Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

This greedy woman!

Donovan forced an ugly smile on his face. "I accept your terms, Your Majesty. If His Majesty disagrees, I will beg him if necessary."

Although giving in to her demands would nearly drain them of their resources, it was better than having Astania take their lands.

"Good. I will send five hundred thousand warriors to Harune, including three Venerables. That should be enough to defeat the Astanian army and retake the cities they captured." The empress stated calmly.

Donovan grimaced.

So stingy! She asked to double the tribute I offered and even wanted three cities to be given to Veronica, but all she could send was just this?

He wanted to tell her to add more troops, but he felt that it would only displease the empress. He could only swallow the words he was about to say.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. We will never forget this favor." Donovan did a fist-palm salute.

Yskaela waved her hand and said. "If there's nothing else, you may leave. You can speak with the Grand Commander if you have more questions."

Hearing this, Donovan subconsciously glanced at the gray-haired old warrior standing beneath the throne. This old man was the Grand Commander of Veronica. He held the highest number of troops in the nation.

He was a Mythical Knight and also the most loyal retainer of the empress.

"Lord Donovan, let us talk somewhere else. Please follow me." The Grand Commander made a hand gesture.

Donovan nodded.

This old man should be easier to talk to. Maybe I can convince him to add more troops and Venerables.

He thought to himself as he followed the old warrior out of the throne room.

A moment later, he was taken to a pavilion outside the imperial castle. He could see the back garden and a man-made lake just a few dozen meters from the pavilion. The sight was beautiful and calming to the eyes.

"This pavilion is where Her Majesty relaxes her mind." The Grand Commander spoke with a smile.

"It's beautiful…" Donovan remarked.

The Grand Commander chuckled.

The two silently admired the scenery before the old warrior broke the silence. "Your situation is urgent so I will make this quick."

"I will arrange the five hundred thousand warriors and the three Venerables that Her Majesty has promised."

"It will take some time before the troops will be gathered so you might have to wait for a week."

Hearing this, Donovan hesitated before he replied. "Lord Grand Commander, Astania has three Venerables on their side as well as hundreds of thousands of highly-trained soldiers..."

The Grand Commander frowned. "Get to the point."

Donovan cleared his throat. "What I'm saying is… even with the troops that Veronica will send, defeating the Astanian army will still be difficult."

"…Maybe you can add more to guarantee our victory."

The Grand Commander sneered. "You want me to defy Her Majesty's orders just to accommodate your request?! Speak of it again and I will have your head this instant!"

Donovan could sense the old man's aura skyrocketing. The mana around them fluctuated vigorously, as if a volcano was about to erupt.

What a strong aura!

Just based on his aura alone, Donovan realized that the grand commander was significantly stronger than him.

"Please calm down, Lord Grand Commander!" Donovan raised his hands with a wry smile.

"Forget about what I said. I merely said it out of desperation. I hope you understand where I'm coming from." He explained with a sigh.

The Grand Commander recalled his aura and snorted. "I will forgive you just this time."

He then stood up and muttered. "I am no longer in the mood. My subordinates will take you to your accommodation. Stay there and wait for my news."

Without waiting for his response, the Grand Commander left decisively.

Looking at his back, Donovan's eyes flashed with rage.

There will come a time when you will regret humiliating me like this.

***

Meanwhile, in Zurcath, the Astanian army was fortifying the city's defenses. They placed numerous traps outside the city in preparation for the incoming Harunian troops.

However, despite all the preparations, Lucas felt that it was still not enough.

Should I request support from the crown prince?

He thought, but he quickly abandoned the idea. Even if he requested support from him, it would take weeks before the crown prince's troops could get to Zurcath.

Suddenly, he felt a strong aura rapidly approaching from the sky. He lifted his head and narrowed his eyes.

This aura…

Just then, he saw the familiar figure of the Draconic Lion zooming past the clouds. Lucas also noticed that there were people on its back.

"Zephyr!" He exclaimed, his eyes flashing with excitement.

Zephyr was a Catastrophe-grade beast with heavy firepower. Its flames were so powerful that they could kill tens of thousands of warriors in just a matter of minutes!

The troops in Zurcath were stunned when they saw the huge beast coming towards the city.

To prevent chaos from spreading, Lucas signaled his troops not to worry.

When the beast got closer, they realized to their relief that it was a Draconic Lion, the tamed beast of House Silversword.

In the next moment, the Draconic Lion descended in front of Lucas while emitting a powerful roar.

Roar!!

Its beastly voice resounded across the city, scaring the residents.

Whoosh!

"How have you been, my lord?" Smiling faintly, Alaric jumped off Zephyr's back and walked towards his father.

The five people who came with him followed him quietly.

Lucas looked at his son. He was no longer the immature kid that he was years ago. His shoulders were now broad and he had this kind of temperament unique to authoritative figures.

His son, Alaric, was now a man, someone that he could count on.

Lucas felt proud.

"I didn't expect you to come here. You even brought Zephyr and these people." He noticed an unfamiliar face among the five people he brought, but he didn't bother to ask.

He knew that Alaric would explain it to him at the right time.