Lord of Caldera - Chapter 282

Chapter 282: Chapter 282

The contract enclosed with the reply listed a sum so exorbitant that Harald’s hand trembled as he read it. But what choice did he have? This was his only option.

With shaking hands, the baron signed the contract and sent it back. That very night, the White Jewel Merchant Guild discreetly delivered something wrapped in black cloth into the estate.

“The baron’s efforts are admirable, though largely ineffective,” Sylas remarked with a chuckle, picking up a treat from the guest table. He had already confirmed there was no poison in the refreshments.

“For the infamous South, this is underwhelming. Quite disappointing,” he added.

“Well, he’s only a baron. What more could we expect?” Toby replied with a shrug. “Schemes aren’t just about brains; they require status and resources. Without those, the options are limited.”

Even hiring soldiers for an attack is a matter of money. Depending on the funds, you might get an untrained mercenary band—or a squad of seasoned knights. For a mere baron, the former was the only realistic option.

“When we get closer to the Drakenfels estate, the real assassination attempts will begin. That area is crowded with high ranking nobles,” Toby continued.

“And whoever hired the baron must be among them,” Sylas replied.

“Most likely,” Toby agreed.

“Well then, we’ve seen enough of his antics. Let’s prepare to leave,” Sylas said, dusting off his shoulders as he stood. He hadn’t planned to stay long; his purpose had been to gauge the temperaments of the southern lords through this baron. Now that he had accomplished that, there was no reason to entertain the baron’s schemes any further.

Not that he’ll let us leave without a fuss.

Sylas wasted no time informing the baron of his intent to depart. To his surprise, the baron accepted the news calmly.

“So be it. You were merely stopping by on your way. It’s only natural that you continue your journey,” the baron said with an air of resignation.

For someone who had gone as far as to send assassins, his lack of protest was puzzling. Sylas noted this but chose not to question it openly.

“Well, we’ve delivered our message. We’ll take our leave now. No need to see us off,” Sylas replied.

“Wait,” the baron interjected. “Before you go, I’d like to present you with a gift.”

“A gift?”

“It’s a tradition in my family. We always send off guests with a parting gift,” the baron explained.

“That’s the first I’ve heard of such a tradition,” Sylas said, raising an eyebrow.

“With so many noble families in the world, it’s not unusual for some to have unique customs, is it?”

Sure, if you didn’t just invent it on the spot. Sylas stifled a laugh but nodded in mock agreement. “That makes sense. So, what’s this gift you intend to give me?”

“Please step outside. It arrived just yesterday.”

Arrived? Did he commission something in advance? Sylas tilted his head in curiosity but followed as the baron led the way with a cryptic smile.

Baron Harald led them to a large open space behind the manor. Sylas, accompanied by his retinue, followed closely. The baron stopped in front of a massive object covered with black cloth, its size comparable to a soldier’s barracks.

“Unveil it,” Harald commanded.

“Yes, sir!” Servants hurriedly pulled back the covering, revealing a large cage. Inside, something stirred, catching Sylas’s attention.

“A lion?” he asked, blinking.

“Not just any lion. This is a black lion, a famous beast of the South,” the baron declared.

Indeed, it wasn’t merely its color that set it apart. Its sheer size rivaled that of a troll. The creature looked less like a predator and more like a monstrous beast. Toby gawked at the black lion in disbelief.

“Are you… giving us a black lion as a gift?” he asked.

“Is there a problem?” the baron inquired.

“Well, not exactly, but… the price for this must be…” Toby trailed off, hesitant to voice his thoughts aloud. Such a beast was undoubtedly far beyond the financial reach of a typical baron.

“It’s certainly expensive,” Harald admitted. “But for a gift to an esteemed count, only the best will do.”

It was a convincing rationale. Sylas’s party exchanged glances, rendered speechless by the gesture. Satisfied with their reactions, the baron approached the cage and opened the door.

The servants gasped in horror at his reckless act. The black lion, sensing the baron’s presence, stirred and approached him.

-Grrr…

“Sir! Please, step back immediately—!” the servants cried out.

“Silence,” Harald snapped. He remained composed as the lion drew near, eventually rubbing its face against him like a domesticated pet.

-Grr, grrr…

“Good boy,” Harald said, stroking the beast’s mane.

Even the servants, who had been paralyzed with fear, were dumbfounded. This fearsome creature behaved with such affection toward the baron.

Even Sylas’s group, though seasoned adventurers, couldn’t hide their surprise.

“Impressive. Has it already been tamed?” Sylas asked.

“Indeed. It’s been trained not to attack humans with a specific scent,” Harald explained, pulling a scented pouch from his pocket and waving it toward Sylas’s group. True to his words, the black lion’s gaze was fixed on the pouch.

“Here, take this scent pouch and experience it yourself. Servants, distribute the prepared pouches to our guests,” Harald ordered. The servants promptly opened an elegant box containing the pouches, exactly matching the number of Sylas’s group.

As Harald stroked the lion, he glanced at Sylas. “Come now, don’t be shy. It may look fearsome, but its fur is softer than a marten’s.”

“Then I won’t hold back,” Sylas replied, taking a pouch and stepping into the cage.

Watching him enter, the baron smirked triumphantly. Got you, you fool!

This so called gift was nothing more than a well laid trap.

Baron Harald’s explanation had been only half true. It was correct that the lion wouldn’t attack when it detected a certain scent. However, none of the distributed pouches contained that scent—including the one Harald had shown off.