Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 174: Prince Giovanni’s Anger

Inside a private room in one of the most popular restaurants in the capital, the second prince was having a meal with Lucas.

The two sat opposite each other, eating and enjoying their food.

Lucas took a cloth from his inner pocket to wipe off the grease on his lips.

He then looked at the second prince who was still busy with his food and spoke calmly. ”Your Highness, you can speak freely with me. I know you didnʼt just invite me for a meal.”

Prince Giovanni put down the cutlery.

”One moment.” He uttered. He then wiped off the oil stains on his mouth with a white cloth with golden embroidery.

After cleaning himself, he cleared his throat and spoke. ”Lord Lucas, I have always admired your commitment to defending the northern borders of Astania…”

The prince spoke a long paragraph of flattery and praise, but this only made Lucas annoyed.

If he wasnʼt of imperial bloodline, he would have left without saying a word.

”…The North is always subjected to attacks so there is a high demand for equipment and weapons. The weather there is also terrible so only a small percentage of the crops can survive. I am really saddened by the rough conditions that our northern residents have to experience all year round so I thought of sending some supplies in hopes that it would somehow alleviate the burden on the northern lords.” Prince Giovanni spoke with a heavy sigh.

If it was someone else, they might be fooled by his generosity, but Lucas was already aware of what kind of person the second prince was.

He was a tyrant who oppressed the poor and he was the kind of man who wouldnʼt hesitate to betray someone all for the sake of fulfilling his ambitions!

”That will be great, Your Highness, but I think we should discuss this with all the northern lords present. I am but one of the many lords in the North. I do not represent all of them.” Replied Lucas while shaking his head.

”What if I can make you the representative of the North?” Prince Giovanni smiled.

This had always worked during his negotiations with the other lords. He usually promised them big rewards in exchange for working under him.

When faced with the promised land, titles, and other rewards, they all ended up bending the knee.

Lucas stared deeply at the arrogant man in front of him. He wasnʼt even the emperor yet, but he was acting like he had full control of Astania.

In a cold voice, he responded. ”What makes you think that you can give me the entire North?”

Sensing the coldness in his tone, Prince Giovanni narrowed his eyes.

”I think there is a misunderstanding somewhere, Lord Lucas...” He forced a smile, thinking that it was probably just Lucas testing him.

Before he could speak further, Lucas raised his hand. ”I already knew that you planned to recruit me. I came here with the hope that you could somehow convince me, but what I heard from you disappointed me.”

He then stood up and said. ”I enjoyed the meal, Your Highness. Please excuse me.”

Without hesitation, Lucas turned around and left, leaving behind a dumbfounded Prince Giovanni.

Did he just leave after cutting me off? A mere baron from the fucking northern countryside?!

Prince Giovanniʼs expression darkened the more he thought about it.

I gave you face because you have some strength, but that does not mean that I am afraid of you!

In his anger, Prince Giovanni slammed his fist on the table.

Bang!

Lucas Silversword… One day, you will have to pay for this!

A powerful aura leaked out from his body.

If someone was here, they would have sensed the overwhelming energy he exuded. However, the most surprising thing was the second princeʼs aura…

He had the aura of Transcendence!

***

On the 31st of March, Alaric returned to North Pine Town with Hershey after Bishop Anton had rejected their request.

Inside the carriage on their way to the estate, Hershey grabbed Alaricʼs hand. ”Do not worry about it. I am sure that we will find someone who will engrave an ability on your sword. For now, we should think of your coming birthday.”

Two days from now, Alaric would celebrate his 19th birthday. He would have forgotten about this if she hadnʼt mentioned it.

Thinking about this, Alaric smiled at her. ”You are right. There is plenty of time to look for a beast soul warrior.”

Now that she had mentioned his coming birthday celebration, the topic shifted.

When they arrived at the estate, they saw Maria and a team of warriors waiting for them at the gates.

”Let us go. You should greet your mother-in-law.” Alaric said in a teasing voice.

The two stepped out of the carriage to greet Maria.

While Hershey and his mother were exchanging polite words, Alaric noticed a familiar face in the crowd.

It was the young boy he had met after the fallen warriors were buried in Mount Tegere.

What was his name again?

Oh, right! He is Wolf, the son of Jerry…

It was then that he remembered his conversation with the boy.

He must have waited a while for me.

He thought.

Alaric walked toward the young boy while waving his hand.

”Wolf, son of Jerry. I guess that you have finally gotten permission from your mother.” He smiled.

The young boy was a bit flustered when he sensed everyone staring at him.

He took a deep breath and nodded. ”Yes, my lord! I have already spoken with my mother and she has agreed with my decision.”

”Good! If you have already thought it through, then you can follow me. I will bring you to someone who will train you to become a Knight!” Alaric tapped the boyʼs shoulder with an encouraging look.

Wolfʼs potential was far greater than most of his subordinates. With proper guidance, he might even surpass those who had trained earlier than him!

”Can I really become a Knight, my lord?” Wolf clenched his fists.

Alaric did not doubt this. He nodded as he replied. ”I have faith in your talent, Wolf. I am sure that you will become a Knight one day.”

He then shrugged and added with a chuckle.

”Who knows? Maybe you will be one of those few people who will become future powerhouses.”

Everyone was surprised when they heard him praising the young man. Alaric had never shown much interest in a young talent before. He had visited the training ground to inspect the progress of the newbiesʼ training, but they had never seen him display this kind of enthusiasm to a prospective talent.

Everyone became more curious about the young man. They all wondered what was so special about him.

After some small talk, Maria brought Hershey inside the main mansion to discuss the final preparations for Alaricʼs birthday.

Meanwhile, Alaric brought Wolf to the training ground and introduced him to the instructor and the newbies.

The last batch of newbies had already graduated from their training. This time, there were only a few of them, just a little more than twenty trainees.

Alaric gave Wolf a few more words of encouragement before he headed straight to the smithy.

By now, Sir Goran should have already completed my sword. It is just a pity that the bishop has rejected my request.

He was still feeling regretful about the rejection, but there was nothing he could do. The man was restricted by the sacred covenant.

When he entered the smithy, he felt the sudden increase in the temperature, but he was already used to it.

By the time he arrived at Goranʼs workshop, he saw the latter polishing the blade of a short sword.

Goran raised his head when he heard someoneʼs footsteps. ”Eh? My lord!” He immediately put down the sword to greet him.

Alaric waved his hand and kept his eyes on the short sword. It had a white blade with an intricate dragon head carving on its handle.

With one look, he could tell that it was an impressive sword. ”Sir Goran, is that my sword?” He asked.

Goran nodded. ”Yes, my lord. I have completed the sword a few days ago.”

As he said those words, he grabbed the sword and handed it to Alaric.

It is cold…

Alaric raised an eyebrow when he felt the cold handle. He then touched the blade and was even more surprised.

It is like I am touching snow.

”The cold property on the sword is because of the cold iron. The mithril also enhanced the coldness because of…” Goranʼs explanation fell on deaf ears.

Alaric was too focused on the notification that popped up out of nowhere.

[Do you want to use the Equipment Upgrade Card on the selected item?]

[Yes] [No]

He still had the Equipment Upgrade Card that he got from the last mission.

Alaric had the urge to click [Yes], but he felt that he would get a surprise if he waited a bit more.

After some thought, he clicked [No].