Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

"I can't believe that many northern houses are actually involved in this slave auction. Though I'm not surprised that House Harrison is involved in this." Fredrinn muttered in a cold voice.

"Also, haven't you guys noticed that there is a connection between those houses?" Henry asked with a serious voice.

Von stared at him with furrowed eyebrows, while Fredrinn frowned in contemplation.

"Now that you mention it, I think there is indeed a link between the houses involved!"

Fredrinn exclaimed when he realized what Henry meant.

"Most of them are related to the Grand Duke!"

Henry nodded, his expression grim. "Indeed."

The Grand Duke was also a member of the imperial family. He was the younger brother of the current emperor, a peak Transcendent Knight who held great authority in Astania. He was also the second prince's strongest supporter!

"If the Grand Duke is involved in this matter, could it be related to the second prince too?"

Everyone was stunned when Fredrinn mentioned this. The Grand Duke's involvement was already shocking, and if the second prince was also behind it, it could shake the entire empire once the news leaked out!

"We can't say for sure." Henry shook his head.

"We will eventually know the truth once we dig deeper." He added.

The mission that they thought was easy turned out to be extremely complicated. Now, they were uncertain if their group was strong enough to complete the task.

"Our mission is only to save the captured barbarians. You two shouldn't think of anything else." Von reminded them with a stern look.

Fredrinn frowned at his words. "But how could we turn a blind eye to this?!"

He remembered the humiliation and suffering he had endured after he and his wife were captured by slave traders. Thinking about all the innocent people who had to go through the same thing filled with rage and sympathy.

Von stared deeply at him. It hasn't been long since he joined House Silversword so he was still not familiar with Fredrinn, but looking at him filled with righteous indignation, he now had some understanding about the latter's personality.

So there are still righteous people in this cruel world… I thought Sir Henry was an anomaly, but it seems like the warriors of House Silversword share the same personality.

"Alright, you two. That's enough. We shouldn't argue here."

Henry stood in between them.

"Sir Von is right. Although it is infuriating to know that many innocent people are being sold as slaves, saving them is not what we came here for." The old warrior shook his head.

"We must prioritize our task before thinking about other matters. As for this slave auction, I will send a letter to Lord Alaric and ask for his opinion on how we should deal with it."

Henry's words made Fredrinn calm down. Due to his past experiences, he failed to control his emotions.

Thinking about this, he cupped his fists. "I wasn't thinking straight. Thank you for your reminder, Sir Henry."

The old warrior waved his hand. "Let's not dawdle here. We still have things to do. Let's move out!"

"Yes, sir!"

***

Meanwhile, in another part of Copperglade, a minor district called Wilkin Ridge.

This district was normally quiet, but today, the streets were filled with droves of carriages driving around.

Most of the residents didn't know what was going on, but the well-connected ones were aware that a major event was about to happen.

At this moment, inside the most magnificent building in the district, a five-story establishment called Crimson Pavilion. Many guests have gathered, most of them hailing from aristocratic backgrounds.

While enjoying the drinks served to them, everyone formed groups to make more connections.

It was just like a banquet held for the nobility. However, all these people didn't come just for this. Their objective was to get their hands on the auctioned slaves!

"I heard that House Harrison will join this year's event and their new family head is also going to attend."

"House Harrison? Who cares about them? They are nothing now after they had provoked House Silversword! Hmph!"

"Why did they have to provoke that household? How foolish!"

Henry and the others who had concealed themselves heard this conversation, but they didn't give much of a reaction.

To infiltrate this establishment, they bribed one of the guards. They also wore masks to cover their faces. There were some guests who had covered their faces so they didn't stand out much.

"It's positive, Sir Henry. The receptionist didn't lie to us." Fredrinn whispered after a close observation of the guests inside the establishment.

Henry nodded and replied. "Just lay low and don't stand out. We still haven't found the captured barbarians so we must keep looking before the auction begins."

"I suggest that we move in pairs. Moving as a group will only attract attention." Von suggested.

Fredrinn and Henry agreed with him so they instructed their subordinates to move separately.

After another half an hour, more and more guests arrived, but they still hadn't found any clues about the captured barbarians.

Suddenly, the sound of a hammer being struck echoed.

Hearing this, Henry and the others frowned.

It was the sign that the auction was about to start!

Everyone silently regrouped and headed to the seats they had agreed beforehand.

At this moment, a scantily clad young woman walked towards the center of the stage. Her sexy figure and beautiful face immediately attracted everyone's attention.

"Good day, everyone! I will be your host for this year's auction! You can just call me Lala." The young woman introduced herself in a seductive voice.

Many perverted nobles from the audience were excited to see her. Some even cheered loudly without shame.

Looking at the excited crowd, the scantily dressed Lala smiled alluringly.

"Many of you have come from afar so I won't waste your time further."

"With the quality of the products this year, I believe that you won't regret coming here!"

With her announcement, the audience exploded into cheers and applause.

Is this the filthy world of the nobility?

Von who was watching the excitement sneered.