Sadness gripped the entire estate.
It left everyone with a heavy bitterness.
The Baron, though not a great man, still treated everyone kindly.
Ethan sat quietly in the corner of the estate, his gaze drifting toward the graveyard where a heavy silence lingered as people came and left after paying respect.
And among all them stood Sophia with a blank dress with swollen eyes.
"She was such a cheerful lady but grief had tamed her nature..I feel bad seeing her like this."
And who won't.If a woman who always looks after you,flirt with you and cheers you suddenly becomes all gloomy,who will like it.
He let out a slow sigh.
"In this world where magic and power rule,monsters run amok; and Gods cast blessing ordinary humans are nothing but fragile souls unless they can harness the power of the world," he thought to himself.
"They say the Gods protect the weak..The bullshit."
"Alas…"
"Other transmigrators get systems or some kind of special ability. But look at me… I have nothing. Completely useless."
It wasn't as if Ethan had never tried on his own.
After saving money, he had once left Blank City to test his aptitude.
The result was crushing,he had none.
The lowest aptitude was F rank which made him a warrior or magic which allowed one to become Novice rank.
From there it's Novice Rank, Intermediate,Advance rank and Master rank.
There might be more but he doesn't know much.
He had no talent for magic, no gift for becoming a warrior.
He too had dreamed of becoming strong, carving his name into history. But without anything special, what could he do?
All he could do was keep his head down and survive. His life as a servant wasn't the worst. He had never been humiliated or overworked. In fact, his charisma seemed to make people wary of pushing him too far and help him in his task.
"Ethan..Sir Oliver is calling to help the guest "
"Coming!"Ethan replied, getting up to do the work.
The guests who came to pay respect were startled seeing Ethan's outstanding appearance.
If not for the event,it seems we were eager to ask his hand in marriage.
...…
The funeral lasted for five days. The servants were busy the entire time. Once it ended, they were finally given a short holiday.
During that time, Ethan began to think about his future. Without the Baron's protection, the estate might become a target for those who wanted to take over.
"Human nature knows no bounds..I am sure someone might have already set eyes on this lady.."
He felt a bit bad and jealous of thinking of her marrying someone else but what can he do.
Then,there were also beasts and other dangers.
He wondered if he should leave.
In the middle of his thoughts, a voice called out to him.
"Ethan, you're ordered to go to the office."
"The office? Why?"Ethan asked in shock.
"Who knows. It's Sir Oliver's order."The man made an innocent expression.
Ethan gave a short nod and walked away.
Before long, he stood before a large wooden door. He knocked softly and asked for permission to enter.
Inside, he saw Lady Sophie sitting behind a desk. Her face pale with exhaustion.She had slimmed down quite a lot.
Previously she was quite chubby but now she looked quite sharp.
Beside her stood Sir Oliver, Sir Randal, and the head maid, Nina.
Ethan's heartbeat quickened.
'Holy… why does this feel like I'm about to be executed?' he thought nervously.
Oliver cleared his throat, pulling Ethan's attention back. "Mind your manners."
Ethan straightened his back, bowed, and said, "Greetings, My Lady. I offer my deepest respects and condolences for your loss."
Sophie looked directly at him. Her voice was calm but firm. "Let's skip the small talk and get to the main point."
"Ethan… Do you want to be the Baron?"
Ethan blinked. "Pardon me?"
For a moment, he felt his ears ring with devil whisper.
"I must have heard that wrong… right?" he thought.
But then Sophie's expression sharpened. "Are you deaf?"
"No… it's just very sudden. I apologize if I have offended you."
Sophie gave a faint chuckle. "You don't need to act so stiff. I'm not angry. And my offer still stands."
She leaned forward slightly. "I want to choose you as my groom."
Ethan's lips twitched slightly, but he kept his composure. "My Lady, may I ask why you would choose me? There are countless noblemen reaching out to you, yet you would choose a mere commoner?"
Sophie's smile grew. She glanced at Randal and Nina with a look of quiet confidence.
"You are clever and quick to understand," Nina said in a cool voice.
Oliver stepped in to explain. "I've always known you are sharper than most servants or commoners. You should be able to see the reasoning. We cannot marry Lady Sophie to another noble family's son. If we did, there's no guarantee they wouldn't try to take control. Compared to them, it's far safer to choose someone like you."
"Is that the only reason?" Ethan asked, his voice calm but curious.
The three people standing beside Sophie turned their eyes on him, their glares sharp.
Sophie's tone was flat, but her words carried weight. "Do I need to spell out the other reason? You are handsome, charismatic, and completely to my liking. I have never seen someone as striking as you, not even among the noble families."
Her expression stayed composed, but a faint blush touched the tips of her ears.
Ethan felt heat rise to his own face.
'Damn… that was too direct,' he thought.
"So," Sophie continued, "what is your choice?"
Ethan's gaze moved from her to the three others. Their eyes were fixed on him, waiting for his answer.
It was an incredible offer.
A life as her husband would mean security and comfort. No more worries about status or money. But the thought of danger from political plots, enemies, and unknown risks made him hesitate.
"I… I…"
Before he could finish, Sophie's voice cut in. "Everyone…"
The three turned toward her.
"Leave us alone for a bit," she said.
"My Lady…" Oliver began.
"We absolutely cannot…" Randal added.
Sophie's eyes held firm. "I need to have a proper talk with him. I will clear his doubts.Also,your presence is making him flustered."
There was a long pause before they reluctantly nodded and stepped out, leaving the two of them alone.
Ethan shifted uncomfortably under Sophie's gaze. "My Lady… we shouldn't talk alone," he said, turning toward the door.
But before he could take a step, a soft hand slid around his waist, startling Ethan.
Just a moment ago,she was standing at the edge of the table but now she was before him.
"MY LADDDYY!"He wanted to run but her hands grabbed him tighter.
"You… where are you going?" Sophie's voice was low, smooth, and alluring, every word brushing against his senses.
"Did you not hear me? I said I want to have a heart-to-heart talk with you."
Her eyes locked on his, the faint blush from earlier still lingering, but now mixed with sincere resolution,her gaze made his pulse quicken.