Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

[Do you want to use the Random Trait Card?]

[Yes] [No]

He clicked [No] and opened his character profile.

Alaric Silversword [Knight] EXP: 500/500 (Cannot receive more EXP before advancement)

Potential: B

Traits: Horseback Riding (C), Swordsmanship (SSS), Close Combat (C), Archery (F), Hunting (E), Tracking (E), Sixth Sense (F)

Strength: 100

Stamina: 40+

Agility: 100

Vitality: 27+

Endurance: 42+

Mana: 48+

Battle Points: 4280

Stat Points: 64

(Requirements for the next advancement: 500 EXP, 100 in all attributes, and 5000 Battle Points)

He then closed the cyan screen and stared at Charles’s decapitated head with a complicated look on his face.

He had finally disposed of the man who would have caused the downfall of the household. However, he felt no joy.

On the contrary, Alaric felt uncomfortable.

The last words that Charles had spoken were still lingering in his mind, repeating over and over like a broken cassette tape.

There are still more things to do.

Alaric didn’t stay for long after the criminals were beheaded. He gave a closing speech and returned to the estate.

Upon returning home, he didn’t immediately go find his father. He felt that it was better to give the baron some time to be alone.

Inside his room, Alaric opened the cyan screen.

[Do you want to use the Random Trait Card?]

[Yes] [No]

This time, he clicked [Yes].

[You have awakened the F-Rank Monster Affinity Trait.]

Huh, what’s this? Monster Affinity… how does this work?

Alaric furrowed his eyebrows. From the name, it sounded like it had something to do with monsters.

I’ll test it out next time.

He closed the cyan screen and headed to the bathroom to remove the bloody smell on his body.

***

On the 17th of January, in the Year 209 of the Astanian Calendar.

The baron’s birthday celebration proceeded as scheduled despite the unexpected events that happened recently.

North Pine Town was in an unusual mood. Some people were happy, while others were feeling unsettled because of what had happened during the public execution.

There were a lot of visitors who came to join the baron’s birthday celebration so the streets of the town were bustling with activity.

At this moment, droves of carriages entered House Silversword’s estate, carrying noble dignitaries from neighboring cities and towns. One of these carriages carried the representatives sent by House Paxley.

“Maris, how do I look?” Hershey asked her personal maidservant as she adjusted her dress.

Maris smiled lightly at her and helped her adjust her clothes. “My lady, you already look perfect. I’m sure all those young men and warriors will be captivated by your beauty.”

Hearing this, Hershey shook her head and smiled as she thought of that familiar face. “I don’t care about any of those men.”

Maris chuckled at her words. She knew what her lady was talking about for she was aware that Hershey had already devoted herself to one man.

While they were chatting, the voice of the coachman suddenly drifted into their ears.

“My lady, I apologize for disturbing your conversation, but this is the furthest I can take you.”

“Alright,” Hershey responded.

In the next moment, the carriage door was opened by Cassandra who came as the captain of her escort team.

“My lady!” The female Knight bowed deeply to her and extended her right arm for Hershey to grab onto.

Hershey grabbed her hand as she stepped down the carriage. Meanwhile, her maidservant, Maris, lifted her dress to prevent Hershey from stepping on it.

Upon stepping foot on the cobbled pavement, Hershey nodded to Cassandra. “Thank you, Dame Cassandra.”

The female Knight lowered her head. “It’s my pleasure to serve you, my lady.”

Maris dusted off the snow on Hershey’s dress before she rose to her feet.

“My lady, there are so many guests. I feel nervous.” She whispered while she discreetly observed the noble dignitaries coming out of the carriages.

Hershey lightly turned her head and squeezed Maris’s hand. “Just relax and don’t mind them.”

Maris nodded her head meekly.

The trio headed to the venue- a special mansion meant for such celebrations.

When they arrived, the place was already filled with people. The sounds of the musical instruments and the chattering of the crowd resonated in their ears. This combination of sounds created a unique atmosphere that made them feel the essence of the celebration.

Hershey’s arrival sparked the interest of many young nobles. Her beauty, her grace, and her temperament attracted these proud men.

Some of them tried to strike a conversation with her, but Hershey only replied politely and she didn’t even try to prolong the conversation.

Seeing that she had no interest in them, no one approached her anymore. They just stared at her and admired her beauty from a distance.

“Lady Hershey is truly beautiful, but I heard that she will be engaged to someone. What a pity.” Someone mumbled with a hint of regret.

“Your news is outdated. I heard that she will be engaged to Lord Alaric.”

“Well, only Lord Alaric deserves a woman like her.”

The guests discussed eagerly as they watched Hershey step into the hall.

Suddenly, the main character of today’s event appeared. It was Lucas Silversword, dressed in his custom-made suit emblazoned with a golden insignia of House Silversword.

His arrival silenced the crowd for a moment.

His dignified look and his commanding presence awed the audience.

As he went down the staircase from the second floor, Lucas’s face remained stoic.

Lucas stopped midway and scanned everyone’s faces. His piercing gaze made the guests unconsciously adjust their posture.

Seeing that he had gathered their attention, Lucas opened his mouth. “Good day, everyone! Thank you for coming to my humble estate to join my birthday celebration. I have prepared…”

His voice echoed through the banquet hall.

“…Please enjoy your stay here.”

Clap! Clap! Clap!

The audience gave him a round of applause after his short speech.

Where is he?

Hershey looked around the hall, searching for that familiar figure.

Just then, she suddenly heard Maris gasping in surprise behind her.

She raised her eyebrows and turned around. “What happened?”

In front of her was the very man she was looking for.

“How are you, my lady?”