Lord of Caldera - Chapter 87

Chapter 87: Chapter 87
It was a calculated move. Beyond Sylas’s own talents, Toby’s skills were too valuable to let slip away. If Ulrich wanted to claim everything for himself, the transparent potion was his only option.

“There’s no known way to fully counteract the potion’s effects, correct?”

“Not that I know of. I doubt the creator even intended for a complete antidote to exist.”

“So, without a legendary elixir, it’s a guaranteed death sentence,” Sylas said.

“Yes, I suppose so.”

An elixir—a mythical potion capable of curing all ailments and even restoring severed limbs and organs. Such a legendary concoction could certainly counter the transparent potion’s effects.

“Does anyone actually possess an elixir? It’s the kind of thing that only shows up in fairy tales,” Toby scoffed.

“Actually, yes. Ulrich has one.”

“…What?” Max blinked, stunned. Sylas, lost in thought, smiled faintly.

Although this situation was problematic, in some ways, it was perfect.

‘Looks like I’ll be taking Ray… and that elixir, too.’

Before the timeline shift, Ulrich had considerable wealth. While the Corleone family was affluent to begin with, he seemed to possess funds beyond typical expectations. Sylas, along with others, had been curious about the source of his wealth, though its origins were only revealed after Ulrich’s death.

‘It was all from an old dungeon,’ Sylas recalled.

Ulrich hadn’t actually “conquered” the dungeon; instead, he discovered a near-collapsed ruin, where most of the treasures had deteriorated beyond use, except for a hefty stash of gold coins. Oscar’s words about the cursed sword had some truth, as well.

‘The real treasures from that find were only two things.’

One was the cursed sword, Volberk, which Sylas was using. The other was a limited supply of elixir, a rare potion with legendary healing properties. Unlike the troublesome cursed sword, Ulrich had found the elixir highly useful, using it for personal recovery, bargaining, and manipulation.

‘But I don’t plan to let him play that game this time.’

If Ulrich became the family head, he’d be a constant obstacle. Taking the opportunity now to undercut Ulrich’s influence—and claim the valuable elixir for himself—seemed ideal. Having made his decision, Sylas turned to Max and Toby.

“The best time to poison him would be at the banquet, wouldn’t you say?”

“It would certainly be the hardest time to refuse a drink,” Toby replied.

“In banquets, it’s almost considered an insult to reject a toast, especially among the nobility,” Max added.

“Perfect. The plan’s set, then.”

“What’s your strategy?” Toby asked.

“Well, first, I’ll need to prepare by downing a whole lot of cow’s blood.”

“…What?” Both of them looked puzzled as Sylas grinned mischievously.

Three days later, on the day of the banquet, Ray handed over a carefully wrapped pouch of medicine to one of Ulrich’s trusted aides. The man was responsible for delivering medicine to her family and had been in and out of her family’s residence multiple times by now.

“Handle it with care. If it breaks, it’ll be a disaster.”

“You can trust me, Lady Ray. I’ll guard it with my life,” the aide replied, giving her a reassuring smile.

“Keep it away from water and check it regularly. If anything seems off…”

“I’ll return immediately for a new supply. Please, don’t worry,” he assured her again. Still, Ray hesitated for a moment before nodding, fully aware that her mother’s life depended on this medicine. As she watched the aide leave, she turned to see Oscar approaching.

“Sir Ray, you’re still here? It’s almost time for the banquet,” he greeted her.

“Lord Oscar,” Ray responded, quickly masking her concern.

Oscar glanced in the direction the aide had gone, murmuring softly, “It will reach them safely. It always has, hasn’t it?”

“I certainly hope so.”

“Have you given thought to my suggestion?” he asked, referring to the lifelong contract he’d previously proposed.

“Yes, you mean the permanent contract.”

Oscar nodded. Many in the Corleone household assumed Ray was already permanently bound to the family. In reality, however, she was on a renewable term contract, one she continued to extend year by year. Both she and Oscar understood why.

‘She’s holding on in case someone discovers a cure for her mother’s sleeping illness,’ Oscar thought. Ray might even sell her skills to afford it if such a healer came along. But no such person had yet appeared; the disease was simply too rare.

“The lord has shown you much generosity already,” Oscar pointed out.

“I’m deeply grateful to him, always,” Ray replied sincerely. Ulrich had been providing her with expensive jewel squash to help prolong her mother’s life, a kindness Ray couldn’t ignore. But still, she held onto hope. If a cure was found after signing a permanent contract, she wouldn’t be able to seek it without Ulrich’s consent, something she wasn’t ready to risk.

“If a solution is found, I’m sure Lord Ulrich would help,” Oscar added.

“Yes, he’s promised as much, and I believe him.”

“Then what need is there to hesitate? Surely your loyalty wouldn’t diminish his dedication to helping you?”

“…Forgive me, but I can’t,” Ray answered, her voice resolute. Oscar sighed, disappointed. He understood that Ray’s lack of worldly experience didn’t mean she was naive. She had seen how people change when they get what they want, and her reluctance reflected her cautious understanding of that truth.

“I see. We’ll end the discussion here, then. Please, enjoy the banquet,” Oscar said, watching as Ray entered the hall. He knew her well enough to expect that she would stand stiffly at her assigned spot, unable to truly enjoy herself. Shaking his head, he turned and left.

‘Well, there’s always another chance. Persistence pays off,’ he reminded himself as he headed to the banquet hall.

Just before the banquet, Sylas was in his room, gazing into a mirror. His reflection showed a deathly pale face, drained of color to the point where he could easily be mistaken for a corpse. Max inspected Sylas’s face carefully, nodding in satisfaction.

“Perfect. The powder is working nicely.”

“It’s effective. Is this another Black Moon technique?”