Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

The mayor hesitated.

“My lord, this is such an important matter. I can’t decide without consulting the officials of the town. Can you give us some time to discuss this? I promise to give you an answer tomorrow.”

Alaric didn’t force him.

According to the system, he still had a month left until the orc army would launch another attack.

“Alright. Please think about it carefully, mayor. I hope I’ll get a satisfactory response tomorrow.” Alaric stood up and left the mayor’s office after saying those words.

As soon as he left, the mayor let out a deep sigh as he leaned weakly on his seat.

Oh, Aru! I don’t know what to do.

I don’t want to leave the town, but I also don’t like the townspeople to be in danger…

Aru, I beseech you, to please guide your loyal believer in the right direction…

***

At the estate of House Silversword, a royal messenger arrived to deliver a letter to the baron.

At this moment, Lucas was inside his study, sitting quietly as he read the contents of the letter he had received.

This is a letter of challenge for my seat in the Astanian Dragon Leaderboard…

Lucas was currently ranked 9th in the Astanian Dragon Leaderboard. He had received this ranking almost a decade ago after he had successfully protected the empire from foreign invaders. He had proven himself on the battlefield so no one dared to challenge him for a long time, but someone was finally willing to stand before him on the battle platform.

Lucas stared at the challenger’s name.

Roderick Lassiter

It was a familiar name, one that had left quite an impression on him.

This man was also a war hero, a warrior who had been through numerous life-and-death experiences.

However, Lucas felt that something was amiss with this challenge. This was because of Roderick’s identity.

Roderick Lassiter was the maternal grandfather of the second prince.

If I don’t accept this challenge within two months, my rank will automatically be forfeited.

And if I accept the challenge, I’m certain that someone from the second prince’s side will use the opportunity to speak with me. His Highness might even come to see me himself.

Lucas furrowed his eyebrows. His head hurt the more he thought about what might happen.

With a deep sigh, he put down the letter and beckoned to the butler.

The butler immediately approached him and lowered his head.

“My lord.”

“Bastian, please call the madam and bring her here,” Lucas uttered with a stern voice.

“I understand.” Bastian acknowledged the command with a nod of his head.

“You may go.” Lucas waved his hand, urging the butler to leave.

Bastian didn’t linger and left right away.

Creak.

Lucas stood up and paced around the study while rubbing his chin.

Now that we have decided to remain neutral, how should I respond to the second prince if he decides to approach me?

He pondered for a long time, but he couldn’t come up with a proper solution.

In the next moment, he heard a series of knocks on his door.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

“My lord, I have brought the madam.” Bastian’s voice drifted.

“Come in,” Lucas uttered as he went back to his seat.

I can only rely on my wife to help me think of the best answer.

***

The next day, in the small town of Alverton.

The mayor visited Alaric’s room early in the morning.

Looking at the dark circles under the old man’s eyes, Alaric could already tell that it must have been a tough decision for him to make.

“Please take your seat, mayor.” As he took his seat, Alaric pointed at the chair adjacent to him, gesturing at the mayor to sit.

“Thank you.” The mayor nodded.

“Do you want a cup of coffee or tea?” Alaric asked with a faint smile.

“No, I’m good. I just had tea before coming here, but thank you for the offer, my lord.” The old man tactfully rejected while shaking his head.

“I see.” Alaric didn’t insist. He then glanced at Galanar who was standing by his side and gestured at him to pour him tea.

Galanar’s arms were covered in bandages, but it didn’t stop him from serving Alaric.

Without saying a word, he faithfully poured tea for his lord.

Meanwhile, Alaric turned his gaze to the mayor, his expression hinting at the old man to speak.

The mayor understood the meaning behind his gaze and immediately cleared his throat.

“My lord, I have discussed things over with the officials of the town and we have decided to follow you to North Pine Town.”

Hearing this, Alaric was inwardly relieved.

“I’m glad to hear that, mayor. Again, I will guarantee everyone’s safety so you can rest assured.”

The mayor nodded with a serious look. “I will announce this to the residents of the town, but I can’t promise that everyone will be willing to follow us. To some people, Alverton is their home, a place that contained their most cherished memories.”

Alaric furrowed his eyebrows, but he understood the mayor’s words. “Let’s try our best to persuade everyone to relocate. I know that this town is where they grew up, but their lives are more important. I’m sure that Aru wouldn’t want to see them get destroyed with the town.”

The mayor took a deep breath. He agreed with Alaric’s statement. “I will try my best, my lord.”

“Good. Do what you need to do. In the meantime, I will send word to North Pine Town and ask them to send us more personnel to help with the relocation. I will also collaborate with the carpenters and laborers to help the residents build their new homes.” Alaric placed great importance on this mission not just because of the promised reward from the system, but also because of the huge benefits that would follow once the residents were successfully relocated.

“Alright. I’ll excuse myself first. Just let me know if you have more instructions, my lord.” The mayor left after bidding him farewell.