Lord of Caldera - Chapter 308

Chapter 308: Chapter 308 Kaspar Malossi
“Are you mocking me?” Ervin asked nervously.

“Mocking you? No, I’ve just grown tired of all this nonsense.”

Sylas stood up and turned away.

“Kill the rest of them, too. I’m too annoyed to keep dealing with this.”

“Understood, my lord,” Toby replied, stepping forward.

“Wait!” Ervin exclaimed suddenly, his words spilling out in desperation.

“The former lord is alive! He’s in the underground prison—the third cell to the right of the stairs. Every time I visited, I checked on his condition. The last time was two months ago, and he seemed in decent health. The baron said he wanted to keep him alive for appearances, so I doubt he’s been harmed. You can confirm it yourself. I’ll guide you if you wish.”

Sylas paused, considering the offer.

..

Sylas and his group made their way to the underground prison. No one attempted to stop them. It wasn’t just because of the chaos they had caused—it was primarily because all the noble officers and commanders had been killed.

With no one left to give orders, the remaining individuals had no choice but to follow Sylas’s lead. Yet, Sylas wasn’t the one giving directions to the group; that role fell to someone else.

“Are we there yet?” Sylas asked.

“P-please wait just a moment. If I remember correctly, it’s this way,” Ervin stammered, sweat streaming down his face as he guided Sylas. Each time he felt Sylas’s cold gaze on him, a shiver ran down his spine.

How did things even end up like this? he thought bitterly. Damn it, I’m not even part of this family’s household…

Technically, he was just a frequent guest. Yet here he was, tasked with leading Sylas around, while the numerous servants of the household were left alone. It was maddening.

Of course, voicing his complaints wasn’t an option. He had no choice if he wanted to survive.

“We’re here. This way,” Ervin finally said.

“Hmm,” Sylas muttered, casting a glance around the prison. There were neither guards nor wardens in sight.

“No guards, not even a warden?” he asked.

“Perhaps they fled when they heard the commotion?” Ervin suggested.

“And the keys to the cells?”

“…”

Why are you asking me? Ervin thought, staring incredulously at Sylas. But he quickly lowered his gaze under Sylas’s icy stare.

“How about calling a blacksmith? They could recreate the keys…”

“Forget it. How long do you think it would take to make new ones?” Sylas replied with a click of his tongue as he descended the prison steps. Ervin followed closely, overhearing Sylas’s muttered remarks.

“You seem like a well-educated man, yet your problem-solving lacks creativity. Disappointing.”

“…”

Ervin’s expression twisted in frustration. What does he expect me to do? I’m not even part of this household! I don’t even know where anything is!

“You said it was the third cell to the right from the stairs, correct?” Sylas asked.

“Y-yes, that’s correct,” Ervin replied nervously, swallowing hard. He prayed that the late baron hadn’t moved the prisoner to a different cell. The thought of Sylas’s reaction to an empty cell was terrifying.

Fortunately, Ervin’s fears proved unfounded.

“There he is,” Sylas said.

“Ugh…”

As Sylas raised his torch to illuminate the cell, a groan came from within. The figure inside stirred sluggishly, clearly having been abruptly awoken from sleep.

“Dammit, can’t a man even sleep in peace? What do you want now? I’ve already told you a hundred times—I have no hidden wealth… huh?”

The middle-aged nobleman’s irritated voice trailed off as he caught sight of Sylas. Blinking in confusion, he frowned.

“Someone new. Who are you?”

“Strange, you’re speaking informally to someone you don’t even know,” Sylas remarked.

“Boy, it seems you don’t know who I am, either,” the nobleman retorted sharply, his pride as a former lord still intact despite his exile.

“My apologies. Would you mind introducing yourself?” Sylas asked calmly.

“I am Kaspar Malossi, the rightful lord of Malossi!” the man declared.

“I see. I am Sylas Drakenfels, the newly appointed Count of Drakenfels,” Sylas replied.

“What?”

Kaspar stared blankly at Sylas, his mind struggling to process the statement. Newly appointed Count of Drakenfels?

“Don’t be absurd!” Kaspar barked.

“It’s no lie. I’m on my way to officially assume the position, under the emperor’s decree. Isn’t that right?” Sylas said, turning to Ervin.

Ervin flinched at the question. To confirm it would be to betray his current lord, yet denying it seemed equally dangerous.

Kaspar’s gaze shifted to Ervin, his face contorting with fury.

“You! Ervin! You treacherous bastard! Was this your scheme all along?”

“Hmm? Are you two enemies?” Sylas asked, feigning ignorance.

“Do you even need to ask? You know damn well the answer to that!” Kaspar spat.

“I truly didn’t know,” Sylas replied. “Would you like me to kill him here for you?”

“What?”

Kaspar froze, stunned by the casual offer. Meanwhile, Ervin’s face went pale, and he began trembling.

It was obvious the two were not allies. Kaspar, after glancing between Sylas and Ervin, softened his tone.

“Who… are you, really?”

“As I said,” Sylas replied with a faint smile, “the true lord of Drakenfels.”

“Hmph.”

Though still skeptical, Kaspar’s bravado waned. With the power dynamic established, Sylas decided it was time to move forward.

“Come on out. I came here to release you, after all,” Sylas said.

“And how do you expect me to get out without keys? Open the door if you’re serious,” Kaspar retorted.

“Ah, right. I forgot the warden fled,” Sylas remarked nonchalantly.

“Are you mocking—”

Screeeech.

Kaspar’s voice faltered as he watched, wide-eyed, as Sylas bent the steel bars with ease, creating an opening large enough for a person to step through.

Dusting off his hands, Sylas gestured. “There. Come on out.”

Kaspar hesitated before cautiously stepping through the widened gap. Sylas had made the opening so large that Kaspar could walk through without ducking.

“Do you have a suitable place to talk? It seems we have much to discuss,” Sylas asked.

“I’ll take you to the drawing room,” Kaspar replied. Then, after a pause, he added, “But first…”

Kaspar bit his lip, looking at Sylas intently.