Lord of Caldera - Chapter 367

Chapter 367: Chapter 367 Preparing For The War
“Damn it. It doesn’t even look like Leon would be useful as a hostage.”

While it was common knowledge that Leon and Ray were related by blood, their demeanor showed no trace of familial affection. Even if Leon were detained, he would likely have no value as a bargaining chip.

“Leaving empty-handed will make me a laughingstock. I’ll just have to take him to the capital and release him immediately.”

After a moment of thought, Rogier bit his lip and bowed.

“Understood. Leon will be released as soon as his name is cleared.”

“You can keep him indefinitely if you want. If I ever openly rebel against the Imperial Court, feel free to execute him as an example,” Ray said flatly.

“Haha… Your sense of humor remains as sharp as ever, Count Hernig,” Rogier replied nervously, wiping the sweat from his brow.

The atmosphere between Ray and Leon was enough to show that their relationship was purely pragmatic.

With a click of his tongue, Rogier took Leon and left the manor. Watching his retreating figure through the window, Ray closed her eyes, recalling her liege Sylas’s words before her return to the estate.

“Ray, it’s time for you to resume your role as the lord of Hernig,” Sylas had said.

“Master!?”

Ray had been taken aback by Sylas’s sudden command. She had given up her position as a lord to serve by his side, dedicating her life to him. Now, he was ordering her to return to an empty title.

“Master, please. Retract your order. Allow me to remain at your side.”

“I wish I didn’t have to give this order either.”

Sylas sighed deeply, seeing Ray’s earnest plea. As her master and as a man, he disliked the idea of sending her away. He had planned to keep her close for at least a few more years.

“But the situation has become urgent. If you don’t go to the west and stabilize things, it could lead to bigger problems later.”

“What kind of problems?”

“Within the next few months, or at most a year, a war will break out between the Crown Prince and me.”

“…!”

Ray trembled at his words. She wasn’t unaware of Sylas’s ambitions, nor did she fear the path ahead. However, she had expected this to happen in at least three years, not so soon.

Seeing her shock, Sylas explained calmly.

“The Crown Prince isn’t a fool. He knows better than anyone that giving me more time will only work to my advantage.”

“You mean he’ll act before you do?”

“Exactly. As much as I hate to admit it, I’ve grown too powerful.”

Sylas’s plans had succeeded beyond expectation. His influence had grown so immense that no one in the Empire could ignore it.

“At this point, there’s no room for subtle growth. Drakenfels has become too important.”

Sylas continued, “People will flock to Drakenfels, even without my involvement. The land itself is overflowing with opportunities. The Mage Tower attracts high-ranking nobles, the direct trade route with the Elven principality in the west brings immense profits, and Drakenfels is the largest estate in the south.”

Even without Sylas, the land itself would continue to thrive.

“If we were to wait fifty years without rebellion, Drakenfels might dominate the Empire without shedding a drop of blood. But the Crown Prince won’t allow that. He’ll find any excuse to start a war.”

“Even if it means damaging his reputation?”

“Of course. And the Hernig estate is an easy target. The acting lord, Leon, can only do so much. The Crown Prince will exploit that vulnerability, and if we’re not careful, we could lose two key allies.”

Ray fell silent, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

“You need to go and stabilize the estate. I hope you understand.”

“…Understood. If this is what you need from me, I will do it.”

“Please, take care of things,” Sylas had said.

Ray nodded solemnly, her expression resolute. Though the sadness of being separated from her liege remained, she couldn’t let her personal feelings jeopardize his grand plans.

Just as she finished her preparations to leave for her estate, a familiar voice stopped her.

“Wait a moment, Ray.”

“…Grand Duchess?”

Ray paused as Eldira approached with her usual serene smile.

“I heard you’re leaving for the western territories,” Eldira said, stepping closer.

“Yes, that’s correct,” Ray replied quietly, her expression complicated. Eldira, Sylas’s fiancée, would remain by his side while she was gone. A nagging thought crept into Ray’s mind—when she returned, would there be any space left for her in Sylas’s life?

Sensing Ray’s unease, Eldira smiled warmly.

“Don’t worry. I have no intention of marrying him while you’re gone.”

“…!”

“If I’m going to have a wedding, I’d rather it be as a queen than a mere countess. Besides…”

Eldira leaned in close, her voice lowering to a playful whisper.

“There’s no rule saying a wedding can’t have two brides, is there?”

Ray shook her head, clearing her thoughts as her cheeks threatened to redden again at the memory. Eldira’s consideration for her feelings had been both embarrassing and comforting.

“She’s a good person.”

Letting go of her lingering worries, Ray steadied herself. Personal musings had to wait. For now, her focus was on the grand plan to place her liege on the throne. That was the reason Sylas had sent her to the west.

“Even though I’ve returned, the Crown Prince won’t back down so easily.”

The west was different from the unified north under Bjorn or the east long stabilized by the Corleone family. While the Hernig family had taken the lead thanks to the profits from Elven trade, the rapid influx of wealth had led to frequent disputes among lesser noble houses.

The Crown Prince, Maximilian, would undoubtedly try to exploit those divisions. Ray had to act quickly to stop him.

“Send invitations to all the western lords. Let them know I’ve returned and am hosting a grand banquet to celebrate. No one is to miss it!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Her officials scurried to carry out her orders. The first step was to announce her presence in the west. No noble would dare scheme while knowing she was actively overseeing the region.