Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

After the former bishop left the throne room, Alaric looked at his wife and said with a smile. ”We shouldn’t let the guests wait for too long.”

Yskaela nodded with a smile. ”Mn. We should head to the reception venue together after we change into a new set of clothes.”

”Alright.”

The two went to change into their newly custom-made clothes prepared for the reception.

Once they had changed into their new clothes, they left the palace, boarded the imperial carriage, and headed to the reception venue.

By the time they arrived, the place was already crowded.

Only the most elite were invited to the reception. Most of the guests were Transcendent Knights and there were even many Venerables.

The couple stepped out of the carriage and headed into the reception hall, under the crowd’s worshipping gaze.

As soon as they arrived, the Astanian Emperor, John Phillip Astania, walked toward them with a hearty laugh. ”Congratulations to you both!”

Alaric and Yskaela responded courteously. They chatted about random matters before the Astanian Emperor expertly steered the conversation to the expedition to the Enchanted Woodlands.

”Your Majesty, to tell you the truth, we have already decided to stay in Veronica for a year.”

The Astanian Emperor was a smart man so he immediately guessed the implications in Alaric’s words. Although he was a bit disappointed that the expedition would be delayed for another year, he didn’t show it outwardly. He just smiled understandingly at the couple.

”There is no rush. The expedition can wait. Your matters are more important.” To avoid awkwardness, he steered the conversation to another matter.

The couple understood his intentions and eagerly conversed with him.

At this moment, another person came up. It was a ruler from another empire, a mighty Mythical Knight.

Not long after, a few more people approached them and offered congratulatory words.

...

While Alaric and Yskaela were busy entertaining the important guests, Namgung Ilsun sat in the corner, watching them with a contemplative look.

Alaric’s words earlier in the church were still fresh in his mind.

The thought of exploring the vast world tempted him, but he was hesitant because Alaric was a key reason for his grandson’s death.

He had mixed feelings toward the young emperor.

Suddenly, he caught sight of Bellator at the corner of his eye. The man was calmly drinking a glass of spiritual wine while talking to a group of warriors from House Silversword.

Seeing him, Namgung Ilsun’s eyes flashed with rage, which he quickly concealed, afraid that the other party would sense his malice.

As if sensing his gaze, Bellator glanced his way and sent him a mocking smile. He even raised his wine glass in a taunting manner.

Seeing his lack of respect, Namgung Ilsun nearly unleashed his aura out of rage, but he quickly suppressed his rampaging emotions.

If he lost control here, it would only give the empress a valid reason to punish him.

Annoying bastard! I’ll hold it in for now and quietly recuperate. Once I’m fully healed, I’ll think of ways to deal with you!

...

Bellator sensed the suppressed killing intent in Namgung Ilsun’s eyes which left him feeling amused.

”Lord Bellator, that old fogey is giving you an unusual look. Do you want me to give him a warning?” Warrick wasn’t the least bit fond of the Carefree Duke.

After being detained at his estate, Warrick developed a strong hatred toward Namgung Ilsun. He even wished for the empress to execute the old duke for secretly plotting rebellion.

Bellator shook his head and took a sip of spiritual wine before answering. ”Just leave him be for now. I’m quite curious what that dumbass is plotting.”

To him, the so-called Carefree Duke was nothing more than a reckless clown. Although they were currently in the same combat realm, he was confident in his own strength. At his peak, a mere Beyonder wasn’t even fit to carry his shoes.

(Note: Beyonder = Carefree Knight)

Hearing his response, Warrick immediately shot a glare at the Carefree Duke as if to warn him not to do anything foolish.

...

The reception lasted for an entire week. During this time, the Astanian Emperor managed to invite more people to join the expedition which made him feel that his trip to Veronica was worth it.

Among those he invited were three emperors from other nations whose powers were in the Unfettered realm. There were also some from smaller nations who expressed the desire to join the expedition.

(Note: Unfettered = Mythical Knight)

After the week-long reception, the Astanian Emperor handed over his gift to the couple before he left. The other guests also left the capital after handing out their gifts.

The next day after the reception ended, Alaric and Yskaela stayed at the palace to consummate their marriage.

Surprisingly, Yskaela didn’t allow Alaric to leave after only one day of passion. She asked him to stay and engage with him for the next ten days.

To the empress’s fiery passion, Alaric felt a mixture of excitement and exhaustion.

When he was finally freed from her lust, Alaric went back to the House Silversword’s mansion only to be captured by Hershey and Yvanna.

”What are you two up to?” He asked curiously when Hershey suddenly tied his arms to the bedboard.

Yvanna shyly averted her gaze, while Hershey sent him a reproachful glance. ”We have been married for a long time, but we haven’t had a child yet. I want to bear your child!”

Hearing this, Alaric was stunned. He had been subconsciously avoiding this conversation with Hershey since he wasn’t ready to be a father. Now that he had agreed to conceive a child with the empress, he felt that it would be unfair for Hershey if he were to reject her.

He was about to agree when he recalled that there was another person in the bedchamber.

Looking at the shy Yvanna, he replied. ”Then why is she here?”

Hershey snorted and scolded him for his ignorance. ”You cannot make Yvanna wait for too long. We already agreed on this recently. You must give us a child.”

Alaric was tongue-tied by her words.