Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill

Chapter 42: 42:Fortune In Misfortune

While he kept his thoughts inside, his face calm, Sophia leaned forward, asking in shock.

“Trouble… What kind of trouble, Lady Julia? Did we offend the Salvos household by mistake?”

Before Ethan could say anything, Sophia bowed her head deeply. Her hands gripped her dress so tight that her knuckles turned pale.

“Lady Julia, if we have done wrong, then please forgive us. I beg you.” Her voice cracked.

She looked ready to kneel on the floor. Her pride, her nobility, all were set aside in that moment. She knew too well. The power of a Ducal house was beyond comparison. With a single word, they could strip her family of title, wealth, and even life.

Julia’s expression hardened. Her cold demeanor cracked as she rushed forward and caught Sophia by the shoulders before she could kneel.

“Lady Sophia, no! There is nothing like that. You must not bow like this.” Her voice was firm but gentle, her grip strong. “The trouble is serious, yes, but it is not something that will destroy your house. Please, listen first.”

With that, Julia pulled out a sealed letter from her sleeve and handed it over.

“Read this.”

Sophia’s hands shook as she broke the seal. Ethan moved close, squeezing in to read beside her.

Line after line, Sophia’s face grew paler. Her lips quivered, her eyes filled with fear.

But beside her, Ethan’s eyes were different. A strange glow flickered in them that was not of fear, but a strange delight.

Julia managed to notice it.

Her cold gaze shifted to Ethan, and for the first time her heart skipped.

’Oh my…’ she thought silently. ’What a face…’

’I thought he might be shocked or afraid but this is beyond my expectations.’

This was when she noticed his look.

Ethan white hair shining faintly under the hall’s light. His sharp jawline, high nose bridge, and deep eyes gave him a striking look. His features were unlike the people of Ruthiana

Being closer to a mix of Korean and American elegance,where can she find such people in this world?

His skin was pale, his body was lean but firm, while his presence was calm and strong.

’No wonder Lady Sophia clings to him,’ Julia thought,and her chest tightened. ’I have never seen such a man in this kingdom.’

But looks alone were never enough. If Ethan had been incompetent, Blank would have fallen long ago. Yet under his leadership, the city had grown beyond imagination. Julia could not help but respect that.

Sophia placed the letter down at last, her hands trembling. She turned to Ethan with weary eyes. “Ethan… This…”

He looked at her, and his hand gently brushed her hair. His smile was calm, “I expected something like this.”

The letter was a joint complaint. Several neighboring barons had accused Ethan, saying a man of common birth had no right to marry a noble lady, much less take charge of land and mines.

“Is this really a problem?” Ethan asked, looking straight into Julia’s eyes.

“Yes… and no,” Julia replied.

She sat back down, her cold face turning serious again.

“It depends on how it is handled. In this world, if you are not from a strong lineage, then you must prove yourself with strength. You have already shown results through your actions, but without proof of power, the noble circle will doubt you.”

Ethan thought for a moment, his hand tapping the armrest. “And the Duke? What does he think?”

Julia hesitated, then answered clearly. “He has left it to you. Consider this a test. If you can silence them, your standing will become firm. If not…” She did not finish the sentence.

She didn’t even need to as the two were clever enough to understand.

Sophia’s hands balled into fists. Her voice cracked. “What should we do now? Ethan… what if they force us?”

But Ethan only smiled faintly.

His calmness was a stark contrast to her tears. “I know why they are targeting me. They want the mine so they are trying to snatch it in legal ways.”

“And I have to praise them for the effort.”

Julia’s lips pressed into a thin line. She did not answer, but her silence was enough. She knew he was right.

Ethan leaned back, his eyes firm. “Then let us not waste time. Since we both know the truth, let us speak directly. There is a trial, is there not? A way for lords to fight and prove their standing?”

Julia’s eyes widened in shock. “You mean the Trial of Dominance? That is—”

“I am prepared for it.” Ethan’s voice cut firm and steady. “I will put the mine on the line. But anyone who accepts must also wager something equal. If not, the challenge is void.”

Julia stared at him. For a long moment, silence filled the hall. Then she exhaled slowly, her icy tone softening. “It is a brilliant move, Sir Ethan. But… can you truly take them on?”

She was right to worry. The barons had been in power for decades, controlling their lands with seasoned strength. Ethan had ruled only over five years. The weight of experience was not on his side.

But Ethan did not flinch. He looked at Sophia, who sat with tears at the corner of her eyes, and then back to Julia.

“My Lady,” he said calmly. “Leave those struggles to me. The fact that you came here to explain and give us warning is already a blessing to Blank. This favor… I will remember. One day, I will repay it.”

His words were steady, yet they carried warmth and resolve.

Julia sat back, her cold gaze lingering on him. For the first time, she felt a flicker of warmth in her chest seeing the couple.

And Sophia, though still afraid, clung to his hand. His calmness was like a shield, steady against the storm.

Meanwhile Ethan’s eyes narrowed once again as he looked at the letter.

’If everything goes well,I will finally able to step up on the stage.’