yes, it’s been half a year since we last met.”

The man, who had greeted him warmly, gave a slight smile. Tall and undeniably handsome, he wore an elaborate surcoat adorned with silver and gold threads, exuding an aura that would make him stand out in any crowd. However, his expression turned inquisitive as he continued.

“But what brings you here? I thought there was still some time left until the end of break.”

“His Majesty invited my father to the celebration, so I came along.”

“Ah, that makes sense. The celebration should end just as the Academy break concludes. But who is this beside you…?”

Nodding in understanding, Dietrich’s gaze shifted to Sylas. Dani quickly jumped in, trying to look unbothered.

“A distant relative of mine. I’m just showing him around since it’s his first time visiting the capital.”

“What do you mean by ‘distant relative,’ brother? When did half-brothers become distant relatives?”

Sylas interrupted with a smirk, causing Dani to freeze and turn toward him in silent horror.

‘Please, just this once, let it slide!’

Desperation was evident on Dani’s face as he silently pleaded. Sylas’s smirk only grew.

‘Not a chance.’

Sylas stepped forward, extending his hand to Dietrich with a friendly smile.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Sylas Corleone, Dani’s older brother.”

“Older brother? I thought Dani only had one older brother, Ulrich.”

“I’m his half-brother, an illegitimate son. Though my father did formally acknowledge me.”

Sylas explained smoothly, revealing the family’s less-than-ideal situation without hesitation. Dani’s mouth dropped open, stunned by Sylas’s casual disclosure of their family’s secret.

As expected, Dietrich fell silent upon hearing the term “illegitimate.” For a noble, sensitive about lineage, this reaction was only natural.

‘So, he didn’t even mention me. Typical Dani…’

“So, you’re the so-called ‘fake Dragonslayer’ I’ve heard about?”

“Hmm?”

Sylas raised an eyebrow at the unexpected comment. Dietrich’s eyes were filled with open disdain.

“Dani told me about you—a fortunate illegitimate son who happened to acquire powerful knights. You don’t fight yourself but steal credit for the achievements of your knights, claiming them as your own.”

“….”

This guy… He hadn’t kept silent about him but had been spreading false rumors. Sylas turned sharply, glaring at Dani, who was now drenched in cold sweat. Dietrich, unaware of the tense situation, continued to lecture him.

“Reputation holds meaning only if earned personally. What honor can exist if you didn’t win it yourself? Do you genuinely find satisfaction in that?”

“Haha.”

You’re dead later. Ignoring the petrified Dani, Sylas retracted his hand, abandoning the idea of a handshake.

“I have plenty to say, but perhaps you should introduce yourself first. It’s rather rude to keep your name hidden after I’ve already introduced myself.”

“Ah, that’s a fair point. My apologies for the oversight.”

Dietrich gave a slight nod of apology before proudly stating his name.

“I am Dietrich Lichtenhoffen, apprentice knight of the Royal Guard.”

“…!”

Sylas stiffened at the name. Dietrich Lichtenhoffen. Although he had never met him before, he had heard that name countless times.