Lord of Caldera

Chapter 65

In truth, Dani had no desire to stand alongside a half-blood bastard. But the aftermath of the recent assassination attempt had caused too much of a stir. If he made a fuss here about being paired with a commoner, it was certain that his father's suppressed rage would finally explode.

Damn it, how did my life end up like this? Dani thought bitterly, but the Count seemed oblivious to his inner turmoil, sighing with some regret.

"Traditionally, both parents should attend a coming-of-age ceremony, but Helena couldn't be here due to her illness. It's a shame."

"It's only natural. Her health is more important. Please don't worry," Sylas reassured him.

Helena had recently gone to the family's villa to manage her emotional turmoil. The truth was, just the thought of witnessing Sylas's coming-of-age ceremony made her blood boil. It was a wise decision, at least in terms of preventing her condition from worsening.

"Thank you for saying so," the Count said, relieved. "Since you both have reached adulthood safely, I, as your father, must give you a gift."

Dani's eyes widened in excitement. The tradition for the Corleone family's coming-of-age ceremonies allowed the heirs to choose one item from the family's treasure vault. Even by noble standards, it was an exceptional gift.

"Then, who gets to choose first...?" Dani asked hesitantly.

"Of course, Sylas will choose first. He's your younger brother," the Count answered without hesitation. His face held a smile, but there was a coldness in his eyes, making it clear that any further complaints from Dani would not be tolerated.

"Dani, answer me. It's only right that Sylas chooses first, isn't it?"

"...Yes," Dani eventually muttered, nodding his head. The Count smiled, pleased with his submission, then turned to Sylas.

"So, Sylas. Is there something in particular you would like?" The Count had given Sylas access to the treasure vault for the past few days, allowing him ample time to make his decision. Whether it was a weapon, armor, or a famous piece of artwork, Sylas could choose anything he desired.

"I would like the wrist guards used by the first head of the family," Sylas said calmly.

"What? Those... plain things?" The Count was startled, barely holding back from calling them junk. Dani also looked shocked at Sylas's choice.

"Yes, they are the wrist guards used by the legendary Dragon Slayer, are they not?"

"And you, Dani? What do you desire?" the Count asked, turning to his other son.

"I... would like a renowned sword," Dani quickly replied. Though the Count was slightly disappointed by the ordinary choice, he nonetheless granted his son's wish, presenting him with the sword.

Once the gifts were exchanged, Ulrich, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up.

"Father, I also have a gift prepared for my brothers," he announced.

"Oh, how thoughtful!" The Count's face lit up with joy. He hadn't expected this, and it delighted him to see his eldest son thinking of his younger siblings.

Ulrich smiled slightly and clapped his hands twice. Oscar, who had been standing nearby, stepped forward.

"Greetings, Count Corleone. I am Oscar Daildron," he said respectfully.

"Ah, I've heard of you. You're known as the young sage, aren't you? Quite impressive at your age," the Count said warmly. Oscar was a genius who had entered the imperial capital's university at the age of seventeen, skipping grades. By the time he graduated, he had achieved the highest honors in every subject.

His fame had even reached the Count's ears, and the fact that this brilliant young man now stood by Ulrich's side brought a smile to the Count's face. The future of the family seemed even more secure.

"You flatter me, Your Excellency," Oscar replied humbly.

"Modesty aside, I notice you're not having a servant carry the gift. Why is that?"

"That is because the gift I bring is of great importance," Oscar explained, as he opened the box with a click. As the lid lifted, a sword glowing with a brilliant blue light was revealed. The room collectively gasped in awe.

"What... what is this sword?" the Count asked, astonished.

"This is an ancient sword, recovered from a dungeon," Oscar explained.

"A dungeon?!"