Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

As soon as they descended, a group of people came to greet them. Leading this group were the mayor and the viscountess.

“Welcome back, Your Highness!” They greeted in unison.

Alaric jumped off Zephyr’s back and exchanged pleasantries with them. He also introduced the group to Rewin and Dudu who enthusiastically welcomed them.

They were curious about the identity of this little girl and old Knight, but Alaric didn’t seem to have the intention of telling them anything more.

A moment later, they gathered in the VIP hall inside the town hall to discuss the deal they had agreed beforehand.

The viscountess, Michelle Katherine, had already prepared all the necessary documents so the proceedings went smoothly. All that was left was for Alaric to give his seal and his signature to finalize the agreement.

“It is my pleasure to work with you, Your Highness.” Michelle lowered her head, clearly pleased with the results.

“The pleasure is mine,” Alaric responded with a smile.

Michelle was a proud woman and he could see the ambition in her eyes, but it wasn’t the kind of ambition that would make one repulsed. Alaric found this side of her interesting since she was different compared to most of the ladies he knew. The only one who shared a similar trait with her was Yvanna.

Thinking about Yvanna, Alaric felt the urge to visit her.

“Your Highness, the people on the list are ready to follow you. Just give me the word and I will send them to North Pine Town.” Michelle’s voice drifted into his ears, pushing him out of his reverie.

Alaric glanced at her and waved his hand.

“There is no hurry. The journey from here towards the northern region is filled with peril so we cannot be careless about this.”

Although the empire was relatively safe, there existed small factions of outlaws who would prey on weak caravans. Some of them were even protected by the nobility so they could evade the pursuit of local authority.

Alaric couldn’t leave the talented engineers and craftsmen defenseless on their trip to North Pine Town.

“I will send word to my subordinates. Once they are here, then your people can follow us to the northern region.” Alaric added.

Hearing this, Michelle blamed herself. “I was thoughtless.”

“It’s alright. There’s no harm done.”

The two discussed different matters and their topics soon drifted towards the recent invasion of Harune.

“Your Highness, how do you think Harune will respond after this defeat?” Michelle asked. She had received word from other nobles that there had been numerous towns and cities that had been attacked. This had filled her with a sense of urgency.

With Berming Island being on the westernmost borders, it would be the first one to face retaliatory attacks from Harune. Considering their military power, they wouldn’t be able to hold out if Harune decided on a full-scale invasion.

Sensing her worry, Alaric reassured her. “I have already informed the northern houses about Harune’s invasion. By now, the imperial family should be preparing its troops to reinforce the borders in case Harune attempts another invasion.”

He had also informed Lucas and his two mothers about this so they must have already gathered the northern houses for a meeting.

Michelle breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing his words. With the support of the imperial family and the northern houses, she would be more confident in defending their territory.

Days passed and the news about Harune’s attacks had already circulated across the empire. The nobility and martial houses had different reactions regarding this. Some offered their military support, while others opted to preserve their own strength.

Alaric who was in Berming Island was unaware of the turmoil this event had caused. He had underestimated the fear of the nobility and their desire for power.

Two weeks later, in the training ground of House Gimena.

Alaric was currently performing his daily mission. Surprisingly, his daily mission was still the same and even the rewards remained as it was. This left him with a sour taste in his mouth since this would mean more time before his next advancement.

1000 weighted pushups ☑️

1000 weighted pull-ups ☑️

1000 weighted squats ☑️

1 hour weighted planking ☑️

1000 mana-infused vertical slashes ☑️

1000 mana-infused horizontal slashes ☑️

1000 mana-infused diagonal slashes ☑️

1000 mana-infused stabs ☑️

[Daily mission complete.]

[You received 20 Battle Points.]

[You received 3 Stat Points.]

[You received 3 EXP.]

Alaric inspected his progress and felt a wave of exhaustion.

Going by this speed, it would take me more than three to five years to fulfill the requirements for my next advancement.

Alaric shook his head with a wry smile. He then sheathed his swords and removed his armor.

“Uncle, have some water.” Now dressed in a pink noble dress, a smiling Dudu walked towards him while holding a glass of water.

The little girl looked thin when she first arrived at the island town, but after more than two weeks of being well-fed, she had grown noticeably chubbier.

Looking at the little glutton, Alaric couldn’t help but smile.

“What do you want from me this time?” Alaric asked as he took the glass of water from her hands.

This girl would only come to him when she needed something so Alaric was feeling suspicious.

Startled that she had been seen through, Dudu didn’t know how to respond.

“Uhm…”

Alaric was amused to see her hesitant. He ruffled her hair and said. “Don’t be shy.”

Dudu lifted her head and stared at him with her big adorable eyes. “Uncle, I want to eat the fish in the pond. Can you help me catch some?”

Hearing this, Alaric’s mouth twitched.

There was a man-made pond at the southern edge of House Gimena’s estate.

Alaric couldn’t allow her to do everything she wanted. She might develop a bad habit and grow up to be a spoiled child.

“Dudu, the fish in that pond aren’t meant for consumption. If you eat them, you might upset your stomach.”

The little glutton was disappointed by his words. “Is that so? What a pity.”

Looking at her shaking her head in regret, Alaric was amused.