Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

That should be the smithing room.

Alaric walked towards a room where a small crowd had gathered outside. Latest content published on novel⸺fire.net

“I heard they are making a relic-level shield for someone higher up in the Astanian army.”

“Those spineless bastards! They are traitors! How dare they make equipment for those Astanian dogs?!”

Alaric and Mathilda could hear the crowd cursing as they walked closer.

Mathilda looked at Alaric to gauge his reaction, but the latter remained calm, as if unbothered by the harsh words.

However, she was Alaric’s subordinate so she would never allow anyone to talk badly about her lord.

“Hey! Watch your mouth!” Mathilda scolded with a sharp look. She even grabbed the handle of her sword to make them think that she would swing it at any moment.

Hearing her voice, the crowd was startled. They turned around and were scared witless when they saw the Astanian emblem on their armor.

“They are Astanian warriors!”

“Run! They will kill us!”

More than half of the gathered crowd ran away in fear, but a few stubbornly refused to leave. They even glared at the two with fearless faces.

Looking at these people, Mathilda was inwardly nervous. Her physical abilities weren’t that much higher compared to those of ordinary civilians and she wasn’t confident in her combat skills.

What should I do? His Highness is not taking action? Does he want me to drive these people away by myself?

She immediately understood Alaric’s intentions so she could only pretend to act tough.

While she was ruminating about how to deal with the situation, one of the people who remained suddenly spoke.

“Look at them acting like they own the place.”

Mathilda’s eyes flashed with anger. She walked towards the person who had spoken and gave him a resounding slap.

Pa!

“Say that one more time and I promise you that it will be my sword hitting you next.” She muttered as she stared deeply at the man.

The man’s gaze was filled with hatred, but he didn’t dare utter a word. He just snorted and left with heavy strides.

His companions also nervously walked away.

Seeing this, Mathilda heaved a sigh of relief.

“Good thing I have this armor on. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to scare them off.” She chuckled.

Alaric noticed her trembling arms. He patted her shoulders and said. “Not bad, but it seems like I need to teach you how to wield that sword.”

Mathilda stared at him with concern.

What does that mean? He is not thinking of conscripting me into the army, right?

“Your Highness, I’m really clumsy and weak. I don’t think I have what it takes to be a warrior.” She smiled nervously.

Alaric grinned at her words. “Do you know Aliya? She was only a young maidservant when I first met her. Believe in yourself. You have more potential than you think.”

For her to become a qualified assistant, she needs to be skilled enough to protect herself.

I remember Scilla had some decent sword skills. I should let her train Mathilda since I’m so busy these days.

At this moment, they finally entered the smithing room.

The temperature noticeably increased and the hammering sounds became louder.

“Your Highness, what are you doing here?!” One of the apprentices was stunned when he noticed him.

When they were taking Alaric’s measurements, they happened to learn about his identity.

“Your Highness!” The other apprentices also noticed him.

They rushed to his side and bowed nervously.

“Relax. I just want to take a look at your progress. How is it going?” Alaric chuckled.

“The materials you provided were of great quality, but they are hard to smelt. We even had to ask for assistance from a Knight to…” The apprentices told him about the difficulties they faced during the smelting process.

While they were chatting with Alaric, the apprentices finally noticed the woman who had come with him.

She had a pair of monolid eyes, smooth black hair, and a strikingly beautiful face.

From her facial features, they could tell that she was of Veronican descent.

It took them a great deal of effort to take their eyes off of her.

If Alaric weren’t here, they might have already bombarded her with questions.

A moment later, the apprentices brought them to observe the smelting process.

The blacksmiths were so focused on their tasks. Alaric realized that his presence was only making them uncomfortable so he decided to leave after observing for a while.

“Did you ask them when the shield will be completed?” Alaric asked as they walked out of the smithing room.

Mathilda nodded.

“Yes, Your Highness. They told me that the shield will be completed in two to three days.”

“Speaking of which… what trait does Your Highness plan to engrave on the shield?” She asked curiously.

“I’m not really sure just yet. I already have a few options in mind, but I still haven’t decided which one to choose.” Alaric replied.

“What kind of engraved ability do you think would be best for the shield?”

“Hmm…” Mathilda rubbed her chin as she pondered deeply.

“Since it’s a shield, choosing a defensive engraved ability would be the most appropriate choice.”

When she said this, an ordinary-looking face suddenly crossed her mind.

“I remember a 2-Ringed Beast Soul Adept in the Gryphon Knights Order who has a Shock Absorption integrated monster trait.”

Alaric raised an eyebrow. “Shock Absorption? That doesn’t sound impressive.”

Mathilda smiled as she explained. “It’s one of the most common traits a monster possesses. It makes them more resilient and resistant to attacks.”

“Although it’s not as flashy as other traits, using Shock Absorption doesn’t require much mana.”

“In a prolonged battle, the one with more mana to spare will likely end up as the victor.”

Hearing this, Alaric fell into deep thought.

She is right. I would run out of mana fast if I choose a trait that drains a lot of mana.

“I will give it some thought.” He decided to put her suggestion into his choices.