Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

The princess shook her head. “Lord Alaric is not a stupid man. He will come to know about this soon.”

Lucas sighed once more. He nodded his head and replied “I know. I will tell him everything after his wedding.”

He had already planned to tell Alaric the truth even without the princess’ reminder.

“Then I will not say anything more.” The princess no longer pursued the matter when she noticed Lucas’ expression.

She changed the topic and told him more things about her aunt.

Lucas’s face relaxed the more he listened.

***

While everyone in North Pine Town was preparing for Alaric’s wedding, the team led by Fredrinn, Von, and Henry had already arrived in Copperglade.

They had come here under the orders of Alaric to search for the whereabouts of the captured barbarians. Their only clue was that House Coldstone was involved with this.

Fredrinn also brought Xavier with them to get more information from his mouth, but the latter refused to say anything.

“How should we start the investigation? Do you two have any suggestions?” Fredrinn glanced at Von and Henry, hoping to hear their opinions.

Von remained silent and it looked like he had nothing to say.

On the other hand, Henry thought for a moment before he replied. “Since House Coldstone is involved with this, why don’t we just visit their estate and question them? With their military crippled, I don’t think they have the means to fight our group.”

The two Elite Knights could sense the old warrior’s confidence.

Fredrinn furrowed his eyebrows. It was true that House Coldstone’s military had been crippled by Galanar, but he didn’t want to make the same mistake he did during his last mission.

“I understand, but we must remain cautious at all times. We never know what kind of traps those people had set up after the terrible defeat they experienced under the hands of Sir Galanar’s troops.” Fredrinn reminded him.

The old warrior nodded with a stern look. He had been told about Fredrinn’s experience so he decisively quashed his arrogant thoughts.

“We can ask the people in the city for some information. I know who we should ask for matters like this.” Said Von who was silent the entire time.

Fredrinn and Henry glanced at him.

“Follow me.” Von took the lead.

He brought them to Jusren District which was known as the most dangerous place in the city.

The reason for this was because of the presence of various underground organizations in the district.

Fredrinn and Henry realized Von’s intentions.

“The underground forces here are not to be underestimated. They have eyes and ears everywhere in Copperglade. Even the noble houses in the city work with them to take care of some things.”

Von was a mercenary so he was familiar with this kind of stuff.

He had encountered all sorts of people in his line of work. He believed that these seemingly insignificant underground forces could help them uncover the truth about the kidnapping of the barbarians.

Fredrinn and Henry nodded in agreement.

Soon, they arrived in front of an old inn. Their group quickly attracted the attention of the inn’s guests.

“How can I help you?” The receptionist was a squinty-eyed middle-aged man.

Von stared at the man and said indifferently. “We want information.”

The middle-aged receptionist frowned upon hearing this. He shook his head and calmly replied. “I apologize, but this is an inn. We don’t sell information here.”

Von made a gesture to Henry.

The old warrior understood his intentions and handed him a small leather pouch.

After taking the pouch from him, Von placed it in front of the receptionist. “You will get this if you give us what we want.”

The jingling sound of coins echoed which made the receptionist smile weirdly. “Do you think you can buy me with this little bit of-“

Pah!

Von didn’t let him continue and punched his face hard. “I am in no mood to negotiate with you. Speak if you don’t want to die here!”

Fredrinn and Henry were stunned by the sudden turn of events.

Didn’t you tell us not to mess with these people?!

They were speechless by his unexpected actions. Although it wasn’t part of their plan, they immediately signaled to their subordinates to prepare for battle.

More than ten people approached them with sharp gazes, but before they could make a move, the receptionist suddenly exclaimed in terror. “E-Elite Knight! You are an Elite Knight!”

Hearing this, the men who were approaching them stopped in their tracks. It was as if their feet were glued to the floor.

The guests were shocked to hear this and some smart people even left the inn. They didn’t want to get involved with whatever was about to happen.

“I will tell you! I w-will tell you everything y-you want to know! Just spare me, sir!” The receptionist was terrified. He was only a Knight Apprentice. His little bit of strength was nothing in front of an Elite Knight.

“Good. Now tell me if there is any suspicious activity within House Coldstone.” Von smirked.

The receptionist gulped in fear. He didn’t dare ask anything and proceeded to tell him everything that he knew.

Most of the things he said were unrelated to their mission, but the receptionist mentioned something that made them feel interested.

It was the slave auction hosted by House Coldstone and a few other noble houses.

According to the receptionist, many aristocrats and rich merchants would come to join the event.

“That’s all I know, sir!” The receptionist nervously glanced at them. He looked at the inn’s guards, but they pretended not to notice his gaze.

Von tapped the man’s shoulder and warned him. “Next time, don’t act like you are some kind of bigshot.”

“Yes, sir!” The receptionist nodded his head repeatedly.

“You didn’t see us here. Do you understand?” Von stared deeply at the man.

“Yes, sir! Nothing happened here! I didn’t see anything!” The receptionist was smart enough to understand his intentions.

“Good.” Von smiled faintly. He grabbed a gold coin from the leather pouch and tossed it to the receptionist.