Lord of Caldera

Chapter 39

However, he didn't want to be tied to a young master with no power due to a lifelong contract. All that was left was the bluff. If he succeeded, he could get the method to undo the curse without any cost.

'Just as my father said.'

Though he was scorned as an ignorant mercenary knight by those around him, he was actually a very wise man. Toby recalled his father's old advice.

'Toby, listen well to your father's words and remember them'

'Yes, Father'

'Most of the world's problems can be solved with violence. There's no beating stronger than a fist. So, if things get complicated, just beat them up.'

It was excellent teaching. Just as his father said, most of life's affairs could be resolved with violence. But Toby asked once more, just to be sure.

'Then, what if I can't use violence against someone?'

'Threaten to beat them up or kill them. Anyone who is human cares for their own body, so they will back down.'

'Indeed!'

It was fortunate he asked that back then. Even against someone he shouldn't use violence against, just creating an atmosphere as if he would turn everything upside down mostly worked. Occasionally, there were times it didn't work and he found himself in danger, but at least he was certain it would definitely work on the young master right in front of him.

'After all, he's just a noble young master. Has he ever faced real danger?'

There's a huge difference between someone who has experienced the battlefield and someone who hasn't. When faced with real danger for the first time, even the strongest man would tremble. Not to mention Sylas, who was still just a boy. He was already closing his eyes in fear.

Sylas, who had been quiet, slightly opened his eyes and said,

"Sir Toby, may I offer a prayer to the goddess before I answer?"

"Of course. But if you still can't answer after your prayer, my fist won't remain idle."

"I understand."

Sylas extended his hand towards the heavens, taking a prayerful posture and murmuring,

"I swear by the goddess in the name of my mother, Lyria, my grandfather, Norman, and my father, Bill."

"...?"

What kind of swearing is this at a time like this? What could there possibly be to swear about in this situation? Toby tilted his head in confusion but was stunned by what Sylas said next.

"If the brat before me harms me and I still tell him how to undo this, let me gouge out my own eyes."

"If you don't do what the scoundrel says, then you will be the one who is in trouble."

Truly a wise man. It had turned out exactly that way.

"Damn it, I'm in trouble."

If this reached the count's ears, Toby would be finished. It wouldn't just be a matter of being kicked out; he could be torn apart by furious knights.

Even if he managed to escape, they would definitely chase him down to kill him. It would have been manageable during his prime, but with his weakened strength now, survival would be difficult.

"I have to come up with something!"

Fueled by his survival instinct, Toby desperately wracked his brain. Soon, he found the only way he could survive.

When Toby opened his eyes again, he looked at Sylas with eyes full of respect.

"Excellent. You truly are of the Corleone bloodline."

"...."

"In fact, I was testing you. You are worthy of being my lord."

"...."

"Please don't be upset that a mere knight tested you. Any knight seeks and serves a suitable lord."

"Oh, goddess."

Ignoring Toby's nonsensical ramblings, Sylas opened his mouth again.

"If this brat doesn't kneel within 30 seconds and still tells me how to undo this, let him gouge out my eyes...."

"Lord! I, Toby, kneel!"

"Moreover, if this brat doesn't put his head to the ground and still tells me how to undo this, let him cut off my nose...."

"Look! My forehead is pressed firmly to the ground!"

"Also, if this brat doesn't crawl all the way over there and still tells me how to undo this, let him cut off my ears...."

"I had a nickname of 'Earthworm Toby' once, you see!"

Toby desperately crawled on the ground, thinking. Truly, his father's words had never been wrong.