Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 654: Charity Work

The eradication of House Yun made the people feel uneasy, but when they heard that they were remnants of the heretic cult, the negative voices quickly died down. Those who had ties to House Yun decisively cut off their ties to the household, afraid they would be implicated in the issue.

Some people remained skeptical about the truth, but they didnʼt dare speak carelessly. No one wanted to offend House Silversword, especially when they were protected by the empress. Not to mention that House Silversword also had numerous powerful warriors.

Several days had gone by since that incident. At this moment, Alaric was doing charity work together with the empress. They oversaw the final construction day of a new orphanage in Sorl.

The establishment was being built for the sole purpose of housing the orphaned children of those who had died in the last war against the heretic cult. This construction project would also cement Alaricʼs image in the hearts of the people.

”Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Highness!”

”Thank you, Your Majesty!”

”Thank you, Your Highness!”

The orphans bowed at the couple, their eyes gleaming with tears.

Looking at the pitiful children, Alaricʼs heart tightened. He saw his past self in them. He was also distraught when he lost his family. He was lost.

He could understand the feelings of these children.

Yskaela glanced at the children, her voice echoing.

”It is my job as your empress to build you a new home. I cannot leave the descendants of those who have sacrificed their lives for the nation.”

”You are the proud children of the heroes. You must not forget their sacrifices. You must be proud that you are descendants of the heroes!”

The empressʼs words made the children cry.

Alaric smiled faintly as he listened to the empressʼs dignified speech.

Suddenly, a boy holding a wooden sword approached Alaric, gazing at him with unconcealed admiration. ”Your Highness…”

The imperial guards were about to stop the boy from approaching him, but Alaric gestured to them, signaling that it was fine.

”Your Highness, how can I be strong like you?” The boy asked with anticipation.

Hearing this, the crowd also looked on, their faces filled with curiosity. They wondered how the young prince would respond.

Smiling, Alaric bent over and gently patted the boyʼs head. ”If you want to become a strong warrior, you just need to be consistent. It doesnʼt matter whether you have talent. If you are determined and train with all your heart, your efforts will be rewarded.”

His voice wasnʼt loud, though it rang out crisp and clear. Everyone subconsciously smiled upon hearing his words.

”Really?!” The boyʼs eyes sparkled with excitement.

Alaric nodded, not wanting to dampen the boyʼs enthusiasm. ”Of course.”

”All the renowned warriors across the land put up enormous efforts to achieve what they have now. When the others are lazing around doing nothing, they tirelessly train without complaining.” He added.

Hearing this, the boy eagerly raised his wooden sword and yelled. ”I want to become a renowned warrior and slay the enemies of Veronica!”

Alaric chuckled at the spirited boy.

Some of the children also expressed their desire to become warriors, not wanting to be outdone.

To the enthusiastic children, the adults smiled and gave them words of encouragement.

After this short interaction with the children, Alaric and the empress headed to the directorʼs office inside the orphanage. A middle-aged man and a group of nuns quietly followed them.

As soon as they took their seats, the middle-aged man asked politely. ”Would you like some tea or coffee?”

”Chamomile.” The empress responded.

”Black coffee.” Alaric smiled at him.

”Alright. I will have the servants prepare your drinks.” The middle-aged man nodded with a smile.

He then turned around and gestured to the nuns.

Seeing his signal, the nuns understood his intentions. One of them stepped out of the room to deliver the orders to the servants.

Alaric looked at the gentle middle-aged man. This guy would serve as the director of the newly built orphanage.

He was a bishop of the church, and a 2-Ringed Beast Soul Adept. Although he wasnʼt powerful, this bishop was known for doing volunteer services for the common people.

He was a legitimate man of faith.

With his qualifications, no one would complain about his appointment.

Sam Bartadamen… with this guy around, the children wouldnʼt be bullied.

With his Appraisal trait, Alaric could see that this seemingly harmless bishop held a massive secret. He wasnʼt the 2-Ringed Beast Soul Adept that the public knew, but a 3-Ringed Beast Soul Master.

Sam Bartadamen [3-Ringed Beast Soul Master] EXP: 1077/5000

Potential: B

Integrated Monster Traits: Aura Concealment (B), Strong Heal (B), Restoring Hands (B)

Traits: Dagger Mastery (B), Close Combat (B), Herb Specialist (B), Medicine Concoction (C), Horseback Riding (C), Woodworking (D), Item Appraisal (E), Animal Husbandry (E)

Strength: 173

Stamina: 184

Agility: 191

Vitality: 220

Endurance: 230

Mana: 486

With this guyʼs attributes, he was qualified to serve as a general of ten thousand soldiers.

His attributes are impressive and he also has combat-related traits. Her Majesty must have appointed him as the director of the new orphanage to protect the children.

”The orphanage will collect donations from these households.” The empress handed the bishop a list containing the names of more than ten households.

Alaric briefly glanced at the list and noticed something odd about it.

Those households…

The bishop took the list and gave it a read. When he realized the empressʼs intentions, his eyes gleamed.

”Your Majesty, there might be some issues with the collection process if we force these households to donate money.” He voiced his concern.

Yskaela sneered. ”They didnʼt help us in the battle against the heretic cult! If they dare to complain, I will order the imperial guards to have their properties confiscated!”

Alaric and the bishop could sense the anger in her voice.

With her words, the bishop could only nod.

”I understand. I will send messengers to inform them about your intentions.”

He could already imagine how displeased these households would be once they received the notice.