Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Alaric had just completed his daily exercises in the training ground.

It’s been three days since I sent Aldrin on the task, but there is still no news from him. It looks like I would have to wait until we return to Astania before I can get a shield for myself.

He thought as he wiped off the sweat on his face with a clean cloth.

He was about to head inside the mansion when he saw a cavalryman rushing towards him with an urgent look.

“Your Highness!” The cavalryman jumped off his horse and ran to his side.

“Sir Aldrin has found the people you are looking for. He said that they will be here in two hours.”

Hearing this, Alaric was ecstatic.

He tossed a gold coin to the messenger. “Alright. Thank you for informing me. You may leave.”

“Thank you for the reward, Your Highness!” The messenger grinned.

After the messenger left, Alaric went inside the mansion with a smile.

How did Aldrin convince the blacksmiths?

He was already expecting him to fail, but Aldrin gave him a huge surprise.

Two hours later, Aldrin and his companions returned to the mansion with ten muscular men.

Aldrin lowered his head and said. “Your Highness, I apologize for making you wait for too long. These are the blacksmiths I found for you. They also brought their apprentices to help with the forging process.”

“Great job, Aldrin. I’m pleased with your performance.” Alaric praised him with a smile.

“I don’t deserve your praise, Your Highness.” Aldrin humbly replied.

Alaric chuckled and sent a signal to Caecus who was standing next to him. “Give Aldrin the reward I prepared for him.” Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on novelꜰire.net

Hearing this, Caecus nodded and handed Aldrin a pouch filled with shiny golden coins.

Aldrin wasn’t expecting any kind of reward so he was surprised when he saw how much money he received. He would have declined the reward if he were alone, but chose to accept it for the sake of his companions.

“You can distribute them to your companions accordingly.” Alaric’s voice drifted into his ears.

“Yes, Your Highness. Thank you for the reward!” Aldrin and his companions bowed gratefully.

“You guys may go. You deserve some rest.” Alaric dismissed them.

Understanding his cue, Aldrin nodded and left with his friends.

Alaric turned his head to the blacksmiths and appraised them one by one.

The seven apprentices had C-rank or D-rank forging traits which wasn’t too bad. Two of the blacksmiths had A-rank forging traits, while the last man’s was an S-rank.

“I believe Aldrin had already informed you guys about your task, but in case he didn’t, I will say it for you.”

“I want a shield. If possible, I want a relic-level one. All the materials needed to forge the shield have already been prepared. Do you have any questions?”

Alaric observed their facial expressions. There were no signs of hostility from them, but he could tell that they were nervous.

“Uhm, can you promise the safety of our families?” One of the blacksmiths, a muscular middle-aged man with graying hair, asked in a cautious tone.

Aldrin had already promised to protect their families, but they wanted to hear it from the mouth of his boss.

Alaric smiled reassuringly. “Of course! I will send my subordinates to protect your families. If you want, I can also offer to give them shelter in Astania.”

The blacksmiths were stunned.

When Aldrin offered them the job to forge equipment, they were hesitant since they were afraid to face ostracism from their own countrymen.

However, the promised rewards were too great for them to pass up, so they agreed reluctantly.

“The fact that you took this job means that you are in dire need of money. I can give you the money and all the resources you need. I also promise to protect your families.”

House Silversword had a group of blacksmiths, but because of the recent expansion in the household’s military, the blacksmiths couldn’t keep up with the increased demand for equipment.

“You want us to change affiliation? Aren’t you afraid that we would betray you?” They couldn’t believe what they were hearing.

Alaric smiled. “I’m not forcing you guys to join me. As for you betraying me, I will worry about that when the time comes.”

To make these people obedient, he just needed to give them money and security.

“Just to remind you, Harune might cede Midgard to Astania.”

The blacksmiths didn’t respond for a long while.

Alaric patiently waited as they discussed their choices.

After about ten minutes, the oldest blacksmith stepped forward and said. “Can we give our answer after we forge the equipment you want us to make?”

It was an answer that contained a few meanings. It meant that they were still hesitant, but they were considering it.

“No problem. You can take your time.” Alaric nodded.

“Do you want us to start forging now?”

Alaric shook his head. “No. I am aware that blacksmiths need to be in their best mental state when forging. I can’t have you start working when you are still tired from the journey. You can rest for the day and begin your job tomorrow.”

The blacksmiths were surprised.

“Thank you for your consideration, but I suggest we do the measurements today so we can start forging tomorrow.” The oldest blacksmith said.

“Alright. What do you need from me?” Alaric agreed.

“You can take your seat, my lord. We will do the rest.”

To make a fitting shield for someone, there were many things to consider. The user’s height, arm length, hand size, strength, and a few other factors must be taken into account.

The blacksmiths asked him questions about his preferred style and weight of the shield. They also asked him what kind of skill he would engrave on the shield.

The entire process took more than an hour which left him exhausted.

That took longer than I expected.

Alaric stretched his muscles as he watched the departing blacksmiths.