Lord of Caldera - Chapter 303

Chapter 303: Chapter 303 Choosing Sides
“The previous baron likely resented the money he’d paid Toby’s father over the years. Once he was gone, they concocted this fraud accusation to recover the funds. When they found nothing worth taking, they lashed out in frustration and set the manor ablaze.”

Toby’s fists clenched tightly, his eyes blazing with fury. “That bastard…!”

Sylas placed a calming hand on Toby’s shoulder.

“Calm down.”

“Don’t stop me, my lord,” Toby growled. His voice was firm, but there was a desperate edge to it. “I can’t just let this go. They burned my home, cast out the people I cared about, and smeared my father’s name. How can I stay silent?”

“I’m not telling you to hold back,” Sylas replied evenly.

Toby blinked. “You’re not?”

“No,” Sylas said with a sly smile. “I’m telling you to think it through. When you strike, you’ll want a clear head. That way, you can destroy them completely.”

Though Sylas’s lips curled in a smile, his eyes were cold, glinting with sharp intent. Any insult to his retainers was an insult to him—a challenge he would not leave unanswered.

Toby stared at Sylas, momentarily stunned, before giving a solemn nod.

Sylas turned his thoughts to the new baron. ‘Greedy, impulsive, and utterly thoughtless. Breaking him will be easy.’

Sylas’s voice was calm but brimming with confidence. “Give me two days. By then, the baron will come crawling to you.”

Toby hesitated, unsure what Sylas had planned, but ultimately nodded. “Understood, my lord.”

Sylas’s smirk widened. “Good. Now, let’s get started.”

The lavish banquet at the Malossi estate was in full swing. At its center, Anton Malossi, the current lord and self-styled baron, raised his goblet high, his round face flushed with wine and pride.

“Come now, enjoy yourselves! It’s a joyous day to welcome such esteemed guests. Relax and shake off the weariness of travel!”

Anton’s voice boomed through the hall, eliciting a polite smile from Ervin, the envoy seated nearby.

“Your hospitality honors us, Baron. Truly, we are grateful.”

“Grateful? Nonsense! You represent the rightful heir of Drakenfels! I am the one who should be grateful for your presence!” Anton declared, pouring another drink.

Ervin smiled politely but felt a surge of disdain deep inside. ‘This man has no pride, does he? Even as a subordinate, one should maintain a shred of dignity.’

Anton’s relationship with Ervin’s master was akin to that of a dog and its owner. Sit, fetch, or heel—Anton obeyed without question or hesitation.

To Ervin’s master, this was convenient. Yet, watching Anton grovel so eagerly left Ervin struggling to mask his disgust.

“Baron,” Ervin interjected, clearing his throat to regain composure, “I must apologize for raising a matter during this joyous occasion, but there is something important to discuss.”

“Speak freely! I am here to serve.”

“Very well,” Ervin said, pausing to gauge Anton’s reaction. ‘Even this fool might react to this request…’

“I understand the Malossi family possesses a painting by the great artist Eduard, a cherished family treasure?”

Anton beamed. “Indeed! It is one of our most prized possessions.”

“My lord has expressed interest in this painting. Would you be willing to part with it?”

Ervin watched Anton closely, expecting at least a hint of resistance. To his astonishment, the baron’s smile widened.

“Why didn’t you say so earlier? Had I known, I would have prepared it at once! Bring the painting immediately!” Anton barked at his servants, clapping his hands enthusiastically.

“Wait… you’re really just… giving it away?”

Anton laughed heartily. “Why not? Without your lord’s support, I’d never have acquired it in the first place. It’s only fitting I offer it in gratitude!”

Ervin stared, dumbfounded. ‘This man has no shame. Even a family treasure, a symbol of their legacy, is nothing to him.’

The baron’s sycophantic behavior disgusted Ervin, who shifted his gaze to Anton’s knights. Predictably, they looked downtrodden, their morale clearly crushed under their leader’s lack of dignity.

Ervin suppressed his disdain, instead offering a diplomatic smile. “Baron, your generosity will not go unnoticed. I will ensure my lord hears of your loyalty.”

“Oh, there’s no need for that, but thank you!” Anton replied, his cheeks glowing with satisfaction.

Before Ervin could continue, a flustered young knight burst into the hall, drawing attention with his disheveled appearance and urgency.

“Baron! My lord, I have urgent news!”

Anton scowled. “What is the meaning of this? You interrupt a celebration? Leave at once!”

“Please, my lord! It’s critical—”

“I said, leave!”

“Let him speak,” Ervin intervened smoothly. “It may indeed be important.”

Anton huffed but waved for the knight to proceed. The young man quickly bowed and began.

“My lord, the newly appointed Drakenfels count— the dragonslayer—is in the region!”

“What? How did he get in? What were the gatekeepers doing?”

“He hasn’t entered the castle, my lord. He’s staying in a village just outside the walls.”

“A village? What’s he doing there?”

“It appears he accompanied one of his knights who is originally from that village.”

Ervin’s eyes gleamed at the mention of the dragonslayer. ‘The nuisance himself is practically at our doorstep.’

A grin spread across Ervin’s face. ‘This is it. A golden opportunity.’

He turned to Anton, his voice steady and brimming with faux respect.

“Baron, this is your chance to distinguish yourself.”

Anton blinked, confused by Ervin’s sudden enthusiasm.

“What do you mean?”

Ervin leaned closer, his voice low and conspiratorial.

“You can strike now and secure unparalleled favor with our lord. Just imagine—the removal of a thorn in his side, all thanks to you.”

The baron’s bewildered expression turned to hesitant excitement. Seeing this, Ervin allowed himself a satisfied smile. ‘You fool. This might just work.’

What Sylas did was simple. He merely entered Toby’s hometown and stayed there as a guest. Of course, he didn’t forget to introduce himself during his stay.

“Sir, you mentioned you are the lord of young master Toby. If I may, could this old man ask for your name?”

“Sylas Drakenfels. Formerly of the Corleone family.”