Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

“Alaric must be her child.”

This time, an even more powerful pressure descended upon the old marquis.

Tyrone acted like nothing happened and continued to sip his tea.

Lucas let out a sigh.

He leaned on his chair and rubbed his nose bridge as he said. “That’s right. Alaric is our son.”

His tone contained a trace of melancholy when he recalled the image of that woman.

She was his first love and also his biggest regret.

Tyrone wasn’t surprised by his confirmation. “Only a few had seen Her Highness so I don’t think someone will get suspicious of Alaric’s identity, but you must still be careful. Some people might harbor ill intent if they discover his identity.”

Lucas nodded with a grave look. “I understand.”

This was the real reason why he rejected the emperor’s offer two decades ago. He didn’t want Alaric to be embroiled in the imperial family’s woes and schemes.

“No wonder you rejected His Majesty’s offer… so it was because of this.” Tyrone stared at the baron with newfound respect. For the sake of his son’s safety, he rejected a high-ranking position and chose to live in the North as a baron.

Lucas took a deep breath and raised his head as he asked. “Jade… Her Highness, where is she?”

His voice quivered when he mentioned her name.

Other than his family, only this woman could make him this emotional.

Tyrone sighed and shook his head. “Her Highness hasn’t shown herself to the public since you left Codera.”

In truth, he knew something about the princess, but the information was yet to be confirmed since the imperial family was tight-lipped about the matter.

I wonder how you will react if you hear that Princess Jade will be married to the crown prince of the neighboring empire of Harune.

Lucas, will you barge into the imperial castle and face the wrath of both empires?

Tyrone felt that he might really do it.

Lucas was powerful enough to stand on the same ground with the powerhouses of Astania and House Silversword was no longer the countryside barony that it was before.

“Is that so?” Lucas let out a heavy breath.

Jade, where are you?

He thought that he could forget everything about her, but fate seemed to be intent on drawing them together.

“Lord Lucas, if you are thinking of seeing her, then you better drop the idea. The imperial family is currently unstable because of His Majesty’s failing health. There might be severe consequences if you go and look for her.” Tyrone warned him with a grim face.

Lucas clenched his fists upon hearing this, but he knew that the old Marquis was telling the truth.

“Thank you for your warning, Lord Tyrone. I am tired, so I will excuse myself. Let us speak again tomorrow.” He didn’t wait for the old man’s response. He stood up, cupped his fists at the marquis, and decisively left.

“To think that the man known as the Shield of the North has a side like this…” Tyrone drank the last sip of his tea before he left the room.

***

On the 8th of April, the marquis left North Pine Town and headed back to Codera.

He didn’t know how he should report the situation to the crown prince. There was something within him that compelled him not to disclose this information, but a part of him also wanted to give this crucial information to Prince Leighnard.

What a conundrum!

The old marquis sighed while shaking his head.

Things have become more complicated with Alaric in the picture. He has the blood of Astania running through his veins and with House Silversword’s growing popularity, there might be some people who would support him if he ever decides to join the battle for succession.

He could already imagine the chaos that would ensue if this information leaked out. The crown prince might let things be, but the second prince would definitely not allow another contender to participate.

While he was deep in his thoughts, he suddenly sensed the presence of a few powerful individuals approaching him at a fast pace.

The old marquis didn’t come alone, but he only brought a few subordinates with him.

One 3-Ringed Beast Soul Master and the rest are Elite Knights and Knights!

He narrowed his eyes as he looked in a certain direction. He also signaled his men to stop and prepare for battle.

Tyrone grabbed the handle of his sword while keeping his gaze on the approaching figures.

I only brought two Elite Knights with me and eight Knights. If we fight those people, it will be a dangerous battle!

Suddenly, the approaching group finally came into everyone’s view.

They were dressed in oversized robes that covered their whole body from head to foot.

Strangely, they were using mana to increase their movement speed. It was as if someone was chasing them.

Tyrone could sense the fluctuations of mana so he was perplexed.

He then signaled his subordinates to lower their weapons.

He couldn’t sense any hostility from the group so to prevent misunderstandings, he instructed his men to stand down.

Soon, the approaching group stopped in front of them, making the atmosphere a bit tense. If it weren’t for Tyrone’s command, his subordinates would have already drawn their weapons.

“I am Marquis Tyrone Agalsitar! State your identities!” The old marquis stared deeply at the person who had the strongest aura. He felt that this guy was the leader of the group.

However, to his surprise, the one who stepped up was the person with the weakest aura, a 1-Ringed Beast Soul Master.

“I am Yvanna, a friend of Alaric Silversword. We mean you no harm.”

Yvanna? I have not heard of anyone noteworthy with that name. Who is this young lady? Could she be Alaric’s lover?

The marquis had question marks on his face, but he decided not to probe further.

“I see. Then you may go. You guys look like you are in a hurry.” He waved his hand.

“Thank you.”

Yvanna’s group didn’t linger for long and they left after she thanked the old man.

Tyrone watched them disappear with a deep frown.

Who are those people?