Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Alaric was unaware that two years had already gone by in the outside world. To him, it felt like only a moment had passed.

He was still trapped in the endless void, his mind drifting.

I have decided. I must upgrade my swordsmanship! He had thought it over.

His combat skills heavily relied on his swordsmanship. Although improving his defense was equally important, he couldn’t resist the temptation to upgrade his swordsmanship.

[Do you want to use the Selected Trait Upgrade Card on your Swordsmanship (L)?]

[Yes] [No]

Seeing this prompt, Alaric decisively clicked [Yes].

[Your Swordsmanship (L) has been upgraded to Swordsmanship (M).]

Alaric was curious to see the improvement in his swordsmanship, but with him trapped in this eternal darkness, it felt like he had an itch that he couldn’t scratch.

He was annoyed.

When can I leave this space?

… Another month had gone by and Veronica welcomed a new winter.

Snow started to pile up on the streets and the temperature gradually dropped. The citizens of Veronica wore cotton-patted clothes to resist the cold.

In the mansion assigned to the members of House Silversword, everyone was busy with the preparations for Jade Kristine’s departure.

As the second wife of Lucas, she carried a tremendous workload that she couldn’t leave unattended for a long time.

She had stayed in Veronica for over a month to help take care of Alaric. Now, it was time for her to return home.

At this moment, in the main hall, Jade Kristine was exchanging farewells with her husband and the others.

“I wish to stay for a few more days, but the matters at home cannot wait any longer.” Jade Kristine sighed as she spoke to her husband, holding his hand.

Lucas similarly sighed, shaking his head.

House Silversword was no longer a countryside barony. It was now a legitimate dukedom with many burdens to bear.

“I’m sorry for leaving you with all the workload. I feel deeply ashamed.” Lucas let out another sigh.

Hearing this, Jade Kristine sternly looked at him and shook her head. “You don’t have to apologize to me. Taking care of Alaric is more important.”

Lucas could only smile helplessly. As a Duke, he had many responsibilities, but he wasn’t adept at political matters and territorial management.

He knew his inadequacy so he left most matters to his wives. He even felt fortunate to have two outstanding wives to share the burden with.

After speaking with her husband, Jade Kristine spoke with Hershey and the others from the household. She reminded them to take care of themselves while she was gone.

Soon, Jade Kristine left the mansion and boarded her carriage together with the twins. As for Gwenaelle, she insisted on staying with her father.

“Take care. Don’t skip your meals.” With a light smile, Lucas reminded his wife.

Jade Kristine nodded with a chuckle. “You too…”

Gwenaella who was in her father’s arms, eagerly waved her hand, smiling. “Goodbye, Mom!”

Looking at her excited face, Jade Kristine could only smile wryly. “Goodbye, my sweetie pie.”

She gave everyone one last look before she closed the carriage window.

“Let’s set off!”

As soon as her words fell, the captain in charge of leading her entourage signaled to his subordinates. “March!”

With the rhythmic beating of the horses’ hooves, the entourage left the mansion’s premises.

Lucas stared at the leaving carriage for a long while. When he pulled his gaze, he noticed the worried faces of Alaric’s women.

“You don’t need to worry. There are two Transcendent Knights in the entourage.” He assured them.

Hearing this, the ladies’ faces visibly brightened.

Just then, a startled scream echoed from inside the mansion.

Everyone was alerted and they all thought that a thief had broken into the house.

“His Highness is awake! His Highness Alaric is awake!” A maidservant responsible for looking after Alaric rushed out of the mansion with an excited face.

Her words immediately caused a stir in everyone’s hearts.

“What?!” Lucas’ eyes widened.

The ladies, the warriors, and the servants also gasped in astonishment.

After a momentary shock, Lucas waved his hand and instructed his subordinates. “Quickly send a rider to inform the madam about the news!”

He paused for a moment and added. “Send another rider to inform Her Majesty about this.”

“Yes, Lord Duke!”

…

Inside the imperial palace, in the empress’s bedchamber.

Yskaela was sitting in front of a mirror, while two palace maids were helping her change into her casual clothes.

The empress looked at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes cold.

The reconstruction of the damaged cities of the country was about to be completed, but she showed no signs of joy. Her prospective husband, Alaric, still didn’t show signs of waking up, greatly distressing her.

She had already chosen a few suitable heirs as a backup plan, but she was worried that there might be dissent if she were to crown someone without an imperial bloodline.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Suddenly, urgent knocks on the door interrupted her thoughts.

Yskaela raised an eyebrow and motioned at the servants to open the door.

Creak.

As soon as the door opened, Bai Seol-hwa stepped in, breathing heavily, looking like she had just rushed several miles without stopping.

Seeing her looking like this, the empress was stunned.

“What happened?” She asked while signaling to the servants to leave.

Bai Seol-hwa didn’t even wait for the servants to leave and reported with an anxious voice. “Your Majesty, he has awakened! He is awake!”

“Huh?” The empress was confused, but then she soon understood what she meant.

“You mean…”

Yskaela’s eyes widened.

The servants who were yet to leave the room also understood the underlying meaning behind those words.

Alaric Silversword, known to the residents as the Snow Sword King, has regained consciousness!

The empress controlled her emotions and immediately instructed. “Prepare my carriage and relay this good news to the people!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Bai Seol-hwa was also looking forward to seeing Alaric again. To her, Alaric was the hero who helped them defeat the heretic cult leader. She had long wanted to express her gratitude to him.