Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

The ladies rushed out of the mansion. Upon coming out, they saw that a small crowd of people had already gathered outside.

“His Highness is back!”

“Welcome back, Your Highness!”

Looking at the Draconic Lion circling above them, everyone cheered excitedly.

Yvanna heaved a sigh of relief when she saw Alaric standing on the Draconic Lion’s back.

A moment later, the beast descended with a mighty roar. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel~fire~net

Roarr!!

Alaric jumped off of Zephyr’s back and smiled faintly at Yvanna who was in the crowd.

The two didn’t say anything, but it seemed like their eyes were relaying each other’s thoughts.

Thank you, Aru!

Seeing that everyone was unharmed, Alaric thanked the benevolent god, Aru, from the bottom of his heart.

He warmly greeted everyone who had come to welcome their arrival. He then approached Yvanna and sent her a knowing look. “Let’s talk in my study.”

Hearing this, Yvanna nodded her head. “Alright.”

The crowd gradually dispersed and they immediately sent the news about Alaric’s return to the whole city.

On their way to the study room, Alaric tapped Galanar’s shoulder and whispered to him. “Thank you for keeping everyone safe.”

Galanar lowered his head. “I’m only doing my job, Your Highness.”

Alaric smiled at his words.

Soon, they arrived at the study and he invited everyone to come inside.

“Take your seats.” He motioned to the group to sit down.

Upon taking his seat, Alaric finally noticed Celine in the group. Based on the condition of her armor, it looked like she had gone through a lot of trouble on her way to Midgard.

“Since you chose to come here, I guess you have already made your decision.” He spoke to the female Knight.

Celine knew that he was talking about her so she immediately responded with a nod. “Yes, Your Highness. I have already made up my mind.”

“I wish to bring my family with me to North Pine Town. I hope Your Highness accepts them as residents of the town.” She lowered her head respectfully.

Alaric stared deeply at her.

“I can allow that, but you will be responsible for their actions.”

Celine could be trusted, but the same could not be said of her family. They might be loyal to Harune so he would place them under surveillance for a while.

The female Knight was ecstatic. Her eyes lit up and she quickly rose to her feet and bowed to him. “Thank you, Your Highness!”

With a faint smile, Alaric waved his hand. “I will arrange a new post for you, but we will talk about that later.”

Having her as a maidservant was too degrading for a Knight. With her skills, she could serve as a company commander for the household.

Celine felt a wave of relief. She thought that Alaric wouldn’t accept her again.

After dealing with her matter, Alaric turned her gaze to Yvanna. “I heard that His Majesty has arrived to negotiate with the Veronican army. Do you have any news about the situation?”

When he mentioned this, Yvanna nodded with a serious look. “It’s true. The negotiations started yesterday, but there is still no word about the results. Do you want me to send someone to inquire about the status of the negotiations?”

Alaric shook his head. “There’s no need. I will go there myself. Just send me someone who can take me there.”

He wanted to see the emperor with his own eyes. After hearing his father’s praises for the emperor, he had a strong urge to use his appraisal on him.

“Sir Galanar knows the way. He can take you there.” Yvanna looked at Galanar while she was saying this.

Hearing this, Alaric sent Galanar a look. “Galanar, prepare the horses. We will leave at once.”

Zephyr had flown non-stop at full speed so he decided to go there on a horse.

Galanar acknowledged the command with a salute. “Your subordinate obeys.”

He then turned around and left with haste.

After he left, Alaric stared at Yvanna and said with a smile. “Thank you for managing the city. I knew I could count on you.”

Yvanna smiled while shaking her head. “I didn’t do it on my own. Mathilda helped me a lot.”

When she heard Yvanna mention her name, Mathilda bowed and said. “Miss Yvanna did most of the work. I only supported her at the sidelines.”

Alaric knew that she was just being humble, but he didn’t bother to comment.

“You two did a great job. You can tell me what reward you want once I return from my trip.”

Yvanna didn’t say anything and just smiled at him. On the other hand, Mathilda’s eyes flashed with a thoughtful look.

He chatted briefly with the ladies before bidding them farewell.

“I must go now.”

“Be careful on your travels, Your Highness.”

“Stay safe, Your Highness.”

He left the mansion and saw Galanar waiting for him outside, holding the reins of two warhorses.

Alaric randomly chose a horse and jumped on its back.

“Let’s go.” He said after placing his feet on the stirrups.

Hiya!

He looked back and saw everyone waving goodbye at him. He also saw Yvanna in the crowd, standing motionless with a reluctant expression.

Alaric took a deep breath and moved his eyes forward.

…

Several miles away from Midgard, a temporary camp was set up. Various Veronican flags could be seen, erected all over the camp. Outside this camp was an army composed of over three hundred thousand warriors who bore the insignia of the Astanian empire in their armor.

At this moment, inside the largest tent in the camp, a meeting was being held between two opposing factions.

On one side was Donovan Cleavesnow together with the three Venerables from Veronica. Meanwhile, there was only one person on the opposite side of the table, but his lone presence overwhelmed the other group.

He was a middle-aged man with long blonde hair and a pair of ocean-blue eyes. His very presence was filled with inviolable authority.

“Donovan, I have given you enough time to think. I believe it is about time for me to hear your answer.”