Lord of Caldera - Chapter 345

Chapter 345: Chapter 345 Envoy From The Imperial Court
When Rozier finished speaking, no one in the room dared to break the silence. The stillness was so profound that the sound of a pin drop might have been audible. Finally, the emperor spoke, his voice trembling.

“What should we do?”

He was clearly frightened. Sensing the atmosphere was in his favor, Rozier allowed a small smile to creep onto his face.

“I have a plan, Your Majesty.”

For the past month, Sylas had been tirelessly engaged in distributing territories. Even the rewards for minor knights had to be personally managed by him.

“Sir Bain shall receive Voleng, Sir Kalimbor shall take Yorkmoor, and Sir Marvis shall have Hargfors.”

“Thank you, Your Excellency!”

“Rudvika is quite large, so I will only grant the right to collect taxes. Sir Barrington, Sir Lumos, and Sir Behain will divide the tax revenue into three shares.”

“Understood, Your Excellency!”

“The leader of the Red Wolf Mercenary Company, Halken, will receive all of Karsham. He contributed more to this war than anyone else, so he deserves it.”

“Your Excellency!”

As Sylas announced the rewards, tears of gratitude and joy filled the eyes of the nobles. Many of them had endured years of humiliation as low-ranking nobility, often looked down upon despite their status. Now, they could hold their heads high as rulers of their own lands.

“I can’t believe His Excellency is giving away more than half his territories.”

“He’s even more generous than I imagined.”

“We must follow him for the rest of our lives.”

Their gazes, filled with respect and loyalty, were fixed on Sylas. Finally, the distribution of territories was complete, leaving Sylas with just three large estates. However, each of those was vast enough to rival viscount territories, more than sufficient for his needs.

“The rewards have been distributed. You’ve all worked hard,” Sylas said.

“Thank you, Your Excellency!” the nobles replied in unison.

“Come to think of it, the war is over, but we haven’t had a proper celebration. Before you visit your lands, let’s share a drink.”

“We would be honored!”

Though eager to inspect their new domains, no one could refuse Sylas’s invitation after such a display of generosity. As the nobles bowed deeply in gratitude, a sudden commotion broke out.

“Your Excellency! Count Sylas!”

“What is it?”

“An envoy from the imperial court has arrived!”

“…What!?”

The announcement of an imperial envoy left everyone in the meeting room frozen in place. Why was the empire suddenly interfering now after leaving them to fend for themselves?

Even Sylas’s expression darkened. The empire had effectively sent him to die in the south, and now they dared to meddle again?

“Who is this envoy?” Sylas asked.

“A man named Rozier Ridgeback! He said Your Excellency would recognize the name.”

At the mention of the name, a twitch crossed Sylas’s face.

“It’s been a while, Your Excellency,” Rozier said with a polite bow.

“I can’t say I’ve missed you,” Sylas replied, glaring at him in irritation. If anyone epitomized a persistent parasite, it was Rozier.

“Twice now, and you still haven’t learned your lesson?”

“I’m not sure what you mean. I’m merely here to deliver the emperor’s message,” Rozier replied, feigning ignorance.

“Then kneel and show your submission if you’ve lost. Stop clinging to your delusions.”

Rozier’s eyebrow twitched at Sylas’s jab, but he quickly composed himself, a cold smile forming on his lips.

“Actually, Your Excellency, it might be your turn to kneel this time.”

“What?”

“The emperor has sent a personal letter. Please, read it.”

Sylas took the letter and unfolded it. As he read through its contents, his expression turned blank. Rozier felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him. Seeing the infamous Dragon Slayer genuinely taken aback felt like vindication.

“Your Excellency, collect yourself. You must announce the emperor’s decree to the nobles,” Rozier said.

“How dare you speak to His Excellency that way! Show proper respect!” shouted one of the southern nobles, rising to his feet in anger.

Rozier, unfazed, glanced at the noble with a look of disdain.

“The only one being disrespectful here is you. The emperor has graciously acknowledged your territories, yet you dare raise your voice?”

“What do you mean, acknowledged our territories?”

“Exactly what I said!” Rozier exclaimed, his voice sharp as he addressed the scowling noble.

“The emperor has decided to officially recognize your lands and grant appropriate titles to you all!”

“…!?”

“Congratulations! You are now legitimate lords of your lands!”

The nobles felt as though they’d been struck on the head with a hammer. The emperor’s decree effectively severed Sylas’s ability to reclaim the lands he had distributed. While this was an excellent deal for the newly minted lords, no one in the room dared to celebrate.

“That mad old man! Does he want to get us killed?”

“Of all the lands, why did he have to interfere with His Excellency’s territory?”

These nobles had seen Sylas’s power firsthand during the war. The emperor’s decree wasn’t just an insult to Sylas—it was a move that could provoke his wrath. And if Sylas’s anger turned toward them, they knew they would be crushed.

Rozier clicked his tongue in annoyance at the nobles’ reactions.

“Caught in the Dragon Slayer’s grasp. Instead of thanking the emperor, they’re trembling like this.”

In truth, Rozier had hoped this decree would encourage the southern nobles to switch their allegiance from Sylas to the imperial court. But judging by their expressions, it seemed unlikely.

“They’ve been too heavily influenced by him during the war. Well, even if they don’t shift loyalties, this should still weaken Sylas’s power and sow seeds of mistrust among his allies.”

After all, once people were given something—even forcibly—they naturally became reluctant to lose it. Over time, this separation could grow. From the imperial perspective, that alone was enough of a victory.

“Now, let’s enjoy the sight of his frustration…”

But before Rozier could revel in the moment, Sylas burst into laughter, catching everyone off guard.

“Hahaha!”

The nobles flinched, shocked by Sylas’s reaction. Instead of the expected rage, Sylas seemed genuinely amused, clutching his sides as he laughed heartily.