Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill - Chapter 372:The Selection

Chapter 372:The Selection

Ethan was promoted to Count.

Alongside him,The Royal Family with  Albert taking the lead was also elevated.

Though they were to be demoted, their timely surrender and cooperation earned them special treatment. They were granted the status of Counts with additional privileges.

For the next two years, they would not be taxed. They were also given opportunities to advance further if their strength and contributions continued to grow.

As for governing the entirety of Ruthiana, a Duke would be appointed.

According to rumors, this Duke would be a vassal chosen directly by the Emperor of Arcadia, someone loyal to the Empire rather than the local nobility.

Who it would be remained unknown.

Only time would tell.

Despite the massive changes in the outside world, the Blank territory remained calm and peaceful.

This calmness made many fallen local nobles burn with envy.

They all knew the reason.

The head of the Blank family was exceptionally powerful and highly valued by the Arcadia Empire. That was why the Blanks received such special treatment while others were crushed without mercy.

With nowhere else to go, many ruined nobles gathered near the Blank territory. Desperation stripped away their pride. They came with lowered heads and forced smiles.

They tried to offer their beautiful daughters to Ethan.

They hoped that through marriage, their families could preserve their bloodlines and rise again. Even if they could not regain noble titles, living safely and comfortably under Ethan’s protection was far better than starvation, humiliation, or slow decline.

Ethan did not know what to say about it.

He felt awkward and uncomfortable whenever such proposals were mentioned.

It was Sophia who finally took charge.

She gathered all of Ethan’s wives in one room. The atmosphere was serious, yet strangely tense.

Then she slammed her hand on the table.

“It’s time,” Sophia said firmly.

The sound echoed. Everyone went quiet.

She lifted her chin and continued, her eyes sharp.

“It’s time to take in more consorts for our dear royal highness.”

No one spoke.

But the meaning of her words pressed heavily on everyone’s chest.

After a few seconds, the room filled with nervous looks.

“Sister Sophia, you aren’t planning another treason, are you?” Lia asked uneasily, her fingers twisting the edge of her sleeve.

Claira nodded quickly. “Sister, there isn’t any reason to go to such lengths, is there?”

“Ahhh!” Sophia grabbed her hair in frustration. “What do you take me for? Am I that bad?”

Everyone looked at her, but no one dared to answer directly.

“Haa… I am just thinking about expanding the family and the well-being of my husband, yet I get such cold shoulders,” she snorted and turned away dramatically.

“Sister, we were just joking. Don’t be serious,” Diana said softly, reaching out to calm her.

The others also tried to soothe her, and then Sophia suddenly burst into laughter.

“Heheh. I was just kidding.”

The tension eased a little.

“Alright, now to the main point,” Sophia said, straightening. “Ethan is getting stronger and stronger. It isn’t enough for us alone to handle him. We need to bring more people to take him down.”

She slammed her fist on the table again with determination.

The others exchanged glances, then slowly nodded.

“Okay… here it is.” Sophia pulled out a thick folder.

“What’s this?” Claira asked.

“This contains the background information of the candidates. The Black Thorns investigated their families and compiled the details. We need to choose from them.”

Diana frowned. “But this can be deceptive. We can’t pressure anyone to give honest data.”

She glanced at Claira. “Don’t we have live examples of how misleading things can be?”

Lia nodded weakly. “I understand, but we still need to rely on it a bit.”

Sophia opened the file and spread the documents across the table.

Soon they began discussing one by one.

“That one is too skinny. She looks like a pile of bones,” Lia muttered.

“What about her?” Claira leaned forward. “Too chubby and short.”

“This one has a sharp face. She looks too cunning,” Diana added.

“And this one,” Sophia said, tapping another sheet, “her family history is messy. Too many internal disputes.”

The room turned into a strange committee of serious judges.

Meanwhile, when Ethan heard about all this, he almost spat out his tea. He looked at Rathlos in shock.

“Now what kind of bullshit are they doing?” he said, rubbing his forehead. “Is this a selection of wives or a royal beauty contest? Also, those comments are blatantly rude.”

He knew he had to intervene before things went too far.

Later that day, he gathered them and gave them a harsh lesson. For three days, he kept them busy with strict training and discipline. By the end, they were so exhausted they could barely move.

While doing this, Ethan made his point very clear.

“Looks are secondary. The first judgment should be made on character,” he said seriously. “As people grow in power, their appearance changes anyway. This nonsense has to stop.”

The wives lowered their heads and listened quietly.

After careful reconsideration, four women were finally selected.

Their names were:

Elara Venshire from House Venshire. She was known for her calm mind and talent in administration. She had a tall, graceful figure and steady eyes.

Mira Halcrest from House Halcrest. She specialized in healing arts and had a gentle personality. She was slim, with soft features and a warm smile.

Selene Dravik from House Dravik. She trained in light combat and strategy. She had an athletic build and sharp, focused eyes.

Lyra Morcant from House Morcant. She had strong magical sensitivity and a quiet but firm nature. She was petite, with long dark hair and a composed aura.

Ethan took the list and handed it to Rathlos.

“Since we know this is a transaction, we should finish our end of the deal,” he said.

“Rathlos, go and sign the contracts. As long as they have not done any heinous deeds, they will be under the protection of House Blanks.”

“Yes, my lord,” Rathlos nodded, and his figure disappeared.

Ethan let out a long sigh.

“Haa… After so much trouble, I feel strange because of the peace,” he muttered to himself.

Then he frowned.

“Did I become a psychopath? Yeww…”