Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 115: Roland Meets Fredrinn

”I appreciate the offer, Sir Anthony, but we are in a hurry. Maybe next time.” Roland tactfully rejected his invitation.

It seems like the Silverswords are close to the city guards of Vale.

He was sharp enough to notice that Anthony was trying to delay him.

”Is that so? What a pity…” Anthony shook his head with a regretful expression.

The two exchanged a few more words before Anthony instructed one of his men to bring Rolandʼs party to the soap shop.

As soon as they left, Anthonyʼs face became somber.

He sent his subordinates a look and said. ”Send a few people to follow that group and report their movements to me every two hours.”

”Yes, sir!” His men sensed the seriousness in his tone, so no one dared to slack off.

After giving more instructions to his subordinates, Anthony rushed to the orphanage.

***

”Sir, that shop over there is the soap shop owned by the Silverswords.”

”I see. Thank you for taking us all the way here. Please accept this. Itʼs a small token of my gratitude.” Roland smiled as he handed a small pouch to the warrior.

The warrior grinned as he took the pouch. ”Itʼs my pleasure to help you.”

Seeing that Roland was no longer interested in talking with him, the warrior decisively turned around and left.

”Once inside the shop, remember not to cause trouble.” Roland reminded his men with a stern look.

”Yes, sir!”

A moment later, they crossed the road and were about to enter the shop when the bodyguards at the front door barred them from entering.

Rolandʼs men frowned upon seeing this. A few of them almost lashed out, but Roland raised his hand and gave them a deep look.

”Brothers, we would like to speak with the shop owner.” Roland politely spoke to the guards even though they were only Knight Apprentices

One of the guards responded while firmly shaking his head. ”We apologize, sir, but our lord is busy with other matters. If itʼs really important, I can go inside to inform the manager for you.”

One of Rolandʼs subordinates suddenly ran out of patience and snorted.

”You! Do you even know who you are speaking to?!”

Roland glared at the man, but he couldnʼt bring himself to reprimand him since the guy was speaking out for his sake.

He cupped his fists and said. ”I apologize for his behavior. We donʼt mean to cause trouble. Please inform your manager about our presence.”

The bodyguardsʼ faces darkened.

Step. Step.

Suddenly, a group of warriors stepped out of the soap shop.

”What is happening here?” The person leading them asked with a stern voice.

”Sir Fredrinn!” The bodyguards saluted the man before one of them whispered something to his ears.

Fredrinn shifted his gaze toward Rolandʼs group upon hearing the guardʼs report.

An Elite Knight, and he is not any weaker than me…

Both men locked gazes in that instant, and they were taken aback when they sensed each otherʼs strength.

”I am Fredrinn, the guard captain of this shop.” Fredrinn approached the other party and stood before him.

Roland nodded. ”Iʼm Roland, the leader of this party. Iʼm pleased to meet you, Sir Fredrinn.”

”Likewise.” Fredrinn calmly replied.

”We came here to discuss business with the owner of the shop. I hope you can arrange a meeting for us.” Roland could tell that this man was different than the captain of the city guards.

Anthony was polite and cordial, but Fredrinn didnʼt seem to have the intention of being friendly with them.

This guy might be difficult to handle.

This was Rolandʼs first impression of him.

Fredrinn shook his head. ”Our lord isnʼt in the city, so your request might be difficult to fulfill. However, I can take you inside to speak with the manager. He has the authority to discuss any business matters related to the store.”

”I see.” Roland was only trying his luck, so he wasnʼt too disappointed with his response.

Discussing business is just a secondary matter. Our main goal is to have a chance to speak with the Silverswords. Hopefully, the manager can help me arrange a meeting with them. Otherwise, we would have to visit their estate directly.

Roland was very particular with etiquette. He also didnʼt want to offend the Silverswords, so he was willing to go through this much trouble just to get the chance to meet them.

”Please lead the way. I would like to speak with the manager.”

Fredrinn nodded. ”Alright, but you can only take two people inside.”

”We donʼt usually allow armed guests inside, so I hope that you will understand our situation.” He explained.

Roland understood the implications in his words, so he didnʼt make things difficult for Fredrinn. ”No problem.”

He then turned around and chose two of his men to follow him inside.

”Sir, what if this is a trap? We canʼt trust these people.” One of his men whispered.

Hearing this, Roland shook his head. ”I donʼt think the Silverswords would be foolish enough to offend us. Just stay right here and leave the talking to me.”

”But…”

He didnʼt wait for their response and headed inside the shop with Fredrinn.

***

Meanwhile, in the orphanage.

Anthony got down from his horse.

”Uncle Anthony!” A few kids who were familiar with him eagerly called out when they saw him.

Anthony adjusted his breathing and forced out a smile as he spoke to them. ”Hello, kids. Where is your Grandpa William?”

”Grandpa is resting inside.” One of the kids pointed at the newly renovated orphanage.

”Oh, is that so? Just stay here and continue playing. Uncle Anthony still has some matters to discuss with your grandpa.” Anthony excused himself and headed inside the renovated building to look for William.

Just when he was about to head in, he suddenly saw a figure stepping out onto the balcony on the second floor of the building.

”Sir William!”

William furrowed his eyebrows. ”What happened?” He felt that something was amiss when he saw Anthonyʼs expression.