Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 118: Discussion with Roland

Alaricʼs eyes were filled with complex emotions. He had so many words to tell him, but they seemed stuck in his throat.

”You flatter me, Sir Roland. Why donʼt we head in first? As for your men, Iʼll send someone to arrange their accommodation.”

Roland was surprised by his friendliness and he had this weird feeling as if they had known each other for a long time. He couldnʼt point his fingers as to why he had this reaction upon his first encounter with Alaric.

”Alright. Iʼll take you up on that offer.” Roland nodded with a faint smile.

Before heading inside the mansion, Alaric told Aliya to practice by herself. He had already taught her the basic principles of slashing so she only needed to comprehend the movements on her own.

A while later, Alaric brought Roland to the spacious guest hall and he even asked the servants to prepare a sumptuous meal for him and his subordinates.

After taking their seats, Alaric was the first to open his mouth. ”So can you tell me why someone from the central area has come to visit our small town?”

Hearing this, Rolandʼs expression turned serious as he adjusted his sitting posture. ”My lord, I wonʼt hide it from you then…”

He paused as if he was gathering his thoughts before he continued.

”I donʼt know if you have already heard about this… His Majesty is not in good health. Itʼs been months since he was bedridden. The imperial physicians provided him with numerous treatments, but nothing worked.”

By this point, Roland shook his head with a grim look.

”The empireʼs upper echelons are getting restless because of this and there are even rumors of rebellion among a small group of nobles. To prevent chaos from happening, His Highness, the crown prince, is gathering the loyal subjects of the empire to rise into arms and protect Astania from the traitors.”

”We have gathered…”

Roland disclosed the existence of a force behind the crown prince, but he didnʼt tell him their most important secrets. After all, Alaric was only a prospective ally.

Alaric remained silent as the other party laid down everything on the table.

They were very sincere in their invitation. This was also why he joined the crown princeʼs army in his past life. Their sincerity moved him.

However, he wouldnʼt make the same choice this time because he had seen the results of that choice and it was something that he didnʼt want to witness again.

”This is a very important matter, Sir Roland. I canʼt decide on my own.”

Alaric didnʼt give him an answer right away.

”Why donʼt we take things slowly while I discuss this with the baron? Your group can stay here in the meantime. Iʼm sure you guys will love the natural landscapes here.”

Roland didnʼt make things difficult for him so he nodded with a smile. ”Alright. Thank you for letting us stay here, my lord.”

Alaric waved his hand. ”Itʼs just a minor matter.”

About twenty minutes later, a servant came to inform him that the food was ready to be served to the guests.

”Sir Roland, I have prepared a sumptuous meal for you and your men. You guys should eat first since you traveled a long way to get here. I also need to speak with the baron about the information you told me.” Alaric had to inform his parents about the situation.

Roland couldnʼt bring himself to reject the offer. Besides, his men havenʼt eaten anything since they came to North Pine Town. ”Alright. I hope to hear the good news from you soon, my lord.”

Hearing this, Alaric didnʼt say anything and just chuckled.

”Iʼll take my leave first. Please enjoy your meal.” Alaric stood up and left after excusing himself.

He immediately sent someone to call his mother before he headed to the baronʼs study.

…

Knock! Knock! Knock!

”Come in.”

Alaric pushed the door open after getting the baronʼs approval. He noticed that the butler, Bastian, was there pouring tea for the baron.

When the old butler saw that it was Alaric, he respectfully bowed to him.

Alaric smiled and nodded at the butler.

”I heard that we have guests from the central area. Are they the same people who caused a scene at your soap shop?” The baron asked as he pointed the seat in front of his desk.

Alaric sat and moved the chair closer. ”Yes, itʼs them and according to that person, they are working for the crown prince.”

The baron didnʼt respond immediately and motioned to the butler to give Alaric a cup of tea.

The butler was quick to react. He grabbed a teacup from the cabinet next to the window and wiped it clean with a white cloth before placing it in front of Alaric.

With practiced movements, he poured tea into the cup.

While the butler was pouring tea for him, Lucas finally spoke. ”The crown prince, huh? Iʼve seen him on multiple occasions. His Highness doesnʼt seem to be a bad person, but he tends to make wrong decisions because of his rash personality.”

This was his impression of the crown prince.

”He is a charismatic man so Iʼm sure that many households would support him. Unfortunately, he lacks a reliable advisor.” He sighed and shook his head.

The imperial family was full of intrigue. He was once scouted by the emperor two decades ago, but Lucas rejected him and decided to guard the North instead. This was because he didnʼt want to be involved with the schemes and plots of the imperial family since his wife was pregnant with Alaric at that time.

At this moment, there was a series of knocks on the door.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

”Come in.”

Maria stepped inside the room dressed in thick winter clothes.

She nodded to the butler before she glanced at her husband and son.

”Take your seat. We need your advice on the situation.” Lucas pointed to the seat opposite Alaric.

Maria flicked her hair as she elegantly took her seat. ”Whatʼs the matter?”