Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

After the quick visit to his mother, Alaric bid the princess farewell and headed to the inn where his father was staying.

When he arrived, he noticed the unusual atmosphere in the group.

What happened while I was away?

He raised an eyebrow and beckoned to one of the higher-ranking warriors to ask about the situation.

“What happened here?”

The warrior immediately responded with a serious tone. “My lord, His Highness, the crown prince, came here earlier to discuss something with the Lord Baron. They eventually agreed to…”

He told Alaric about the crown prince’s command and how Lucas had accepted it.

Hearing this, Alaric furrowed his eyebrows and quickly headed to his father’s room to confirm the situation.

This is not part of Mom’s plan. What is father thinking?

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Come in.”

Alaric pushed the door open and saw Lucas sitting before the coffee table. William was also there sitting adjacent to him.

Seeing that William was around, Alaric thought carefully before he asked his father. “My lord, I heard from the others that you have accepted the crown prince’s orders. What is going on here?”

If they were to confront the Grand Duke, Lucas would have to reveal his power since Galanar and Warrick weren’t around. If that happens, the imperial family would be alerted and might even increase the castle’s defenses.

“Calm down and listen to what I have to say first.” Lucas gestured at him to take his seat.

Alaric took a deep breath and sat opposite Lucas. Although his father wasn’t known for his tactics, he wasn’t a complete idiot. He wouldn’t do anything that would be disadvantageous for them.

Lucas adjusted his sitting posture and looked at his son as he spoke. “Initially, our plan was to stealthily rescue your mother, but with the information you provided, doing that would be impossible because of that person in the upper level of the imperial library. You see, that person is a Mythical Knight and he has been at that level for decades. His strength is probably stronger than mine…”

Alaric frowned upon hearing this. Lucas was right. With the guy named Dominic guarding the imperial castle, rescuing his mother would be impossible without being discovered.

“I made an agreement with His Highness.” Lucas’ words made Alaric surprised.

“You mean to say…”

“His Highness agreed to release your mother if we can eliminate the Grand Duke,” Lucas said in a serious voice.

“Why would he agree with your request? His Highness would face strong opposition if he were to release someone locked up by His Majesty!” Alaric couldn’t understand why the crown prince would accept this ridiculous demand.

Lucas leaned on his seat and replied while shaking his head. “I don’t understand it either. I only tried my luck when I mentioned it to him, but he actually accepted my demand with a smile.”

Alaric furrowed his eyebrows.

The crown prince was a cunning man. That was also the reason why the emperor had chosen him to be his successor. Unlike the second prince who only had strong martial power, Prince Exlor was a strategic genius and a wise leader.

Now the question is, why did such a man agree with his father’s near unreasonable demand?

William who was silent the entire time suddenly opened his mouth. “I think it was a bet.”

Lucas and Alaric turned their gazes to him.

William rubbed his chin and explained why he had said so. “Think about it. If we can eliminate the Grand Duke, the second prince would lose his strongest supporter. This would make the crown prince’s faction have the upper hand in the battle for succession. Moreover, everyone would also think that House Silversword has joined the crown prince’s faction. As for us, we wouldn’t be able to do anything about it if the crown prince would do as he had promised and release Princess Jade.”

Both the father and son were stunned by his words.

If it was as he had said, the crown prince’s schemes were terrifyingly deep.

“His Highness made a bet, thinking that we would win against the Grand Duke. He is indeed no simple man.” William let out a deep sigh.

“So I have been duped by His Highness?” Lucas shook his head with a defeated look.

“That’s not entirely true, my lord. If we can get His Highness’ military support and provision, winning against the Grand Duke wouldn’t be difficult. The only thing that I am worried about is the aftermath of this battle. It could lead into a full-blown civil war between the crown prince’s and the second prince’s factions.” William responded with a grim look.

Alaric’s expression was unsightly to behold.

The events that happened in his past life had taken a drastic change. He had been using the knowledge of the future to steer everything in his favor, but now that everything had changed, he could only rely on his own power!

“Let’s do it!” Alaric showed his firm determination to follow his father’s decision. This was probably their best choice to save his mother.

Lucas nodded. “I will tell you His Highness’ plan…”

***

Meanwhile, sitting inside his carriage was the crown prince, Prince Exlor Astania.

He was leaning on his seat while looking at the people outside through the window.

“Your Highness, do you trust them that much? Lucas might be strong, but I don’t think he is powerful enough to destroy the Grand Duke! Besides, he only brought one Transcendent Knight with him. If something goes wrong, the second prince might retaliate and cause a civil war!” Tyrone’s voice suddenly drifted into his ears.

Prince Exlor chuckled. “Lord Tyrone, do you know why Lucas brought an army here in the capital?”

Tyrone furrowed his eyebrows. “Didn’t he bring an army to escort Her Highness?”

Exlor laughed upon hearing his response.”No! He brought that army to rescue, my aunt, Princess Jade.”

“What?!” Tyrone’s eyes went wide like saucers.

“Do you think a determined man like him wouldn’t be able to defeat the Grand Duke?” Exlor smirked.