Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Hearing the series of knocks, Hershey wiped away her tears before gesturing to the servants to open the door.

Creak.

Yskaela, dressed in a plain red dress, stepped inside the room together with her closest confidant, Bai Seol-hwa.

Seeing her, the three ladies inside the room immediately rose to their feet to greet her.

“Your Majesty.”

Waving her hand, Yskaela nodded at them with a faint smile. She then turned her head to the young man lying on the bed, her eyes carrying a trace of complex emotions.

“Is there any improvement in his condition?” She asked with a sigh.

Alaric risked his life during their battle against the cult leader. His energy core was shattered and it was even a miracle that he managed to preserve his life.

Hershey and the other two glanced at each other, their faces filled with sadness.

“According to the medical practitioners, his health is improving, but they are still unsure when he will wake up…” Hershey almost spoke about the soul mark they found on Alaric’s body, but she quickly shut her mouth.

Lucas had repeatedly reminded them not to disclose this information to anyone.

The empress looked visibly disappointed by her response.

“I see… Do let me know if there is any major improvement in his situation.”

Yskaela chatted briefly with the ladies and left afterwards.

…

Upon stepping out of the room, Bai Seol-hwa moved closer to the empress and whispered. “Your Majesty, have you made up your mind? Will you really choose him?”

Yskaela took a deep breath before she replied with a nod. “It can only be him. I have seen no one like him in the past few decades. He is the most talented man that I have ever known.”

Bai Seol-hwa stared deeply at her. “…What if he doesn’t wake up?”

Yskaela’s eyes trembled.

Alaric was the youngest Venerable in history. He was an unprecedented genius, without equal. After the battle with the cult leader, she had already decided to pick him as her husband. However, two years had passed, and there were no signs of him regaining consciousness.

“If he doesn’t wake up, then I will pick a suitable heir among the brightest young talents in the country…”

Bai Seol-hwa was stunned by her response.

Traditionally, the throne should be inherited by someone of imperial bloodline. However, Yskaela Veronica didn’t have any blood relatives who were still alive.

“Your Majesty…” She wanted to express her disapproval, but the empress shook her head and motioned for her to stop.

“I have already made up my mind. The plan to open up a trade route to the Enchanted Woodlands must not be delayed and I must go to the Cangnan continent to find an opportunity for a breakthrough.”

Yskaela was in a bottleneck. She had tried numerous ways to advance, but all her attempts ended in failure.

She knew that her only chance to advance was to seek opportunities in the Cangnan continent.

Bai Seol-hwa no longer dissuaded her upon hearing her words.

“I understand. I will help Your Majesty select a fitting candidate.”

Yskaela smiled at her words. “Then let’s return to the palace and discuss it.”

…

Meanwhile, in the back garden of the mansion, Lucas was holding a pair of twins in his arms, his face radiating with fatherly love.

A young girl about the age of three clung to his leg like a koala, staring at him with big watery eyes.

“Dad, please carry me too.” She pleaded, looking like she would cry if he’d declined.

“Gwenaelle, why don’t you let Mom carry you?” A gentle voice echoed.

Gwenaelle turned her head at her second mother and shook her head. “No! I want Dad to carry me!”

Hearing this, Jade Kristine could only helplessly shake her head.

The little girl was feeling jealous of her younger siblings.

Knowing that she would cry if he didn’t do something, Lucas handed the twins to his wife and said, laughing. “Alright. Alright. Dad will carry my little Gwenaelle.”

Hearing this, Gwenaelle cheered, her face lighting up with excitement. “Yay!”

The girl opened her arms wide and Lucas lifted her.

“Are you happy now?” He kissed his daughter’s face and gently rubbed her head.

“Mn. Hehe.” Gwenaelle giggled.

At this moment, a servant approached them with haste and reported.

“Lord Duke, Your Highness… the empress has left the prince’s chamber.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow and put down his daughter.

Gwenaelle pouted in displeasure, but she didn’t make a sound.

“Where is Her Majesty?” Lucas asked.

“Her Majesty should be at the main hall by now…”

Lucas left the kids with his wife and hurried inside the mansion.

As soon as he entered the mansion, he saw the empress and her closest confidant going down the spiral staircase.

“Are you leaving now, Your Majesty?” Lucas asked with a light smile.

Yskaela nodded indifferently. “Yes. I only came here to see Alaric’s condition.”

Lucas sighed at her words.

The empress had visited the mansion a couple of times to see Alaric’s situation, but his son hadn’t shown signs of waking up. Even the best doctors couldn’t help him regain consciousness. It was as if Alaric was put into eternal sleep.

“Once he wakes up, I will immediately notify Your Majesty.” He could tell that the empress had something to say to his son, but he didn’t inquire further.

“Thank you. Please keep me updated about his condition. If you need anything for his treatment, don’t hesitate to inform the palace. Alaric is a hero of Veronica so we will offer all resources at our disposal to assist his recovery.” The empress solemnly said.

Lucas nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“If there is nothing else, I will take my leave. There is no need for you to see me out.” The empress walked past him and left with Bai Seol-hwa.

Lucas looked at their figures and mumbled. “She hadn’t taken an interest in my son, had she?”

It was subtle, but he could feel that the empress would look at his son with an inexplicable gaze. He wasn’t certain, but he felt that there was something amiss.