Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

"These men are the assassins sent to harm my fiancée, and today, they will confess their crimes and expose the person who sent them!"

When Alaric made this announcement, the crowd was furious. Some of them were to throw stones at the assassins, but they were stopped by the warriors of House Silversword.

"Why are you stopping us, brave warriors? Those lunatics must be punished!"

"Step aside, warriors! I want to smash this rock on their faces!"

The warriors remained firm. They didn't allow the residents to harm the assassins.

To stop the crowd from causing a disturbance, Alaric had to step in. "Everyone, please stop at once and hear me out!"

The residents calmed down upon hearing his words.

Seeing that he had gathered their attention, Alaric cleared his throat and said. "These men are not the real culprits! They are only tools used by those behind them to fulfill their wicked desires!"

Alaric almost cringed when he said these words, but he had to act his part well to make his plan work. Otherwise, those assassins might not do their end of the deal and choose to stay silent.

He couldn't let that happen.

I have already prepared everything. I only need convincing evidence to make those bastards pay!

When Austin and the assassins heard this, the last suspicions they had for Alaric vanished.

I was overthinking it. Lord Alaric is not one of those merciless nobles.

Austin stared at the young man who was overflowing with charisma. He felt that it was regrettable that he couldn't have the chance to serve such a great man.

Alaric turned his gaze to them and smiled. "Austin, the stage is yours. Please tell us the true culprit behind this crime!"

Austin took a deep breath and nodded. He looked at his companions and swept his gaze over the crowd before he opened his mouth. "We were sent by Leandro and Lady Vivian of House Paxley!"

His words rang like thunder in everyone's ears. They couldn't believe it.

The one who wanted Hershey dead turned out to be her stepmother. It was too shocking that the residents found it hard to believe.

"If my words are untrue, then my soul shall wander hell for all eternity!" Austin added.

"He is telling the truth! The one who sent us was that bitch Vivian!" Another assassin shouted.

"That's right! It was that bitch! She is the one who sent us to assassinate Lady Hershey!"

The assassins gave the same statement so no one doubted them anymore. They had even made a vow to Aru.

"Oh my god! How could Lady Vivian do this to her own stepdaughter?"

"She must have been possessed by an evil spirit! She must be exorcised and killed!"

"Burn her to death!"

The crowd expressed their fury upon learning the truth.

At this moment, Alaric approached Austin and tapped the man's shoulder. "Thank you for exposing the true culprit. May Aru guide you back into the right path."

Austin lowered his head. "It should be us thanking you, my lord. Thank you for giving us the chance to correct our mistakes. We will honor our promise. We will go somewhere far away and start over."

"Do not leave just yet." Alaric suddenly grabbed his shoulder, a broad grin hanging on his lips.

Austin felt unsettled when he saw Alaric's expression. "W-What do you mean, my lord?"

Alaric smiled and made a signal to his subordinates as he replied. "I have prepared a huge surprise for you guys so you better watch it first before you leave."

His harmless smile made Austin feel unnerved. He hesitated for a moment before he nodded. "Alright, my lord. We will stay."

"Good!" Alaric snapped his fingers.

The next moment, a slave wagon carrying two people was pulled toward the stage.

Everyone squinted their eyes to get a clearer look at the two.

"It's Lady Vivian!"

"That's definitely her! I saw her once in Ryvaad! I can't forget that arrogant face of hers!"

Some people recognized the woman inside the slave wagon.

It was indeed Vivian, the wife of Baron Nathan.

A few days ago, Alaric sent a team of his most trusted subordinates to prepare an ambush for Vivian.

Alaric knew that she would try to escape once she heard the news about the assassins' public confession.

She brought her private warriors during her escape, but how could they beat an elite team led by Galanar himself?

The moment they stepped out of Paxley's domain, Galanar's team ambushed them effortlessly!

"Release me! Do you know the consequences of imprisoning me?! Are you idiots out of your minds?!" Shouted Vivian as she grabbed the metal bar in frustration.

"Alaric, how dare you capture a noble lady! This is kidnapping! The imperial family will punish you for this!" Vivian was feeling anxious so she could only resort to threats.

Meanwhile, Leandro who had been captured along with her looked completely lost and helpless. His handsome face has been disfigured after being beaten up by Galanar's men. He was almost unrecognizable.

Austin and the assassins were stunned when they saw Vivian and Leandro inside the slave wagon.

How did they capture them in such a short time?!

Austin felt a wave of fear at Alaric's efficiency. Only a few days had passed since he had last spoken with him, but they had already captured Vivian and Leandro.

This meant that he was already aware of the true mastermind and he only waited to this day to get the evidence from his mouth.

Austin couldn't help but tremble.

"Are you alright, Sir Austin?" Alaric's nonchalant voice drifted into his ears, making him feel a sudden chill.

"U-Uhm, I'm alright, my lord," Austin responded nervously.

Alaric placed his arm over Austin's shoulder and whispered.

"Just sit back and watch how those two will be punished."

Austin wanted to push him away, but he found himself unable to muster the courage. In the end, he could only respond with a nod.

Did I just make a deal with a demon? He won't go back on his words, right?