Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Yskaela was pleasantly surprised.

“!!!”

She was already prepared to find an heir, but Alaric’s actions gave her quite the shock.

Her lips subconsciously curved upward.

“Let’s go meet His Highness.” Her mood improved and the despondent look on her face vanished.

The empress stepped out of her room, eager to see what Alaric had prepared for her.

…

Alaric was riding the draconic lion, looking incredibly imposing and majestic in his red and gold suit. He led an impressive entourage of warriors, clad in battle armor, their powerful auras radiating might, bringing a sense of awe to the onlookers.

Behind them were a hundred wagons filled with all sorts of treasures. These were the items that he had brought to offer as gifts to the empress.

“Isn’t that His Highness Alaric? He looks handsome in that attire!”

“Are those the warriors of House Silversword? They look terrifying!”

“It looks like His Highness has come to propose marriage to Her Majesty.”

The crowd excitedly watched the procession. They wondered how the empress would respond to Alaric’s proposal.

To the residents of Veronica, this wasn’t the first time it happened.

The empress had many suitors before. They all came bearing precious gifts, but they were all rejected.

Yskaela Veronica was an unreachable goddess that even the mightiest of men could only dream of marrying.

Today, everyone believed that Alaric would face the same rejection.

Suddenly, the gates of the imperial palace were opened.

The members of the Crimson Phoenix Knights Order rode on their horses with expressionless faces, escorting an imperial carriage.

“That’s Her Majesty’s carriage!”

Someone from the crowd exclaimed.

When Alaric noticed the carriage, he suddenly felt a bit nervous.

He placed his right hand on his chest. Feeling his rapidly beating heart, he let out a chuckle.

I can’t lose composure now.

He quickly circulated his mana to calm his nerves.

At this moment, the empress’s carriage stopped in front of his entourage. Bai Seol-hwa who was leading the Crimson Phoenix Knights Order got off her horse and went to open the carriage door.

She extended her hand to the empress. “Your Majesty.”

Yskaela Veronica took her hand and gracefully alighted from the carriage.

She was dazzling and dignified. The spectators were stunned at her peerless appearance.

Seeing her looking so beautiful, Alaric hastily jumped off the draconic lion’s back and greeted her with his best smile. “You look radiant, Your Majesty.”

Hearing his compliment, the empress let out a smile. “You also look dashing, Your Highness.”

Like a gentleman, Alaric asked for her hand and gave it a kiss. This was a standard etiquette shown to members of the imperial family and it was also a way of saying ‘I like you’.

Normally, the empress would reject this kind of gesture, but she didn’t refuse Alaric. This response naturally made the crowd react with utter disbelief.

What had they seen?

The empress actually accepted someone’s kiss. She had never agreed to this kind of gesture before.

While the crowd was gasping in shock, Alaric suddenly took out a ring from out of nowhere.

“Your Majesty, I came here for one purpose…” He showed her the ring.

It was a beautiful diamond ring embedded with several magic stones. The value of the ring was astronomical which was enough to purchase several large mansions in the capital.

It wasn’t just an ordinary engagement ring. It was also engraved with protective and offensive powers.

It was an item at the level above an artifact!

Yskaela felt inexplicably nervous facing Alaric. She felt like a young girl meeting her first crush. It was a unique experience for her.

While she was looking at the ring, Alaric’s voice continued.

“Will you be my wife?”

For a moment, the empress was stunned. She didn’t expect Alaric to be so bold as to propose marriage in front of so many people.

She looked at his handsome face, her face blossoming into a smile.

“Mn.” She nodded with a hum.

Hearing her response, Alaric put the ring on her finger, his heart pounding.

“From now on, you are my woman.” It was a strong declaration that melted the empress’s heart.

Yskaela felt the urge to embrace him, but she stopped herself. She couldn’t break her image in front of so many people.

“Her Majesty actually said yes…”

“Oh my god! Her Majesty finally found her other half! This is great news!”

“Congratulations, Your Majesty!”

“Congratulations, Your Highness!”

Everyone cheered for the new couple. Although it was still an engagement, they all believed that the two would soon become husband and wife.

Alaric and the empress waved their hands to acknowledge everyone’s well-wishes.

“Come with me to the palace. I have something to discuss with you.” The empress spoke, her voice carrying a hint of affection.

Alaric nodded. “Alright.”

He followed the empress inside her carriage and they were soon taken inside the imperial palace.

Meanwhile, Alaric’s entourage and the hundred wagons were brought to another gate to be taken for inspection. This was a standard procedure to ascertain the safety of the empress and everyone inside the palace.

…

Yskaela brought Alaric to her study.

“Sit.” She pointed to a seat for him while she sat down in her chair.

Alaric took his seat and sized her up. Now that they were engaged, he didn’t bother to conceal his gaze.

Yskaela felt a bit shy under his intense gaze. She intentionally coughed to remind him of his actions.

“You really surprised me there, Alaric…”

Alaric no longer teased her. He smiled faintly and responded. “It is something that I must do.”

The empress chuckled, but soon her face turned serious. “You should know what this marriage means.”

With the sudden change in her tone, Alaric shifted his posture. “Of course…”

He knew the heavy responsibility that came with marrying the empress.

“Good.” Yskaela was pleased with his response.

“I’m sure many would be dissatisfied with our marriage so you must prepare yourself well.” She reminded him.

“I understand…”

The empress waved her hand. “I didn’t call you here to discuss this.”

“I want to know more about you.” She revealed a bashful smile.