Lord of Caldera

Sylas promptly bowed, as if deeply moved. "My lord, your mercy is boundless! I am grateful you would forgive my retainer's mistake."

"Think nothing of it. Anyone can make such mistakes when they're drunk."

"You're even extending this mercy without any compensation! I'm truly awed by your generosity!"

The baron's face twitched as he forced a smile. Is this brat trying to drive me to my wit's end on purpose? Once the absurd charade ended, the baron slumped back into his seat, visibly drained, while Sylas returned to a calm demeanor, as if the whole scene had never happened.

"I have something to discuss with you," the baron finally said.

"If it's about Toby's actions…"

"That's forgiven. I meant what I said."

"Very well. What is it you wish to discuss?"

Seeing Sylas's repeated reassurances, the baron sighed. This young man is no ordinary opponent. It was clear that if his son, Leon, were to try negotiating, Sylas would play him just as easily. The baron needed to speak plainly with him.

"I need your help, in line with your duties as a knight-errant."

"Knight-errants don't lend their strength to benefit individuals or particular families."

"But what if it's a matter between humans and another race? Surely that could be considered a cause for the world at large."

Sylas's eyes narrowed, suspecting what the baron might mean. "The elves, is it?"

"Yes, those wretched elves," the baron replied, gulping down a glass of water as if to soothe his anger. Once he'd emptied it, he continued.

"Enough with testing the waters. I'll speak plainly. Recently, things have been tense between the western lords and the elves. Very tense."

"But even if relations are strained, aren't the two groups separated by the forest? Neither can invade the other due to the monster-infested woods."

"Yes, the forest keeps us apart, filled with monsters. But recently, for some unknown reason, the elves have started crossing over to our side."

The baron admitted he didn't know their motives—whether they aimed to expand their territory or if they had other reasons. The only certainty was that the frequency of skirmishes had increased with these incursions.

"If it were merely a matter of harm, it wouldn't be so bad, but these clashes have brought benefits as well—namely, magical tools."

"So the magical tools you showed me yesterday…?"

"Those were all spoils of war. We didn't seize them ourselves, though." Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire

"What do you mean?"@@novelbin@@

"Do you know of Count Hernig's family?"

Sylas nodded. The Hernig family wasn't merely a count's family; like the Corleone family, they had been appointed as frontier lords. In the west, they were a noble family of high standing, comparable to the Corleone family. But they were also the first family to face ruin in the previous timeline.

"Out west, the noble families are tightly connected due to proximity. Isolation from monsters is common, so we rely on each other for support. But even in such alliances, there's always a leading figure and internal rivalries."

"Is Count Hernig that central figure?"

"Correct. Surrounding him are three other families, including mine. Frankly, it's a forced alliance; we don't get along well."

The baron explained that this alliance existed solely to defend against monsters. Without that threat, they would likely have turned their backs on each other. But if they did so now, they'd all be doomed. Count Hernig's family managed to mediate between them, keeping peace and cooperation in place.

"Recently, Count Hernig requested our assistance. They're in an intense conflict with the elves and asked for reinforcements. I didn't want to get involved, but the compensation was too tempting to refuse."

"Magical tools?"

"Yes, they sent us a large supply of seized magical tools. They even promised to continue supplying us, based on the support we provided."

From the Winslow family's perspective, it was a deal worth salivating over. They were already doing everything possible to bolster their combat strength, and here was an opportunity to receive expensive magical tools in exchange for participation.

The baron agreed on the spot. The problem arose days later.

"Monsters started increasing—far too many. It's become nearly impossible to send even a few soldiers or knights without risking the security of our own lands. If I pursue these magical tools too aggressively, my territory could fall."

"Can't you cancel the agreement?"

"I've already accepted it. Going back on my word would be a disgrace, especially to the Hernig family. The retaliation would be swift and harsh."

And he couldn't send an untrained force. That would be an insult, and his rival families would surely mock the Winslow family for it. The baron needed a small but powerful group of elite knights. They had to provide enough help to impress Count Hernig, display the family's strength, and earn the admiration of rival families.

"And I happen to have just such a knight within my estate."

"If you mean Ray, that's not an option."

"Rest assured, I've abandoned that idea. It was foolish to expect her to stay without even providing proper medicine for her mother. I had hoped that her mother might be reason enough for her to remain…"

The baron sighed, appearing older within mere minutes as new worry lines creased his face.

"But even if I can't keep her permanently, could I borrow her services temporarily? With her lord, of course," he added, turning to Sylas with a serious look.

"Please, take Ray and represent the Winslow family as reinforcements. In return, I will grant you anything within my power."

"Anything, you say?" Sylas asked.

"As long as it's within my power," the baron replied. This was as much as he could offer. There was no written agreement, but even so, breaking a promise like this required careful consideration, especially when the head of the family made it in person to Sylas.

"If it's fame you seek, I can ensure your name spreads throughout the West. If it's wealth, I'll provide as much as I can. Or perhaps you want something else? Tell me, and I'll do my best to fulfill it."

Sylas appeared to ponder this for a moment before speaking. "Then I have a request."