Lord of Caldera

Because otherwise, it made no sense.

'At most, it'll last a day or two. After that, his true abilities will show.'

Believing this, Helena continued to observe Sylas's lessons, hoping for the day she would see him stumble.

But reality was harsh.

"It seems we'll need to move up the end date for the lessons."

"Pardon? Why is that?"

"He's learning so quickly. Once I teach him, he masters it immediately."

No matter how much time passed, the only thing people said about Sylas was praise. In fact, as time went on, Lady Martina began to sigh.

With a student this outstanding, it wouldn't matter who was teaching him. She even expressed concern that she was losing confidence as a teacher.

For Helena, it was enough to make her blood boil.

"My Lord Count, your son's lessons are now complete."

"It's only been a month, and you say the lessons are finished? Is there something urgent that has come up for you, Madam?"

"No, truly, there is nothing more I can teach him."

On the very day that marked the end of the first month, Sylas had mastered all the etiquette and manners and completed the lessons. Considering that it usually took three months for even noble prodigies to learn, it was an astonishing pace.

"Isn't that too fast? I don't doubt your teaching, but etiquette is more about practice than learning…"

"If you're concerned, it's best you see Lord Sylas's achievements yourself."

When the Count hesitated to believe it, Lady Martina brought Sylas in. She had him demonstrate the most complex royal court etiquette he had learned on the spot.

With flawless, impeccable movements, the Count's eyes widened in astonishment.

"Ha! I can't believe it!"

The Count had struggled through his childhood to barely master the royal court etiquette. Though he performed it perfectly now, in his youth, he made countless mistakes even after learning it.

Yet here was Sylas, after just a few days of lessons, demonstrating the same etiquette flawlessly, as if he were a seasoned court noble of decades!

"Now, I truly understand your esteemed reputation. Your teaching skills are remarkable."

"No, truly, I did nothing."

Lady Martina waved her hand, insisting that Sylas had done everything on his own and that she had no part in it. As she left the castle after finishing the lessons, Lady Martina offered her well-wishes to the Count.

"To have gained such a remarkable young gentleman in addition to your two sons—truly, the goddess's favor shines upon the Corleone family."

"Your words are too kind."

Though the Count remained humble, he couldn't hide the pride he felt. After all, what parent wouldn't be delighted to hear their child praised?

However, Helena's mood was sinking into a deeper abyss than the Count's joy.

"It's just a coincidence! It just so happens that etiquette lessons suited that brat well!"

Refusing to give up, Helena shifted her focus to other subjects. After all, etiquette wasn't the only thing nobles needed to learn. She called instructors for every subject, including horseback riding, rhetoric, history, ancient languages, philosophy, literature, mathematics, and even subjects that were not typically prioritized.

Even though the results were good, the teachers were known for their harsh teaching methods.

"Isn't this too much? I don't think even my other children had it this rough."

"Can Sylas be treated the same as children who grew up as nobles from birth? We must teach him strictly to ensure he doesn't make any mistakes."

Although the Count, feeling a bit overwhelmed, made a remark, Helena pushed forward until the end, playing the role of an overly protective mother looking out for her foster son.

"Hmm, that does make sense. I'll leave it to you."

'Perfect!'@@novelbin@@

A triumphant smile formed on Helena's lips. No matter how eager that boy was to learn, there was no way he could manage all these subjects. She even went out of her way to create an intense schedule, certain that he would slip up somewhere.

Once his condition started to falter, it would all fall apart like a row of dominoes.

'And the teachers I chose aren't the type to accommodate the student's well-being.'

Naturally, they would keep pushing Sylas through the lessons, and she expected harsh criticism from every teacher. It was a flawless plan. Helena predicted that he would last at most two weeks.

And her prediction crumbled spectacularly.

"I have never seen anyone as outstanding in my entire career."

"The word 'genius' seems to exist solely for your child."

"Why not consider having him pursue a scholarly path?"

Sylas absorbed every single subject with ease. The tightly packed schedule was meaningless. He finished everything well ahead of the expected time and enjoyed his rest comfortably.

The Count, unaware of Helena's true intentions, was overjoyed by the continuous praise from countless teachers.

"It was the right choice to entrust him to you. I am truly grateful for the way you've cared for Sylas."

"…Of course, it's what I must do."

Her smile trembled as she spoke. The very plans she had devised to trouble the illegitimate son only ended up boosting his reputation further. With a moment of contemplation, Helena decided to use her final resort.

"Dear, there's only one subject left for Sylas."

"Theology, you mean."

"I have a teacher in mind for this one as well. I would like your approval."

"You've already been in charge, so why ask for approval now? Is there a problem?"

"Yes, it's someone you won't like."

At the name Helena uttered, the Count's face hardened.

A few days later, someone who had been invited to the Corleone castle stepped out of the carriage. At a glance, he appeared to be a kind-looking elderly priest. However, the servants' eyes were filled with fear, and the knights looked at him with disdain.

Only Helena welcomed the old priest warmly.

"Welcome, Sir Matthias."

"Haha, I am grateful that you greet this old man so warmly."

"Don't be so modest. There isn't a person who doesn't know your name and your dedication to the church."