Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

“To end the gift-giving ceremony, I would like to call my son, Alaric, to present the final gift to Lord Lucas.” Maria who acted as the emcee of the celebration, announced to the crowd, her words immediately garnered everyone’s attention.

Alaric was prepared since he had already been told about the sequence of the ceremony.

He calmly walked towards the baron, under the heated gazes of the audience.

Many young women openly expressed their admiration for him as he walked past them, but Alaric only responded with a polite smile. Even so, his casual glance was enough to make these young ladies giggle in excitement.

To the enthusiasm of these women, Hershey didn’t give much of a reaction. She felt that it was only normal since Alaric was the definition of the perfect man in every girl’s dreams.

At this moment, Alaric raised his hand, signaling to the crowd to keep quiet. He then cleared his throat and looked at his father with a smile. “My lord.”

Lucas nodded to him, his lips curving upwards to form a faint smile.

“When we went to the Enchanted Woodlands recently, we were lucky enough to stumble upon one of the majestic creatures of that magical forest. My lord, I present to you my gift…” Alaric snapped his fingers.

In the next moment, Galanar appeared from the entrance of the hall, as if he had been waiting for this cue.

Walking obediently beside the Elite Knight was a majestic brown horse with a silky black mane and a striking white blaze from its forehead down to its muzzle.

Its striking appearance and intimidating aura awed the crowd.

“This is a Disaster-grade frost horse, a creature that is native to the Enchanted Woodlands.” Alaric gave a short introduction about the horse.

Lucas was already aware that Alaric had brought these horses, but he didn’t know that one of them was meant for him and it was also the strongest horse of the bunch!

“Thank you for the gift, Alaric. I like this horse a lot.” Lucas stood up and rubbed the muscular body of the horse.

From his expression, everyone could tell that he was satisfied with this gift.

Meanwhile, the audience discussed in whispers after they heard that the horse was actually a Disaster-grade monster.

Monsters at this level could decimate a small village and it would take a powerful Elite Knight to take one down.

No one expected that Lucas would receive a creature like this as a gift. Not to mention that it was from his son. They could only look on with envy as the baron stroked the silky mane of the frost horse.

And that was how the gift-giving ceremony ended. What followed was the luxurious banquet which also served as the perfect time for all the guests to interact with each other.

Some people took the opportunity to expand their connections, while some chose to remain lowkey, standing discreetly in the corners of the banquet hall.

The celebration continued until late in the evening. More than half of the guests left after bidding farewell to the host, while some chose to stay in the estate to rest for the night.

…

Outside the venue, beside the koi pond, two figures could be seen walking side by side.

“My lord, there is another reason why I volunteered to come here.” Hershey glanced at his side profile with a determined look on her face.

I have thought it through! I must confess tonight!

Hershey was feeling a mixture of emotions as she looked at Alaric’s handsome face.

Alaric stopped in his tracks. “Actually, I have been waiting for this moment.” He muttered, his voice carrying the regret and guilt of his past life.

He turned his head and stared into her eyes.

In this life, I will not hurt you anymore.

“Hershey…” He grabbed her delicate hand, making Hershey’s eyes widen in shock.

And with a smile filled with tenderness, he asked. “Will you accept me as your man?”

Hershey gasped in utter disbelief.

She was determined to confess her feelings to him, but Alaric was one step ahead.

Am I dreaming?

She lifted her left hand and pinched her waist. A sharp pain immediately registered, telling her that everything was real.

Alaric chuckled at her silly expression, making the young lady embarrassed.

Hershey shyly lowered her head.

“I… I… uh…”

Just as she was about to respond, the snapping sound of a twig suddenly drifted into their ears.

Crack.

The two abruptly turned their heads and saw a young woman dressed in servant’s attire smiling awkwardly at them.

“Uhm, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. Please go on. Just pretend that you didn’t see me.”

“Maris?” Hershey exclaimed upon seeing her.

“M-My lady, I r-really didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I only followed you because I was worried about your safety.” Maris nervously glanced at Alaric, afraid that he would blame her for interrupting their moment.

Alaric chuckled and shook his head. “There’s no need to hide Dame Cassandra. I know you’re behind that tree.”

Ehem!

Cassandra cleared her throat as she revealed herself. She then bowed to Alaric and Hershey. “We apologize for disturbing your privacy.”

“It’s alright.” Alaric could only smile bitterly.

He was already aware that they had been following them, but he acted like he didn’t know. Who would have thought that these two would actually interrupt that perfect opportunity?

“My lord, it’s my fault for not educating them well.” Hershey sighed while glaring at the two women.

“It’s not that serious, my lady. It’s alright.” Alaric forced a smile.

“This…” Hershey awkwardly glanced at him. She didn’t know what to do.

“You don’t need to give me a response now, my lady. You should think it through. I’ll take my leave first. Please excuse me.” Although a bit disappointing, he could only excuse himself.

The mood has already been ruined and he didn’t want to force the subject.

“Alright. See you tomorrow, my lord. I hope you’ll have a good night.” Hershey smiled ruefully.

“You too.” Alaric reluctantly left after bidding her farewell.

After he was gone, Hershey stood there, with her arms akimbo, glaring at the two women with displeasure.

“You two, follow me.”