Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Lucas’ presence in the capital made the noble houses feel uneasy. Many of them wondered why he suddenly came without warning. What was his motive? What was he trying to achieve? No one could answer these questions, which made everyone feel even more restless.

At this moment, the crown prince, Exlor, was leisurely drinking with his trusted confidants when he received news about this.

“Interesting…” He mumbled with a faint smile.

He then looked at the people gathered inside the room and announced. “Everyone, why don’t we take this chance to visit the Shield of the North?”

Upon hearing his words, everyone discussed them among themselves. House Silversword was an unstable factor that could tip the balance between the forces of the crown prince and the second prince.

Lucas himself was a formidable warrior who had managed to fight the fifth strongest in the Astanian Dragon Leaderboard almost equally, not to mention the powerful warriors under his command.

“Your Highness, are you planning to recruit him again?” Asked Marquis Tyrone who was seated next to the crown prince.

He had been to North Pine Town and even had an in-depth conversation with Lucas. After speaking with him, he realized that Lucas had no intention of joining either side. Trying to recruit him would be a useless endeavor.

He has every reason to reject the two princes.

The old marquis thought to himself with a deep sigh.

Exlor smiled faintly and shook his head. “Recruit him? I do not plan on doing that. I already know that Lord Lucas will never accept my invitation.”

The old marquis raised an eyebrow with a baffled look. “Then what is your purpose for visiting him?”

The crown prince chuckled and revealed a cunning look as he replied. “How do you think would my brother react if he found out that I went to visit the person who had rejected his invitation? Just thinking about it makes me excited. Haha!”

Looking at the crown prince’s playful expression, the old marquis could only shake his head helplessly.

Nothing bad will happen, right?

He could only pray that no accidents would happen because of this.

***

Meanwhile, in one of the most high-end inns in the capital. Lucas received Alaric’s report through a letter sent via messenger pigeon.

In the latter’s letter, he mentioned the layout of the castle, including the specific locations of the forbidden areas in the palace. Alaric also wrote about his unexpected encounter with the mysterious man named Dominic.

When Lucas saw this name in the report, his face turned serious.

So he is there, but what is he doing on the top floor of the imperial library?

Lucas was perplexed by this information. He came up with a bunch of theories, but he had no time to confirm them.

After reading everything, he burned the letter and stood up from his seat.

“Bring Sir William here.” He instructed.

A moment later, William entered the room and saluted.

“My lord, you called for me?” The old man stared at the baron with an inquisitive look.

Lucas nodded at him and motioned for him to take his seat. “I summoned you here to tell you something…”

Hm?

Just then, he suddenly discovered a big group entering the premises of the inn.

He narrowed his eyes and inspected the people who had arrived using his spiritual perception. To his surprise, it was actually the crown prince and his subordinates!

“What’s wrong, my lord?” William asked when he noticed the sudden change in his expression.

Lucas glanced at him and replied with a shake of his head. “Let us continue our conversation later. There is an important guest in the building.”

Hearing this, William furrowed his eyebrows.

“Follow me. We cannot let His Highness wait for too long.” Lucas beckoned to him and stepped out of the room.

William followed while secretly sweeping his spiritual perception. It was only then that he realized who this important guest was.

So it’s His Highness the crown prince!

Lucas went down to the private hall where the crown prince was waiting for him.

He even booked the entire hall just to see me. What kind of tricks is he playing this time?

As soon as Lucas arrived at the private hall, the people together with the crown prince immediately greeted him respectfully.

“Lord Lucas!”

“Greetings, my lord.”

Lucas calmly returned their greeting with a polite nod.

Hm? He is also here.

He looked at Tyrone who was standing behind the crown prince and gave him a nod.

The old marquis reciprocated with a faint smile.

“Your Highness.” Lucas cupped his fists at the prince.

Exlor stood up and took the initiative to shake hands with Lucas. “It has been a while, Lord Lucas. How have you been?”

The two exchanged polite greetings before the crown prince motioned for him to sit.

“I hope I did not disturb you, my lord.” The crown prince chuckled while observing Lucas’ expression.

Something seems different about him. He looks younger than the last time I saw him.

Exlor thought to himself.

“Not at all, Your Highness.” Lucas shook his head.

“I am glad to hear that. To tell you the truth, I came here as soon as I heard that you were in the capital. I have so many things that I want to talk about with you so I took my chance to come here.” The crown prince spoke before calmly taking a sip of tea.

Lucas was confused, but he put on an indifferent expression outwardly.

He didn’t bother to bullshit around and asked. “What do you want to hear from me, Your Highness?”

Exlor beamed at him and responded with a carefree laugh. “You do not need to be so stiff, my lord. It is nothing particularly serious. I just want to hear your opinion about the recent barbarian sightings in Turtle Fort?”

With the information network he has, he should know why those barbarians are snooping around Turtle Fort. Why ask me this?

Lucas stared deeply at him.