Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 51: Liam’s Machinations

After Elena dressed his wounds, Alaric stepped out of the carriage to check his subordinates.

”How is everyone?” He asked while looking at Bernard.

”Everyone is fine, my lord. Some of our soldiers are injured, but their injuries arenʼt fatal. They only need a few days of rest to recover.” Bernard replied while staring at him with unmasked admiration.

Despite being the heir of a noble household, Alaric didnʼt hesitate to place himself in the most dangerous position. Other heirs would have chosen to prioritize their safety if they were in that situation.

”Provide first aid to the injured and monitor their condition from time to time. Also, build a wagon big enough to fit all of them. You can use the spare tires of the carriage for the wagon.” Alaric instructed.

”Yes, my lord.” Bernard acknowledged his command with a nod of his head.

”You may go.”

After Bernard left to do his tasks, Warrick approached him with a solemn look. ”My lord, how should we handle this matter?”

This matter was big enough to destroy the alliance between House Paxley and House Silversword. If it wasnʼt handled well, it might even lead to a war!

Alaric pondered deeply.

I canʼt let this matter slide. If I act like nothing happened, Liam would think that Iʼm a pushover.

But how should I retaliate without ruining the friendship of the two noble households?

Warrick remained silent and calmly waited for his response. It was a difficult choice so he wondered how Alaric would respond.

After almost five minutes of silence, Alaric raised his head and muttered in a cold voice. ”Once the wagon is built, we will head straight to North Pine Town and inform my father about the situation.”

”House Paxley is definitely not involved with this. They will never do something that would damage the friendship of the two households. Which means that Liam is the sole culprit!” He added.

”I will never let that bastard get away with this!” Alaricʼs eyes flashed with killing intent.

Warrick felt a chill when he saw his gaze. ”I will follow your words, my lord.” He lowered his head.

Not long later, Chulmo came running towards him with an urgent look on his face. ”My lord, I discovered the contract between Liam and the mercenary group!”

”Hm? Where is it?” This was crucial evidence that would prove Liamʼs direct involvement.

”Itʼs here, my lord.” Chulmo handed him the piece of parchment paper he was holding.

Alaric unrolled the parchment paper and read the contents.

The document noted down the mission that Liam tasked the mercenary group with. It was even stamped by both parties which made it legitimate evidence that could prove Liamʼs crime.

What a fucking idiot! He actually left a trace that would lead back to him.

Just wait for me, Liam. I will let you live for a while, but mark my words, you wonʼt have a good ending…

Alaric rolled the parchment paper and kept it in his pocket.

”Good job, Sir Chulmo.” Alaric tapped the Knightʼs shoulder. Without the document, it would have been difficult to seek justice.

Chulmo grinned at him. ”Iʼm glad that I found something useful.”

”Continue searching their items. We might find something else.”

”Yes, my lord!” Chulmo saluted and left to do what he had instructed.

Under Chulmoʼs command, a few warriors rummaged through the mercenariesʼ items. Unfortunately, other than some money and their crude equipment, there was nothing of notable importance.

A few hours later, the wagon was finally built.

Alaric instructed the group to bring the injured to the wagon.

Once everyone had settled down, the group marched towards the direction of Vale.

***

Meanwhile, inside a room in House Paxleyʼs main mansion.

Liam sat on a chair as he stared at the cloudy night sky with a faint smile. ”Those stupid followers of Agnus should be dead by now.”

He was already aware that an Elite Knight was leading Alaricʼs escort team. The reason he sent the mercenary group to attack them was because he wanted to make Alaric pay for coveting his sister. He also wanted to make use of Alaricʼs group to remove the potential threat that had grown significantly over the years. Whether Alaric died or not was not his concern.

It seems like nothing happened to you Alaric.

What a pity.

If something had happened to Alaric, his entourage would have returned to Ryvaad to investigate the incident, but since there were no signs of them, he was certain that Alaric was still alive.

Thinking about this, he shook his head with a regretful look.

Well, at least I managed to eliminate Juvahʼs mercenary group. Now, I have nothing to worry about once I inherit my fatherʼs property and position.

Liam snickered at the success of his plan.

I accomplished two things today. One, I was able to punish Alaric for coveting what is mine. And secondly, I eliminated Juvahʼs mercenary group which would be a huge threat to my future rule. Iʼm really a fucking genius!

”Hahahaha!”

His evil laughter echoed within the confines of his room.

***

On the 6th day of December, in the year 208 of the Astanian calendar, Alaricʼs group finally arrived at the entrance of North Pine Town.

The mood was heavy and no one spoke throughout their return to the estate.

At this moment, Lucas and Maria were happily waiting for them in front of the main mansion.

”Hm?” Lucas was the first to notice them and he immediately saw their haggard faces.

Sensing the change in his expression, Maria raised her eyebrows. ”What happened?” She asked with a hint of worry.

Lucas frowned as he muttered in response. ”They are injured.”

”What?!” Maria covered her mouth in shock.

”What about our son? Is he alright?”

Lucas nodded with a grim look. ”He is fine, but he is also injured.”

”Oh my god! Just what happened out there?” Mariaʼs eyelashes trembled.

In the next moment, Alaric stepped out of the carriage with Elena closely following behind him.

Seeing him covered in bandages, Maria immediately rushed to his side. ”My son! Are you alright?”

Meanwhile, Lucas stood there unmoving, his eyes filled with intense coldness.