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

The reality sank into their minds that Ethan had won.

And not by luck.

He had dominated.

Oliver's chest swelled. His fist clenched in the air. "Yes! We won!" he shouted back. Tears shimmered in his eyes, his voice cracking.

At that moment, no one doubted it. Ethan had carved his name into their hearts.

This was not just a victory.

It is like witnessing the birth of a legend.

With Baron Fenwick defeated, no one else came forward to challenge Ethan.

Ethan stood in the arena, his body showing cuts and bruises, but his eyes still sharp. He had hoped that someone else would step out, yet none dared. He even pretended to be exhausted and close to collapse, wanting to lure them. But no one took the bait.

Alas, it seemed he had to be satisfied with this much.

...

Back in his room, the air was filled with a different sound.

Sniff… sniff…

Oliver sat on a chair, wiping his face as he cried openly. His nose ran as his voice cracked.

"I can't believe it," he said with tears falling. "You really won. More than that, our Blank family will rise again. With this, you can become Count once we develop the territory."

He rubbed his face with both hands, shaking his head as if unable to believe. "My ancestors in heaven would be proud. They would be happy to see prosperity returning to us. I thought this marriage would bring ruin. I thought Blank would slowly fall into dust. But who knew… who knew this was the beginning of a golden period."

Ethan sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing his forehead. He let out a sigh and spoke in a calm voice.

"Uncle Oliver, that's enough. You are being too sentimental."

Oliver raised his head, his eyes still wet. He shook his head.

"You don't understand, My Lord."

Ethan frowned, looking at him with disbelief.

'I don't understand? It's literally me who fought. It's me who pushed myself to win. And you are saying I don't understand?'

He coughed lightly and changed the topic.

"Uncle, please call Rony and Lia."

Oliver nodded quickly and left the room.

Moments later, the door opened. A tall burly man stepped in, followed by a woman.

They both bowed deeply.

"My Lord," Rony said firmly.

"My Lord," Lia spoke softly, lowering her head.

Ethan lifted his eyes and was caught off guard.

His eyes widened slightly when he saw Lia. Before, when she worked as a waitress in ragged clothes, her beauty had been buried under gloom. Now, wearing fresh clothes, her figure stood out. Her curves, her posture, and the way her long wolf-like ears swayed gave her a different kind of charm.

Ethan blinked and shook his head quickly, pushing aside the thought.

He straightened his back and spoke in a steady tone.

"How was the sales?"

Rony's face lit up. He stepped forward, unable to hide his excitement.

"My Lord… it was crazy. We sold everything. People went wild for the popcorn. They even started fighting each other to grab it."

Ethan's eyes widened.

"People started fighting?" he asked in surprise.

Lia nodded, her ears twitching as she added in a soft tone.

"Yes, My Lord. You should have seen it. Not only that, even the Duke himself ordered a few sets. By the end, people were lining up to ask where we were selling this."

Ethan leaned back slightly, a grin spreading on his lips. His eyes lit up with satisfaction.

"Good. That's good. The operation was successful." He nodded happily.

He looked back at Rony. "Did you tell them what I asked?"

"Yes, My Lord. I spoke about the shop. All we need now is to wait for the opening," Rony replied, bowing his head.

Ethan clasped his hands together and thought for a moment before speaking.

"Once we finish everything here, I will take you to Blank City. After that, we will open for business."

Both Rony and Lia lifted their heads. Their voices overlapped in unison.

"I eagerly wait for that, My Lord."

The room fell silent for a moment. Ethan leaned back, his heart feeling lighter than before. The burden of the fight was still there, but the future suddenly looked brighter.

...….

Julia came to visit Ethan the next morning. She was dressed differently than usual. She wore a pair of fitted pants with a tucked-in shirt.

The outfit was simple but gave her a sharp knightly appearance. With her straight posture and the way her hair framed her face, she looked striking, almost like a soldier in disguise.

Her chest looked flat under the fabric, and if Ethan had not heard about her real size from Sophia, he might have believed it. The truth was hidden well, and he was surprised by the thought of such curves hidden under that simple shirt.

As a designer,it's really fascinating how human structure varies uncommonly.

"My Lady, what brings you here?" Ethan asked, lifting his brows in curiosity.

"Can't I come if I want to?" Julia replied quickly. Her tone had a small pout to it, surprising Ethan.

Even she looked startled by her own words.

She cleared her throat and corrected herself. "I was asked by Mother to show you around the city. She thought it would help you get an overall view. It might also help in case you plan to open stores."

"Ohhh," Ethan nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. He could not help but marvel at the Duke's foresight. "It seems they already know what I am up to."

He stood from his seat and stretched lightly. "Okay, can you wait for a moment?"

Julia gave a slight nod, folding her arms as she leaned against the doorway.

Ethan disappeared into the room. When he came out again, Julia's eyes widened before she could stop herself. Her breath hitched, and her heartbeat quickened.

Ethan had changed into one of his self-designed outfits.

He wore an olive-green shirt, the sleeves neatly rolled up to his forearms, showing the firmness of his arms.

His black pants were styled in a clean Korean cut that hugged his frame just enough to highlight his tall figure. His white hair was combed back carefully, shining faintly under the light. His bluish eyes stood out more than usual, calm yet piercing. He carried the charm of old money style, effortless and elegant.

If there was anything missing, Ethan thought, it was a pair of sunglasses. Yet even without them, his look was enough to turn heads. He had the air of someone both dangerous and irresistible.

Julia, who had faced countless warriors and nobles, found herself unable to maintain her usual coldness. Her heart raced without her consent. She could not help but stare for a moment too long, before snapping her gaze away.

Ethan looked at her for a moment and almost asked how he looked, but he held back. It felt a little out of place, so he chose a safer route. He gave a slight smile instead. "My Lady, I am ready. Let's go."

Julia quickly pulled herself together, scolding herself inside.

'Why are you reacting like this, Julian? Calm yourself…'

She turned on her heel, trying to hide the warmth rising in her cheeks. Her face was flushed, and she hoped he did not notice.

"Then follow me," she said in her usual cold tone. But as she walked ahead, she found herself sneaking quick glances back at him with her lips pressing tightly to hide the strange flutter inside her chest.