Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

A few days later, beneath a mountain outside Codera. House Silversword and their subordinate houses had temporarily set up camp to wait for the promised military support and provisions.

They had been waiting here since yesterday so everyone was bored out of their minds.

Suddenly, everyone felt the ground tremble so they quickly assembled and prepared for the incoming forces.

“Are those people the crown prince’s troops?” Alaric asked as he squinted his eyes.

Standing next to him, Lucas revealed a look of surprise. “No. I think they are Her Highness’ private soldiers.”

Alaric couldn’t believe his words. “Are you saying that Irish has a private army of more than one thousand soldiers?”

Approaching them was an army of almost the same number as they had. Furthermore, the people leading them didn’t seem to be some random slouch either.

Using his Appraisal, Alaric discovered two Transcendent Knights and one 3-Ringed Beast Soul Master on their side!

One of them was someone he had already met before. It was the manager of the mysterious restaurant in Malettan, the woman who had introduced herself as Barbara. Her real name was Linda Barnaley and from what he knew, she was a subordinate of his cousin, Princess Irish.

The other two were strangers.

The Transcendent Knight was an old man with two short spears tied on his back. While the 3-Ringed Beast Soul Master was a beautiful woman who looked to be in her twenties.

Other than these three experts, the army also had about fifteen Elite Knights!

Since when did warriors at this level become so common?

Are they really Irish’s soldiers?

He found it hard to believe that a spoiled princess to possess a private army of this size and caliber.

“Including Linda Barnaley, all three of them are experts who are not recorded in the Astanian Dragon Leaderboard.” Lucas’ voice drifted into his ears.

Alaric furrowed his eyebrows. He was already aware that there were top experts in the empire who had chosen to remain unknown. He had seen a few of them in his past life when he had joined the crown prince’s faction.

At this moment, the one thousand-man army halted in front of their camp. Their three commanders stepped forward and gave Lucas a salute. “We have come to support you, my lord!”

Lucas smiled faintly and cupped his fists in gratitude. “Thank you for coming to our aid. Please follow me inside for a cup of tea. My people will help your troops set up their tents.”

“Thank you for the invitation, my lord. We will follow your arrangements.” The old Transcendent Knight responded respectfully.

Lucas brought them to his tent and asked one of his subordinates to prepare tea for them.

“You may sit.” He told the three.

Upon taking their seats, Linda Barnaley opened her mouth.

“My lord, please allow me to make the introductions. This lady right here is Samiya. She is a 3-Ringed Beast Soul Master.”

While she was introducing the beautiful woman named Samiya, Alaric carefully checked her attributes using his Appraisal.

Samiya [3-Ringed Beast Soul Master] EXP: 119/5000

Potential: A

Integrated Monster Traits: Ultimate Heal (S), Saintess’ Hymn (A), Solid Protection (B)

Traits: Singing (S), Calligraphy (S), Dancing (S), Painting (A), Persuasion (A), Business Management (A), Horseback Riding (B), Archery (D)

Strength: 190

Stamina: 199

Agility: 170

Vitality: 240

Endurance: 180

Mana: 387

Most of her attributes were definitely lacking for someone at her level, but she had promising integrated monster traits. Based on his knowledge, her Saintess’ Hymn was a skill that boosted her allies’ stamina and endurance.

It was a skill that would be crucial in a large-scale battle!

As for Ultimate Heal, it was an ability that could heal the allies in her targeted area!

With these two powerful support abilities, the soldiers on their side would have nothing to worry about fighting recklessly!

At this moment, Linda introduced the old Transcendent Knight.

“This gentleman is our commander, Sherwin…”

Alaric immediately inspected the old man’s attributes.

Sherwin [Transcendent Knight] EXP: 4101/5000

Potential: B

Traits: Spear Mastery (S), Close Combat (S), Horseback Riding (A), Hunting (A), Tracking (A), Intimidation (B) Danger Perception (C) Intuition (C)

Strength: 301

Stamina: 275

Agility: 340

Vitality: 299

Endurance: 292

Mana: 284

This old guy doesn’t look much, but he is also a formidable fighter. His raw attributes alone are already on par with Warrick’s.

Alaric thought to himself after inspecting the old man’s attributes through his Appraisal.

“With the three of you on our side, things will be a lot easier.”

Lucas remarked with a faint smile, but his face suddenly turned serious as he asked.

“But are you really someone under Her Highness, Irish?”

“I will answer this question.” The old man, Sherwin, volunteered.

Everyone glanced at him, waiting for him to explain everything.

Sherwin cleared his throat and said. “Miss Linda is the only one working for Her Highness. As for me and Miss Samiya, we are subordinates of Princess Jade. The one thousand-man army we brought is also the private army that she had secretly nurtured.”

Hearing this, everyone from Lucas’ side was stunned.

They all knew that Princess Jade had been in house arrest for close to two decades. They found it hard to believe that she was able to nurture an army of this size given her situation.

Lucas sighed and let out a wry smile. With a shake of his head, he said. “It seems like my guess was right. You two are indeed her subordinates.”

So they are mother’s people?!

Alaric was stunned. He had underestimated his mother’s abilities. To think that she actually managed to establish such a formidable army despite being under house arrest!

The group discussed for another thirty minutes when a warrior came in to give an urgent report to Lucas.

“My lord, another army is approaching. They bear no flags so our troops are feeling uneasy.”

Hearing this, everyone inside the room became serious.

Meanwhile, Lucas stood up from his seat and said. “Let’s go and see who they are.”

“Yes, my