Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

In the next few days, more members of the nobility from all over the northern region of Astania came to North Pine Town as Alaric’s wedding neared.

The small town bustled with activity so House Silversword had to increase the security to ensure the safety of the visitors. They even requested Vale’s help to increase their defenses.

With all these preparations, no one dared to cause trouble within the town. Even the arrogant heirs of the nobility didn’t dare cause a ruckus.

At this moment, Alaric was inspecting the wedding venue, making sure that everything was in place.

Next week, I will finally marry Hershey.

Alaric smiled upon thinking about this. In his past life, he had neglected her feelings so he wanted to right his wrongs and make her happy in this life.

Suddenly, a servant came to him with an urgent look and reported. “My lord, the people from the church are here! His Excellency, Amari Anton, is also with them!”

Hearing this, Alaric immediately stopped what he was doing. Some time ago, he invited the bishop to officiate his wedding, and to his surprise, the man agreed.

His Excellency came earlier than I thought…

“Alright. I will go and greet them. You may leave and continue with your tasks.” Alaric waved his hand and dismissed the servant before he left.

He rode his frost horse and headed to the town center to meet the church’s entourage. He also brought Galanar and ten warriors with him to show that he had placed great importance on meeting them.

They later found the bishop’s group chatting with the townspeople about the teachings of Aru.

Bishop Amari looked over when he sensed their presence.

Hm? That man must be Galanar…

The bishop was momentarily shocked when he sensed Galanar’s formidable aura. He even had a feeling that he would lose if he would have to fight this man.

Alaric didn’t dare be disrespectful. He jumped off his horse and bowed to the bishop, cupping his fists.

Galanar and the warriors also got off their horses and greeted the bishop.

“Greetings, Your Excellency!”

“Greetings, Your Excellency!”

Bishop Amari Anton smiled faintly. “You didn’t have to come all the way here to greet me, my lord. I know you are busy with your wedding preparations.”

“How could I do that? I…”

Alaric and the bishop exchanged pleasantries.

“Your Excellency, I have already prepared your accommodations. How about we take you there first? We can continue our conversation later.” Alaric suggested with a smile.

“Alright then. I will have to trouble you with leading the way.” The bishop nodded with a gentle smile. They had already booked an inn, but it would be disrespectful to reject Alaric’s good intentions so he agreed to follow him.

They chatted about random matters along the way.

Soon, they arrived at the estate. Alaric brought them to the new and bigger guest mansion. No one was there yet since this place was reserved for the most influential people. Not even the lower nobility were qualified for this treatment.

Alaric brought them in and said.

“I had my people build this mansion for important guests like Your Excellency. I hope you will enjoy your stay in this humble mansion.”

“Oh my! I don’t deserve this treatment at all!” Bishop Amari was flattered, but he didn’t show it to his face.

Alaric gave them a quick tour of the mansion which lasted almost half an hour. “Why don’t we sit down to get some rest, Your Excellency? I have already informed the servants to prepare some food and refreshments. They will send them once everything is ready.”

“Alright.” Bishop Amari nodded, looking pleased by his well-made preparations.

While waiting for the food to arrive, Alaric thought about something and decided to mention it. “Your Excellency, have you heard about the recent sightings of barbarians near Turtle Fort?”

Bishop Amari’s face turned serious upon hearing this.

As one of the highest-ranking members of the church, he was privy to the major events that took place within the empire so he was aware of this matter.

“I have indeed heard of this.” He didn’t deny it.

Alaric already expected this so he wasn’t surprised. “What do you think are their intentions for revealing themselves after a few decades of silence?”

The bishop stared at the young heir with a deep look.

Is he probing me?

The church had a huge network of information, but there was no detailed report about the recent barbarian sightings.

After a moment of silence, the bishop shook his head and replied with an apologetic tone. “I’m sorry, my lord, but I’m also not sure about their intentions.”

“I see. What a pity.” Alaric sighed with a look of regret.

This matter was bothering him all this time, but the people he had sent to investigate the situation hadn’t returned yet.

Alaric changed the topic to liven up the atmosphere. Their food also arrived a moment later and the serious mood became lively once more.

However, a messenger suddenly came and whispered something to his ears.

“My lord, Sir Franklin and his team have returned.”

Hearing this, Alaric raised his eyebrows.

Speak of the devil. He came at the right time.

Alaric smiled and excused himself. “Something important came up, Your Excellency. If there is anything that you need, do not hesitate to inform me. I will take my leave first. Please excuse me.”

He bowed to the bishop and left with his subordinates.

Amari glanced at their departing figures with a look of interest.

I wonder why he left in such a hurry.

Meanwhile, Alaric had already left the guest mansion. He headed straight to the main mansion where Franklin’s group was waiting.

As soon as he arrived, Franklin and his team immediately greeted him.

“My lord! We apologize for the delay. It took us a while to investigate the situation.” Franklin explained.

Alaric waved his hand and asked. “What did you find out?”

With a serious expression, Franklin cleared his throat before he responded. “We discovered that…”