Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Under everyone’s nervous gazes, a blonde-haired young lady got off the carriage.

She looked calm as she scanned the crowd with her captivating ocean-blue eyes.

She wore a red dress with a nine-clawed golden dragon symbol, the unique insignia of the imperial family.

“Greetings, Your Highness!” The crowd respectfully greeted her.

Irish nodded indifferently while searching for someone in the crowd. When she saw Alaric standing beside Lucas, her eyes momentarily stopped at him.

That should be him… my cousin… He truly resembles Aunt Jade.

Her expression visibly softened when she thought of this.

“Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Your Highness.” Lucas approached her with a faint smile on his face. He noticed the strange look she was giving him, but he ignored it.

Princess Irish let out a smile as she replied. “I should be the one thanking you, Lord Lucas. It was getting boring in the castle and you gave me the perfect reason to come out and have fun.”

She said it in a joking manner, but Lucas could sense that it was most likely the truth.

He forced out a smile and said. “We have arranged your accommodations, Your Highness. Why don’t you follow us there so we can continue our conversation in a more private space?”

“Alright.” Princess Irish didn’t give him a hard time.

She had mixed feelings about Lucas. Sometimes she resented him for making her aunt suffer, but she mostly felt pity for him. Her aunt repeatedly told her that Lucas also had it hard so she must not resent him.

The princess returned to her carriage after a short exchange of words with the baron. The warriors of House Silversword then escorted her to the estate. They even cleared the way for her, ensuring that there wouldn’t be any accidents on the road.

The princess was already used to this kind of treatment so she didn’t find it unnatural.

About a quarter of an hour later, they finally arrived at the newly built guest mansion. Within this mansion was a special room meant only for the members of the imperial family.

Maria was more familiar with the layout of the mansion so she was responsible for explaining the structure to her.

However, the princess was unfocused the entire time since her attention was mostly on Alaric, her cousin.

He does not even feel pressured by my identity. This kind of temperament is rare to find even among the nobility.

Well, he has the blood of Astania and the heroic spirit of Lord Lucas.

While she was secretly sizing up her cousin, she was unaware that Alaric had already noticed her unusual behavior.

Why is she looking at me intently? Is there something on my face?

Alaric felt a bit conscious because of her scrutinizing eyes. He wanted to remind her, but she might think that he was being impolite so Alaric decided to endure it.

While they were walking along the spacious hallway of the mansion, the princess suddenly stopped.

“Lord Alaric. I heard that you are skilled with the sword. Would you allow me to witness your swordsmanship?”

Everyone glanced at her in surprise, not expecting her to make this request in this situation.

Alaric was also taken aback. He looked at the princess and humbly replied with a light smile. “It would be my pleasure to perform in front of Your Highness. I hope you will not laugh at my lacking skills.”

Princess Irish looked pleased with his response. “Good.”

She then beckoned to one of the warriors standing behind her.

It was a bald middle-aged man dressed in steel-plated armor. He had an average height and a lean body which was quite ordinary for an imperial guard. However, this seemingly ordinary guard possessed the aura of an Elite Knight!

“This is Sir Allen. He is a member of my guard team. Do not be fooled by his appearance. Sir Allen is one of the best Elite Knights of the imperial guards.” Princess Irish introduced the bald middle-aged warrior.

“I want you to spar with him. That way, I can witness the full extent of your abilities. What do you think, Lord Alaric?” She beamed at her cousin.

Alaric glanced at the imperial guard named Allen. The man’s aura was indeed formidable. With a quick appraisal, he discovered that he was almost on the same level as Henry and Von!

“Since Your Highness has already said it this way, how could I decline your request?” Alaric smiled wryly.

Revealing his power to the imperial family wouldn’t be an issue. With their extensive network, they should be mostly aware of his strength.

However, there was also another reason why he agreed so readily. This was because he felt a close connection with the princess. It was a weird feeling that brought numerous questions to his mind.

