Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

“What do you want to know about me?” Alaric didn’t expect to see the empress exhibit such womanly behavior.

Yskaela felt uncharacteristically shy to meet his gaze. She looked away and asked. “What do you enjoy doing other than mana and sword training?”

Alaric thought that the question was easy, but he found himself stumped.

Right. Other than swordsmanship and mana training, what else do I enjoy doing?

Ever since he regressed, all he thought about was improving his strength as quickly as possible. He trained hard as if tomorrow would be the last. It was because of his fear of meeting the same end as in his past life.

Looking at his puzzled look, Yskaela couldn’t help but tease him. “Don’t tell me you only train all day?”

Alaric was speechless. He quickly shook his head to deny it. “Of course not.”

“When I’m not training, I play chess with someone. I also enjoy watching artisans make weapons.” He added.

Yskaela raised her eyebrows.

Playing chess was still normal, but watching artisans forge weapons? Was he that bored?

“That sounds interesting…”

The two chatted about random things. Although they only discussed mundane matters, the conversation deepened their connection. They also learned more about each other.

…

News about the coming wedding between Alaric and the empress spread like wildfire.

The surrounding nations were shocked, not expecting the famous Yskaela Veronica to accept someone’s marriage proposal. To someone much younger than her at that.

Many of her former suitors expressed dissatisfaction, but when they heard that she would be marrying Alaric, most of them could only sigh in regret. However, there were still a few who harbored deep resentment for this unexpected marriage.

One of them was the crown prince of a neighboring nation called Parahan. His name was Ferdinand Parahan.

At this moment, somewhere in the capital of Parahan, Hothsk, a mansion stood beside a frozen river.

“Why?! Why would she marry that guy?!” Ferdinand was shaking with anger as he read a letter sent by his spies in Veronica.

Ferdinand looked at his own reflection in the mirror, his face contorted with rage.

He was a man who looked to be in his early thirties, but in truth, he was already beyond seventy years old.

He had short brown hair neatly combed to the side. His facial features were striking, full of masculinity.

With a height of over two meters, he was like a towering giant.

Ferdinand was the dream man of all women, but the only woman he ever liked had never once shown an ounce of interest in him.

“You told me that you will never marry someone weaker than you, then what’s this?!” His rage burst out uncontrollably as he punched the mirror, breaking it into pieces.

The maidservants standing behind him were terrified. They didn’t dare utter a word, afraid that the crown prince would take his anger out on them.

Ferdinand’s fist was bleeding, but strangely, he felt that the pain in his heart was more unbearable.

Yskaela… why?!

“Your Highness, please calm your anger.” A stern voice suddenly drifted into his ears.

There was only one person who would dare to speak to him in this situation. It was his attendant and his most trusted confidant, Demetrio Maras.

His words made the crown prince regain his composure.

Ferdinand controlled his emotions and turned his head to look at Demetrio.

He was a middle-aged man who looked to be in his mid-forties. He had tanned and rough skin, a result of constant exposure to the sun. Although his appearance was average, he had a robust physique that could enchant many women.

“Sir Demetrio, send our spies to investigate that man! I want everything about him sent to me within a week!” Ferdinand instructed in a cold voice.

Demetrio thought about dissuading him, but noticing the crown prince’s cold face, he could only accept the order.

“Your subordinate understands.”

After Demetrio left, Ferdinand grabbed a petite maid and signaled to others to leave. “You may all leave.”

Hearing this, the servants promptly left.

“Your Highness…” The petite maidservant nervously glanced at him, but she quickly looked away when she saw her icy expression.

“Undress.” A cold voice drifted into her ears.

…

Two weeks after the engagement between Alaric and the empress was announced, Sorl experienced a huge increase in the number of visitors.

People from all around Veronica came to visit the capital to join the festivities. There were even a few who came from other countries using their fastest flying beasts.

In the man-made pond beside the designated mansion of House Silversword, Alaric was feeding the fishes together with his sister, Gwenaelle.

“Brother, look at that fat fish. It’s twice as big as the other fishes!” Exclained the little girl while pointing at one particular gold-scaled fish.

Alaric feeling amused by her words, patted her tiny head. “Do you want me to catch it for you?”

Gwenaelle shook her head, her hands akimbo. “Brother, you shouldn’t catch the poor fish. That’s bad!”

Looking at her pouting face, Alaric chuckled and gently squeezed her face. “Right. It’s bad. We should never hurt animals. They too are precious beings of this world.”

“Hmph!” Gwenaelle snorted and looked away from him.

Suddenly, Alaric heard someone approaching. He turned his head and saw that it was Bellator.

“Lord Bellator, do you need anything from me?” He inquired, looking at the man with a faint smile.

Although Bellator was summoned by the system, he hadn’t given him any instructions and allowed him to roam freely within the capital city. The guy rarely showed himself so Alaric was curious about the reason for his visit.

Bellator looked at the young man and replied in a calm voice. “I must leave the city. My breakthrough is imminent.”

Alaric raised an eyebrow. “Can you not advance here, Lord Bellator?”

Bellator shook his head. “Advancing to the Beyonder realm will cause a big commotion. I can’t do it here.”

“I see…” Alaric revealed a look of interest.

As if seeing through his mind, Bellator spoke. “Once I complete my advancement, I will share my insights with you.”