Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 556: Joshua, the Clergy

Hearing this annoying voice, Alaric could already tell who it belonged to. He turned and saw Nathan coming out of the carriage blocking their path.

”Dad!” Hershey smiled when she saw her father, but there was a hint of embarrassment in her eyes.

”My lord.” Alaric awkwardly greeted his father-in-law.

Nathan beamed and walked towards the couple.

”Did I disturb your stroll?” He asked with a chuckle.

Alaric shook his head. ”Not at all, my lord.”

Nathan pretended to be angry and reminded him. ”We are family now. You should call me father-in-law. You can also call me Dad if you want.”

Hearing her fatherʼs words, Hershey could only helplessly shake her head. ”Dad!”

Meanwhile, Alaric just laughed it off and went along with him. ”Alright, father-in-law.”

”Thatʼs better.” Nathan grinned.

”By the way, where are you headed to?” He asked, looking curiously at the people who had gotten out of the carriage. His eyes unknowingly stopped on Mathilda and Nivis.

He was already familiar with the first woman since he had seen her following Alaric around, but the blue-haired woman was a new face.

My beloved daughter, you have another competitor here. I wish you luck!

He quickly pulled his eyes from them so he wouldnʼt be labeled as a pervert.

Smiling, Alaric turned his head to Hershey as he replied. ”We are all headed to see the newly built church in the town.”

”Thatʼs perfect! Iʼm actually thinking of praying to Aru so why donʼt we go there together?” Nathan wanted to shamelessly tag along to further deepen his relationship with his son-in-law.

He had been bragging a lot to his friends about his close relationship with Alaric so he had to make it look like that.

”No problem, but you might not fit in our carriage.” Alaric agreed.

Bringing his father-in-law along wasnʼt an issue so he readily agreed.

”Splendid! Donʼt worry about me. I will follow you guys on my carriage.” Nathan didnʼt seem to mind.

”Alright. Then we should go since we are blocking the road.” Alaric said while pointing at the long queue of carriages behind them.

Nathan bashfully chuckled.

”Oh my! We should go then!”

He knew that he caused this heavy traffic so he quickly returned to his carriage.

Seeing this, Alaric pulled Hersheyʼs hand and they entered the carriage together.

…

Somewhere in the residential district of the town, a church could be seen at the very center, looking very conspicuous with its unique architecture. The sacred statue of the Benevolent God, Aru, was placed in front of the church. The sacred image was sculpted in a way that would make others think that Aru was guiding them inside the church.

Alaricʼs group later arrived in front of the church. They gave the statue a solemn bow to express their veneration to the benevolent god.

Nivis observed the statue with an eyebrow raised upwards, looking like she was judging it.

”Thatʼs Aru?” She mumbled to herself, unimpressed.

A clergy and a group of clergy in training stepped out of the church to greet them.

”Your Highness, my lords, my ladies.”

”How have you been, Father Joshua?” Alaric cupped his fists at the middle-aged clergyman.

Joshua was a middle-aged man who looked to be in his late forties. He had a gentle face and a pair of eyes that glowed radiantly like the sun.

”I have been well, Your Highness. Thank you for asking.” Joshua responded with a chuckle.

”I heard that Your Highness has recently advanced. Should I call you Lord Venerable instead?” He inquired with an unchanging smile.

Nathan who was walking alongside them was stunned when he heard this.

Alaric has… has advanced?

He was filled with disbelief. It hasnʼt been long since his son-in-law became a Transcendent Knight.

Alaric smiled faintly. He wasnʼt surprised that the church was already aware of his advancement.

Their network was spread all over the surrounding empires. They were usually the first ones to hear about significant events.

”Whatever suits you, Father Joshua.” Alaric calmly replied.

”Then we will call you Lord Venerable from now on.”

”How about we continue our conversation inside?” Joshua invited them.

Alaric nodded.

Joshua led the way. Alaricʼs group followed him, while the group of clergy in training lagged slightly behind.

There were murals of significant religious events on the walls. There were also religious artifacts placed inside glass walls.

Alaricʼs group respectfully observed the murals and the artifacts.

Seeing Nivisʼs disinterested expression, Alaric explained the stories behind them.

Although he wasnʼt the most religious person, Alaric was still familiar with the history behind the murals and the artifacts.

Occasionally, Joshua would fill in the gaps that Alaric had forgotten to mention.

A moment later, the group arrived at the praying hall where they were told to do their individual prayers.

After they offered their prayers, Joshua gave them a tour around the church.

At this moment, they suddenly heard a series of hurried footsteps behind them.

”Father! Father, bad news!” A young man in his twenties came running towards Joshua which earned him a stern look from the latter.

”You shouldnʼt be running around in this sacred hall. Tell me what happened.” Joshua reminded him with a frown.

The young man apologized before he conveyed what he came here for. ”Father, the bishop… Bishop Amari Anton has been killed.”

Joshuaʼs eyes widened upon hearing this.

”The bishop was killed?!” His voice was filled with disbelief.

The bishop was one of the most respected individuals in the church. He was a kind man. He was also Joshuaʼs mentor.

Alaric and the others were also stunned by the news.

Bishop Amari Anton was a 3-Ringed Beast Soul Master. Although he was already old, he wouldnʼt easily be defeated in a fight.

The young man nodded, his eyes looking grim. ”Yes. I heard that he was murdered on his way back from Veronica.”

”How is that possible? Why would someone kill His Excellency?” Joshua staggered and nearly collapsed on the floor, but Alaric quickly caught him.