Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

With the system’s new mission, Alaric decided to delay his return. As for the engineers and craftsmen, Alaric sent a team of 200 warriors led by Butch. House Gimena also sent an additional team of 100 warriors to escort them.

With a Transcendent Knight like Butch leading them, no one would dare to attack their group. Even if someone was brave enough to try, the three hundred warriors under Butch wouldn’t sit idly by.

In the blink of an eye, a fortnight elapsed.

Word had already spread about the possible retaliation of Harune so the western lords gathered their troops along the borders, showing their determination to defend their lands!

At this moment, inside the study in House Gimena’s guest mansion, Alaric was enjoying his morning tea when he heard a series of knocks on the door.

He put down the teacup and calmly said. “Come in.”

Michelle Katherine in her light armor entered respectfully and lowered her head.

“Your Highness, we have gathered a total of fifty thousand troops at the Aklan Pass. By now, they should have set up camp and laid down some defenses as well as traps.” She reported.

Hearing this, Alaric nodded and gestured for her to take her seat.

Michelle understood his cue and took her seat.

Upon taking her seat, she continued. “Your Highness, we have sent dozens of scout teams into key locations to monitor the possible routes of Harune’s troops.”

“Good. Just keep me updated and report to me immediately if there is any movement on the enemy’s side.” Alaric had been busy with the war preparations in the past two weeks so he wasn’t able to do his daily missions.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Alaric gave her a few more instructions before he sent her out.

Looking at the stacks of documents on the table, he let out a heavy sigh.

This is more exhausting than I expected. If I become the next emperor, would I not have time to do my daily missions anymore?

Although he had been recognized as the third heir to the throne, Alaric didn’t have any plans on becoming the next emperor. If he were swamped with a ton of tasks, he would have no time to complete his missions.

However, he didn’t mention his thoughts to anyone. He still needed the support of the noble houses to accomplish his goals.

I should inspect the supplies and equipment.

Thinking about this, he stepped out of the guest mansion and headed to the coastal port where a large cargo ship was docked.

Upon his arrival, the workers and the warriors at the site immediately greeted him.

“Your Highness!”

Ye Shin, the Naval Commander of Berming Island, hurried over to his side. “Your Highness, what brings you here?”

The guy was overseeing the transport of the supplies and the equipment, making him one of the busiest people in the island town. His skin had become more tanned after being constantly exposed to the sun.

Looking at this guy, Alaric was very pleased. “I just came here to do an inspection.”

“Has there been any accidents during the transportation of the supplies?” He casually inquired.

Hearing this, Ye Shin wasn’t nervous. He had inspected every box to make sure that nothing was missing.

“Everything is going smoothly, Your Highness. Some of our people are complaining about the workload, but other than that, there have been no major issues.”

Alaric nodded. This was within his expectations. “Not bad. Do your job well and you will be rewarded.”

“As for those people voicing their complaints…” His face suddenly turned serious.

“Replace them! There are plenty of people willing to do their jobs for half the salary! If they cause you trouble, I give you the authority to punish them!” Alaric sneered.

Looking at his stern face, Ye Shin nodded with a grave look. “Your subordinate understands.”

Alaric turned his head to the cargo ship and asked. “When is the ship leaving?”

Ye Shin thought for a moment before he replied. “There are still a few dozen boxes left to be arranged so around half an hour I think.”

Alaric nodded thoughtfully.

He wanted to visit Aklan Pass to inspect the preparations of the troops, but he had more important matters to attend to.

I should send Redden instead. The guy’s been complaining a lot lately. I might as well give him something to do. My ears are getting calluses from hearing his complaints.

Recalling that guy, Alaric was exasperated.

Redden was relatively quiet when he first came to North Pine Town, but when he became more familiar with everyone, he turned into a chatterbox, even sometimes making Alaric feel vexed.

“I will send a team of warriors to escort this batch of supplies. Send word to your subordinates to avoid confusion,” Alaric instructed.

“I obey your commands.”

Alaric didn’t linger and left after excusing himself.

Ye Shin stared at Alaric’s disappearing figure before relaying his instructions.

I need to warn those guys not to cause trouble. It won’t be good if they confront His Highness’s people.

Meanwhile, Alaric returned to the guest mansion to get some well-needed rest.

“Dudu, come here and give me a massage!” Alaric searched for the little girl as soon as he arrived.

“Eh? But Dudu is still watching the fish…” The little girl replied in a grumbling tone, but she still obediently followed Alaric.

***

Redden and his deputy commander Fredrinn brought a team of fifty Knights to the coastal port.

Their intimidating presence made the workers at the port feel nervous.

“Who are those guys? I don’t recognize them.”

“Can’t you see their banners? They are from House Silversword! They are soldiers under His Highness Alaric!”

Hearing the commotion, Ye Shin immediately rushed to inspect the situation.

He saw Redden’s cavalry group approaching the cargo ship. They were fully equipped and ready for combat.

Looking at their banners, his eyes flashed.

They are His Highness’ people!

He no longer dawdled and rushed over to greet them.

“Hello, everyone! I am Ye Shin. Were you sent by His Highness?”

Now that he had taken a closer look at them, Ye Shin realized that the weakest in this group were Knights!