Lord of Caldera

Chapter 92

Would Count Leonard really consider changing the heir over one incident? Sylas wondered.

"With an ordinary poison, it might have been easier to dismiss, but it wasn't just any poison. It was the transparent elixir, after all. Thanks to that, Ulrich has completely ruined his reputation," Max explained.

"I figured as much," Sylas admitted.

If Ulrich had used a poison that simply killed, it might have been better. But he chose one that enslaved its victim. This went beyond mere dishonor; it was an act more akin to something a witch or demon would do.

"In a family like ours, where deception and schemes aren't the norm, this is a severe offense. We're the Corleone family, and most of the knights here have been influenced by Count Leonard's strong sense of honor," Max continued.

Sylas slapped his forehead, realizing he'd overlooked that. Unless a knight was exceptionally independent, like Toby, most would take after their lord. The Corleone family was no exception, and Count Leonard's emphasis on chivalry and honor had instilled a sense of pride among his knights. Ulrich's actions had likely multiplied their resentment.

"At least Dani isn't two-faced. People are starting to think he'd be better as head than Ulrich," Max noted.

Sylas sighed. "He's too simple-minded, that's the problem."

Normally, that would be a disadvantage. But now, in light of Ulrich's scandal, people were beginning to view Dani's simplicity as a virtue. It was almost laughable.

"This complicates things," Sylas murmured.

"Complicates things? Isn't this a good turn of events?" Max replied, puzzled.

"No, as bad as he is, Dani isn't the answer."

Sylas didn't like Ulrich, but for the future, he'd prefer Ulrich as the family head over Dani. The eastern lands were notably peaceful compared to other regions. As a result, many lords had amassed power, and their pride had grown in proportion. If turmoil erupted, they'd likely turn on one another.

"In that scenario, Corleone would also be affected. Worst case, with Dani as head, he could ruin everything like he did before," Sylas thought.

In his previous life, the reckless crown prince had dragged the entire family into trouble without considering the repercussions. Sylas wanted to avoid that. At the very least, he needed Ulrich to take the reins, to keep control over the eastern lords until a stable power base could be established.

"Seems I'll have to throw him a lifeline, after all," Sylas conceded.

Max blinked, surprised. "What? Are you really going to save him after all the trouble he caused, without expecting anything in return?"

"Who said it would be free?" Sylas grinned.

He glanced at Toby, who had been muttering under his breath. "I may need him, but I'm not doing it for charity. I'll make sure he pays up," Sylas added.

In his room, Ulrich clutched his face in frustration.

"Damn it... how did it come to this?" he muttered, seething. He'd never imagined he'd fall this far.

To be threatened by none other than Dani for his position—it was humiliating.

"If it were Sylas, I wouldn't feel this worthless," he thought.

"Is that so?" Max replied with a shrug. "In that case, I'll take my leave."

"W-Wait! Why are you leaving so quickly? We still have more to discuss," Ulrich stammered.

"Sylas's instructions were clear: if there's no elixir, there's no deal," Max replied coolly. "There's nothing else he needs from you."

"I told you, I don't have any!" Ulrich insisted.

"Then I'll be on my way," Max replied, turning to leave. "Oh, and by the way, Dani has been very calm lately. He's even been studying diligently. It seems people recognize when their opportunities arise," he added with a smirk.

Ulrich's teeth ground together in anger. It was clear that unless he provided the elixir, Sylas had no interest in negotiating. Finally, he surrendered.

"Fine," he muttered.

"Sorry, sir? I didn't quite hear that," Max replied with a grin.

"I said, I'll give it to you! Now, just tell me what your offer is!" Ulrich spat, swallowing his pride.

Max smiled as he took out a letter from Sylas. Ulrich snatched it from him and read through it quickly. As he read, his frustrated expression gradually turned into one of disbelief.

"He... really wants me to do this?" he asked, dumbfounded.

"Yes," Max replied.

"Is he joking?" Ulrich asked.

"The results will speak for themselves. Just try it," Max said with complete sincerity.

Ulrich sighed, clutching his head. The plan would likely work, and he'd regain much of his lost honor. But he couldn't shake the feeling of utter humiliation.

"Do I really have to live like this, dragging myself through the mud?" he thought, feeling a pang of regret.

He'd kept his dignity intact up until now. But something about this plan felt as though he'd be trading his honor for his humanity.

"Burn the letter, and if you decide to accept, bring the elixir to the meeting point," Max instructed before leaving.

Ulrich sat in silence for a moment, then held the letter over a candle. As he watched it burn, he couldn't help but feel it mirrored his own situation—if he didn't make it through this, he'd be reduced to ashes.

"Forget about dignity. This is my last lifeline," he thought with a sigh.

Pushing back his reluctance, Ulrich leaned back in his chair and considered the strange preparation instructions.

"...I guess I'll need to get some wasabi from the kitchen," he muttered to himself.

If he was going to cry, he would need a lot of tears.