Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Outside the main gate of Halona, three hundred thousand Astanian warriors had gathered, standing motionless like unsheathed swords.

“Warriors of Astania, we have already conquered three cities of Harune, but they still refuse to acknowledge our nation’s power!”

“Their emperor, drunk in his delusions, is seeking outside support to recapture the cities we have conquered! They want to retake the very cities which our men had sacrificed for! Should we allow them to do as they please?!”

Shouted the crown prince, riding his imperial horse, his voice resonating across the land.

“We will never allow them to take back what is already ours!”

“WE WILL NEVER ALLOW THEM TO TAKE BACK WHAT IS ALREADY OURS!!!”

The warriors echoed his words, with blazing fighting spirit.

Looking at the emotional warriors, Leighnard smiled coldly. “Today, we will be marching to Noyam and show their emperor the result of his hesitation!”

Emperor John Phillip of Astania requested the emperor of Harune to cede Atarkan, Halona, and Midgard in exchange for the peace of the two nations.

However, the emperor of Harune, Arcientus Van Harune, didn’t send a response which showed that he had no intentions of giving up his lands.

Furthermore, Leighnard received a tip from his spies that the emperor of Harune had sent a messenger to request military assistance from Veronica.

Since you refuse to give up. You will have to face the consequences of your foolish decisions.

Leighnard narrowed his eyes.

With a raise of his hand, he announced. “We are setting off!”

As soon as he made this announcement, the loud drumming sounds of the war drums echoed. Each beat of the drums made the hearts of the warriors pump with intensity.

…

The next day, Alaric was getting ready to visit the workshop to observe the forging process when a messenger came to visit his mansion.

“Your Highness, a letter from His Highness, the crown prince.” The messenger carefully took out a letter from his inner pocket.

Hearing this, Alaric raised an eyebrow and sent a nod to Caecus.

Caecus understood his cue and took the letter from the messenger. He inspected the seal and after verifying that nothing was wrong, he handed it to Alaric. “The seal is untouched, Your Highness.”

Nodding his head, Alaric removed the seal to read the contents.

Upon reading the first lines, he was surprised.

“To think that the arrogant ruler of Harune would resort to this. How unbefitting of him to humble himself.” He mumbled in a mocking tone.

Leighnard also wrote in his letter that he was leading an army of three hundred thousand warriors to Noyam.

It was a sizable force and a small city like Noyam couldn’t hope to defend an army of that size.

Why did Leighnard have to bring that many soldiers to conquer Noyam? A hundred thousand or less should be enough. Just what is that guy thinking?

From the information they gathered, Noyam’s military forces had the smallest number among the cities they were targeting. It had fewer than fifty thousand warriors, including the private forces of the noble families in the city.

He isn’t planning to annihilate the entire city, right?

Thinking about this, he tossed a gold coin to the messenger and motioned for him to leave.

The messenger caught the shiny coin and left with a grin.

After he left, Alaric leaned on his seat with a thoughtful expression.

Leighnard, I really can’t guess your move.

Turning his head, he asked. “Caecus, do we have someone with a bright mind in our troops?”

Caecus was silent for a moment before he gave his response. “We do have a few warriors with incredible minds, but the one who stands out the most is Sir Sherwin. He has both experience and knowledge so he can give valuable inputs if you so desire.”

Alaric furrowed his eyebrows.

Sherwin was indeed an outstanding mind, but he had gone to Halona with his father.

“Is there someone else? It doesn’t matter if they are a low-ranking warrior or a servant. Tell me… who among those who are here in Midgard could help me guess the reason for the crown prince’s actions?” Alaric asked.

Caecus stared deeply at him and replied. “There is one such person… Mathilda.”

Alaric was stunned when he mentioned this name. “You mean that woman?”

He couldn’t believe it.

Mathilda might be the daughter of a merchant from Veronica, but she hadn’t shown him remarkable wisdom. She was good in other departments, but that wasn’t what he needed right now.

Sensing his skepticism, Caecus explained. “Don’t underestimate her, Your Highness. She only appears like a clueless little servant in front of you, but behind that angelic facade, is a capable mind with a depth of knowledge unusual for someone her age.”

Alaric rubbed his chin. The rightful source is novel⦿fire.net

For Caecus to praise her like that, it seemed like he had overlooked Mathilda’s intelligence.

Caecus has information on everyone in the household. There should be some truth to his words.

“Bring her here. I would like to hear her opinion regarding this matter.” Alaric instructed.

Caecus nodded to acknowledge his command. “Your subordinate obeys.”

Whoosh!

Caecus turned around and disappeared with a ’whoosh’.

A moment later, he returned with Mathilda who was dressed in a medical practitioner’s uniform.

She had been helping Yvanna at the clinic so she hadn’t had the chance to change into a new set of clothes when Alaric summoned her.

Mathilda stared at the handsome figure seated behind the desk. She walked towards him and bowed her head deeply, her cleavage in full display. “Your Highness, what can I do for you?”

He didn’t ask me to come here to do that, right?

She felt a bit nervous, but there was also a hint of expectation in her heart.

Alaric saw drawn by her cleavage, but he quickly looked away.

This woman… Is she intentionally doing this?

He feigned calmness as he handed her the letter. “Read this and tell me your thoughts.”

Mathilda was taken aback.