Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 49 49: 49: Brewing Storms

Ethan stayed quietly in the inn, waiting for the Duke's summon.

He had been restless all morning, but when the ssage finally ca, he moved quickly. He thought it would be a servant or perhaps a knight who would co to guide him, yet to his surprise, he saw a tall woman standing at a distance.

She was strikingly beautiful, wearing noble pants and a pocketless shirt, with a coat draped over her shoulders. Her figure stood with confidence, and she looked unlike most noble ladies he had seen before.

Ethan walked down with a polite smile. "Lady Julia, it is good to see you," he said warmly, bowing slightly to show respect.

Julia's lips curved into a small smile as she returned the greeting. "It is good to see you as well, Baron. I absolutely liked it. They let dress freely without any restraint." Her voice carried a calm strength, and her gaze seed steady, as though she cared little for the judgnt of others.

Before Ethan could reply, the sound of wheels creaking broke the quiet.

Another carriage pulled up near them, carrying the flag of another house.

Ethan turned his head and saw a middle aged man step out. His face was marked with deep wrinkles, and though his clothes were neat, his expression carried a certain sharpness. Ethan recognized the flag and knew imdiately,it was Baron Bragot.

Ethan greeted him with a smile. "Baron Bragot, welco," he said courteously.

The man looked him up and down, his eyes narrowed as if asuring him.

"So this is the new Baron Blanks," Bragot said casually, his tone carrying a faint edge. "Quite young, aren't you?" His words sounded like a simple remark, but the disdain hidden behind them was clear.

After giving Ethan a passing glance, Bragot turned to Julia. He put on a flattering smile and spoke with smooth words. "My Lady, I am honored to see you waiting here. To think soone as noble as you would stand in such a place. Truly, it is a blessing to behold."

Julia's expression shifted slightly, though she kept it composed.

In truth, she had been waiting to greet Ethan, not Bragot, but she didn't let her thoughts show. Her face remained calm, though her eyes hardened for a brief mont. She then straightened her posture and said firmly, "The others have already arrived. We should not delay any longer."

Together, they walked to the eting hall. The walls were tall, decorated with banners of noble families.

As soon as Ethan stepped in, he felt a weight press against him. It wasn't physical, but a subtle pressure that ca from the presence of those inside. It was clear this was a place where strength and authority gathered.

At the center seat sat a man with short, neatly combed hair. He looked to be in his thirties, though Ethan knew well that the Duke was older. His face was calm, and his posture was relaxed, yet there was sothing about him that carried power.

Around him sat three middle-aged n, their sharp eyes focused on Ethan.

Ethan took a steady step forward and bowed respectfully. "Your Grace, Duke Philip," he said with care, "it is an honor to stand in your presence."

The Duke studied him for a mont before giving a small nod, his lips forming the faintest smile.

From the side, one of the n spoke, his tone edged with mockery. "So young. The Blank family has truly fallen to pass leadership to soone like this."

Ethan turned his head toward the man. His eyes were steady but his voice was cold and direct. "And who might you be?"

The hall fell silent for a mont. Everyone could sense the shift in the atmosphere. It was unusual for soone so young to speak so bluntly, but Ethan showed no hesitation.

Inside, Ethan's thoughts were cold and steady. 'I don't want to cause trouble. But that does not an I am afraid of it. If they push too far, I will use the advanced card, break through right here, and shove a rod down their throats if I must.'

The man's eyes burned as he leaned forward with a sharp glance. "You don't know the might of House Fenwick?" he asked, with a wolfish smile tugging between his lips that masked his emotions quite well.

Ethan t his eyes but said nothing further. He simply gave a small nod. "I see," he replied calmly, then turned his gaze back toward Duke Philip. The Duke had not interfered, and instead of anger, there was amusent in his expression. He seed to want to see how the young Baron would handle himself.

Fenwick clenched his fists under the table, his face tense with suppressed anger.

For a mont, it looked as though he would curse, but then he forced himself to calm down.

His lips curved into a cold smile as he thought to himself, 'Let us see how long you can keep that smug expression. Sooner or later, you will learn your place.'

The hall grew quiet again. Ethan stood firm, his presence calm yet unyielding, while the Duke's eyes continued to watch with interest.

The nobles in the hall stared at Ethan with dull faces. None of them got the reaction they expected.

Young n were usually hot-blooded. Most would have exploded at the slightest provocation, especially if they ca from a humble background. Everyone thought Ethan would be the sa. To them, he was nothing but a commoner who climbed into nobility through marriage and a handso face. They expected him to show arrogance or conceit.

But he didn't. Ethan's calm silence unsettled them more than anger would have.

All of them were old foxes. They knew when to press and when to hold back. Since their words had failed to provoke him, they waited for the Duke to take the lead.

Ethan, anwhile, was watching them carefully. From what he had studied, there were seven Baron houses under Duke Philip Salvos in the western region of Ruthiana. Yet only five of them were here, including himself. Baron Fenwick, Baron Bragot, Baron Copper, and Baron Ohen were present.

'The absence of the other two ans sothing,' Ethan thought to himself. 'Either they don't see as a threat, or they're sitting back, waiting to see how this plays out.'

Duke Philip cleared his throat and broke the silence. His voice carried across the room. "Baron Blank is quite impressive," he said slowly. "For the past few days, all I've been hearing from my wife and daughter is how remarkable his designs are."

Ethan bowed slightly. "Thank you for your praise, my Lord. But truly, it is only a hobby."