Lord of Caldera

Sylas's intervention, capturing Eldira alive and healing her injuries, had effectively rewritten history. If not for him, the grand duke's fury might have obliterated five noble families in vengeance. Toby scratched his head, trying to find a silver lining.

"Well, doesn't this mean it could all work out fine? After all, you saved her, there are no dead elves, and if we can arrange a fair deal…"

"Except it won't end 'fine,' and that's the problem."

"What?" Toby asked.

"The count's ambition will always be an issue. If I hadn't shown up, he might have been content with what he had. But now that I'm here, he'll use me to extract as much as possible."

The count was essentially directing the elves' anger toward Sylas, hoping they would kill him. If that happened, the Corleone family would rage, as would the religious order with whom Sylas was allied.

If the empire's royal family saw an opportunity and got involved, they'd likely support the Western front, reaping the spoils and supplies.

The count would have his pick of spoils and hoard supplies as the front line's critical supply hub.

Although he wouldn't be entirely free of blame for Sylas's death, his castle's role as the essential outpost would give him significant leverage. If he added a tearful declaration of remorse, he could redirect all resentment toward the elves, absolving himself entirely.

The retainers' faces hardened, realizing the depths of the count's plan.

"This is a mess."

"And it's not even the worst of it," Sylas added.

"There's more?"

"Yes, the grand duke is already scouring the lands to find Eldira."

Though Sylas summarized it briefly, considering the time elapsed since the count's letter reached the four families, it was clear that the grand duke had been searching for quite a while. Not to mention the time Eldira had spent on her "excursion" before her capture. By now, the grand duke would be frantic with worry, fearing his daughter had wandered into monster territory.

This butterfly effect is getting out of hand.

The situation was unraveling into a massive crisis that bordered on absurdity. Sylas's retainers shared bewildered looks, realizing that if things continued, this could turn into a full-scale war between the Empire and the Elven Principality.

"What's your plan?" Max asked.

Sylas grinned at him.

"I'm going to wring every last drop of advantage out of that old snake and then throw him to the wolves."

"…You really think that's possible?"

This was the count's castle, deep within his territory. Yet Sylas planned to double-cross him right here, under his own roof?

"I don't see why not."

Sylas shrugged casually and approached Eldira.

「Let me ask you one thing. What exactly do you want?」

「What do you mean?」

「Do you want to return safely? Do you want to save your friends? Or is revenge still your goal?」@@novelbin@@

「I want…」

Eldira's eyes wavered. She had been cut down, her tongue and tendons severed, and she had sunk to the lowest depths. She'd thought about simply going home with her friends, abandoning revenge. But each time, the fury in her heart twisted and clawed its way back to the surface.

「…I want revenge. I want to reclaim everything that snake took from me and see him fall into ruin. I want him to die writhing in regret and pain!」

Sylas's smile widened at her fierce reply.

「Perfect. I'm on the same page.」

「What?」

「I've also been used by that man, and I intend to pay him back in full. Will you work with me?」

Eldira stared at Sylas for a moment, then nodded.

「If it means getting back at him, I'm in.」

「Good. Then let's put on a little show.」

「…A show?」

Sylas began to outline his plan, and Eldira listened carefully, blinking in realization.

The next day, Sylas, accompanied by Rey, went to see Count Valdemar. The count greeted them eagerly.

"Welcome, welcome. The two of you visiting together must mean…"

"Yes, Sir Rey has accepted your proposal and agreed to become your adopted daughter."

"Oh! What fantastic news!" the count exclaimed, genuinely delighted. With this, Sylas would be unable to escape; he would defend the Hernig family as if it were his own. The count was certain he had successfully baited Sylas.

I knew you'd take it. You couldn't resist the lure, he thought smugly.

The count was offering not just the Hernig family but influence over all five Western houses. Even a seasoned politician would struggle to resist. Surely, a young upstart like Sylas wouldn't be able to pass it up.

"However, there is one request we'd like to make," Sylas added.

"A request? What is it? You only need to ask," the count replied, grinning.

Sylas bowed respectfully and said, "As you mentioned before, we'd like you to announce Rey as your heir today, in front of the heirs of the other families and all the knights."

The count narrowed his eyes at Sylas's request.

So, he wants to make sure I won't retract my decision later?

Suppressing a smirk, the count was pleased by Sylas's eagerness. It aligned perfectly with his own intentions, and the demand to secure Rey's position showed just how seriously Sylas took the offer. With a welcoming expression, the count laughed heartily.

"Of course! This is something that should be announced right away." Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire

"Thank you, Your Excellency."

"Thank me? This is a matter of honor and duty."

Turning to Rey, the count studied her face, devoid of emotion despite the weighty title of heir being bestowed upon her. With a small nod from Sylas, Rey stepped forward and knelt.

"I, Rey Hernig, greet my father," she declared.

The count's face brightened, the sound of "father" from Rey, however formal, bringing him satisfaction. The facade of familial titles was what truly mattered in situations like these.

"Well, you've come at the perfect time! I was just about to call for you," the count said, his eyes glinting with intrigue.

"For me?" Sylas asked.

"Yes," the count replied, smiling slyly. "We have received a request for negotiations from the elves."

The count assembled Sylas, the other commanders, and all the knights from within the Hernig family and its allies. Standing before the gathered forces, he raised his voice.