Lord of Caldera

As Helena said, there wasn't a single person here who didn't know him. Matthias Merino. He was one of the most renowned holy knights of the church. He was also a prominent figure among the radical inquisitors.

Known as 'Matthias of the Red Hammer' due to his nature of wielding his hammer mercilessly against those he deemed enemies of the faith.

"To think I would be educating a member of the Corleone family. I could never have imagined this just a few days ago."

Hearing Matthias's words, the knights around him nodded unconsciously. The church, which exerted influence through the power of faith, and the nobility, who wielded worldly power, coexisted out of necessity, but their relationship was not exactly friendly. Especially with a fanatic like Matthias, it was even worse.

Naturally, the Count had strongly opposed it when it was first brought up.

"Nonsense! How can you bring in a fanatic like him?"

"Think about it. Regardless of his extremism, he is influential and holds a high position. Despite his radical methods, he has accomplished much, hasn't he?"

"He has also committed just as many insane acts as his accomplishments."

Matthias, whenever he suspected something, would kill any commoner who stood in his way and storm into a noble's territory to conduct searches. Naturally, no one liked him. The church itself had once even considered excommunicating him, regardless of his piety.

But, absurdly enough, whenever Matthias found something suspicious, there indeed turned out to be something there—demon worshippers, dark sorcerers, even necromancers. Though many innocents became victims during his searches, he also saved ten times as many people.

"Still, he has many supporters because of his accomplishments. Imagine if someone like that became Sylas's mentor. Sylas would gain a strong backer in the church, and it could improve relations between the church and the Corleone family."

"But what if Matthias doesn't take a liking to Sylas...?"

"The boy has never disappointed us. There's no need to worry."

"Hmph, if you insist, then do as you wish."

Despite his lingering concerns, the Count granted permission. So far, Helena's educational methods had never been wrong. Although it was a misunderstanding, it allowed them to invite Matthias.

Hiding her true intentions, Helena smiled and asked Matthias for a favor.

"Please, Sir Matthias, guide Sylas well. He's never been exposed to theology before."

"Of course. If it is to spread the word of the goddess, I will dedicate myself with my life."

"And this is something I'm only telling you, Sir Matthias…"

Helena leaned in and whispered softly into Matthias's ear.

"I fear our Sylas might not have any faith."

"What!? How could that be...!"

"Shh. You're speaking too loudly."

Matthias, his face flushed, barely managed to close his mouth. It wasn't for Sylas's sake, but out of consideration for Helena, who had entrusted him with this responsibility. If it became public knowledge that Sylas lacked faith, he could be branded an enemy of the church or even excommunicated.

"That's why I've been so worried I can't sleep at night. Please, Sir Matthias, show him the greatness of the goddess."

"Of course! I will make sure to instill the goddess's teachings firmly in him!"

Helena struggled to hold back her laughter at Matthias's determined demeanor. The bait had been set. Now all she had to do was wait for the fish to bite.

'Whether he becomes devoted to the teachings and joins the church, or rebels and earns the church's ire, it's fine either way. Even if he tries to find a balance, he'll only receive mediocre reviews.'

She was hoping for either the first or second outcome. If it was the first, she'd never have to see him again; if it was the second, he would face life-threatening hardships. Feeling satisfied for the first time in a while, Helena awaited the outcome, finally able to sleep soundly.

***

A few days later, Helena received an urgent report from a maid who came rushing in.

"Sir Matthias and the Count are arguing with each other?"

"Yes, madam. It doesn't look good."

Something must have happened! If those two were arguing, it was almost certainly about Sylas. Helena quickly prepared to go out and headed to the study.

Just as the maid had said, the two men were arguing loudly enough for their voices to be heard outside.

"My lord, this is the will of the gods!"

"It's your will, not the gods'! Don't speak nonsense!"

"It's also for the young master's sake!"

"But he said he didn't want it!"

As her suspicions were confirmed, a broad smile spread across Helena's face. She tried to keep her expression neutral, mindful of the servants around her, but she simply couldn't contain her delight.

"There are times when a parent must make decisions for their child's sake!"

"Forcing him to join the church won't make him happy."

"My lord, please!"

"Enough! This discussion is over!"

Upon hearing the dismissal, Helena quickly stepped away from the door. It sounded like Matthias was trying to send Sylas to the church. If Sylas had refused, it must not have been of his own volition.

'So, they want to send him to the church to straighten him out since he lacks devotion.'

That meant he had been marked by the church. As Helena quickly hid her laughter with a fan, Matthias stormed out of the door, his face flushed.

Waiting around the corner, Helena saw the red-faced Matthias approaching.

"Sir Matthias, what happened?"

"My lady!"

Matthias's eyes lit up as he saw Helena, and he approached her with an urgent expression, clearly seeking her help.

"It's good that you're here! Could you please speak to the Count?"

"Is this about our Sylas?"

"Yes, it is!

"What exactly has Sylas done?"

Feigning concern, Helena asked, and Matthias sighed deeply.

"It's difficult to put into words. After spending time with him, I realized that the young master is truly..."

"Yes, please go on."

"He is truly someone sent to us by the goddess."

"...?"

Helena blinked in confusion, not quite understanding Matthias's words. What was he saying?

"After speaking with him for a long time, I found that the young master is not lacking in faith. He serves the goddess with such a remarkable perspective, and his profound understanding is beyond what even the church's priests can easily match."

"..."

"If he were to become the church's sword, he would truly become the embodiment of the goddess and make a name for himself. He would be remembered in history as a shining beacon for a thousand years."

"..."

"I foresaw this future and invited him to join the church, but the young master, being excessively humble, refused my offer. I was so regretful that I spoke to the Count, but he dismissed my words outright!"

Matthias sighed deeply, looking as if he had just lost a chest full of precious jewels.

"Of course, even in the secular world, he could still make a name for himself, but it's such a pity that he won't serve as a member of the church. Please, my lady, speak to the Count. The young master's true place is with the church."

With that, Matthias pleaded once more with Helena before walking off into the distance. She stood there, speechless and stunned. The atmosphere was so tense that even the maids didn't dare speak to her. Moments later, Helena's body slowly collapsed.

Thud

"Ahhh! My lady! The madam has fainted!"

"Quick, fetch the priest! Right now!"

While all the commotion was happening upstairs, Sylas was leisurely savoring tea in his room. Next to his teacup lay the textbook he had used in his recent lesson.

Fiddling with the theology book, which was still damp with tears of emotion, Sylas chuckled lightly.

"Piece of cake."