Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Alaric took the mask out of the treasury. He needed to report it to the baron as part of the family rules.

However, he found out that his father wasn’t in his study room so he decided to report the matter later.

Weird… Dad is usually in his study at this time of the day…

As he thought of this, he recalled his conversation with his father during their return trip.

Wait… Don’t tell me he is with Mom right now…

Alaric chuckled.

It seems like I will have a younger sibling soon.

Alaric was in a good mood as he walked back to his bedchamber. As soon as he arrived, he handed the executioner’s mask to Ulric. “Try and see if it fits.”

The giant nodded and took the mask from his hand. He then wore it without hesitation.

Others would have hesitated if they had sensed the eerie aura of the mask, but Ulric didn’t seem to care about this.

The moment he wore the mask, his entire aura drastically changed. With one look, others would mistake him as a ruthless murderer. This was the unique effect of wearing the executioner’s mask.

“My lord, this is a relic-level mask. Are you really going to give this to me?” Ulric’s voice had also changed. It was deeper and more full.

Even someone close to him wouldn’t recognize him anymore.

Alaric was satisfied. He initially had misgivings since the mask looked very sketchy, but it seemed like his worries were unfounded.

“From now on, you are Butch. You cannot use your real name anymore. Are you alright with this?” Alaric gave him a random name which was just a shortened version of his moniker ‘The Butcher’.

The giant calmly nodded. “As you wish, my lord.”

“Good! Follow me outside. I need to introduce you to our people. Otherwise, they might mistake you for a criminal.”

“Yes, my lord.”

***

The next morning, Alaric headed to the prison with Ulric who was renamed as Butch.

Alaric had introduced him to the household’s warriors and servants so everyone had learned that another Elite Knight was serving him, a scary one at that.

He had the same build as Galanar, but he looked more intimidating and terrifying than him.

Most of the warriors and servants were afraid of him and they wouldn’t even dare meet his gaze. Even some of the Knights and Elite Knights didn’t want to interact with him.

Alaric headed to the prison cell where the assassins were being held.

The place was tightly guarded by the warriors of the household since there were many heinous criminals kept there.

The one managing the prison was a newly promoted Elite Knight who had served his father for four decades. It was an old warrior named Peter. He was only a few years younger than Henry who was the oldest warrior in the household.

Peter was a very chatty old man. He was different from the other warriors who were usually stern and rigid. He was just like one of those friendly neighborhood old men you can find anywhere.

Unlike most of the people in the household who were afraid of Butch, Peter didn’t seem to be afraid of him. He even initiated a conversation with the giant, chatting nonstop along the way.

Butch wasn’t much of a conversationalist so he only responded occasionally.

“We are here, my lord. Lord Lucas instructed us to increase the security so I asked four warriors to look after this cell.” Peter casually mentioned.

“I see.”

Alaric nodded.

“Sir Peter, please unlock the cell. I would like to speak with the prisoners.”

“Yes, my lord.” The old man responded before he told his subordinates to unlock the cell.

Click!

“Do you want me to follow you inside, my lord?” Peter asked.

Alaric shook his head. “There is no need to trouble you, Sir Peter. Besides, I already have Sir Butch with me.”

Peter stared at the giant when he said those words. He smiled wryly and shook his head. “With Sir Butch at your side, there is indeed no need for a frail old man like me to follow you, my lord.”

Alaric tapped the old man’s shoulder before he entered the cell.

He walked toward Austin who was chained in the furthest corner of the cell.

“I have given you enough time to decide. What is your decision, Austin?”

Austin lifted his head, revealing his bloodshot eyes.

From the looks on his face, it seemed like he didn’t have a good night’s sleep. However, Alaric couldn’t care less about what he had gone through.

His eyes remained cold as he waited for Austin to respond.

After a moment of silence, Austin opened his mouth. “I will expose the truth, but you must vow to Aru that you will fulfill your promise.”

He was afraid that Alaric would go back on his words so he added this request as an assurance.

For the followers of the benevolent god, this was a very serious thing. They believed that if they failed to fulfill their vows to Aru, their souls would wander in hell for all eternity!

Alaric squinted his eyes before he nodded his head. “Alright. I accept your request.”

He raised his hand and closed his eyes as he made his vow. “I promise that I will not lay a hand on you guys if you expose the truth. If I fail to deliver this promise, then my soul shall wander hell for all eternity.”

Austin didn’t expect him to agree so easily. He felt that it was too suspicious, but he couldn’t say anything since Alaric made his vow in front of them.

“When do you want me to expose everything?” Austin muttered.

Alaric smiled faintly and replied. “You do not need to know that. Just wait for a few days. Soon, I will ask you to fulfill your end of the deal.”

Austin furrowed his eyebrows. He felt that Alaric was hard to discern and this made him feel unsettled.

“You will be freemen soon so I will ask the guards to transfer you somewhere more comfortable. This place is no longer suitable for you guys.” Alaric left after saying these words.

As soon as he left, Austin leaned against the wall, feeling exhausted and worn out.