At Sylas's sharp remark, Gaiden fell silent and paid the lodging fee. He couldn't protest, as his mistakes were too severe. Instead of protecting the young lord from the troll, he had retreated. At best, he faced demotion; at worst, he could be disgraced and expelled.
"Then, at least return my horse. Surely, there are more suitable mounts for you, young master. Perhaps that large horse over there."
"Hmm, I prefer this one. Why don't you buy that horse instead?"
"..."
Gaiden's last attempt to reclaim his horse was also shot down. Horses vary greatly in price depending on their type, and warhorses are especially expensive. His plan had been to reclaim his horse and charge the young lord's new horse to the family expenses, framing it as Sylas's extravagance.
Of course, Sylas was not oblivious to Gaiden's scheme.
"It seems you have many complaints, Sir. Should I inform my father of your brave conduct?"
"If the young master wishes, I will gladly be a witness."
"N-No! I have no complaints whatsoever!"
In the face of Sylas's ultimatum and Roderick's agreement, Gaiden finally surrendered. As Gaiden slumped his shoulders, Sylas happily feasted on a chicken leg.
"Ah, that's satisfying."
How much had that man tormented him in his previous life? Seeing Gaiden in this state felt like a ten-year weight had been lifted off his chest.
From then on, Gaiden dutifully played the role of sponsor. Sylas intentionally chose inns that were too expensive for Gaiden to bill as expenses, causing his expression to worsen with each stop.
By the time Gaiden's purse was down to just a few silver coins, Sylas's party finally arrived at the Corleone estate.
***
The Corleone estate was surrounded by walls of white stone. The castle, said to be built with ancient stonemasonry, boasted a majestic presence. As Sylas and his party approached the castle, a guard who noticed them stepped forward.
"Halt. Which estate are you from… huh?!"
The guard, recognizing Roderick and Gaiden, was startled and quickly bowed his head.
"Greetings, Sir Roderick and Sir Gaiden!"
"You're doing well. We are returning after completing our mission by order of our lord. Open the gates."
"Yes! But this person is...?"
"He is someone you don't need to know about. Open the gate."
"I-I apologize!"
At Roderick's words, the guard, now pale, hurriedly opened the gate. As Sylas and his party entered, people's eyes were drawn to their unusual appearance. The attention made Gaiden's face turn red with embarrassment. After all, he was walking alone, sandwiched between the two who were on horseback.
"Sir Gaiden, why don't you take a rest now? I believe Sir Roderick alone can manage the escort."
"I-I shall do that."
Grateful for Sylas's mercy, Gaiden quickly stepped back. Sylas chuckled softly and headed toward the castle with Roderick. As they passed, people whispered among themselves.
"The one beside him is Sir Roderick, but who's the other ?"
"His attire doesn't look noble, but he's riding a horse."
"Hey, you know, there were rumors about the lord searching for his illegitimate child."
"Whoa, so that boy is…?"
When Roderick shot them a glare, the people quickly dispersed in fright. But it was only temporary. As soon as the two walked further away, the crowd began murmuring again.
"These ignorant fools…!"
"Just leave them be. They're only curious."
Sylas genuinely didn't mind. After all, this world didn't have many amusements. When there's an interesting topic, people naturally get excited and talk about it. Responding to every whisper would be endless.
When the two arrived at the lord's mansion, someone had already come out to greet them.
"Welcome, Sir Roderick."
"Master Gordon!"
Roderick was surprised and immediately dismounted when he saw the elderly butler. Chief Butler Gordon—a loyal retainer who had served the family since the time of the previous count and the closest confidant of the current lord. In terms of practical authority, Gordon held a position higher than most knights. Roderick greeted him respectfully.
"I've returned after completing my mission. Is the lord available ?"
"He is resting, weary from his duties. If you have completed your mission, then this young man must be...?"
Gordon's gaze shifted to Sylas. Just as Roderick was about to introduce him, Sylas stepped forward and bowed himself.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Gordon. I am Sylas, grandson of Norman and son of Lyria."
Gordon's eyes twinkled with interest at Sylas's greeting. Though confident, he was not arrogant; respectful, yet not servile. His movements also had a sense of dignity that exuded an unexplainable grace. Although not in line with formal etiquette, it was only natural since he had never been taught.
'Hmm, could it be true that he really grew up among commoners?'
Gordon was quietly impressed. If he could be properly trained in etiquette, he would not fall short when compared to the young noblemen of any household.
'So, the blood of a dragon cannot be hidden, after all.'
Even if raised among commoners, a dragon's offspring must inevitably grow up as a dragon. There was a sense that noble blood was fundamentally different, no matter what.
If Sylas heard this, he would scoff at the thought.
'I spent ten years learning to create this atmosphere.'
When he first joined the family as a bastard, he felt like he would lose his mind. Every time he made a mistake, he would hear nonsense like,
"You can't help being of lowly blood."
Meanwhile, those with noble blood could misbehave and only be called "a foolish child," which made him even more frustrated.
To avoid hearing that lowly blood nonsense, he practiced "cultivating a noble atmosphere" for ten years. Now, he could act with more nobility than most nobles.