Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill - Chapter 241

Chapter 241: 241:Refusal
Ethan kept his gaze steady on Prince Karl. His eyes did not waver even once. This man was skilled in politics and everyone knew it.

The way he spoke and carried himself showed how he used people as leverage. His visit today was not a simple gesture. He was clearly trying to invite Ethan to his side.

The war had ended. Peace had returned, even if faintly. Soon, someone would be named crown prince or maybe even the next king. The current king was nearing a hundred years old.

He was in the Advanced stage, but his body was weak and his strength was fading little by little. He no longer controlled the kingdom like he once did.

Ethan glanced once more at Prince Karl. He was a Master Rank knight and that alone made him a strong contender. With talent and resources backing him, Karl could one day become a King Knight. But the Third Prince, who was a powerful mage, had already reached that point. That alone made the struggle for the throne far more complicated.

There were several other brothers too. No one truly knew how many children the king had.

According to hidden reports, the royal harem once held nearly two hundred women, many of them concubines or slaves. The king had fathered more than eighteen children. Only a few were strong enough to step forward in the battle for succession. Among them, the Third Prince and the Second Prince stood out the most. No one could predict how the fight for the throne would end. One mistake could mean death.

Ethan had no intention of becoming prey in a royal struggle. He preferred to stand neutral. It was the safest position for now. He offered a polite smile and spoke calmly.

“Your Highness, I have only just been married. With few of my wives due to give birth and so many responsibilities, I must focus on my household first. As you can see, I am just one man leading many.”

Prince Karl’s smile did not change. It remained gentle and smooth. “As expected of Baron Ethan. Truly a gentleman to the core.”

The celebration eventually came to an end. People left slowly, still smiling and talking. Julia was completely worn out. She dropped onto a chair with a tired scowl.

“That man completely ruined the mood,” she muttered angrily. “If he wasn’t a prince, I would have—”

Ethan placed a finger over her lips gently before she could finish.

“Stop. Do you want to die?”

Julia’s frustration melted away a little when he leaned close to her. His warm presence softened her temper. Ethan lowered his voice.

“Don’t worry, Julia. I’ll make it up to you during my honeymoon.”

Her eyes brightened at once. She glanced at his waist and gave a small nod, almost shy, yet filled with expectation.

The next morning came quietly. Prince Karl prepared to leave, and Ethan along with Duke Phillips came to see him off.

“Your Highness, leaving so soon? I still wanted to treat you to Duchy’s specialties,” Duke Phillips said with regret in his voice.

Karl smiled politely. “We will do that another time. However, Baron Ethan, I hope you will think over the matter we discussed.”

Ethan nodded with a respectful expression. “Of course, Your Highness. I will consider it carefully once I have settled my family matters.”

‘It seems he still hasn’t given up.’

Karl’s smile stayed on his lips as he mounted his horse. Yet, when he turned away and moved out of sight, the smile vanished. His expression turned cold, sharp, and unreadable. A man like that never showed his true face unless hidden.

…….

Duke Phillips stood silently beside Ethan. His voice lowered after a moment. “What do you think of him?”

“Too crafty,” Ethan said, his tone calm but heavy. “He hides daggers behind that smile. Did he think I wouldn’t notice his jealousy toward Julia and others?”

Duke Phillips looked surprised, then slowly nodded. “The Second Prince is clever in politics but weaker in combat. Most of his power comes from potion cause I haven’t gotten that feeling of meeting a strong contender.”

Ethan’s eyes widened,”This guy is weak in politics..”

“Cough…I mean he used to be but it seems he had grown up well.”

“The Third Prince is a skilled mage but arrogant and blunt. Each has strengths and weaknesses. If the two could work together, our kingdom might flourish.”

“But there can’t be two tigers on the same mountain,” Ethan replied quietly. He remembered reading that phrase somewhere, long ago. The throne did not allow sharing. In the end, someone had to fall.

“It seems they will try to drag you into the mud,” Duke Phillips warned. His voice was serious now.

“He came here to test water. He wanted to see your strength and behaviour.”

“He won’t let this go. I am sure he is already cooking something. I have a bad feeling about it.”

Ethan’s lips curved into a small smile. There was calm in his eyes but also steel.

“We will see.”

With all the tension of the wedding finally fading, Duke Phillips told Ethan about a secret place. It was a small villa across the mountains, built near a crater filled with crystal water that formed a beautiful lake.

The spot was peaceful and unknown to most people.

Ethan felt the weight on his shoulders and knew he needed rest. That evening he met his other wives and assured them with a gentle smile.

When he returned he would take them there too. But this time Julia would accompany him alone.

Morning came with clear skies and soft sunlight. Ethan and Julia left early. The carriage traveled slowly along green countryside paths.

Wildflowers swayed gently beside the road. The morning air was cool and fresh. Julia sat quietly beside him, her hand resting in his. Her cheeks held a faint pink shade from the breeze. They did not talk too much. Sometimes silence was more comforting than words.

The villa looked exactly as described.

It looked calm,gentle and peaceful.

Surrounded by nature,the lake shone like polished crystal. The mountains stood tall like guardians around them. Ethan stepped down first and helped Julia out of the carriage. She smiled softly and placed her hand in his.

Inside the villa, sunlight filled every room. The walls felt warm. The furniture smelled faintly of polished wood. They ate roasted meat, bread, and sweet wine. Later they walked beside the lake. Their reflections moved gently across the water.

As evening arrived, they sat on the balcony and watched the sunset. Julia turned to Ethan and asked quietly.

“Ethan… Do you dislike my body? I know I’m more muscular than most women and not girly at all.”

Ethan looked at her and shook his head gently, a soft laugh escaping him. “Of course not. How could that be? Each woman is like a flower, each beautiful in a different way. You have your own unique beauty, Julia.”

A blush spread across her face. She lowered her gaze slightly. “You really think so?”

Ethan nodded. “I do.”

Before he could say anything else, Julia moved toward him. Her heart was beating fast. She pounced lightly and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her lips pressed against his, firm yet trembling. Ethan held her close and kissed her back.