Lord of Caldera - Chapter 366

Chapter 366: Chapter 366 The Plan Falls Apart
“What problems could there possibly be? I’m not summoning the lord of the estate, only the acting lord,” Maximilian replied nonchalantly, shrugging as if the issue were trivial. He made sure to emphasize that Leon was merely an acting lord, not the true head of the estate.

“If the acting lord is absent, the estate’s lord can take over or appoint a new deputy. This has nothing to do with ownership or succession.”

“That may be true, but what about the administrative gap that will arise in the meantime?”

“That’s simple: the Imperial Court will fill the gap. I’ll dispatch an administrator to handle affairs until Count Ray returns. That should satisfy the Count, don’t you think?”

“…!”

The court nobles recoiled in shock. In the early days of the Empire, when trust between the Emperor and the lords was strong, such measures were occasionally taken.

However, those days were long gone. For the Imperial Court to oversee a lord’s affairs now was nothing short of internal interference.

“Wouldn’t it be better to inform the Count first and let him appoint a new deputy?” one noble suggested.

“There’s no time for that! This is a matter of rebellion, rebellion! Time is of the essence, so summon the acting lord first and inform the Count afterward.”

When another noble proposed a reasonable alternative, Maximilian dismissed it outright, turning his head as if the suggestion were absurd.

The nobles immediately realized Maximilian’s true intentions.

“He’s planning to seize the Hernig estate while Count Ray is away!”

It was a risky move. Even for an Emperor, outright seizing land from a legitimate lord was considered excessive tyranny.

No lord would relinquish their land without resistance, and such an act would irreparably damage Maximilian’s credibility.

But Maximilian had decided to push forward, fully aware of the consequences.

“There’s no turning back now. I can’t afford to worry about my reputation. I need to weaken his power by any means necessary!”

The Imperial family was effectively surrounded—east, west, north, and south. Of these, the western territories were the weakest link in Sylas’s influence, making them the easiest target to reclaim.

“Count Bill in the east is bound by blood to Sylas and won’t waver. The north is too unified for any subterfuge to succeed. The south is essentially Sylas’s stronghold.”

The west, however, was only under Sylas’s indirect influence through his vassal, Ray. A swift strike could regain control of the region.

Moreover, taking control of the Hernig estate would sever Sylas’s alliance with the Elves, further isolating him. It was a gamble worth risking Maximilian’s reputation.

“A summons from the Crown Prince?”

Maximilian’s order reached Leon Winslow without delay. After silently reading the document, Leon rose from his seat.

“Well, there’s no choice, is there? I’ll prepare to leave immediately.”

“…?”

“Why are you looking at me like that? Is something wrong?” Leon asked, noticing Rogier’s puzzled expression.

“N-no, it’s nothing,” Rogier replied hesitantly.

Leon’s calm acceptance of the summons was unexpected. Normally, one would protest vehemently under such circumstances.

As Rogier watched in disbelief, Leon chuckled softly.

“There’s nothing strange about it. I’m merely the acting lord, not the rightful owner of the estate or the head of my family. If His Highness summons me, I must go.”

“Well… that’s true, but…”

Maximilian had specifically targeted Leon, knowing that as an acting lord, he couldn’t refuse. Hearing Leon acknowledge this fact directly left Rogier feeling uneasy.

Clearing his throat to hide his discomfort, Rogier continued, “Ahem, well then, I’ll wait until you’re ready. In the meantime, an Imperial administrator will take over your duties until your innocence is proven—”

“Oh, that won’t be necessary.”

“What?”

“To be honest, I’m no longer the acting lord as of yesterday. There’s no need for anyone to take over my duties,” Leon said with a shrug.

Rogier’s eyes widened in shock. Did this mean a new acting lord had already been appointed?

“Damn it! If that’s the case, this trip is meaningless! I’ll have to find a way to drag the new acting lord into this mess, too!”

As Rogier gritted his teeth and began plotting, the door behind him burst open. A cold voice echoed through the room.

“Who dares act in my stead without my permission?”

“…!”

Rogier turned to see a red-haired knight standing in the doorway, her stern expression freezing him in place.

“R-Ray Hernig!”

“Address me properly as ‘Count Hernig.’ Has the Crown Prince’s right-hand man never learned basic etiquette?”

The chilling aura surrounding Ray made Rogier clamp his mouth shut. It wasn’t anger or fear that silenced him but the sheer despair of seeing his plans unravel entirely.

“Why is she here?!”

Rogier had thoroughly investigated her before. She was the vassal of the dragonslayer and, despite being a countess, had abandoned her estate to remain by her liege’s side as a knight.

While she might lack the sense of responsibility expected of a noble, her prowess on the battlefield was undeniable. It was said she was powerful enough to fight dragons and turn the tide of battle, second only to the dragonslayer himself.

“I heard she never leaves the dragonslayer’s side, along with Toby Baston, his right-hand man. How could she be here?!”

While Rogier froze in place, Ray ascended to the seat of honor. Leon, who had been sitting there, quickly vacated it to make room for her.

“The Crown Prince has summoned Leon, has he?” Ray asked.

“It’s His Highness the Crown Prince! Show some respect!” Rogier snapped, recovering his composure.

Ray merely scoffed at his outburst, dismissing him with a wave of her hand. Just as Rogier’s face turned red and he opened his mouth to retort, Ray pushed Leon forward.

“Take him,” she said.

“W-what?”

“Isn’t that why you’re here? To take Leon? I’ll manage the estate as its rightful owner, so do as you please.”

“…”

Rogier was at a loss for words. He had come to take Leon, yes, but only when Leon was still the acting lord. If Leon was no longer in charge and Ray had taken over, the plan was meaningless.