Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Donovan glanced at the emperor of Astania with a frown. “Your Majesty, can you give me more time to think about this? I still can’t process all that has happened so I hope that you can give me enough time to sort my thoughts.”

When he heard of Arcientus’s death, Donovan was deeply shocked. He thought that they could turn things around after he had gotten the military support of Veronica, but the news of the Harunian emperor’s death left him devastated. He didn’t know what to do.

Arcientus was more than just his emperor. He was like a brother to him, a close friend, and a confidant.

Hearing his words, Emperor John Phillip Astania’s smile vanished and was replaced with a cold look. “Donovan, I understand your situation, but I am giving you a chance here. You know that I have the power to annihilate you and the Veronican army you are so confident of. Stop testing my limits and give me your answer.”

An overwhelming pressure fell upon Donovan and the three Venerables of Veronica. They were furious with his words, but they didn’t dare show their anger.

No matter how confident they were with their strength, John Phillip was just on another level. Even the supreme ruler of Veronica, Empress Yskaela Veronica, was wary of him.

Gritting his teeth, Donovan lowered his head, his face contorting as he responded. “Your Majesty, what do you want me to do?”

Hearing this, the Astanian emperor’s eyes eased up. “This war only started because of the foolish decisions of the Harunian Imperial Family.”

“First, I want them all to be publicly executed to punish them for their crimes.”

Donovan grimaced when he heard this, but he chose to listen to the other party’s demands.

The Astanian emperor continued. “Second, I want you to choose the new emperor of Harune.”

Donovan was stunned. “What?! You want me to…”

With a gentle smile, John Phillip, nodded. “As the only remaining Venerable of Harune, you have every right to choose a suitable ruler.”

“You are the right-hand man of the former emperor so I’m sure that the people wouldn’t object to your decisions.” He added.

Donovan furrowed his eyebrows, deep in thought.

If I don’t do as he says, everyone here, including me will definitely be killed by this man.

Without me around, Harune will fall into his hands and become a subordinate empire of Astania.

After a minute of silence, Donovan finally spoke. “Is there something else that you want to add, Your Majesty?”

Chuckling, John Phillip replied. “After you choose a new ruler for Harune, I want you to sign an agreement saying that Harune will willingly become a subordinate nation of Astania.”

Donovan clenched his fists tightly while trying his best to control his rage.

“I-I… accept your terms.” He replied with a defeated look.

John Phillip raised his eyebrows in surprise. He thought that Donovan would reject him.

At least this man is not an idiot like Arcientus.

“Good choice, Donovan! Good choice!” He laughed cordially while clapping his hands.

“Lord Donovan! This isn’t what we agreed-” One of the three Veronican Venerables, an old warrior wearing golden armor, spoke but quickly shut his mouth when he sensed John Phillip’s gaze.

“You three had better stay out of this. I might accidentally swing my sword if you utter another word.” The Astanian emperor said in a domineering tone.

The old warrior gnashed his teeth in anger, but he still lowered his head, not daring to say another word.

After giving them a warning, John Phillip turned his gaze back to Donovan and smiled at him. “You will not regret this choice, Donovan.”

The latter could only smile bitterly. “What other choice do I have?”

Although he valued his friendship with Arcientus, he valued his life more.

He stood up and did a fist-palm salute. “I will be under your care, Your Majesty.”

John Phillip beamed at him.

…

Alaric and Galanar had traveled for a few hours before they arrived at the temporary camp of the Veronican army.

They saw hundreds of thousands of Astanian soldiers outside the camp, standing in neat rows and columns.

The atmosphere between the Astanian army and the Veronican army was very delicate, as if a simple fuse could ignite this subtle balance.

Upon his arrival, the Astanian soldiers quickly recognized him.

“Your Highness!”

“Greetings, Your Highness!”

Alaric was recognized as the third heir to the throne so the soldiers of Astania were very respectful to him.

The generals of the various units stepped forward to greet him.

Alaric greeted them one by one.

“May I ask where His Majesty is?” He scanned the faces of the generals.

One of the generals answered his query. “His Majesty is still speaking with Donovan and the Venerables of Veronica. Do you want me to inform him of your arrival?”

Alaric quickly shook his head. “There is no need to disturb them. I will wait here.”

It would be disrespectful to barge in on such an important discussion between Venerables.

“In that case, why don’t Your Highness rest first? I will have the troops set up a tent for you.”

“Alright.” Alaric accepted the general’s offer.

He got off his horse and followed the generals. Galanar silently trailed behind him.

While the soldiers were setting up his tent, Alaric noticed a commotion from the Veronican camp.

He turned his head and frowned. “What happened?”

“It seems like the negotiations have concluded, Your Highness.” One of the generals replied.

Alaric narrowed his eyes. “Bring me inside the camp. I wish to see His Majesty.”

“As you command.”

Galanar and the Transcendent generals escorted him inside the Veronican camp. They received death stares from the Veronican soldiers, but Alaric ignored them.

A moment later, he finally saw a crowd circling a few individuals. Among them, one particular person caught his attention. Latest content published on novel✶fire.net

It was a middle-aged man with long golden hair.

With one look, he could already tell that this was the Astanian emperor.

[Do you want to use Appraisal on the selected target?]

[Yes] [No]