Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

The Left Minister and the various officials brought them to the throne room.

As soon as the huge double doors were opened, Alaric saw a woman seated on the throne. She was dressed in her dragon and phoenix robes adorned with mystical jewelry. On her head was her jeweled crown, shining with resplendent light.

She wore a calm look like a celestial fairy indifferent to the mundane world.

As Alaric walked along the red carpet, Alaric observed the empress’s face. Her beauty was unlike any other woman he had ever seen. She had monolid eyes and pristine skin like that of a refined gem.

She carried an air of elegance and charm that could make one fall into a daze.

At the end of the red carpet, Alaric bowed to the empress. He was the prince of Astania so he wasn’t required to kneel.

“I greet the absolute ruler and most beautiful woman on the continent! It’s my greatest joy to witness Your Majesty’s divine presence!”

Yskaela smiled at his unique way of greeting. “So you are Alaric Silversword, the third prince of Astania and the sole heir of House Silversword. I thought that it was only a rumor that you advanced to the Mythical Knight realm, but it seems like it was true.”

Alaric humbly smiled. “I just got lucky, Your Majesty.”

He secretly used his Appraisal on the empress.

Yskaela Veronica [Mythical Knight] EXP: 8851/10000

Potential: SSS

Traits: Immortal Beauty (L), Swordsmanship (SSS), Close Combat (SSS), Horseback Riding (SS), Dagger Mastery (SS), Intuition (SS), Archery (S), Command (S) Dancing (S), Painting (S), Angelic Voice (S), …

Strength: 1455

Stamina: 1253

Agility: 1464

Vitality: 1379

Endurance: 1366

Mana: 1450

Alaric was astounded by her high attributes. Just like the Astanian Emperor, she also possessed a terrifying set of traits.

What a ridiculously powerful woman!

However, what surprised him the most was still her unparalleled beauty. He finally understood why many supreme figures tried to court her.

“Lucky?” The Veronican Empress giggled with a shake of her head.

Her voice sounded so angelic like music to everyone’s ears.

“No one in the same realm has ever said that.” She added seemingly amused by his words.

Alaric awkwardly chuckled.

“I don’t dare flaunt my talent in front of the most talented woman in history. I still have a long way to go compared to Your Majesty.”

Yskaela beamed at his words, revealing her pearly white teeth. “You are quite the smooth talker. Would you mind if I call you by your name?”

The Left Minister and the various officials were taken aback when they heard this. The empress was known for being indifferent to the opposite sex, but she was showing great enthusiasm for the young Astanian Prince.

“It would be an honor, Your Majesty.” Alaric bowed with a smile.

“Alright then. Alaric, tell me what you came here for.” The empress stared deeply at him, studying his appearance from head to foot.

She had seen many peerless men, but none of them were as handsome as this Astanian Prince. He was also humble despite his outstanding background and power.

Hearing this, Alaric took a deep breath to gather his thoughts. “Your Majesty, I don’t know if you have heard of it, but Astania’s bishop was killed on his way back home from his trip to Veronica.”

The empress’s smile stiffened at his words. Her eyes turned cold as she turned her head to the Left Minister. “Is this true?”

The Left Minister nervously wiped off the sweat on his forehead as he replied. “Y-Yes, Your Majesty.”

Yskaela frowned. “Why did I not hear something like this?”

Because you told us not to report on matters unrelated to the empire.

The Left Minister wanted to say that, but he didn’t dare to.

“Your Majesty, I was just about to tell you about this, but there were a lot of things to take care of-”

“Enough! I don’t want to hear your excuses.” Yskaela waved her sleeve with a cold snort, looking domineering and elegant at the same time.

The Left Minister lowered his head, not daring to utter another word.

“Leave! All of you! I want to speak with Alaric in private!” The empress commanded.

The ministers and the officials quickly left the throne room. The Grand Commander hesitated for a moment, but he also left after some thought.

No one was worried about the empress’s safety. She was the strongest warrior in all of Veronica. Even if Alaric were to attack her, it would only lead to his death.

After they left, the throne room was left empty.

At this moment, the empress stood up and walked down from her throne. Her movements carried otherworldly elegance that left Alaric breathless.

She stood in front of Alaric and let out a sigh. “Please forgive me. I didn’t know that such a tragic event had happened within my territory.”

Looking at her apologetic face, Alaric couldn’t bring himself to get angry. “It’s not Your Majesty’s fault so you don’t need to apologize.”

Yskaela shook her head. “This happened in my land so it is my responsibility.”

After a moment of silence, she looked at him and said. “Tell me more about it.”

Alaric nodded and told her everything that he knew.

When she heard him mention the heretic group, her face darkened.

“So it’s them…”

“I have been searching for their whereabouts all this time, but they are like rats that are very difficult to find.”

“I’m deeply saddened and furious that a selfless man like the bishop has died in their hands.”

She lifted her hand and patted Alaric’s shoulder. “Don’t worry…”

“I will make things right to give Astania and the church an explanation.” She promised with a stern look.

Alaric looked down at her fair hand. It was flawlessly white and he had this urge to touch it, but he controlled himself.

“Your Majesty, we will help you with the investigation. We cannot let your people do all the work.”

He looked at her with a determined gaze.

“Alright.” She let out a smile that almost made him fall into an illusion.

“I will send a team of imperial guards led by the Grand Commander to investigate this matter.”

Alaric looked away from her and expressed his gratitude. “I thank Your Majesty from the bottom of my heart.”