Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

An old warrior in his fifties stepped inside the room and bowed respectfully. “My lady, I have a message from our subordinates.”

Hearing this, the valiant woman raised an eyebrow and gestured at him to speak. “Go on. I am listening.”

She guessed that this was related to the owner of that beast.

The old warrior lifted his head and with a stern voice he said. “His Highness Alaric Silversword has come to our town. He is now heading to the town hall with the mayor and the officials.”

The valiant woman was stunned. She wasn’t unfamiliar with this name since Alaric had become a sensation throughout the empire after his identity as a prince was revealed.

Knowing that this was a big matter, she waved her hand and instructed. “Prepare my horse! We will be heading to the town hall to pay our respects to His Highness!”

“Yes, my lady!”

House Gimena might seem impressive to the eyes of the residents of Berming Island, but she knew that in the face of the grand political hierarchy in the empire, her household was insignificant. To truly gain a foothold and solidify her position, she would have to cling to someone more powerful!

Now, an opportunity to get closer to an heir to the throne was delivered right in front of her doorstep. Only a fool would miss this kind of chance.

With great haste, she stepped out of her room, not even bothering to change her clothes. She was afraid that she would miss Alaric if she wasted more time.

***

The mayor and the officials brought Alaric to the VIP Hall which was specifically built to accommodate high-profile guests.

“Your Highness, we can’t thank you enough for your help…”

The mayor and the officials expressed their gratitude once more. They sounded very polite.

To their words of gratitude and flattery, Alaric responded perfunctorily because half his attention was on the system.

He realized that his mission was still not registered as complete.

Dammit! Just how many cities did Harune attack?

He was not in a great mood, but he didn’t show it on his face lest it might affect his negotiations with the mayor and the officials.

Alaric closed the system and sent the mayor a serious look, making the latter subconsciously straighten his back and adjust his sitting posture. “Mayor, I will make it quick since there are still other cities that are being attacked by Harune.”

He paused for a moment before he continued. “I want you to give me the names of the engineers who built your mana cannons, including the beast soul warriors who engraved the abilities into those weapons.”

The mayor became silent at his words.

Alaric didn’t rush him and calmly waited. This wasn’t a minor matter and it could affect the overall performance of Berming Island. After all, those engineers and beast soul warriors were the key reason why their island town managed to survive in the western borders which was always faced attacks from foreign forces.

“Your Highness, can you give me some time to discuss this with Lady Michelle? I can’t make the decision by myself.” The mayor replied hesitantly.

He might be the mayor of the town, but it was House Gimena who held control of everything. This was like saying that he was just a puppet official, but the mayor didn’t seem to mind this.

Alaric was about to respond when he sensed the presence of a few individuals entering the town hall.

Five Elite Knights… they must be from House Gimena.

Alaric guessed when he sensed the imposing aura of the visitors.

At this moment, a scribe entered the hall with an anxious look on his face.

“I’m sorry for disturbing Your Highness…” With his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath.

“What’s the matter? Can’t you see that we have something to discuss with His Highness?” An official rebuked the scribe with a stern tone.

Alaric raised his hand, signaling that it was all right.

After catching his breath, the scribe said. “Lady Michelle has come!”

Hearing this, everyone was surprised. Alaric had just arrived in the town hall, but she had already come. This showed them how vast her network was in the town.

“Let her in,” Alaric told the scribe.

“Yes, Your Highness.” The scribe didn’t linger and left in haste to invite Michelle in.

Alaric was looking forward to seeing this viscountess. He wanted to see what kind of woman she was for her to command such authority in Berming Island.

“Now that she is here, we might as well discuss this matter together. What do you think, Mr. Mayor?” Alaric smiled with a light chuckle.

The mayor laughed awkwardly.

Half a minute later, the scribe returned with a tall woman wearing light battle armor. She had short, wolf-cut red hair, and a pair of striking amber-colored eyes. She had slim waist and a toned body which were clearly a result of her intense physical training.

Seeing her, Alaric immediately used his Appraisal.

Michelle Katherine Gimena [Elite Knight] EXP: 888/1000

Potential: S

Traits: Cold-blooded (S), Innate Super Strength (S), Shield Mastery (S), Swordsmanship (A), Horseback Riding (A), Archery (A), Intimidation (A), Hunting (B), Sixth Sense (B)

Strength: 250

Stamina: 230

Agility: 164

Vitality: 228

Endurance: 250

Mana: 181

Alaric revealed a look of interest upon seeing her traits and attributes. Just looking at her raw stats, she was built like Galanar who was focused on defense.

His unusual gaze made Michelle slightly uncomfortable. It felt like her secrets were being exposed, but this thought only crossed her mind briefly.

She calmly walked towards Alaric and made a warrior’s salute. “Greetings, Your Highness. I am Michelle Gimena. It is an honor to meet you.”

She had the mannerisms of a tomboyish lady, but Alaric didn’t mind this.

Alaric gestured for her to sit on the sofa adjacent to him. “You may sit.”

Hearing this, Michelle thanked him and briskly took her seat.

As soon as she arrived, Alaric noticed the sudden change in the officials’ behavior. It was like they were afraid of her which wasn’t surprising since she had the Intimidation trait.