Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

“So it’s about this…” Hershey mumbled, seemingly absentminded.

“Hmph!” Yvanna let out a cold snort as she crossed her arms.

Elena also let out a pout, looking aggrieved.

Seeing their reactions, Alaric didn’t know what to say.

“Don’t put him in a tough spot, girls. It’s Her Majesty we are talking about so we cannot do anything about it.” Smiling helplessly, Hershey stepped up and pacified the other two.

“Besides, this marriage will be good for House Silversword.” She added.

She might be the daughter of House Paxley, but she was now part of House Silversword. Although she also felt some slight resistance to seeing Alaric marry another woman, she could still accept it because this union would strengthen the household and also increase her husband’s standing in the imperial family.

“You are always on  his side, Hershey.” Yvanna clicked her tongue while shaking her head.

Hearing this, Hershey smiled faintly. “I should be. I am his wife after all.”

Alaric felt her boundless love for him. He held Hershey’s hand and gave her a loving gaze.

“You don’t need to worry about this matter. We have already discussed it with Her Majesty and we all gave our approval.” Yvanna’s tone softened.

Although Hershey was the only woman legally married to Alaric, Yvanna and Elena already considered themselves his wives, since it was only a matter of time before he would marry them.

Alaric was relieved to hear this. He came here to get their confirmation. Now that he had gotten their answers, he finally made his own decision.

“Wait!”

Before he could leave, Hershey pulled his arm.

“What is it?” Alaric smiled, looking at his wife.

Hershey hesitated for a moment, but then Yvanna suddenly nudged her back, as if to encourage her.

“I agree to you marrying Her Majesty, but you must give me a child first.” Hershey’s face was red when she said these words.

Elena, who was standing behind her, covered her mouth in anticipation.

Meanwhile, Alaric was stunned. “Y-You want a child?”

Hershey nodded, still red-faced.

Ever since marrying Alaric, she had long wanted to have his child. She just didn’t mention it since she was aware that Alaric wasn’t ready to be a father yet.

However, it was different now.

Alaric fell silent.

Am I ready to be a father?

The ladies stared at him in silence, giving him time to collect his thoughts.

After almost a full five minutes of silence, Alaric let out a deep breath and replied.

“Alright.” He smiled faintly at Hershey, taking her in his embrace.

Feeling his warmth, and hearing her most awaited response, Hershey felt like she would in the moment. “Mn.”

The slight worry in her heart also disappeared like smoke.

Yvanna and Elena were happy to hear his words, but they also felt a sense of urgency.

Alaric exchanged heartfelt words with the ladies before he went back to the mansion to inform his father about his decision.

…

In the main hall, Lucas sat on the sofa and looked at his son who was seated adjacent to him.

“Have you made your decision?” He asked.

Alaric nodded, his eyes glinting with determination. “Yes, I have made up my mind.”

“I will marry Her Majesty.”

Lucas beamed at his response. “Good! That is a great choice, son!”

This matter was weighing on his mind and he was afraid that Alaric would reject the empress. Now, he could finally rest easy.

“Dad, please prepare the gifts. I will go to the imperial palace to propose marriage.” Alaric announced.

Lucas was stunned.

The empress mentioned that she would be the one to propose marriage once she got Alaric’s response. Lucas didn’t know why, but he believed that it was to show her determination to the world and also to give face to House Silversword.

However, Alaric’s suggestion wasn’t part of the script and it might affect the empress’s plans.

For a moment, Lucas didn’t know how to react.

“This…”

“Dad, it wouldn’t be appropriate for a woman of Her Majesty’s stature to be the one proposing marriage,” Alaric added when he noticed his father’s hesitation.

Lucas rubbed his nose bridge, unable to make a decision.

“I promise to give you a grandchild before the year ends if you agree.” Alaric used his ultimate card.

Just as he had expected, Lucas fell for it.

“Really?” The duke revealed a look of excitement.

He had already reached the stage where he would rather hold a grandchild than advance his realm. He had also come to accept his limited talent and focus on taking care of his family and territory.

“Of course!” Alaric nodded.

Lucas slapped his thigh and laughed heartily. “Then let’s prepare a lot of gifts for your proposal!”

After that, the father and son exchanged ideas on what gifts to give to the empress.

…

Three days later, in the imperial palace, the empress sat in front of the mirror, looking at her reflection with a blank look on her face.

“It has been three days and there is still no word from him. Is he really planning to reject me?” Her voice carried a hint of sadness.

This was the first time she felt affection for a man and she didn’t expect that she would face rejection.

Looking at the empress’s gloomy face, Bai Seol-hwa who was combing her hair, spoke. “Your Majesty, you are the most beautiful woman in the surrounding nations. You don’t need to feel sorry for yourself. There are still plenty of outstanding men out there.”

Yskaela sighed and shook her head. “That’s true, but there is no one more outstanding than Alaric.”

Her words left Bai Seol-hwa unable to respond.

“It looks like we would have to choose an heir from-” The empress’s words were cut short when she heard an urgent knocking on the door.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Bai Seol-hwa raised an eyebrow, looking displeased.

She instructed the servants not to disturb the empress, but they ignored her instructions.

Yskaela noticed her displeasure. She waved her hand and smiled faintly. “It’s fine. It must be for something important.”

“Send them in.”

Bai Seol-hwa reluctantly nodded before she went to open the door.

A member of the Crimson Phoenix Knights Order stepped inside the room and excitedly reported. “Your Majesty, it’s His Highness Alaric! He came with a grand entourage, bearing gifts in a hundred wagons!”