Lord of Caldera - Chapter 260

Chapter 260: Chapter 260

‘The youngest commander of the Royal Guard, Dietrich the Golden.’

In his previous life, Dietrich had been the commander of the forces that had cornered Sylas.

Gold was a symbol of wealth, but it also represented immortality, perfection, and eternity. Dietrich’s moniker, “the Golden,” signified perfection. He was renowned as a knight whose every action was flawless, and he executed each mission with absolute precision.

‘Many said his nickname was excessive, but, honestly, his skills lived up to it.’

The Crown Prince wasn’t particularly capable; if he were, he wouldn’t have garnered so much resentment from those around him. The reason he could behave so brazenly was due to two factors: fortunate timing and a handful of talented aides.

‘If Rozier the Snake managed internal affairs, then this guy was responsible for military operations.’

Back then, Sylas, a mercenary knight with extensive experience in evasion, had been relentlessly hunted down and cornered by Dietrich. Though they had never exchanged a word, Dietrich had an uncanny ability to predict Sylas’s escape routes, which gave him chills even now. Seeing Sylas’s stare, Dietrich blinked.

“Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?”

“No, I’m just a little surprised.”

“Surprised?”

“They say you’re the most talented knight of this century, receiving an invitation to join the Royal Guard before even graduating from the Academy. And from the prestigious Lichtenhoffen family, no less.”

Dietrich chuckled wryly at Sylas’s words.

“I never expected such praise from someone as famous as you. I might have appreciated it if the rumors about you weren’t fabricated.”

“Just curious, but do you believe everything Dani told you?”

“He’s Ulrich’s brother, so he wouldn’t speak nonsense.”

So, he used Ulrich’s reputation to smear my own, thought Sylas, rubbing the back of his neck in irritation. Well, he would deal with Dani later. Right now, he needed to untangle this mess. While he was considering his next move, Dietrich spoke up.

“This is fortunate. I’ve always wanted to meet you.”

“Me? Why?”

“I’ve heard of your talents, but also that you’re walking down the wrong path. So, guiding you onto the proper path is my duty.”

With a solemn expression, Dietrich declared his intent.

“I challenge you to a duel! Prove your true skills here before everyone! Reflect on the path you’ve taken so far!”

“….”

In short, he wanted to “reform” him. Sylas had expected Dietrich to be calm and methodical, almost mechanical, based on the rumors. But he was surprisingly intense. Of course, proving his skills would be easy. If he wanted, he could draw his sword and disarm Dietrich in under a second.

‘The real issue comes after this. If I go too hard on a promising member of the Royal Guard, the backlash won’t be easy to handle… wait, the Royal Guard?’

A thought struck Sylas. The Imperial Guard, the strongest knights in the Empire, sworn to uphold chivalry and loyalty to the Emperor. Count Bill had once remarked that the Royal Guard was just as formidable as Corleone’s knights, which meant their values must align similarly.

‘This is an opportunity.’

The phrase “turning a crisis into an opportunity” crossed his mind. Perhaps this confrontation could create the ideal situation he was aiming for.

“Fine. I accept the duel.”

“Good answer. Even if you’re straying from the right path, you’re still a Corleone, after all.”

“But I have a condition.”

“A condition?”

Dietrich frowned, his hand hovering over his sword. Was Sylas planning to pull some trick, just as Dani had implied?

“Don’t make that face. I just want to choose the location of the duel.”

“I don’t mind, as long as it’s not some secluded place where no one can watch.”

“Of course not.”

After all, Dietrich’s goal was to reveal Sylas’s true abilities for everyone to see. Without an audience, he wouldn’t want to start the duel at all. In truth, Sylas himself was also keen on having spectators—particularly ones who would respond strongly to the outcome.

“I propose that we hold the duel in front of your lodgings. Do you accept?”

“…!?”

The Royal Guard was the Imperial Family’s elite force, so naturally, security was tight, and the idea of inviting anyone into their quarters was unthinkable. However, an apprentice knight had more freedom from such restrictions.

‘Strictly speaking, an apprentice isn’t yet an official member of the Guard.’

Depending on his performance, Dietrich could be promoted to full membership or deemed unsuitable and expelled. The responsibility of an apprentice was inherently lighter. Inviting an outsider to the residence was, thus, within acceptable limits.

“What a splendid mansion. Quite the accommodation for an apprentice,” Sylas remarked, admiring the surroundings. The residence was lavish, almost overly so for an apprentice knight, even though it was a shared lodging.

“This is all thanks to His Majesty’s grace. It’s rare to see such effort extended to even an apprentice knight.”

“I don’t know… it seems more like a reminder to perform well if you want to keep receiving such treatment.”

“….”

Dietrich fell silent at Sylas’s sarcastic remark. To a noble raised in the royal court, Sylas’s words were excessively blunt, even bordering on disrespectful toward the Imperial Family.

“Ahem, let’s keep unrelated talk out of this duel.”

“As you wish. Now, is there an appropriate place here to fight?”

“There’s a training ground behind the quarters. I’ll lead the way.”

Just as Dietrich said, the mansion’s grandeur extended to a sizable training ground. Several apprentices, sweating from their practice, turned to look at the newcomers.

“What’s this? Are they here for a tour?”

“Isn’t that Dietrich? He doesn’t seem the type to entertain visitors.”

The training ground was crowded, with many apprentices likely striving to earn their full knighthood. Dietrich took a position in the center and raised his voice.

“I, Dietrich Lichtenhoffen, am about to engage in a duel! Are there any senior knights who would bear witness?”

“What? A duel? From the youngest?”

“What’s going on?”

The commotion quickly spread, piquing everyone’s interest. A duel involving Dietrich, the Royal Guard’s top prospect? Curiosity buzzed through the training ground. As various questions flew around, one senior knight stepped forward promptly.

“I’ll be the witness!”

“Thank you, Senior Taylor.”

“No need for thanks. So, what’s this duel about?”