Lord of Caldera

"Perhaps, though loyalty to one's lord changes the matter."

"What if that lord commanded the knight to aid their family?"

"Who's to say?"

Sylas looked at Leon with an expression that said, Why would I? Leon clapped his hands, and a servant entered, carrying various items. Some were weapons, while others were tools that Sylas had never seen before. The one thing they all had in common was the blue-tinged symbols etched into their surfaces.

"They're magical tools," Leon explained.

"...!"

Magical tools—items infused with magic—were much less potent than relics, but even so, they were incredibly useful to humans. The one Beric had used, for instance, had been ideal for restraining a person without causing harm.

In these times, where magic has nearly vanished, only the elves still create such items, Sylas thought. While not on par with relics, they were rare enough to carry significant value. Leon offered the tools to Sylas.

"I'll give them all to you, Sir Sylas."

"For Ray, that's a pretty cheap price," Sylas scoffed, unimpressed by Leon's transparent ploy. Leon simply shook his head.

"It's just a gift. I expect nothing in return."

"…?"

"If anything, I'd like to trade these magical tools with the Corleone family. I've heard it's a place with many skilled knights."

Sylas's eyes widened. Enough magical tools to establish a trade? This was unexpected. Could it mean they had found a way to mass-produce them?

"Did you learn this technique from the elves?"

Leon evaded Sylas's question with a vague response, implying that he wouldn't share the secret.

"One thing is certain: soon, we'll be able to produce enough magical tools to begin trading. I envision the Corleone family as our first partner."

Sylas considered this offer in silence. It was a hastily crafted plan. If magical tools could indeed be produced in such quantity, there would be no need for Leon to come all the way to the east for a partnership with the Corleone family. He'd likely have no shortage of potential contracts. Leon's offer was a clear gesture.

"Take this deal to your family, and your standing within it will rise considerably. Then, let's exchange that influence for Ray."

It wasn't a bad trade. Even for a knight with monstrous strength, there were limits to what an individual could achieve. With the potential wealth from this deal, Sylas could foster his estate's growth and secure his standing in the family.

"What do you say?" Leon asked with a confident smile, certain Sylas wouldn't refuse.

Sylas nodded emphatically and answered, "Not interested."

Leon's face froze in a smile, unable to process Sylas's rejection. He hadn't expected this outcome. But Sylas had his own reasoning.

"Why would I strengthen the family's position? I'd rather raise my own reputation."

The Corleone family's influence was already substantial; further growth wouldn't change much. And as an illegitimate son, Sylas had little incentive to strive for the family's success, especially since it wouldn't secure his position as an heir. Besides, there was a much larger reason behind his refusal.

"These guys were wiped out in the previous timeline because of the elves."

The event that shook the western region—the eradication of five families—had been caused by the elves. Typically, these groups despised each other and avoided contact, yet, for reasons unknown, the elves had braved the monster-filled forests to eradicate the five families. The motive remained a mystery, but this trade offer made things clear to Sylas.

"They must've done something to anger the elves."

Sylas wasn't sure what that was yet, but he knew that accepting this trade could mean being targeted by the elves himself. He had no intention of risking Ray's safety over it.

"Are you serious?" Leon asked.

"Yes, quite serious. I believe we've said all there is to say. Now, I'd like to see my knight."

Leon clenched his lips. He hadn't expected Sylas to reject such a deal. However, letting go of Ray wasn't an option either.

"…Fine. But she's away at the moment, so if you could wait just one day?"

"Very well."

Sylas rose, following a maid who guided him to his quarters. Leon watched him with a sharp, calculating gaze. If an honorable approach failed, he'd have to resort to other tactics.

Contrary to his words, Leon didn't allow Sylas to see Ray. One day passed, then two. By the third day, the answer remained the same.

"My apologies. It seems today won't be possible either."

The excuses varied each day, but it was clear they were mere pretexts. Sylas clicked his tongue and turned to Toby and Max.

"What do you think?"

"It's obvious he's stalling for time," Toby replied.

"Just as I thought." Max muttered, frowning as he looked toward the closed door.

"I don't get it. What's the point of this? He's neither outright refusing nor making any real progress."

"To me, it makes quite a difference," Sylas replied.

"Pardon?"

"I'm a knight-errant, remember?"

"...!"

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The realization dawned on Max, who shuddered. A knight-errant's duty was to roam the continent, assisting others wherever they went. It was forbidden to settle idly in one place without a specific purpose. Even under invitation, a knight-errant's stay wouldn't normally exceed a week. Beyond that, it would draw disapproving attention.

"Pretty petty of him," Max muttered.@@novelbin@@

"But effective," Toby added.

Sylas and his companions were there as guests, bound by hospitality customs, and couldn't simply act out or search for Ray without being rude. If they overstayed, Sylas would be branded as a knight-errant neglecting his duties.

Clever of them, Sylas admitted inwardly. It was simple but highly effective against them.

But I've dealt with plenty of this in my past life.

No tactic was foolproof; only a lack of knowledge made it seem that way. Sylas glanced at Toby.

"How's the hospitality? They treating you well?"

"They're spoiling us. Any food or drink we request is served right away."

"Even wine?"

"Yes, only the finest."

"Is that so?"

The luxurious hospitality they offered was clearly meant to avoid giving any offense, but Sylas saw it as the perfect opportunity to disrupt their plans.