Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

“Since no one is willing to take in those refugees, why don’t you just send them to a remote village? I can help you procure the necessary materials and supplies for the redevelopment of the village.” The second prince suggested, his words drawing everyone’s astonishment.

Is this really the second prince that they knew? Why did it seem like he was a different person?

Everyone couldn’t believe that those words came out of his mouth.

Meanwhile, Alaric rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Giovanni’s suggestion would cost them a lot of money, but if the redevelopment was successful, they could turn a village into a town!

Thinking about this, a certain village came to his mind.

“In that case, I will also help with the procurement of materials and manpower…” Alaric stated his willingness to join the redevelopment project.

He then told them about the village which wasn’t recorded on the map.

“What do you think?” Alaric turned his head to Giovanni.

“Alright. If there really is a village in that place, then we can choose it for the project.” Giovanni didn’t reject his proposal. He felt that Alaric was trying to smooth out their relationship. He wasn’t averse to the idea and he also thought that it was an opportunity to establish a good image with the western lords.

They discussed back and forth with the western lords soon joining the conversation.

Two hours later, the meeting concluded on a good note.

“What are your plans now?” Giovanni asked as they stepped out of the VIP hall.

Alaric was about to respond when a sudden notification appeared in front of him.

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Mission: Harune’s Invasion

Mission Difficulty: Hard

Learning about the defeat of their troops, the imperial family of Harune was furious. They are gathering their troops in preparation for a bigger attack!

Gather your troops and stop their invasion!

Mission Rewards: 1500 Battle Points, 30 Stat Points, 30 EXP, Random Trait Card x1

____

Seeing this, Alaric’s expression became serious as he responded. “I will gather troops to reinforce the western borders. I don’t think that Harune would simply accept this loss.”

Giovanni frowned upon hearing this. “Are you saying that they will launch a full-scale war against Astania?”

Harune was a bigger nation compared to Astania. They possessed more lands and more resources. A war against a nation of its size wouldn’t be favorable for Astania.

Alaric nodded. “By now, they should be preparing their troops so we still have time to get ready.”

He paused his steps and looked at the second prince. “Giovanni, I know that we have our differences, but we must put aside our conflicts. I cannot face Harune alone. We need to stand together to defend our nation!”

Hearing his bold proclamation, Giovanni’s heart was stirred. He stared deeply at his younger cousin and nodded his head. “Fine.”

Alaric was ecstatic. With Giovanni’s support, defending the western borders would be a lot easier. This guy had more private troops than House Silversword and he also had the support of his faction.

I need to keep a close watch on this guy. Who knows?

Alaric still couldn’t fully trust the second prince. After all, this man was an enemy in his past life. Many of his friends and allies died because of the choices that Giovanni made.

***

In the next few days, Alaric instructed his subordinates to purchase materials for the redevelopment of Dudu’s home village. Many merchants and Western houses accepted this business since it was of considerable value. Furthermore, they also wanted to take the chance to ingratiate themselves with Alaric and House Silversword.

At this moment, Alaric was accompanying Dudu to play. He wanted to know if there was a way to unseal her abilities, but after several days, he still hadn’t found a clue on how to do it.

Nevermind. Let’s just let nature take its course.

He thought to himself as he patted the little girl’s head.

“Uncle, look at the fish over there! They look so fat and delicious!” Dudu’s excited voice drifted into his ears.

He lowered his head and saw her drooling at the sight of the plump gold fish. “Dudu, we can’t eat those fish. They taste terrible. How about following me to the lake? We can catch a big fish there.”

The little girl was initially disappointed, but when she heard the second half of his words, her eyes brightened. “Can we really catch a big fish there?”

“Of course!” Alaric nodded as he ruffled her hair.

“Then what are we waiting for? Hurry up, Uncle!” The little imp pulled his hand and urged him to move.

“Alright. Alright.” Alaric helplessly shook his head.

He never thought that looking after a child would be this difficult. He wondered what would happen once his sister was born.

Thinking about this, he could already imagine the disaster that would take place if she teamed up with Dudu.

Rewin watched them leave with a relieved smile. He still harbored some hesitation to follow Alaric, but after seeing how good he was to Dudu in the past few weeks, his worries vanished.

The old man lifted his head and looked at the horizon.

My daughter, you don’t need to worry about your child. With His Highness protecting her, she will always be safe.

Meanwhile, Alaric and Dudu went to the coastal port to rent a small boat.

The little girl was jumping in excitement as she watched the vast lake.

“You must be careful, Your Highness. There are some dangerous monsters in the lake. If you encounter them, you must return immediately.” An old fisherman warned him.

He had Zephyr with him so Alaric wasn’t worried about the sea monsters, but he still nodded at the fisherman.

Soon, Alaric and Dudu jumped onto the small boat they rented.

Upon entering the lake, Dudu poked his arm and excitedly said.

“Uncle, let’s go there! I can see so many big fish there!”

Alaric followed the direction she had pointed and squinted his eyes.

Her perception is really good!

He was surprised by her keen eyesight.

“Alright. Hold on tight so you won’t fall into the water.”