Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 451:Rewards On The Way

The first aide continued speaking carefully, choosing his words with caution.

"First, it all began with Count Ethan's purge of slave routes and other illegal operations. He destroyed several underground farms and trade channels that were secretly connected to the Ambrose Family. It damaged a large part of their livelihood."

The Emperor's expression did not change, but his fingers paused briefly on the armrest.

"They were too confident to react at first," the aide added. "They believed he would not dare act directly against them, even if he hated slave trading. After all, he has a known history of opposing such practices."

Another aide stepped forward and bowed slightly.

"However, this sudden move has offset the balance among several noble houses. It was not just a moral stance. It cuts into hidden profits."

A faint smile appeared on the Emperor's lips.

"So they were complacent," he said quietly.

"Yes, Your Majesty," the first aide replied. "They thought his hatred toward slave trading was personal. They did not expect him to act so decisively and without negotiation."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"So families believe his military achievents are overshadowing their own contributions. They fear his influence within the western regions is becoming excessive."

The Emperor repeated one word slowly.

"Fear."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the aide said. "They worry that if the war continues and Count Ethan keeps winning, he may gain too much support among both the army and the people."

The Emperor leaned back slightly on his throne.

"And do they think I am blind?" he asked calmly.

The aides imdiately bowed deeper.

"We would not dare imply that, Your Majesty."

The Emperor's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Which families?"

The aide hesitated for a mont, then listed several prominent noble houses within the Empire. They were old families, deeply rooted in the capital, and accustod to influence.

"They have not acted openly," the aide added quickly. "But there are signs of dissatisfaction. Private etings. Subtle complaints. Questions about resource allocation toward Count Ethan."

He lowered his voice slightly.

"They are even accusing the throne of secretly sending him assistance."

The Emperor remained silent.

The chamber felt heavier.

After a long pause, the Emperor slowly stood from his throne. His robes shifted softly across the marble floor as he stepped forward.

"Power creates jealousy," he said calmly. "Especially among those who fear losing relevance."

He walked a few steps, hands clasped behind his back.

"Count Ethan is useful."

The word was deliberate.

"Very useful."

The aides kept their heads lowered.

"But usefulness does not exempt him from scrutiny."

He stopped near one of the tall windows and looked out at the capital below.

"Keep watching the noble families," he said without turning.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"And keep watching Ethan."

The lead aide stiffened slightly.

"Your Majesty?"

The Emperor's voice remained even.

"Talent must be nurtured," he said quietly. "But unchecked power must also be asured."

He knew that Ethan would rise. That much was obvious. But such an unbothered rise went against his policy. No noble should grow too quickly without balance.

For a brief mont, the Emperor's gaze turned distant.

"I rember my previous friend had a suggestion," he murmured. "It seems I have to agree with that."

The aides remained silent, waiting.

After a few seconds, the Emperor turned back toward them.

"Tell the families this. Count Ethan can act as he pleases within his territory. He has earned that much."

He paused.

"Also reward him properly for his victory. Send him gifts. Titles if necessary. It will not look good if we pretend we have not heard of his achievents."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The Emperor's eyes flickered faintly.

"Let him shine."

The words were calm, but there was depth beneath them.The lead aide lifted his head slightly and then lowered it again.

Inside, a faint smile ford.

It seed His Majesty wanted to sharpen the knife before using it.

Reward first.

Then asure.

What a decision.

The Emperor returned to his throne slowly.

.....

Night slowly settled over Frostvele.

The fortress that had been burning with battle only a day ago now stood calm under the pale glow of the moon. Snow covered the plains again and slowly hid most of the scars left by the fight. From the walls, distant watchfires flickered across the frontier, and the cold wind carried faint echoes of soldiers laughing and talking.

Victory had brought them so relief, but rest was still a luxury.

Inside the command hall of Frostvele Castle, several officers gathered around a large wooden table. Maps of the frontier were spread across it and marked with fresh ink and small tal tokens representing military positions.

Miranda leaned over the table with her arms crossed while staring at one of the marked regions.

"So they really retreated that far?" she asked and pointed at the mountains drawn on the map.

One of the scouts standing nearby nodded quickly.

"Yes, Lady Miranda. Our patrols confird it this morning. The other demon forces withdrew deeper into their territory after the defeat."

Nera lowered her gaze and studied the map carefully.

"That ans they are reorganizing," she said quietly. "They would not retreat like that unless they were preparing sothing."

Phillips stood beside the table with his large hand resting against the edge of the map.

"Correct," he replied in a steady voice. "Demons rarely abandon territory without reason. They will return."

Leon leaned against a nearby pillar while listening silently. His eyes carried the sa excitent they always showed whenever the topic turned to battle.

"That just ans we get to fight again," he said with a small grin.

Miranda rolled her eyes and sighed.

"Of course you would say that."

Julia entered the room at that mont while carrying several new reports. She placed them on the table and spoke calmly.

"Our patrols also discovered sothing else."

Everyone looked up at once.

"The demon supply routes in the western valleys have beco more active," she continued. "It appears they are transporting resources toward the deeper frontier."

Phillips frowned slightly and tapped the table with his finger.

"So they are preparing for a long campaign."

Nera nodded slowly.

"That would make sense. After losing several commanders, they will reinforce before attacking again."

The room grew quiet.

Outside the windows, the wind howled softly across the snow fields.

Miranda glanced toward the door and frowned slightly.

"Where is Father?"

Julia answered calmly.

"He is still outside the fortress."

At that mont, far beyond the walls, Ethan stood alone on a cliff overlooking the frozen plains.

The night sky stretched above him and was filled with distant stars. The cold wind brushed past his cloak while snowflakes drifted slowly around him.