Lord of Caldera

Chapter 154

"Why, then?"

"That's just the kind of man my uncle is."

Bjorn smirked bitterly. This was something only someone who knew his uncle firsthand could understand.

"He's extremely cautious with profits and losses, avoids risks at all costs, and particularly likes to swoop in when he can gain without effort."@@@@

"In other words, he won't launch a preemptive strike if he senses any chance of loss?"

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"Exactly."

Toby sighed, sinking back into his chair. Not every lord was a capable commander, so perhaps Bjorn's uncle was just one of those conservative types. However, if Bjorn's words were true, it presented a problem. Defensive action would be nearly impossible.

"The enemy won't move first, and we can't afford a siege. That leaves only one option."

Sylas looked at Bjorn and spoke.

"We'll have to draw them out of the fortress."

"Indeed."

"Do we have any suitable bait?"

"I would volunteer myself, but I doubt it would be effective."

That much was clear. Even though Bjorn had raised a flag of defiance, his uncle, concerned about any risk, wouldn't leave his advantageous position. Having already secured the role of head, he wasn't likely to take any unnecessary risks.

"So, we need bait that'll actually entice him."

The man wouldn't move unless something extraordinary, some priceless treasure, lured him out. Scanning the map, Sylas's eyes gleamed with realization. Among the reasons he had come to the North, he noticed the location of a place he had intended to visit once everything was settled.

"I might have just the thing."

The pieces of Sylas's plan fell into place perfectly, and a smile tugged at his lips. Looking over at Bjorn, he asked, "What about a dungeon?"

"A personal letter? From a barbarian?!"

A "personal letter" was a term reserved for correspondence from someone of royal rank or higher. Yet here was a barbarian calling his letter that.

"That Ragnar... He's lost his mind! Just because we've traded a bit, he thinks I'll bow to him? Has he been drinking poison?"

"...Mind your words, Viscount," the messenger said coldly.

"What?! You barbaric filth!" Lugres grabbed his sword and approached the messenger, but the steely gaze from the messenger made him hesitate.

"Six families have already agreed to the Great Chief's terms."

"What?" Lugres blinked in surprise. The "six families" referred to the noble houses stationed at the front lines against the barbarians, including Veldaine. Could this mean that all these families had accepted the barbarian leader as their king?

"Don't lie to me!"

"It's no lie. If you don't believe me, you can ask the other lords yourself."

Lugres hesitated at the messenger's confidence. If this were true, it was no small matter. After his anger and confusion subsided, he was left with one thought: Why?

"Why would the six families acknowledge Ragnar as king?"

Even if he had unified several tribes, it shouldn't have been enough to subdue six noble families. Noticing Lugres' deep contemplation, the messenger spoke up.

"In any case, I've delivered my message and came to hear your response. Though it appears your answer is a refusal."

"Wait! Hold on."

"There's no need to ponder," the messenger said, narrowing his eyes.

"What?"

With a faint smile, the messenger clarified, "The Great Chief doesn't actually desire your alliance. He wishes to wipe out at least one family as a warning to others."

"...!"

"And he believes you're the most suitable candidate."

The implication was clear. Lugres trembled with rage, but a nagging feeling of dread held him back. What if the messenger was telling the truth? If all six families had submitted to Ragnar and he indeed had the power to annihilate Veldaine...