Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Alaric let out a smile as he looked at the bustling North Pine Town.

“Is that your hometown, Your Highness?” Mathilda didn’t seem to be impressed.

After seeing the beautiful Berming Island and the magnificent cities in the West, she felt that North Pine Town was quite ordinary.

Alaric nodded, not minding her reaction. “That’s right. It only started as a small village with dozens of families a few years ago. I am proud of what it has become.”

Looking at his peaceful smile, Mathilda was surprised. Ever since they first met, she had never seen Alaric show such pure and genuine emotion.

“That is where you are going to live from now on.” Alaric pointed at the estate, which was at the prime location of the town.

It wasn’t as grandiose as House Gimena’s estate, and it couldn’t even compare to the properties of some Western lords. However, the estate possessed something that those territories lacked—vitality and liveliness.

From above, they could see the stern-faced guards monitoring the estate’s security with utmost seriousness. They saw the servants happily doing their tasks with no signs of being forced. They could also see the innocent children playing with their families near their homes.

Suddenly, Zephyr descended in front of the main mansion of the estate where a large crowd had already gathered to welcome them.

Whoosh!

“I am back, everyone.” Greeted Alaric as he jumped off Zephyr’s back.

It was only here that he could feel at peace. Here, he wasn’t the prince of Astania, but simply a minor noble’s son. Only in this place could he temporarily forget his responsibilities as an heir to the throne.

“Welcome back, Your Highness!” The servants and the guards greeted him excitedly.

“I am glad to see you safe, my son.” Jade Kristine looked visibly relieved to see him in good shape.

She knew how brutal the battle in the West was so she had always been worried about his safety. Now that she had seen her son unharmed, her worries disappeared.

“It’s good that you are back, son.” Lucas smiled as he patted his shoulder.

It looked like he had a lot to say, but he held back since there were many people around.

“Your Highness!” Elena called out softly.

Alaric turned his head to her. She had grown noticeably more mature. Her fair skin had grown more tanned, and Alaric, with his sharp eyesight could see the calluses on her hands.

It seems like she had been training diligently while I was gone.

She once mentioned that she was learning swordsmanship from Aliya.

He thought that she would lose interest after some time, but looking at her now, it looked like he had underestimated her resolve.

“You worked hard, Elena…” Alaric was about to pat her head, but his hand froze in midair.

She is not a kid anymore. I should treat her…

While he was hesitating, Elena suddenly stepped forward and grabbed his hand.

“I don’t mind if it’s you, Your Highness…” She beamed at him.

Hearing this, Alaric no longer hesitated. With a smile, he patted her head.

“I am proud of your growth, Elena.”

Uwaah! Uwaah!

A baby’s cry suddenly drifted into his ears.

Alaric turned his head and saw a newborn child in Maria’s arms, bawling while waving her little arms.

“Is she my…” He approached Maria while keeping his eyes on the baby.

Maria nodded with a motherly smile. “Mn. Her name is Gwenaelle, Gwenaelle Silversword.”

“Do you want to hold her?” She asked while looking at her son.

Gwenaelle…my sister…

Alaric felt a wave of joy. “Can I?”

“Of course.” Maria chuckled as she carefully handed the baby to him.

Alaric was a bit flustered. He had no experience in holding a baby so he was very careful in his actions. He even gathered mana into his arms so he could react immediately in case the baby would fall.

The baby stopped crying as soon as he held her in his arms. She then looked at Alaric with her beautiful silver eyes which she had inherited from Lucas.

Abubu abubuha

The baby mumbled.

Alaric’s heart melted, his face breaking into an affectionate smile.

“Gwenaelle, my lovely little sister.”

He poked her bulging cheeks which made the baby giggle.

Tehehehe

Mathilda couldn’t believe what she was seeing.

Was this still the cold-faced and stern prince that she had known?

She was dumbfounded.

It felt like she was looking at another person.

“So he has this side of him too.” She mumbled.

“Uncle, is that your sister?” A childish voice suddenly drifted into everyone’s ears.

Everyone turned their heads and looked at the little girl who had spoken.

It was Dudu.

Out of nowhere, she appeared beside Alaric, looking at the baby in his arms with a gaze filled with curiosity.

“Dudu, don’t be rude to His Highness!” Rewin, her grandfather, sweated bullets, his heart nearly leaping out of his chest.

Rewin nervously bowed his head. “Please forgive my granddaughter’s rudeness. She doesn’t understand any-“

Chuckling, Lucas approached him and patted the old man’s shoulder. “You don’t have to apologize, Sir. Your granddaughter is such an adorable child.”

“Uh, pardon me?” Rewin lifted his head and looked at him with surprise.

This must be Lucas Silversword, the Shield of the North!

“It’s alright, Sir Rewin.” Smiling lightly, Alaric reassured the old man and gestured at him not to worry.

He then turned his head towards Dudu and crouched with the baby still in his arms. “You are right, Dudu. This is Gwenaelle, my little sister.”

Dudu squinted her eyes as if to observe the baby. She then pointed at the baby’s face and said. “Uncle, your sister’s face is fat just like mine.”

Hearing this, Alaric couldn’t help but laugh. Everyone also laughed at her innocent words.

Meanwhile, her grandfather, Rewin, was absolutely terrified that he almost fainted.

“Dudu, you are older than Gwenaelle so you will be her older sister. As her older sister, you must keep her safe, okay?” Alaric stared at Dudu with all seriousness as if he were giving her an important task.

Hearing this, Dudu’s eyes twinkled. She then waved her chubby fists while puffing her cheeks. “Don’t worry, Uncle. I will protect her from bad people!”

“Good.” Alaric grinned.