Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

“Maria isn’t your real mother.”

Alaric furrowed his eyebrows upon hearing this. His father had never told him about this in his past life.

“Your mother’s name is Jade Kristine Astania,” Lucas said, observing his son’s reaction.

He thought that Alaric would be furious, but other than being a bit surprised, he didn’t give much of a reaction.

Alaric raised an eyebrow. “You mean my real mother is…”

Lucas nodded. “That is right. Your mother is someone from the imperial family. She is the younger sister of the current emperor.”

With Lucas’ confirmation, Alaric finally realized why the old Marquis, Tyrone, had always been very respectful to him in his past life despite the huge disparity in their status. It turned out that he actually carried the blood of the imperial family!

Alaric slumped into his seat and rubbed his temples as he digested all this information.

Looking at Alaric’s complicated expression, Lucas sighed. “I did not want to hide it from you, son…”

He wanted to explain himself, but no words came out of his mouth. He felt that he was to be blamed for all that had happened.

“It is my fault…” Lucas lowered his head to hide the sorrow and guilt in his eyes.

Jade… you must have suffered a lot…

He felt torn, but he didn’t want to cry in front of his child.

“You do not need to be sorry, Dad. I understand. You must have had your reasons for choosing to hide my identity.” Even without Lucas’ explanation, Alaric could guess what his father was worried about.

Dad probably does not want me to be involved with the imperial family’s schemes. Perhaps he made this decision together with my real mother.

Lucas was surprised to hear his son’s words. “Alaric…”

“Then where is my mother?” Alaric suddenly asked, his face looking incredibly serious.

Lucas took a deep breath and gathered his thoughts before he replied. “You are already an Elite Knight so I will not hide it from you…”

“…To be honest, I am also not certain about your mother’s situation, but I am pretty sure that she is confined within the imperial castle.”

“Confined? Why would they confine the younger sister of the emperor?” Alaric frowned.

Lucas’ expression suddenly turned dark as he responded. “Because the imperial family wants her to marry the crown prince of Harune!”

Alaric was stunned.

“But you do not need to worry. I will not let that happen! Even if I have to fight two empires, I will make sure that your mother will not be taken away from us!” Lucas subconsciously leaked out his aura due to his rampaging emotions.

The pressure coming from a Mythical Knight made Alaric feel as if a towering mountain was pressing down on him.

Lucas quickly recalled his aura when he noticed Alaric’s uncomfortable look.

After the pressure was gone, Alaric asked. “What is your plan, Dad?”

“If you plan to take Mother by force, please take me with you!” His eyes flashed with determination when he uttered these words.

Lucas was gratified. Not only was Alaric mature enough to understand his difficulties. His son was also brave enough to follow him and rescue his mother.

“Alright, but now is not the right time.” Lucas shook his head.

House Silversword hadn’t taken full control of the North so they still didn’t have the fighting force to confront the imperial family.

“I have already sent my subordinates to quietly gather the northern houses under our banner. Once we have their support, that is the time for us to strike!” Lucas spoke with unwavering determination.

___

Mission: Rescue your birth mother!

Mission Difficulty: Extreme

Your birth mother was placed under house arrest for attempting to escape from the imperial castle. Rescue her and proclaim to the world that you are her son!

Rewards: 2500 Battle Points, 150 EXP, 50 Stat Points, Random Trait Upgrade Card x1, Equipment Upgrade Card x1,

Additional rewards will be given when certain conditions are met.

___

Alaric narrowed his eyes when he saw the notification from the system. Learning his true identity actually gave him a mission, an extreme-rated one at that!

He had only gotten an extreme-rated mission once and it gave him a huge boost in his attributes. He also received an Elite Knight Card as a bonus reward for completing a certain task.

I wonder what kind of bonus reward I will get if I complete the hidden objective.

Alaric temporarily put this matter aside. Even without the mission rewards, he would still follow his father to rescue his mother.

He looked at his father and said.

“Then please inform me once everything is ready. I will have my warriors ready for your call.”

Lucas nodded with a faint smile. “I will. For now, you should focus on your wedding. I still have things to discuss with Maria.”

Hearing this, Alaric hesitated.

“Uhm, does Mom know about my identity?” He asked.

Although Maria wasn’t his real mother, this never stopped him from calling her ‘Mom’ and he would never stop treating her like his real mother.

Lucas nodded with a long sigh. “Maria knew about it from the start. She treated you like you were her child and she had never complained about it.”

Alaric felt a wave of warmth upon hearing this. She was just as he had always remembered, a caring and loving mother.

Thinking about this, he stood up from his seat and tapped his father’s shoulder. “You should talk with Mom. I will visit her later.”

Lucas nodded with a light smile. “I will.”

Alaric didn’t linger. He bowed to Lucas and left with firm footsteps.

Lucas watched him leave, his eyes flashing with relief. He had always carried this guilt and regret. Now that he had let it all out, he felt like a bit of the weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

Jade…

He walked towards the window and looked at the distant sky with a gaze filled with longing.

I am coming…