Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

“We discovered the reason behind the barbarians’ movements near Turtle Fort. It turns out that…” Franklin told him about what he had heard from the red-haired barbarian named Pula. He also told Alaric his opinion about the situation.

Alaric tapped Franklin’s shoulder and said. “You have done well, Sir Franklin. Killing those men would have caused harm to our relationship with the barbarian tribes and we might even be investigated by the imperial family. However, we still need to verify whether this information is true…”

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Mission: Save the Captured Barbarians

Mission Difficulty: Normal

House Coldstone broke the peace treaty between the barbarian tribes and Astania. They captured a group of young barbarians including the son of a barbarian chieftain. Save them to prevent the situation from escalating into a full-blown war!

Rewards: 600 Battle Points, 20 EXP, 10 Stat Points

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Alaric furrowed his eyebrows when he saw the mission details.

So this matter is related to House Coldstone.

It must be the doing of that bastard, Xavier! Only someone like him would do something like this!

Alaric was furious.

This peace was something that his father and numerous warriors had fought hard to achieve, but one household actually dared to destroy this hard-earned peace!

“Summon Fredrinn here at once!” Alaric instructed in a cold voice.

Sensing his anger, Franklin didn’t dare waste any time and responded right away. “Yes, my lord!”

Less than a quarter of an hour later, Franklin returned with Fredrinn following behind him.

“My lord, I have brought Sir Fredrinn with me.”

Alaric waved his hand, indicating for him to leave. “Thank you, Sir Franklin. I will send someone to reward your team for your efforts.”

Seeing his signal, Franklin bowed, turned around, and left.

After he left, Alaric beckoned to Fredrinn and asked. “Sir Fredrinn, is Xavier still alive?”

Fredrinn frowned and replied. “Yes, my lord, but if you want to speak with him, it might be difficult.”

Alaric didn’t ask why. He was only asking casually because Xavier was the greatest suspect in the abduction of the barbarians. Since the man was no longer in the right condition to speak, Alaric could only forget about him.

“I have a mission for you. This is related to House Coldstone and Xavier.”

Fredrinn took a deep breath and replied. “I’m all ears, my lord.”

“I have received a report that House Coldstone has captured a group of barbarians. If something happens to them, it could lead to a war against the barbarian tribes. We must not allow that to happen!”

Fredrinn could sense Alaric’s fury and concern about the situation.

“I see. You can leave this matter to me, my lord.”

House Coldstone has been greatly weakened after Sir Galanar attacked them with his army. There shouldn’t be an issue this time…

Fredrinn thought to himself.

“Good! I will send Sir Von, Sir Henry, and twenty warriors with you for this trip. Please save those barbarians!” It was only a normal-rated mission so Alaric didn’t send a Transcendent Knight. He believed that sending three Elite Knights was more than enough for the task.

Fredrinn acknowledged the command with a salute. “I assure you that I will complete this mission!”

With two veteran Elite Knights following him for the trip, he felt more confident about their safety.

“You may leave after informing your wife.” Alaric waved his hand.

Fredrinn took this as his cue to leave.

“Yes, my lord.” He said before he left with quick strides.

What a pity! I thought I would get a hard-rated mission… Still, this is better than having nothing at all.

Without missions, he would be stuck in the Elite Knight realm for a long time so he was eager to get more. If it weren’t for his coming wedding, he would gone out to seek opportunities.

While he was immersed in his thoughts, he suddenly heard the sound of a galloping horse.

Hm?

He turned around and saw that it was a warrior from the town’s garrison.

The man got off his horse and kneeled before Alaric.

“My lord, urgent report!”

Alaric’s face turned serious. “Speak.”

“The imperial family has sent a representative. They are heading to the town as we speak.” The man said with a grim look.

The imperial family?

Alaric frowned. He sent a wedding invitation to the imperial family for formality’s sake, but he didn’t expect them to really come.

“Go and inform the baron and the madam about this. I will wait for them at the entrance of the town.” Alaric instructed the man.

This was a representative from the imperial family so he couldn’t afford to be negligent.

“Yes, my lord!” The warrior saluted and left with haste.

Meanwhile, Alaric summoned all the highest-ranking military officers in the household.

Soon, more than twenty warriors gathered before him, including the three Transcendent Knights.

“Prepare to greet the representative from the imperial family!” Alaric announced.

Hearing this, everyone was stunned. They never would have thought that the imperial family would actually come to their town.

Everyone followed Alaric to the entrance of North Pine Town. They were curious to know which important figure the imperial family sent to join the wedding ceremony.

Alaric and the military officers patiently waited outside the main gate.

The visitors who were queuing up at the entrance were stunned upon seeing them. They wondered which impressive figure was coming to the town.

A moment later, Lucas and Maria arrived.

“My lord! My lady!” Alaric greeted them.

The couple approached their son to confirm the situation with him.

While they were chatting, an entourage of about fifty people appeared in their sights.

“Those flags… They are from the imperial family!” Someone from the crowd shouted in surprise.

The ordinary civilians immediately kneeled in fear, while the warriors lowered their heads as they waited for the imperial family’s entourage to arrive.

Meanwhile, the members of House Silversword furrowed their eyebrows.

“Princess Irish has arrived! Everyone, show your respect to the princess of Astania!” A warrior from the imperial entourage shouted.