Lord of Caldera

"And what might that be?"

"If a conflict arises with other families on this journey, I'd like you to back any decision I make without question."

The baron's expression hardened. Such a request implied that Sylas anticipated making at least one decision that would stir resentment among the other nobles. For a noble, this was a daunting promise, as any supporters would have to share in that resentment.

"What exactly are you planning?"

"I don't know yet. We'll only know when we get there," Sylas replied ambiguously. The baron scrutinized him for a moment before sighing. Given the circumstances, he couldn't withdraw from the agreement now. He nodded, agreeing to Sylas's terms.

"So be it."

"On the honor of your family name?"

"Yes, on the honor of the Winslow name."@@novelbin@@

With the baron's answer, Sylas smiled.

Two days later, Sylas's party set out to join the Winslow family's reinforcements. Among the reinforcements were Leon, the baron's successor, and Beric, who had taken a beating from Toby.

"Given the situation, you'll accompany Sir Sylas. His retainers should also prove quite helpful.""Yes, sir…"

Despite receiving prior notice, Leon looked distinctly unenthusiastic, his complexion pale. Ray had been taken from him, and now he was forced to accept help in a critical family matter, having promised unconditional support in return. It was a bitter pill for Leon to swallow.

A total defeat, he thought. It was the first time someone of his own age had toyed with him like this. For a sixteen-year-old who once felt he owned the world, this bitter defeat was a rude awakening. Seeing Leon's state, Sylas's party kept a slight distance, allowing him his space.

"No point in aggravating him further," Sylas thought. Though Leon was brooding now, he'd soon collect himself and act rationally for his family's benefit. But pushing him while he was feeling inferior would only risk an emotional outburst.

As a result, Beric became the one stuck dealing with Sylas's group.

"Hey, Sir Beric," Toby called.

"What now?"

"Why do you look so down? You look like you're heading to your death."

"Easy for you to say after you turned my face into a pulp."

"You're the one who attacked us first."

"…."

Beric fell silent, having no counter to that. Honestly, he wanted nothing to do with Sylas's party. Not only had they breached etiquette by exposing the family's secrets, but they'd also overpowered him and left him lying in the dirt.

But with Leon in such a state, Beric had no choice but to accompany them, he thought with a sigh.

"Well, what do you want? Have any questions?" he asked reluctantly.

"Just a few. How long will it take to reach Count Hernig's estate?"

"It depends. If there are no issues, about a week."

"And if there are issues?"

"This road is notorious for frequent monster attacks, so delays are common. If we're unlucky, it could take over two weeks."

As if to confirm his words, a rustling sound came from all around them. A moment later, monstrous creatures resembling twisted wild dogs burst from the forest path—wargs, the same beasts that had disrupted Sylas's party's rest before.

Grrr…

"Didn't even need an invitation, did they?" Beric muttered, squinting at the gleaming eyes surrounding them. Excluding Sylas's party, the force consisted of ten knights and thirty soldiers. The fact that these wargs had attacked regardless showed their confidence in hunting humans. They'd likely been preying on nearby merchants and travelers for some time.

"Need a hand?" Sylas asked.

"That would be—"

"No, we can handle this ourselves!" one knight interrupted before Beric could finish agreeing. Beric flinched, about to reprimand the knight, but the man had already charged ahead.

"Soldiers, advance! Form a line and follow behind!" he shouted.

"Charge!"

Grrrr?!

The knight's rallying cry caught the wargs off guard, and they hesitated, thrown by the humans' sudden counterattack. The knights charged in, their swords cleaving through the wargs, while the soldiers followed to finish off any stragglers.

Squeal!

"Don't pursue! Stay in formation!" the knights ordered, calming the soldiers who'd begun to chase the fleeing wargs. It was smooth, disciplined leadership.

Impressive, Sylas thought. Most knights were so focused on personal combat prowess that they often lacked commanding skills, but these knights demonstrated both. While the Corleone family held an edge in terms of individual combat strength, these knights excelled in leading small units.

"Alright, back into marching formation!" the knight called out.

"Yes, sir!"

The soldiers quickly returned to their positions, displaying the results of their regular training. Once everyone was back in formation, the knights approached Sylas's group.

"As you can see, we're more than capable on our own. There's no need for our guests to lift a finger," one of the knights said. Though he spoke politely, there was a sharpness in his tone. He turned abruptly and returned to his place, leaving Toby to mutter under his breath.

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"What's their problem? Did they eat something bad?"

"Think of it as pride," Beric replied.

"Pride?"

"These are knights of the western territories, where combat is a daily ordeal. They take pride in being elite, and yet here you are, not merely as helpers but as powerful reinforcements. To them, it's baffling that outsiders from the relatively peaceful East are regarded more highly."

Beric glanced at Sylas and Toby, understanding their prowess but also recognizing that the other knights did not. "I know your skills, but they don't yet. So they're bound to feel a little resentment."

"But Ray is here, isn't she? That alone should convince them," Toby said, puzzled.

"I don't know them," Ray replied, scanning the knights' faces.

"I left the family four years ago. I've never seen these men before."

"In other words, they're all newcomers? They must've joined after you left," Toby concluded.

"Precisely," Beric confirmed. "They joined the family around the time Ray departed, so they don't know her true abilities. Some may even think she rose through the family's influence rather than her own merit."