Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

In Zurcath, the situation had mostly stabilized, but the atmosphere among the residents was still lukewarm. Some even harbored deep resentment toward the Astanian troops.

At this moment, Lucas was busy delegating tasks to his subordinates when a warrior came to approach him with an urgent expression.

"My lord, the heads of the aristocratic houses are protesting again. Our scouts also discovered that they are secretly gathering the family members of those who were killed in war."

Hearing this, Lucas furrowed his eyebrows.

Those aristocrats had been giving him a headache ever since his troops conquered Zurcath. He had already imprisoned most of them, but it seemed like their authority was still strong despite being held behind bars.

"They just won't give up, huh?" Lucas muttered in a cold voice.

He had been patient with them. If not for Sherwin stopping him, those people would have already been killed.

"Call Sherwin here," Lucas instructed while rubbing his temples.

"Yes, my lord!" The warrior acknowledged the command and left with haste.

After the warrior left, Lucas leaned on his seat with an exhausted look.

He was swamped with work. Even with the help of his subordinates, there were still many things to take care of.

I want to go home and hold my daughter…

He missed his daughter and his wives.

A moment later, Sherwin entered his office.

"I have come, my lord."

Seeing him, Lucas gestured for him to come closer.

"I believe you are already aware of the situation."

Sherwin nodded. "Yes, my lord. My subordinates have already informed me. How do you want me to deal with the situation?"

Lucas furrowed his eyebrows.

Normally, Sherwin would offer some advice, but he was directly asking for instructions now. He wondered what had happened for this sudden change.

"It seems like the negotiations didn't go well." Lucas sent him an inquisitive look.

Sherwin sighed and shook his head. "I tried to convince them, but they are a stubborn bunch. They refused to listen to my suggestions and chose to ignore my warnings."

Lucas seemed to have expected this. "Since they refuse to cooperate…"

"… Dispose of them quietly."

Sherwin took a deep breath as he nodded. "I understand. I will send our most tight-lipped warriors to dispose of them."

Lucas waved his hand impatiently. "Make it quick before they can do something troublesome."

"Yes, my lord!" Sherwin saluted solemnly and left.

Once we deal with those annoying bastards, everything should be peaceful-

His thoughts were cut off when he heard a series of knocks on the door.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

What is it this time?

He facepalmed himself.

"You may enter."

A messenger stepped inside the room, his face covered in sweat. "My lord, we received a letter from our people in Atarkan. It has a special marking so I came as soon as I got the letter."

A special marking on a letter signified that it was something urgent.

Hearing this, Lucas beckoned the messenger.

Understanding his cue, the messenger took the letter from his inner pocket and carefully handed it to Lucas.

The Venerable glanced at the letter and saw a special marking next to the seal.

With a deep frown, he removed the seal to read the message.

This…

His eyes suddenly darkened upon reading the contents of the letter.

He stood up and said with a grim expression. "Summon the military officers at once! I need them outside the mansion within half an hour!"

Hearing this, the messenger didn't bother to ask questions and responded. "Yes, my lord!"

The messenger didn't linger and quickly left to deliver the message to the military officers.

Lucas felt his head throbbing. He had just solved one problem, but another one had come up. It was a never-ending cycle.

So this is how you respond, Arcientus. You just don't know when to quit…

***

Meanwhile, in the imperial castle of Veronica, a woman of celestial beauty sat on her throne.

She wore her dragon and phoenix imperial robes adorned with mystical jewelry. On top of her head was her golden jeweled crown, shining with resplendent light.

This woman was the ultimate ruler of Veronica, Empress Yskaela Veronica.

"Your Majesty, Harune needs your help. We will offer you anything you ask as long as you lend us military support." Donovan, the right-hand man of Emperor Arcientus stared cautiously at the empress.

Although they were both Venerables, Donovan didn't have his usual confidence in the presence of this woman.

She was no ordinary Mythical Knight. She was known for her unequaled beauty and overwhelming power.

She once announced to the world that she would rather be single forever than marry a weak man. Because of this announcement, many powerhouses from various nations tried to court her, but the empress remained unmoved.

To this day, it is said that the empress had remained single. There were rumors that she had taken a fancy to a powerful hermit, but the news wasn't verified.

"What are you willing to give in exchange for my help? Be specific." The empress replied in a strict but soulful voice.

Donovan took a deep breath and gathered his thoughts before he responded. "Harune is willing to offer a tribute of 1 million gold coins annually. We are also willing to offer…"

He listed a bunch of offerings, but the empress's expression remained unchanged.

"Do you take me for a beggar? I don't sense any sincerity from you."

The empress made a hand gesture and said. "Take our guest away."

Donovan was stunned. The tributes he offered were substantial, but they didn't even catch the empress's interest.

What a greedy woman!

Donovan gritted his teeth. "Your Majesty, please wait!"

He stared deeply at the empress.

Yskaela Veronica raised an eyebrow with a displeased look. "Did you not hear what I just said?"

Donovan was nervous, but he couldn't give up just like that. "Your Majesty, please tell me what you want. I will cater to them as best as I can."

Hearing this, Yskaela let out a smile. "Double the tribute you offered and give me half of the cities conquered by Astania."