Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

The next day, Darvin summoned all the highest-ranking warriors of the household, including the houses allied to them.

He sat in the most prominent seat and swept his gaze to the gathered crowd. “Everyone, we didn’t anticipate the enemy’s attack this time. We all thought that they would ignore the lives of those lowly employees so we only left Lord Xavier to guard the prisoners…”

A long, boring speech followed, but everyone listened attentively for they could tell that the viscount was furious.

They had heard of his son’s critical condition so they could understand his feelings.

After a speech full of righteous indignation, Darvin finally revealed his true intentions for summoning everyone.

“Everyone, we must attack them now! We managed to force them to retreat yesterday and they are currently at their weakest since most of their warriors are injured! This is the perfect time to destroy House Keller for good and show His Highness our importance!”

When he mentioned the second prince, everyone furrowed their eyebrows. Who didn’t want to be acquainted with the imperial family?

“My lord, we must stop this battle now!” An aged voice echoed in the meeting hall.

Everyone turned their gazes over and looked at the old warrior seated to Darvin’s left. It was Treston.

Darvin frowned at the old man’s words. “Sir Treston, those people harmed my son, the heir of the household! How can I take this lying down?!”

Treston shook his head.

“All our actions have consequences.”

He paused and stared deeply at the viscount before he continued.

“We took their people so they retaliated and rescued them. Lord Richard wouldn’t have been injured if we hadn’t captured those innocent workers.”

Hearing this, Darvin angrily slammed his hand on the table. “Are you saying that it was my fault since I made the decision?!”

Treston’s expression remained calm as he replied. “My lord, don’t let greed cloud your judgment.”

The old warrior’s words struck a nerve that made him snap in anger.

“Treston, you have repeatedly questioned my decisions! Who do you think you are?!”

Treston sighed and shook his head. “I am not questioning your decisions, my lord. I am only giving a suggestion based on our situation.”

Darvin was about to respond when a snickering sound interrupted their conversation.

He was about to curse the person, but when he saw that it was Xavier, he held back his tongue.

“Do you have something to say, Lord Xavier?” Darvin sternly glanced at him.

Xavier grinned at the viscount, looking completely relaxed and carefree. He was the only one in the hall who was unbothered by their situation.

“Lord Viscount, stop showing that ugly side of yours. It makes me sick.”

Everyone stared at him in surprise, unable to believe that he had uttered those words. They were unable to understand the meaning behind his words. Was he trying to provoke the viscount or did he just say those words to stop the argument from escalating?

Darvin’s mouth twitched. No one had spoken to him in such a manner before, but he couldn’t even show his anger because the other party was no ordinary person.

“Pardon my manners.” He coldly said.

Xavier chuckled. “That is alright. Your son almost died so your reaction is understandable. Besides…”

He paused and revealed a depraved smile as he pulled the chains he was holding. “I’m not against your idea of attacking them.”

Clang. Clang.

The chains made clanging sounds and everyone subconsciously moved their eyes to the person whose neck was tied to the other end of the chains.

“But I want Warrick alive…” Xavier’s voice drifted into their ears, making them feel goosebumps all over their bodies.

Darvin’s fury dissipated upon hearing this. He nodded his head and laughed. “Hahaha! Of course, Lord Xavier! As long as we fulfill our objectives, Warrick is all yours!”

He didn’t even hesitate. This was just a minor matter in exchange for Xavier’s help.

“Good!” Xavier grinned, looking pleased with his response.

“You idiots!” A sneering voice echoed in the hall.

Surprised, everyone stared at the man tied in chains with incredulous gazes.

The man’s body was covered in bruises and cuts. He also had weird red marks on his neck which everyone could already tell from a glance.

From his wounds and the strange red marks on his neck, a wild scene appeared in everyone’s mind. The thought of it almost made them puke the food they had for breakfast.

“If you think that you can capture Sir Warrick, then you are gravely mistaken.” Fredrinn stared coldly at Xavier and spat a mouthful of saliva filled with blood.

His words made the people present frown.

Xavier crossed his legs and pulled Fredrinn closer to him. He stood up and propped Fredrinn’s chin.

“Did I tell you to speak? Or do you want me to punish you again like I did last night?”

Fredrinn’s face darkened when he recalled the terrible nightmare he had endured at the hands of this man.

“You will pay for this!” Fredrinn’s eyes were filled with hatred.

“Oh my! That got me excited all of a sudden.”

Xavier grabbed Fredrinn’s face and gave him a forceful kiss. He then licked the latter’s face and gave a resounding slap.

Pah!

“Never speak when I don’t tell you to!” Xavier spoke in a harsh tone.

Fredrinn couldn’t fight back since his mana was sealed. The slap sent him to the floor. He coughed heavily and puked in disgust.

Everyone was disgusted by Xavier’s actions, but no one dared to show it their faces.

“I apologize for the interruption, everyone!”

Xavier went back to his seat with an apologetic look. He then looked at Darvin and said.

“Please continue, Lord Viscount. I want to hear your plans.”

“Haha! Alright.” Darvin nervously chuckled.

The meeting resumed after that.

Since Xavier had already expressed his agreement with Darvin’s decision, no one dared to raise their opinions. They were afraid to end up like Fredrinn so they had no choice but to follow reluctantly.