Lord of Caldera - Chapter 42

Chapter 42: Chapter 42 Werner Ruman
‘Young Master Sylas has rehabilitated Sir Toby!’

Once again, a storm swept through the Corleone family. The infamous ruffian knight, Toby, had changed. He had completely cut off gambling, and his encounters with women and drinking had significantly decreased.

While he had not become a perfect knight, he had at least elevated from being ‘human garbage in knight’s form’ to ‘a knight who enjoys leisure.’ Considering his usual behavior, this alone was a change monumental enough to turn the world upside down.

“I never imagined Sir Toby would change like this.”

“What kind of miracle did the Young Master work?”

From the very beginning, there had been a lot of talk about him being unusual. He had proven that with his excellent academic performance. However, that was merely within the realm of studies.

Demonstrating talent in learning through one’s intelligence and transforming a proud knight were entirely different matters. The former was a scholar’s talent, while the latter was a ruler’s talent.

“Could it be that he truly succeeded…!”

The most surprised of all was none other than the Count himself. Toby, who had previously disregarded his lord’s words, had completely transformed after meeting Sylas.

“I am truly proud of you!”

“I am embarrassed to be praised for merely doing what is expected.”

“Hold your head high and puff out your chest! What you did was not just save a single knight; you saved all those whom that knight will help in the future!”

Having turned a ruffian into a knight meant that half of the good deeds that knight would perform belonged to Sylas. It was the highest praise one could give to someone who had awakened another.

“By the way, when you scolded Toby, a brilliant golden sunset illuminated the scene, and auspicious red energy surrounded you. Did you do something?”

“…How could I manipulate nature? It must have been that Sir Toby’s inner change made it appear that way.”

This guy really went overboard with the embellishments. Sylas clicked his tongue inwardly. It wasn’t bad to spice up the story a bit. However, there was a degree to such things. Since he was just beginning to feign modesty, Toby didn’t know when to appropriately cut off his embellishments.

‘I’ll have to lecture him later.’

Unaware of Sylas’s thoughts, the Count spoke happily.

“If you have a wish, speak up. You’ve done something truly great, and as your father, I want to reward you.”

“As I mentioned, it was merely what was expected…”

“Enough with the modesty. This is something I want to give you, so refusing would be rather rude.”

After a moment of thought due to the Count’s firm response, Sylas said,

“Then, when Sir Toby’s contract ends, can you give me an amount equal to his salary each month?”

“What?”

The Count was taken aback by the unexpected request. Asking for a monthly amount equal to a knight’s salary was surprising. It wouldn’t be a trivial amount if it accumulated over several months.

“Is there some regular expense you need?”

“To be precise, there will be. When I scolded Sir Toby, he said to me, ‘If possible, once my contract with my father ends, I want to serve you as my lord.'”

“That Sir Toby said that to you?”

The idea that a ruffian let loose in the field would pledge lifelong loyalty was unbelievable! If it weren’t for his recent behavioral changes, it would be hard to believe.

“Yes, but I had to defer his proposal as I cannot fulfill the duties of a lord. Therefore, I want gold coins commensurate with those duties.”

“Hmm!”

The Count nodded vigorously. It wasn’t for spending on pleasures or saving for the future. He simply wanted to reward the knight’s loyalty with wealth.

With such pure intentions, he could gladly offer any amount.

“Since you have earned the sincere loyalty of a knight, how could I not be pleased as your father? I shall give you what you desire.”

“Thank you sincerely, Father.”

Sylas subtly raised the corners of his mouth. If Toby had seen this scene, he would have shouted, “This is a scam!” He had achieved a resolution for the salary issue by having his loyalty counted as Sylas’s achievement.

Aside from the fact that Sylas had emerged as a middle manager, nothing had changed.

“However, this merely compensates for what you were already supposed to receive. It’s not enough for a reward, so say something else.”

“I have already received enough. But if you insist, Father…”

After a brief pause, Sylas expressed his true intention.

“Please teach me swordsmanship.”

***

Count Bill gladly accepted. He was already hesitating about whether to teach Sylas swordsmanship.

If he wanted it himself, there was no reason to hesitate.

“I will assign Sir Werner as your instructor. He was the former commander of the knights, so you can learn a lot from him.”

“Thank you, Father.”

The next day, Sylas immediately began his sword training. As planned, when he arrived at the training grounds, an elderly knight with white hair and wrinkles was waiting for him.

“Welcome, young master Sylas. I am Werner Ruman, who will teach you from today.”

“Pleased to meet you, Sir Werner.”

“Feel free to treat me casually. Although I am old, I am still a vassal of your family.”

He meant that Sylas should not hesitate to treat him like a knight just because he was older. However, Sylas shook his head.

“No, I cannot do that. I may not have to do so with a younger knight, but how could I treat someone who has served for such a long time with disrespect?”

“Ah.”

Werner was impressed by Sylas’s words. Having experienced many hardships in life, he had become unshakeable by ordinary things. Yet, that thoughtful remark made the ice in his heart melt away.

‘As the rumors said, he is no ordinary kid.’

Whether it was genuine consideration or a calculated remark, it remained impressive. Either way, it was a talent worthy of a lord.

“If I treat you casually, it will be harder for me, so please understand, Sir Werner.”

“If that is what you wish, as a vassal of the family, how could I refuse?”

Werner nodded in surprise at the smoothly flowing recommendation. His eloquence was remarkable, like that of a seasoned court noble. However, the swordsmanship that was about to begin required entirely different talents.

“Have you learned swordsmanship before? Or any other weapon skills?”

“Not at all. I have only handled a bow.”

“In that case, we need to start from the basics. It’s actually a good thing.”

Learning poorly can lead to bad habits, which take more time to correct. It would be better to teach from scratch step by step.

“First, let’s check your physical condition. Please run around this training ground.”

“How far should I run?”

“Run until you can’t anymore.”

“Understood.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Sylas started running outside the training ground without hesitation. Werner’s eyes sparkled at the sight.

‘Ha, he’s not even complaining or showing any signs of fatigue.’