Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

What is he trying to accomplish here?

Lucas couldn’t wrap his head around the crown prince’s objective.

“I am not sure yet, but I think they are looking for the barbarians captured by a certain force.” He responded.

“Are you talking about the Crimson Tower?” The crown prince nonchalantly said.

Everyone’s heart skipped a beat when they heard the prince’s words. They all knew that the Crimson Tower was established by the Grand Duke so they didn’t dare join the conversation.

Other than the two princes, the Grand Duke was someone who had the power and authority to ascend to the throne. Although he had joined the second prince’s faction, it wouldn’t change the fact that he was also qualified to sit in the throne.

Lucas nodded indifferently. “That is right.”

Exlor adjusted his sitting posture and smiled lightly.

“What do you think is a fitting punishment for the people behind the Crimson Tower?” He casually asked.

Hearing this, everyone held their breaths and looked at Lucas, curious to know how he would respond to this controversial question.

Under everyone’s heated gazes, Lucas finally revealed a hint of emotion on his face. With a deep frown, he replied. “The people who broke the agreement signed by His Majesty should be killed!”

Everyone, including the prince, gasped at his response.

“You mean they deserve to die?” Exlor didn’t expect to hear this response from him. After all, the Grand Duke’s power was something that even he was afraid of. Who would have thought that Lucas was actually unafraid of such an individual?

Lucas sneered. “Because of them, the barbarian tribes might choose to ignore the agreement we made! This could lead to a war between our empire and the barbarian tribes!”

Exlor nodded in agreement. “I also think that you are right, but how could we punish those people when the officials are afraid of them?”

“Are you seriously asking me that question?” Lucas was starting to get annoyed with this and he didn’t even bother to conceal the annoyance in his face.

“My lord, mind your manners! You are speaking to His Highness, Exlor Astania!” Marquis Tyrone reminded him with a stern voice.

Lucas ignored the old marquis and kept his gaze on the crown prince. “The officials are afraid of them, but does that mean that the imperial family will stay quiet about it?!”

Exlor was stunned.

It wasn’t just him, everyone was also flabbergasted. Lucas was actually scolding the crown prince in front of everybody!

Sweat trickled down their faces as they observed the crown prince’s expression.

To their surprise, Exlor wasn’t furious. He leaned on his seat and laughed while covering his face. “Hahaha!”

Lucas realized what he had done so he immediately lowered his head. “I apologize for my rudeness, Your Highness.”

“No! No!” Exlor waved his hand, still feeling amused about the situation. He had never been scolded like that before and it made him feel refreshed.

He stared at Lucas and muttered.

“Lord Lucas, if I were to give you the order to punish those criminals in the name of Astania, would you dare to do it?”

He was the crown prince and he had the authority to eliminate anyone who had been proven to have committed activities that could threaten the peace of the empire. And now, he was saying that he would give this power to Lucas.

This guy…

Lucas took a deep breath. He had actually fallen into the crown prince’s trap! If he were to reject the crown prince, he would be treated as someone who was all bark and no bite.

So he wants to use me to eliminate his brother’s solid support…

Lucas was silent for a moment as if he was contemplating how to respond.

Maria will definitely scold me for making such a blunder…

He sighed deeply before he finally answered. “If you give me the resources, I will be your sword to eliminate the plague that is destroying Astania!”

Everyone hissed at his response.

Meanwhile, the crown prince let out a broad grin. “You are indeed a loyal subordinate of the empire, Lord Lucas. If only everyone is as righteous as you…”

“Very well! I will give you the troops and the supplies you need… Kill those involved with the Crimson Tower!”

Looking at the prince’s expression, Lucas knew that there was no turning back anymore.

This is not part of the plan, but if I have His Highness’s direct orders, I will have a more justified reason to bring my troops inside Codera.

He weighed the pros and cons before giving his confirmation.

After a moment of silence, he opened his mouth. “You have my word, Your Highness! I, Lucas Silversword, will eliminate those criminals!”

“However… there is something that I want in return.”

“Please tell me, my lord. As long as it is not unreasonable, then I will fulfill your conditions.” Exlor beamed at him.

Lucas stared at the people around them with a knowing look.

The crown prince understood his intentions so he signaled for everyone to leave.

After everyone has left, Exlor said with a faint smile. “Now that there is no one around, you can tell me your conditions.”

***

In the imperial palace, Alaric was preparing for the next step of their plan when a notification suddenly appeared in front of him.

___

Mission: Destroy the Criminals Involved with the Crimson Tower!

Mission Difficulty: Hard

The crown prince wishes nothing more than to remove the tumor that is disturbing the peace of Astania. He has called upon Lucas and House Silversword to deliver punishment to these criminals!

Mission Rewards: 1000 Battle Points, 100 EXP, 20 Stat Points, Random Trait Upgrade Card x1

___

Alaric was stunned when he saw the mission information.

What is going on here? How did I trigger a mission?

Is my father related to this?

Alaric had some guesses, but he couldn’t confirm it now.

He closed the cyan screen with a thought.

I will confirm this after I complete my next task.