Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 131: Alaric’s Ambition

The next morning, the first thing Alaric did after waking up was to visit the injured warriors of House Silversword. They were receiving treatment at the biggest clinic in the town and their treatment fees had even been waived by the mayor to reward them for their efforts in helping the town repel the orc army.

After visiting all his subordinates, Alaric went to find Ronan who was admitted to the same clinic.

The manʼs left arm had been cut off during the battle last night and this would greatly affect his career as a warrior. It was unknown whether he could keep his position as the commander of the town guards.

Alaric felt pity for him.

Ronan was a true warrior. Despite the overwhelming odds against them, he never retreated and chose to hold the frontlines together with the town guards.

This man deserved his respect.

”How are you doing, Sir Ronan?” Alaric took a seat on the chair next to Ronanʼs bed.

The Knight forced a smile as he replied. ”As you can see, my lord, I look like shit right now.”

Alaric didnʼt want him to wallow in despair so he offered some words of encouragement.

”Sir Ronan, Iʼm sure that you can recover from this. You might have lost an arm, but the heart of a warrior remains in you. I believe that Aru has more plans for you so you should not feel discouraged.”

Hearing this, Ronanʼs spirits were lifted.

”Youʼre right. This isnʼt the end of my story.”

The warrior mumbled and lifted his head to look at Alaric.

”Thank you for visiting me, my lord. I appreciate your kind words and Iʼm grateful that you came to our aid. I canʼt begin to imagine what could have happened to our town if you hadnʼt come here.”

Alaric smiled faintly at his words. ”Thereʼs no need to thank me. Iʼm only doing my job as a noble of Astania. After all, itʼs part of my duty to protect the citizens of the empire.” He responded.

Alaric stayed for a while to chat with Ronan. He only left an hour later to meet the mayor of the town.

…

At the town mayorʼs office, Alaric received a warm welcome. He was treated like royalty and it almost overwhelmed him.

”My lord, I havenʼt thanked you enough for helping our town. Please let me know if there is something you need. I will do my best to accommodate your request.” The mayor, an old man who looked to be in his seventies.

Alaric couldnʼt sense any mana from him. Which means that the mayor was just an ordinary person.

”Actually, I came here to inform you about something important, mayor.” Alaric put on a serious face.

Sensing the severity in his tone, the mayor adjusted his posture and listened carefully.

Alaric cleared his throat and said. ”I sent my subordinates last night to scout the forest and they discovered a large orc settlement a few miles from here. There are thousands of orc warriors in that settlement and itʼs possible that they will attack Alverton again once they hear the news about their armyʼs defeat.”

”What?!” The mayor was stunned at his words.

Alverton barely survived the orc attack with the help of two noble households. If another orc army attacked the town, no one might come to their rescue anymore.

After helping the town, House Paxley almost lost an Elite Knight and over half of the warriors they sent died. On the other hand, House Silversword also lost a considerable number of warriors. Not to mention the large number of casualties the town guards had suffered.

”My lord, is what youʼre saying true?” The mayor didnʼt want to accept this news since it was too much for him to handle.

Alaric nodded with a grave look.

”Mayor, I think staying here isnʼt a good idea. The town canʼt handle another orc attack. How about listening to my suggestion?”

The mayorʼs eyes flashed as he gestured for Alaric to continue. ”Please tell me, my lord. Iʼll consider it after hearing your words.”

Alaric stared deeply at the mayor and said. ”Why donʼt you relocate the residents of Alverton to North Pine Town?”

The mayor was taken aback. He didnʼt expect to hear this absurd suggestion from him, but upon careful thinking, he realized that it might be the best option for them.

If they chose to stay here, they would only end up as food for the orcs.

The mayor fell silent as he weighed his options.

After about two minutes of silence, he glanced at Alaric and asked. ”My lord, please pardon my insolence, but can House Silversword handle the expenditure if we choose to follow you to North Pine Town?”

He was worried that Alaric might not have thought things prudently before offering this suggestion.

”You can rest assured, mayor. House Silversword has enough funds to help Alvertonʼs residents relocate. I promise that we will help them build their new homes and we will also keep them safe during the relocation.” Alaric reassured him.

The mayor was still doubtful. He couldnʼt understand why Alaric was willing to go this far for them. Helping the entire town relocate would require an enormous effort and funding. He believed that no noble household would offer such terms without anything in return.

”What do you want in return, my lord?” The mayor asked, his face looking incredibly serious.

Alaric was satisfied with this old mayor. He showed his concern for the overall welfare of the residents. He didnʼt even ask Alaric what would happen to his position once they had relocated to North Pine Town.

It was rare to find such a leader and Alaric felt comfortable talking with such an individual.

Alaric smiled while facing the mayorʼs scrutinizing eyes. ”I just want to turn North Pine Town into a bigger city and your situation happened to fit perfectly with my plans…”

The mayor was visibly shaken by Alaricʼs grand ambition.