Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 568  Strict Rules in the Palace

A special carriage was sent to bring them to the imperial palace. Along the way, the old gatekeeper told him about the various things he had to keep in mind inside the palace.

“The imperial family is very strict about safety, Your Highness. Once you enter the gates, your weapons must be surrendered to the imperial guards.”

Alaric raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. To a warrior, their weapons were like an extension of their bodies.

“Do I really have to do that?”

The old gatekeeper forced a smile. “Unfortunately, Your Highness has to. Otherwise, the imperial guards wouldn’t allow you to enter. They might even send you to prison.”

Alaric frowned.

Luckily, I left Zephyr outside the city. It would have been troublesome if I had brought the beast here with all these restrictions.

After about forty-five minutes, they arrived at the gates of the palace where dozens of imperial guards were waiting for them.

Alaric stepped out of the carriage and calmly observed the imperial guards. All of them were Elite Knights, looking incredibly imposing in their gaudy armor.

One of them had a silver helmet with a black mane. He also had a black cape with the unique insignia of Veronica.

This guy who seemed to be their leader was a Transcendent Knight. His attributes were way above the average and his traits were also of a higher grade.

“Greetings, Your Highness. I am the Commander of the Black Maned Silver Knights, Gwan Ji-ho.” The man introduced himself while taking off his helmet.

Alaric knew that it was a gesture of respect to remove one’s helmet. He let out a smile at this simple gesture.

“It’s an honor, Commander Gwan.”

“Your Highness, you can leave your weapons to me. I will return them to you once you leave the palace.” Gwan Ji-ho studied his expression.

Alaric had already been informed by the old gatekeeper so he handed over his weapons without complaint.

“Thank you for your trust, Your Highness.” Gwan Ji-ho bowed respectfully before he carefully placed Alaric’s weapon inside a box.

He then handed the box to a subordinate.

“Your Highness, you can only take two people inside the palace and they must temporarily surrender their weapons.” Gwan Ji-ho added.

Alaric nodded. He had already chosen the two people who would follow him inside the palace.

“Caecus, Galanar, give them your weapons and follow me inside the palace.” He commanded.

The two Transcendents stepped forward and handed their weapons over to the imperial guards.

“The rest of your people will be taken to a separate mansion.” Gwan Ji-ho reminded him in case Alaric would be worried about his subordinates.

“Alright.” Alaric sent his subordinates a look and noticed Nivis giving him a resentful glare.

She must be fuming because I didn’t choose her to follow me inside the palace. He snickered as he looked away from her.

Bringing her inside wouldn’t be good. The girl still lacked the common sense of a human so she might do something that would anger the empress.

“Your Highness, you may use this horse. I will take you to the palace.” Gwan Ji-ho pulled a handsome white horse with a golden mane.

Alaric patted the horse and whispered something to it to form a bond with the creature. This was a standard practice he does to form a connection with his horses.

The white horse issued a sound as if delighted by his words.

Feeling the creature’s joy, Alaric jumped onto its back and placed his feet on the stirrups.

Galanar and Caecus were also provided with their own horses. The two warriors stuck close to Alaric, making sure that he was protected.

“Please follow me.” Gwan Ji-ho nodded to them. With a light squeeze of his legs, he urged his horse to move.

They passed by the cobbled path in between neat rows of pine trees. In the vast man-made grassland, they saw various animals running around. Most of them were just normal animals with no traces of mana.

Seeing his gaze on the animals, Gwan Ji-ho explained with a smile. “Her Majesty loves animals. She asked us to bring small animals to this grassland to make it more lively.”

“Her Majesty must be a gentle person,” Alaric remarked with a chuckle.

He didn’t expect that a fierce character like Yskaela actually had this side of her. Other people might not believe it if he were to tell them about this.

Along the way, they encountered more imperial guards who were roaming around the palace grounds.

Soon, they finally arrived in front of the palace.

Gwan Ji-ho talked with the doorkeepers for about a minute before they were allowed entry.

“Your Highness, this is as far as I can take you.” Gwan Ji-ho bowed deeply.

Alaric smiled at him. “Thank you for your help, Commander Gwan.”

He wanted to give him a small tip, but the guy refused to accept it.

“Your Highness, I am the Left Minister, Chun Minjun. It’s an honor to meet you.” An old man dressed rather flamboyantly approached him with a laugh.

Alaric turned his head and used his Appraisal on the old man.

He was only a Transcendent Knight, a weak one at that. Alaric lost interest so he closed the system panel.

“The honor is mine, Left Minister Chun.” He smiled at the old man.

The Left Minister came with a small group of people, mostly ministers of Veronica. There were also high-ranking military commanders and decorated generals.

The line-up left Alaric dazzled. Most of these people were Transcendent Knights or 3-Ringed Beast Soul Masters.

The last time he had seen so many Transcendents was during the battle meeting against Harune.

The Left Minister and the various officials exchanged pleasantries with him. Some of them even chatted with Caecus and Galanar, but the two only responded curtly.

“Her Majesty has been anticipating your arrival, Your Highness. She said that she is excited to see the rising star of Astania! Haha!” The Left Minister stroked his beard with a hearty laugh.