Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

News of the annihilation of House Namgung spread like wildfire, leaving everyone stunned upon hearing it.

House Namgung was the strongest household in the entirety of Veronica. It held control over many noble and martial houses.

The nobility was scared witless. No one expected the empress to be so ruthless to the most meritorious subject of the nation. However, most people supported her decision.

Many had already come to know the Carefree Duke’s failed attempt at rebellion.

With the destruction of House Namgung, fear spread among the remaining supporters of the Carefree Duke. Some smarter ones immediately set off to the capital to show their loyalty to the empress and the newly crowned emperor.

For the next two months, Alaric and Yskaela had to face the enthusiastic visitors who came to offer gifts.

During this time, Alaric also had to learn the ways of ruling the country. He had to meet the old ministers and advisors of Veronica, studying the law under their guidance.

...

One afternoon, in the imperial study.

Alaric sat behind the desk, scribbling down the key points of what he had learned in the past few days.

After writing the final line, he put down the quill pen and leaned back in his seat, exhausted.

With a soft sigh, he said. ”That should be it.”

Over the past two months, he barely had any time to train. Most of his time was spent on learning the law and doing some administrative duties.

”So being an emperor is this exhausting.” He shook his head, rubbing his weary eyes.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Hearing the knocks on the door, Alaric adjusted his sitting posture and cleared his throat. ”You may enter.”

Creak.

An old minister stepped inside the room and bowed deeply. ”Your Majesty.”

Alaric motioned to the old man, gesturing to him to take a seat. With a helpless smile, he asked. ”Are you here to give me more manuscripts to read?”

Looking at the young emperor’s expression, the old minister chuckled. ”You jest, Your Majesty.”

Upon taking his seat, the old minister observed the documents piled up on the table. He was an expert, so he quickly noticed that Alaric had been diligent in his studies.

With a gratified smile, he opened his mouth. ”You have learned everything that you need to learn, Your Majesty. This old man is here to inform you that my task here is done.”

Alaric was thrilled, but he didn’t show it on his face. ”Is that so? Thank you for putting up with me, Minister Wang. It must have been hard on you.”

The old minister shook his head. ”It is my pleasure to serve Your Majesty. Regrettably, I have other tasks to handle, so I cannot stay here for long.”

Alaric nodded in understanding. The old minister was one of the busiest people in the country.

”I enjoyed working with you, Minister Wang. When are you planning to depart?”

”I must leave today. You may have heard of this, but the Carefree Duke’s death caused major unrest in some cities, so I must head there to pacify the residents.” The old minister responded.

Alaric furrowed his eyebrows.

Although the Carefree Duke was a rebel, he helped many people in his youth. Some retained their loyalty even when he was declared a criminal. These loyal followers created a secret organization and gathered more people to join their side. Their sole purpose was to take revenge for the old duke’s death.

After some small talk, Alaric bid farewell to the old minister and sent him off to the entrance of the palace.

As he looked at the old minister’s carriage leaving, Alaric went back to the study, his face looking cold.

Those rebels, they just don’t get tired.

He had sent Caecus and a team of assassins to eliminate this rebel organization, but they just keep coming back like wild grass.

Although the rebel organization’s power wasn’t a huge threat, its presence still caused uneasiness to the populace.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to him.

Should I build a new knight order?

A knight order with the sole purpose of destroying the rebel organization.

He stopped walking and rubbed his chin, pondering this deeply.

A moment later, he beckoned to the closest warrior who was stationed in the hallway.

”What are your orders, Your Majesty?” The warrior saluted.

”Tell the Grand Commander to come to my study.”

”Your servant obeys.”

...

Half an hour later, the Grand Commander, Ludwig, entered the imperial study.

”Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Alaric smiled faintly and gestured for him to sit. ”Did I disturb your work, Grand Commander?”

Ludwig smiled and shook his head. ”Not at all. Even if I am busy, I would drop it for you.”

Alaric laughed at his words.

After exchanging pleasantries, Alaric finally mentioned his plans. ”Grand Commander, I plan to train a new knight order. Can you bring me ten thousand young warriors to the capital within two weeks?”

Hearing this, Ludwig was taken aback.

”This isn’t difficult to handle. Can you give me the requirements for these young warriors?”

Alaric thought for a moment. ”They must be below the age of twenty, and they must be loyal to Veronica. Most importantly, I don’t want lazy people.”

Ludwig silently noted this in his mind. ”Can I include young women?”

He could gather ten thousand young men, but it would take a little bit more time.

Alaric nodded. ”As long as they are willing to fight for their nation, it doesn’t matter what their gender is.”

”Alright. I will get this done within two weeks.” Ludwig smiled confidently.

”Great! That is all I need. You may go.” Alaric waved his hand.

Ludwig stood up and didn’t linger any longer. He bid Alaric farewell and left the study.

...

”Have you heard the news?”

”What news?”

”The Lord Grand Commander is inviting young warriors of all genders under the age of twenty to the capital! I heard that a new knight order is being formed!”

”A new knight order?!”

The invitation of the grand commander attracted the attention of numerous people. Some noble and martial houses even sent their young warriors to the capital, hoping to join this newly formed knight order.

In the next few days, the capital experienced a surge of visitors. With the arrival of these visitors, the imperial guards had to work overtime to ensure the safety of the residents.