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

Soon, they stepped back outside into the street.

The bright sunlight felt almost sharp compared to the heavy atmosphere inside. Julia's cold voice broke the silence. "What happened? Did something displease you?"

Ethan looked at her with hesitation, and the faint pause cut her heart. She lowered her eyes, her voice became softer this time. "Sir Ethan, did I do something wrong to betray your trust?"

"No," Ethan said quietly. "It's just… the issue might be too sensitive."

Julia's steps slowed. She placed her hand gently over her chest and looked at him seriously. "Rest assured. I promise to keep it a secret and help you."

Hearing her sincerity, Ethan nodded and finally spoke. "My Lady… those women, no, the entire workforce there is exploited and underpaid. They were overworked, and it was painful to watch."

Julia's eyes flickered as his words sank in. Her memory drifted back to the sight of the seamstresses bent over their work. Now that she thought carefully, their exhaustion was clear.

"You may be correct," she admitted after a pause. "But Sir Ethan, that is how it has always worked. I do not think they were forced to stay there. And compared to hard labor in other places, it is better."

Her words saddened Ethan, and at the same time, they sharpened his understanding. There are no labor laws here. No fixed wages.

Under nobility and monarchy, the common people have no voice. Everything depends on the kindness or cruelty of the employer.

He looked away, his expression calm but his heart heavy. If the master is kind, then the workers survive. If he is cruel, they suffer endlessly.

After a moment of silence, Ethan lifted his gaze toward Julia. "Lady Julia," he said firmly, "I don't know if my idea is feasible, but I will need your help."

Her cold expression softened slightly as she met his eyes. "Yes. What is it?"

Ethan's lips curved faintly, though his voice was steady. "I want to open my own store."

.....

A day later..

The bells of the Church of Light echoed across the square as Ethan and the others gathered inside the holy place.

The hall was tall and spacious, its walls lined with sacred murals, and at the very center stood the statue of the Goddess of Light.

The sculpture was carved from pure white marble, her form robed in flowing garments that seemed alive under the torchlight. Golden rays were painted around her head, and her outstretched hands seemed to pour warmth over the worshippers below.

At her feet, crystal lamps burned with holy flame, filling the space with a gentle glow that made the air feel warm and serene.

Ethan stepped forward silently and knelt. He lowered his head, his expression calm and composed, and offered a short prayer.

He let his gaze linger on the marble figure, watching the carved eyes that seemed to look back at him. "I think they know I am from a different world," he murmured under his breath.

His voice was quiet, almost as if he was speaking only to himself. "But do they know about the system?"

The thought made his chest tighten. A flicker of unease stirred inside him.

He wondered if any God or Goddess might be aware of it, and if so, whether they bore good will or ill intent.

The sudden idea unsettled him greatly. He drew a long breath to calm himself, his face unchanged as he whispered inwardly. Let's not think too much.

Overthinking will only bring chaos to the mind. With that, he stood up, smoothing his clothes with steady hands, and turned to greet Duke Philips and the others gathered.

Duke Philips,forward and patted Ethan lightly on the arm. "You have strength," the Duke said in a firm but kind voice, "but not yet the means. You cannot be granted the title of Count for now. However, you can be made a Viscount. I have already sent the request to the Imperial City."

He smiled faintly, as though looking at a younger man with great promise. "If everything goes well, by the end of the year you may be named a Viscount. And if you continue to grow stronger, there is a chance for you to rise even further, perhaps even to Marquise."

Ethan nodded slightly, his eyes steady and calm. "Thank you, Duke Philips," he said with quiet respect. His voice carried neither excitement nor doubt, but a collected certainty.

"I will not disappoint your faith in me."

The nobles in the hall looked at him carefully.

The Ruthiana Kingdom was not vast like the Empire. Unlike the Empire with its deep and layered structure of nobility, Ruthiana's lands were simpler. Most regions held only Dukes, Counts, and Barons. Out of the four regions, two did not even have Counts at all, only Dukes and Barons ruling over the lands.

"Immanuel!"

Everyone turned as Bishop Joseph stepped forward, his long robe brushing the ground as he carried the authority of the Church.

His voice was solemn as he spoke. "According to the agreement, Baron Bragot's Slate Mines and Baron Fenwick's Dungeon shall be transferred to Baron Blank." He looked at each party in turn, his gaze stern and unyielding. "All must sign to this. And remember, if any of you breach this agreement or misuse your authority, you will be condemned severely. The honor of the Church will not allow such disgrace."

"I will not," Baron Bragot answered with a cold snort. His lips curled into a faint smile as he glanced at Baron Fenwick, his eyes glinting with challenge. "I do not play those low tricks."

Yet as he turned, his thoughts betrayed him.

'We will see once Baron Blank enters the dungeon,' he mused, a faint snicker brushing his lips.

The three men stepped outside and signed the documents under the witness of guards and priests.

When it was done, Baron Bragot laughed aloud, his voice carrying a weight of both mockery and admiration. "Congratulations!"

"To achieve something so commendable at such a young age… Your future looks bright. Very bright."

Ethan looked at him coldly, with an unchanged expression.

He could not tell if the man's words carried sincerity or hidden spite. Either way, his own face remained still, calm as a frozen lake.

Baron Fenwick stood nearby but said nothing. His silence spoke more than words, as he met with Ethan's eyes.

Duke Philips finally stepped forward to conclude the matter. His tone was clear, leaving no room for argument. "Since this is done, within a week your men should leave the premises of the region," he ordered, his gaze sweeping toward Baron Bragot and Baron Fenwick.

Then he turned to Ethan. "And you should send your own people to take over and handle the handover properly."

Ethan inclined his head, his voice firm and even. "I will."