Lord of Caldera

Chapter 102

"This feels like a scam. The knight-in-training is you, after all."@@@@

"It's a scam, indeed. But is there a problem?"

"...None."

Toby sighed, acknowledging Sylas's honesty. Come to think of it, honesty was probably the last word he'd associate with Sylas.

"Either way, well done so far."

"Is it time?"

"Alright, with my reputation spreading this far, the Winslow family will surely seek me out." The rumors were already widespread, and there was no way to reel them back in, but no one would let them spread further if they had any sense. Most importantly, Sylas was Ray's lord, and like it or not, they would seek to meet him in hopes of reclaiming Ray.

"They'll think it easier to use me than to force Ray to comply." Of course, that illusion wouldn't last long.

Clank.

"They've arrived." A short while later, a few knights stepped down from a carriage. They walked directly toward the table where Sylas was dining and bowed.

"Excuse us. Are you Sir Sylas Corleone?"

"Yes, I am. And who might you be?"

"Viscount Caden requests your presence, sir. Will you honor his invitation?" Sylas offered a quiet smile at the knight's words.

"With pleasure."

Sylas and his companions promptly entered the carriage and soon met with Viscount Caden. The encounter moved along smoothly, as if everything had been prepared in advance. The baron, his face marked with faint grey streaks and a determined expression, spoke to Sylas.

"A pleasure to meet you. I am Caden Winslow, head of the Winslow family."

"Sylas Corleone, third son of the Corleone family. Thank you for the invitation, my lord."

Sylas greeted him with a respectful bow, and Viscount Caden's gaze wavered slightly. Sylas's manners were impeccable, far from the brash arrogance Caden had anticipated based on what he had heard from Beric.

"Not an easy opponent," Caden thought. Beric's description had suggested someone rougher, but he hid his surprise with a composed smile.

"Of course, I had to invite you. I've already heard of your achievements. With all you've done for my territory, how could I ignore you?"

Confidently, Leon led Sylas to the training ground.

"This is the family's training area."

"It's well-maintained. Impressive."

"Well, in the western territories, constantly harassed by monsters, a drop of sweat in the training ground saves a drop of blood on the battlefield. We can't afford to be careless." Find adventures on My Virtual Library Empire

After this brief exchange, both men picked up wooden swords, while Viscount Caden positioned himself as the referee on the ground below.

The Winslow father and son exchanged glances before the duel began.

"Don't overdo it," Caden's gaze seemed to caution.

"I know," Leon's look replied.

As fellow nobles, this duel was not meant to escalate into a family dispute. It was a chance to retaliate for Beric's beating and to gain an upper hand in future negotiations. Taking it too far would only backfire. With a nod, Caden spoke aloud.

"May this duel bring no shame before the goddess. Begin!"

Thwack.

No sooner had he spoken than Leon lunged forward. His speed was swift, like the wind, a stark contrast to his earlier humility.

"Heh, sorry, but I've lived through enough real combat."

From a young age, Leon had tirelessly accompanied the baron on monster hunts, swinging his own sword and facing bloodshed firsthand. Unlike this sheltered noble brat!

"First, a quick blow to his forehead..."

Thwack.

"Ugh?!"

A sudden impact to his forehead left Leon stumbling backward. Sylas's wooden sword had struck him before he'd even noticed.

Sylas smirked, watching Leon struggle to grasp what had happened.

"I've been fighting on battlefields for over ten years, kid."