Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 373: Where is Zephyr?

“However… with the fortress in shambles and the troops exhausted, how do you intend to stop their army?” Giovanni asked.

The fortress was severely damaged, and it would take some time before everything could be repaired. Furthermore, the soldiers, especially the survivors from the fortress, were still not in perfect condition for another battle.

Some of them had developed mental trauma that even a healer couldn’t treat.

Alaric was also aware of this. He had seen the state of the fortress and the conditions of the survivors. Even with Giovanni’s reinforcements, they were still at a disadvantage.

“We will wait. I have sent word to Exlor. As long as we can get him to send the Gryphon Knights Order, we will have a reliable force that can help us in the coming battle.” Alaric responded as he slowly sat up with the help of the doctors.

Hearing this, Giovanni and Andre were stunned.

The Gryphon Knights Order that he mentioned was an aerial unit under the imperial family’s command. It was a powerful force with ten thousand Knight riders, with each Knight possessing a Gryphon at the Fatal-grade or Disaster-grade!

However, there was one problem. Without the emperor’s approval, no one could take control of the Gryphon Knights Order, not even the crown prince.

“Your Highness, without His Majesty’s permission, even His Highness Leighnard Exlor could not command the Gryphon Knights Order.” Andre reminded with a frown.

“Sir Andre is right, Alaric. The Gryphon Knights Order is indeed powerful, but we do not have the authority to command them.” Giovanni sighed while shaking his head.

Alaric smiled faintly at their words. “I know what you two are thinking.”

Everyone believed that the emperor was sick, but according to his mother, Jade Kristine, the emperor was most likely faking an illness.

Even if the emperor wouldn’t make the decision, someone else had this authority…

“With His Majesty’s condition unknown, there is someone else who can make the decision.” Alaric sent them a mysterious look.

Giovanni seemed to have understood his meaning. “You don’t mean…”

He thought about the man who had faithfully served the emperor for decades. He was the symbol that represented the emperor’s will!

“Your Highness, are you talking about Lord Dominic?” Andre hesitantly asked.

Alaric nodded. “That’s right. As long as Leighnard could send my letter to Lord Dominic, he would make the decision in place of His Majesty.”

Giovanni crossed his arms and furrowed his eyebrows. “I have met Lord Dominic a few times in the past and he is not the kind of man who would just willingly listen to someone. It would take more than a letter to convince him.”

Alaric was convinced that the emperor wasn’t sick. If he were to know of Harune’s invasion, he would definitely send military support to the western borders.

However, Alaric couldn’t tell them this so he could only use Dominic’s name.

“That’s true, but this is a national crisis. I am sure that Lord Dominic will make the right choice.”

Giovanni exhaled a deep breath. “I hope you are right.”

He then got up and told the doctors to take care of Alaric.

“Stay here and recuperate. I will handle the situation.” He reminded Alaric.

“Alright. I will leave everything to you.” Alaric nodded.

Just as Giovanni’s group was about to leave, Alaric suddenly remembered something important.

“Hold on! Have you seen Zephyr?”

Giovanni turned his head and raised an eyebrow. “You mean your tamed monster?”

Alaric nodded. “I haven’t seen it since I was sent here. Could you find it for me?”

On their way here, Giovanni saw the Draconic Lion being treated by a group of doctors. He didn’t get a closer look, but it seemed like it had been injured in battle.

He hesitated whether he should tell this to Alaric, but he eventually decided not to inform him for the time being.

“Alright. I will look for it. It’s a Catastrophe-grade beast so I am sure it is fine.”

He was afraid that Alaric might notice something so Giovanni didn’t linger and left after bidding them farewell.

Upon leaving the tent, Andre whispered into his ear. “Your Highness, even that Catastrophe-grade beast was injured in this battle. The two Mythical Knights it fought must be formidable warriors.”

Giovanni nodded with a grave look. “I know…”

“Don’t mention this to Alaric for now and make sure that no one will speak of it. Otherwise, he might leave the tent and delay his recovery.”

Hearing this, Andre lowered his head. “Yes, Your Highness. I will inform everyone of your words.”

After saying this, he left to complete his task.

Meanwhile, Giovanni headed to where he had last seen the Draconic Lion.

Soon, he arrived near the fortress’s main gate where a large crowd had gathered.

His arrival drew everyone’s attention and they immediately made way for him.

“Your Highness!”

“Greetings, Your Highness!”

Giovanni waved his hand and nodded to acknowledge their greetings.

In the middle of the crowd, he saw the Draconic Lion covered in all sorts of wounds. To a normal beast, the injuries it had accumulated would be fatal.

“Disperse and do your tasks!” Giovanni dismissed the crowd.

The soldiers immediately left after hearing his words. They were still slightly afraid of Giovanni. He might have changed drastically, but his past still lingered in everyone’s minds.

After they left, Giovanni turned his gaze to the healer in charge. “How is its condition?”

The healer, an old man wearing loose robes, was a 2-Ringed Beast Soul Master with integrated traits related to healing.

“Replying to Your Highness. We have patched up most of its wounds, but the deeper injuries are slightly more difficult to deal with. Given the beast’s inherent regenerative abilities, it should fully recover within two weeks. With our help, we can lessen the recovery time by half.” The healer responded.

Giovanni was relieved to hear this.

The Draconic Lion would be crucial to the next battle so having it fully recovered was their top priority.

“If you need anything for its recovery, don’t hesitate to send someone to inform me.” He reminded the old healer.

“I obey your words, Your Highness.”

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