Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Swordsmanship mentor? The empress raised an eyebrow, her eyes gleaming with suspicion.

Alaric was the foremost sword master she had ever seen in her life. His skills in swordsmanship had eclipsed those of the experts in her generation. Why would someone like him take on a swordsmanship instructor?

Bai Seol-hwa was similarly confused. She had witnessed Alaric’s sword techniques firsthand.

“So it’s Lord Bellator. Your skills with the sword must be impressive for my son to take you as his mentor. I am Lucas Silversword. It’s an honor to meet you.” Lucas approached him with a light smile and extended his hand for a handshake.

Normally, Bellator wouldn’t even bother to chat with someone like Lucas, but he decided to give him face for Alaric’s sake.

“The honor is mine, my lord.”

Lucas studied the man before him and the first thing he noticed was Bellator’s undeniable dignity. It almost felt like he was facing the Astanian Emperor.

This man is not an ordinary warrior. Is he a Mythical Knight?

He wondered where his son had found such an outstanding figure.

After exchanging pleasantries, the empress requested a private chat with Alaric.

Lucas, Bellator, and Bai Seol-hwa tactfully left.

“Alaric, how is your recovery?” Yskaela asked once everyone had left, motioning for Alaric to take his seat.

Upon sitting down, Alaric responded. “I think my body is close to fully recovering. This is thanks to the medicines that Your Majesty provided.”

In truth, he was already in peak condition, but he chose not disclose it. His rate of recovery was too fast, almost abnormal.

Yskaela chuckled. “I am glad to hear that.”

Alaric adjusted his posture and put on a serious look. “So what does Your Majesty wish to discuss with me?”

Is it perhaps related to the clearing of Enchanted Woodlands?

His father once mentioned that the Astanian Emperor planned to clear the Enchanted Woodlands and find a route leading to the Cangnan continent.

The empress fell silent for a moment before she spoke. “Actually…”

“I want to head to the Cangnan continent.”

Alaric nodded. He already expected this. Just like the Astanian Emperor, the empress was also stuck at the peak of the Mythical Knight realm or the Unfettered realm.

Their only chance to advance was to head to the Cangnan continent where opportunities were aplenty. Even he himself was interested in heading there to explore the vast world.

“But I can’t leave Veronica without an heir.” Yskaela shook her head with a sigh.

That’s true… If she left Veronica without crowning an heir, the country would fall into chaos. At worst, there might even be a civil war.

Alaric rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

Yskaela stared deeply at him and continued. “So I have decided to marry someone and produce an heir for Veronica.”

“That’s indeed your only choice, Your Majesty, but why are you telling me this?” Alaric was confused at first, but then he suddenly realized the implications.

“You don’t mean to…?” He stared at her in disbelief.

Yskaela nodded, composing herself. “That’s right. I’m choosing you as my husband. If you don’t have any issues with marrying me, then I will send the proposal to your household.”

Alaric was stunned.

Is she serious?

“Why? Do you have a problem with marrying me, Alaric?” Yskaela’s voice carried a trace of displeasure.

She was the absolute ruler of Veronica, a Mythical Knight with almost no equal, but this guy was actually hesitant to accept her.

Hearing the change in her tone, Alaric quickly shook his head, his eyes darting around nervously. “It’s not about Your Majesty.”

“You see… my wife and…”

“Oh? So it’s about your women?” Yskaela’s expression eased up.

“Don’t worry about it. Even before you woke up, I had already discussed it with them. I just need your confirmation so we can proceed with the wedding plans.” She explained while nonchalantly waving her hand.

“You already did?” Alaric was surprised.

Why didn’t they mention it to me?

“Ahem! Does my father already know?” He asked.

Yskaela thought for a moment and replied. “I didn’t mention it to the Duke, but he should have realized it by now.”

“I see…” Alaric leaned on his seat, overwhelmed.

“You must be shocked.”

Yskaela stood up from her seat and said.

“I will give you three days to think about it. I will wait for your response.”

After saying those words, the empress turned around and left, leaving a wave of her fragrance in the air.

Alaric looked at the empty hall and sighed weakly.

He didn’t dislike the empress. In fact, he admired her valiance and courage. However, there was no love between them.

I need to speak with Dad…

…

The empress boarded her carriage, looking gloomy and despondent.

“Your Majesty, how did it go? Were you able to bring up the topic?” Bai Seol-hwa asked, looking curious about how their conversation went.

The empress shook her head. “Seol-hwa, am I not beautiful?”

“Huh?” Bai Seol-hwa was caught off guard with the unexpected question.

“You are the most beautiful woman in the surrounding nations, Your Majesty. Even in terms of strength, few can rival you.” She carefully answered.

Yskaela was comforted by her words, but she became listless again. “Nevermind, I’ll just wait for his response.”

“Don’t tell me he rejected Your Majesty?!” Bai Seol-hwa’s eyes suddenly turned cold.

Yskaela shook her head. “It’s nothing like that…”

Alaric’s hesitance hurt her a bit. It was a blow to her pride. She had never once chased a man before. It was always the other way around.

However, this also made her know that Alaric treated her women well. At least he wasn’t someone who would just accept anyone as his partner.

“Do you want me to go back and give him a piece of my mind?” Bai Seol-hwa was displeased.

The empress had given Alaric everything that he needed and even went beyond to take care of his household.

Just what did that guy tell Her Majesty to make her look like this?