Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

By the time they arrived in town, the size of their entourage had almost doubled, as the delegates of the northern houses joined them.

The townspeople were stunned upon seeing them and they even thought that there was another event coming.

“What is going on? Why are there so many aristocrats in the town?”

“Haven’t you heard? Lord Alaric’s real mother is His Majesty’s sister which makes him a prince of Astania!”

“Eh? Then wouldn’t that mean that we have to call him His Highness now?”

The residents discussed in groups of four or more as they watched the entourage head straight to House Silversword’s estate.

At this moment, Alaric was inside the carriage with his parents, his face looking incredibly annoyed.

These people really have to come now! How am I supposed to use that Catastrophe-Grade Steed Card with this many eyewitnesses?

He was exasperated. He didn’t even bother to conceal his feelings.

“You might have to get used to it soon, son. With your identity, there will be many people who would want to get closer to you. You just have to be careful about whom you should trust.” Lucas reminded him.

Alaric let out a deep sigh as he nodded his head. “I understand, Dad.”

So this is what those two cousins of mine have to deal with as the heirs to the throne. Now, I understand why the crown prince rarely showed himself to the public.

Soon, they finally arrived at the estate.

Waiting in front of the main gate was Maria whose belly had grown noticeably bigger. Other than her, Hershey, Elena, and a few others were also present.

Princess Jade looked visibly nervous when she saw Maria. She had a vast network of information so she was aware of what was happening in North Pine Town.

Maria was someone who had always stayed with Lucas and Alaric during her absence. Although Alaric wasn’t her own son, she took care of him and treated him like her own blood.

Jade was grateful for her efforts and sacrifices.

“It will be alright,” Lucas whispered with a faint smile as he grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“Mn.” Princess Jade hummed in response.

“Let’s go. We can’t let them stand in the middle of this heat.” Lucas told them before he stepped out of the carriage.

Princess Jade followed him and Alaric was the last to get off.

“We are glad to see you safe.” Maria approached them with a gentle smile. She then embraced Lucas and Alaric.

While she was hugging them, she noticed Princess Jade staring at them awkwardly.

“Jade… what are you standing there for? Come here and join us.” Maria called out to her, beaming.

Jade no longer hesitated. With a relieved smile, she walked towards them and joined the group hug.

All this time, she was worried that Maria would make things difficult for her, but it seemed like her worries were unnecessary. Maria was a lot more understanding than she had imagined. It made her ashamed that she had thought badly of her.

Alaric extricated himself from the group hug and walked towards Hershey. “Did you miss me?”

Hershey dove into his arms and replied with an affectionate tone. “Every day I always think of you.”

Hearing this, Alaric smiled and hugged her even tighter.

After exchanging sweet words with his wife, he then turned his head to Elena who was staring at them with unblinking eyes.

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“Hello, Elena. How have you been?” He greeted her with a smile.

The young maid became more sensible. She no longer acted coyly in front of him. She lowered her head and replied. “I have been doing well, my lord. Thank you for asking.”

Looking at the sudden change in her demeanor and etiquette, Alaric was taken aback.

“Elena wanted to learn proper etiquette so I taught her a few things. She is a quick learner. It only took her two weeks to master the basics.” Hershey remarked, clearly proud to see her growth.

“I see. So you have been working hard all this time.” Alaric wanted to pat Elena’s head, but he felt that it was no longer appropriate so he quickly took back his hand.

“I am still very lacking, my lord.” Elena humbly replied, but Alaric noticed her ears reddening from the compliment.

He then greeted the rest of the group who had come to wait for them. Surprisingly, Azazel was still around.

He had given the demonkin the choice to leave the town if he deemed it unworthy, but from the looks of it, he had already made his decision.

Sensing his gaze, Azazel gave him a polite nod to which Alaric reciprocated with a smile.

This guy actually chose to stay. Perhaps it isn’t just because of the town, but also because of her…

Thinking about this, he looked at the young maid standing next to Elena. It was Faye, an illegitimate child of an aristocrat who was sold in the Crimson Tower as a slave.

She still looked shy and timid when he first saw her. Only a few weeks had passed since she came here, but her complexion had significantly improved.

“Your Highness! We came to pay our respects!” A familiar voice suddenly drifted into his ears.

“Dad?” Hershey was taken aback when he saw her father leading a small group of nobles.

Baron Nathan beamed at his daughter.

“My lord, you don’t need to be formal with me. You can just call me by my name.” Alaric glanced at his father-in-law with a wry smile.

Baron Bathan shook his head, grinning from ear to ear. “How could I do that, Your Highness? You have the bloodline of the imperial family running through your veins.”

Theo who was standing behind the group was embarrassed to see his father acting like this. He covered his face with his hand and mumbled while shaking his head. “So embarrassing…”

“We should head in, everyone. My wife is pregnant so it is not suitable for her to stay in the middle of this heat for a long time.” Lucas’s voice echoed.

“Yes, Lord Venerable!”