Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 546: Leaving Midgard

A month went by in a flash and the time for departure finally arrived.

Alaric and all of the members of House Silversword gathered outside Midgard, riding their horses under the heat of the sun.

Tristan and several high-ranking military officers were chatting with Alaric.

”I hope you have a pleasant journey, Lord Venerable.” Tristan and the military officers bowed deeply.

Alaric nodded with a smile. ”With you guys taking charge of Midgard, I am very assured. Letʼs meet again soon.”

The group exchanged farewells for the last time.

Half an hour later, House Silversword departed under the watchful eyes of the soldiers.

…

At the forefront, Alaric was riding a Disaster-grade warhorse. He looked back and scanned the faces of the stalwart warriors of House Silversword.

Unknowingly, his army had expanded to over thirty thousand people. Over twenty thousand of them were soldiers with no allegiances and they only recently swore to follow him.

His army was already on the level of a duke. Normally, this wouldnʼt be allowed, but Alaric was given a special approval by the Astanian Emperor. It was a clear show that the emperor heavily favored him.

Who would have thought a small countryside noble household could grow this big in just a few years? Life is truly unpredictable.

Alaric shook his head with an emotional sigh.

”What happened? Why are you shaking your head?” A melodious voice drifted into his ears.

Turning his head, he saw Yvanna, moving closer to him on her golden-maned warhorse.

With a faint smile, Alaric replied. ”I just thought of something.”

It didnʼt seem like he wanted to share it so Yvanna didnʼt bother to ask. She just stared at him suspiciously as she urged her horse to match the pace of Alaricʼs horse.

”Now that the war is over, what do you plan to do when you get home?” She asked, seemingly hinting at something.

Alaric sent her a knowing look as he responded. ”Didnʼt I tell you already? I will visit your kingdom and ask your fatherʼs permission to marry you.”

Yvanna feigned indifference, but she could feel her heart beating faster when he spoke those words. ”Why would you need his permission? We can just hold the wedding without telling him.”

Alaric raised an eyebrow and said in a teasing voice. ”Are you that eager to marry me?”

Looking at his handsome face, Yvanna almost nodded subconsciously, but she restrained herself and let out a snort.

Alaric laughed at her reaction.

The two were silent for a moment before Alaric broke the silence.

”I know you have some disagreements with your father, but we still need his permission. Donʼt you think itʼs also time to have a proper chat with him?”

Hearing this, Yvanna lowered her head, keeping her silence.

All this time, she blamed her father for her motherʼs death, but she knew that it wasnʼt his fault.

”Yvanna, do you truly resent your father?” Alaric asked.

The elven princess shook her head. ”No…”

Alaric didnʼt know what had happened, but he could already guess it. He had been told by the late Neo that Yvanna started distancing from her father after the death of her mother who was the former elven queen.

”You are hurt, but have you thought what your father is feeling all this time?” Alaric didnʼt want her relationship with her father to stay this way.

Seeing that she had gone silent, Alaric urged his horse to move closer to hers. He then leaned forward and patted her shoulder. ”You have plenty of time to think about it. If you need someone to discuss this matter, you can find me anytime. I will make time for you.”

Yvanna could sense his genuine concern and this made her feel a wave of warmth in her heart.

”Thank you.”

Roaarr!!

Zephyrʼs roar interrupted their intimate conversation.

Alaric looked up and saw the Draconic Lion flying above them, looking incredibly happy as it chased a flock of migratory birds.

When he turned his gaze back to Yvanna, he realized that she had already returned to her position, next to Mathilda and the others.

…

A week later, they reached the borders of Atarkan where they met Lucas and his army.

The two groups merged and their total troop count swelled to close to fifty thousand!

When the father and son were reunited, there was no emotional exchange of words. They just greeted each other with smiles on their faces.

”I thought I was already impressive for doubling the size of my troops, but it looks like you are more impressive than your father.” Lucas chuckled, looking incredibly proud of his son.

Alaric laughed heartily and replied with a joking tone. ”You need to up your game, Dad.”

The two chatted briefly before they resumed the journey.

”Who took over Zurcath after you left?” Alaric asked while looking at his father.

”Itʼs a loyal subordinate of His Majesty. You might not have heard of his name since he disappeared from the public eye for several decades…”

They talked about random things along the way and Alaric later brought up the topic of his marriage proposal to Yvanna.

”So you finally decided to marry her. It took you so long.” Lucas seemed to be dissatisfied with his slow progress.

Alaric smiled awkwardly. ”Dad, we were busy with so many-”

Lucas waved his hand with a snort. ”Enough with your excuses. When we get home, give me a grandchild already so your little sister will have someone to play with.”

Alaricʼs eyes widened upon hearing this. ”You must be kidding, Dad! Iʼm not even twenty yet!”

”Who cares if youʼre not twenty?”

Lucas was displeased.

”You are already married to Hershey and you are even marrying a second wife. Donʼt tell me youʼre thinking of having a child in your thirties?” His spittle flew all over his sonʼs face.

Alaric had to cover his face with mana.

”Dad, Dudu is there to play with my sister.” He responded with a forced smile.

”Dudu, that little glutton? Iʼm afraid your sister will learn to be mischievous like her.” Lucas laughed when he recalled the little half-dragon girl.