The princess giggled at his words. “In that case, please begin.” She announced with a flourish of her sleeve.

Everyone gave them some room. The hallway was wide enough for them to spar, but Maria was worried that the walls might collapse under their intense power.

Sensing her worry, Lucas grabbed her hand and whispered.

“Relax. Everything will be alright. I am sure they will hold back their strength.”

Maria sighed and responded. “I hope so.”

At this moment, Alaric cupped his fists to Allen to show the man some respect.

The imperial guard reciprocated the gesture with a light bow.

“Please excuse my rudeness, my lord.”

Allen [Elite Knight] EXP: 325/1000

Potential: C

Traits: Swordsmanship (A) Horseback Riding (B), Archery (C), Hunting (B), Tracking (B), Close Combat (B)

Strength: 172

Stamina: 165

Agility: 170

Vitality: 160

Endurance: 161

Mana: 155

Alaric calmly observed his opponent.

This guy’s attributes are very balanced and the ratings of his traits are also high for someone at his level.

The imperial guards are indeed in a different league than ordinary warriors.

Alaric didn’t underestimate his opponent despite his clear advantage in attributes.

This is the perfect opportunity to test out the new technique I created.

Thinking about this, he slowly unsheathed his short sword.

As soon as he revealed his sword, the spectators felt a sudden drop in the temperature.

His opponent, Allen, was the first to notice this and it made him feel pressured. He could tell at a glance that Alaric’s sword was a relic.

He unsheathed his sword and adjusted his stance. If Alaric would make his move, he was prepared to take action.

A few seconds passed, but both warriors didn’t seem to have the intention to initiate the attack.

What a careful man…

Alaric smirked. He decided to make the first move.

He rushed forward and released a casual swing.

Whoosh!

It was an attack that used half of his strength, a probing move meant to determine his opponent’s strength and reaction speed.

Allen didn’t disappoint him. He grunted as he lifted his sword to parry Alaric’s probing attack.

Clang!

Sparks flew in all directions after their weapons clashed.

His swordsmanship is already impressive, but his footwork still needs some improvement.

Alaric thought to himself.

Clang! Clang!

Both warriors didn’t use their mana. It was a pure contest of strength and swordsmanship.

From the perspective of ordinary people, it looked like they were on even footing, but to the skilled warriors, they could clearly see who held the upper hand.

He’s strong! I can barely parry his sword and I’m already using most of my physical strength!

Allen was stunned. He realized that his opponent wasn’t even using his full power!

So this is the strength of Alaric Silversword. He is truly worthy of his title ‘The Hidden Dragon of the North’.

News about the recent orc subjugation had already spread to Codera and this had increased the reputation of House Silversword’s warriors, including Alaric himself.

He had received many nicknames from the residents, but there was one name that everyone agreed was perfect for him.

The Hidden Dragon of the North.

The princess and her subordinates were shocked by Alaric’s prowess. His abilities had far exceeded their expectations!

Suddenly, Alaric ended the battle with a slash that cut Allen’s sword in half!

Allen stared at his broken sword in disbelief. Although it wasn’t a relic, it was a weapon carefully crafted by the blacksmiths of the imperial family.

However, such a durable sword was destroyed by Alaric without even using his mana!

Still reeling in shock, he looked at the young warrior and asked. “H-How did you do that, my lord?”

Alaric sheathed his sword and replied with a light smile. “I just hit your sword on the same spot.”

He made it sound easy, but everyone knew how difficult it was.

Allen was flabbergasted. With a wry smile, he shook his head.

“I lost.” He muttered.

Everyone clapped their hands for the performance of both warriors.

“Splendid fight!” Princess Irish exclaimed while clapping her hands.

Everyone could see the excitement on her face.

“Raise your head, Sir Allen. Losing to Lord Alaric is not embarrassing. You just need to train harder and improve your skills.” The princess said to the downcast imperial guard.

“Yes, Your Highness!” Allen responded with a bow.