Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

“H-House…” the guard almost blurted it out of shock, but he quickly shut his mouth when he saw Bastian giving him a shushing gesture.

He cleared his throat nervously. “Please pardon our offense, my lords.”

Bastian waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t mind us. We are only here to see someone.”

“Remember not to spread rumors about our arrival.” He added in a severe tone.

The guard nodded, turned around, and relayed Bastian’s words to his comrades.

Once the guards were informed of their identity, they no longer dared to disturb them and just allowed them to enter the town.

The trio waited near the entrance, but they didn’t have to wait for long.

In about fifteen minutes, the guard who was sent to get someone came back with a rigid-faced middle-aged man dressed in shabby linen clothes.

“My lord.” The middle-aged man bowed his head to Lucas before giving Bastian a nod of greeting. He then turned his head to Alaric and frowned.

“This gentleman is?”

Bastian sent him a stern look and immediately reprimanded him. “How dare you be rude to His Highness?!”

Hearing this, Einar was stunned.

Alaric was wearing a hood so he could clearly see his face.

Upon realizing his mistake, Einar lowered his head. “I apologize for not recognizing Your Highness.”

Seeing this middle-aged man confirmed his guess.

This man was Einar Barrisdayne.

In his past life, Einar was the Deputy Commander of the Undaunted Heavy Cavalry Unit!

“Lift your head. You don’t need to apologize. It’s just a small matter.” Alaric stared deeply at him.

Einar lifted his head, revealing a face that had weathered countless storms. Just like most veteran warriors, he also had numerous scars all over his body.

This man was about as tall as Alaric. With tanned skin and a muscular physique, he was brimming with raw physical strength.

Out of habit, Alaric used his Appraisal trait on him.

Einar Barrisdayne [Transcendent Knight] EXP: 603/5000

Potential: A

Traits: Horseback Riding (S), Shield Mastery (S), Swordsmanship (A), Hunting (A), Tracking (B), Close Combat (B), Archery (C), Indomitable (C)

Strength: 290

Stamina: 210

Agility: 264

Vitality: 372

Endurance: 375

Mana: 290

Most of his attributes were quite lacking for a Transcendent Knight, but his vitality and endurance were nearing the highest levels. His strength was also above average. Overall, he was at a decent level physically.

What made him special were his two S-rated traits, Horseback Riding and Shield Mastery.

Einar’s defensive abilities were on par with Fredrinn’s in his past life!

“Thank you for your magnanimity, Your Highness.” Einar gave him a snappy knight’s salute.

After a round of greetings, Lucas went straight to their objective.

“Where are the others?”

Hearing this, Einar replied. “They are at the training ground, my lord. Would you like me to bring them here?”

Lucas raised his hand and shook his head. “That is not necessary. We will go there ourselves. Lead the way.”

Einar nodded. “Your servant obeys.”

Half an hour later, Einar brought them to a secluded property in the outer ring of the town.

While following Einar inside the property, Alaric heard the fierce, but synchronized shouting of men.

Are they doing military drills?

Alaric thought to himself when he heard the noise. He wasn’t unfamiliar with the sound since that was how warriors sounded during their military training.

Soon, they arrived at an open field where a group of warriors wearing steel armor were doing basic weapon training.

Upon their arrival, the warriors were startled.

They quickly stopped their training and bowed their heads.

“Greetings, Lord Lucas!”

Lucas smiled faintly as he observed the diligent men. “Everyone, I came here to introduce you to the person that you will serve.”

After saying this, he beckoned to Alaric.

Alaric walked towards his father upon seeing the signal.

“This is my son, Alaric Silversword, the heir of House Silversword and a prince of the empire!” Lucas proudly introduced.

As soon as his words fell, the warriors in steel armor kneeled in unison and lowered their heads, while saying. “We greet Your Highness!”

Alaric was feeling emotional. He could recognize their faces.

So this is the Undaunted Heavy Cavalry Unit before the civil war. They look younger than what I remember…

“What do you think, son? Are you satisfied with them?” Lucas chuckled as he patted Alaric’s back.

Hearing his father’s words, Alaric grinned. “This surprise is beyond my imagination, Dad.”

He truly didn’t expect that the Undaunted Heavy Cavalry Unit was something that his father had prepared for him.

This time, these men wouldn’t fight a meaningless battle. They wouldn’t die undignified deaths, and never will be without a proper identity.

From now on, they are my warriors!

Alaric scanned the faces of the warriors standing before him.

“I am Alaric Silversword! You will no longer remain hidden in this town! You will follow me into the big wide world and dominate the lands!”

“Are you ready to serve me?!”

With his loud declaration, the warriors felt their hearts beating wildly in anticipation. It was the anticipation for their future together with their new lord.

“We are ready to serve you, Your Highness!” The warriors responded, their voices brimming with excitement and vigor.

As their voices died down, Lucas approached his son and said. “We can’t take these men without alerting the locals. We should speak with the officials first so that the residents wouldn’t be alarmed.”

Moving an army of heavy cavalrymen would definitely attract attention so they must inform the officials to prevent chaos in the town.

Alaric understood this so he nodded in agreement.

“I will take care of this matter. You should stay here and familiarize yourself with them. I will leave Bastian here to help you.” Lucas suggested.

This army was composed of stubborn veteran warriors so it was necessary for Alaric to establish a connection with them.

“Alright. Take care.” Alaric nodded.

Lucas didn’t stay and left in haste.

“Just tell me what to do, Your Highness. I will help you discipline these men in no time.” Bastian suddenly said with an amicable expression.

Hearing this, Alaric smiled awkwardly. He still couldn’t believe that this kind-looking old butler was the famous Black Knight in his past life.