"So you should understand how hard it is to hire adventurers beyond the intermediate level, and it costs a lot. After all, we are just a small kingdom, not an empire where even Barons were as strong as Dukes of ours."
Ethan paused, frowning as if something had caught his attention. "I expected some problems when Sophia became a Baroness, but everything went smoothly. Is it because..."
Oliver gave a bitter smile. 'As expected, he is sharp. It's as if he was born for this.' He spoke calmly.
"The barony land isn't as valuable as you think. What matters is the mine. Naturally, no one above a Baron would take interest, and as for the surrounding Barons, since the mana veins are closed due to danger, they're just waiting for someone else to take the risk."
Ethan's expression changed slightly, and a chill ran through him. 'Crafty bastard,' he thought. "Sir Randall is the strongest here, right?" he asked.
"Yes, he is. He's at the late Novice stage, but it's hard for him to break through. He's reached his talent limit," Oliver said with a sigh.
"I heard there are potions for that," Ethan added.
"They are tightly controlled, and for those at their talent cap, the success rate is only about forty percent. Also, they cost five hundred coins."
Ethan took note of everything. 'That means as long as I manage to grow this place, it won't be a problem. Still, I need to move fast. I'm sure greedy wolves are watching us. I can't be complacent.'
He didn't like the feeling of being surrounded by danger. All he wanted was to relax and live at ease, but the world wouldn't allow it.
Ethan spent his free time playing with Ray, often taking care of him whenever he was not busy.
Sometimes, he would surprise his son with toys made from wood. They were simple blocks shaped like building pieces, but they brought joy to the child. Of course, Ethan did not carve them himself. He gave detailed instructions to the carpenter, making sure they turned out just right.
...…
One afternoon, after feeding Ray and cradling him to sleep, Sophia went looking for Ethan. "He might be in his room," Oliver told her.
Sophia frowned at the answer. Ethan had been acting strange lately. Normally, they spent their nights together, but for the past several days he had been keeping himself busy with something in his study.
She pouted to herself. "Has my charm faded after giving birth? We haven't been together in so long..." For the sake of privacy, she usually didn't intrude, but today she decided otherwise.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Who?" Ethan's voice came from inside.
"It's me, your wife, the one you've forgotten about," she replied.
A faint laugh followed. "You can come in. The whole house is yours. Who could possibly stop you?"
"Hmph... Who knows what you're hiding in there?" she muttered before stepping in.
She had expected to catch him doing something suspicious, but the sight before her made her pause in surprise.
Large sheets of paper covered with detailed drawings were scattered across the table. In the middle, Ethan sat with a pencil tucked behind one ear and another in his hand, sketching with focus. His sleeves were rolled up, showing his strong, veined arms. The loose collar of his shirt revealed part of his chest.
Sophia's breath caught. For a moment, she simply stood there, drinking in the scene. He looked so captivating that she wished she could freeze this moment in her memory forever. Slowly, she tiptoed closer so as not to disturb him and picked up one of the papers.
"Husband... what are you doing?" she asked softly.
On the page was the design of a gown, drawn in separate detailed parts. The lines were smooth and elegant, the style unlike anything she had seen before.
"Are these gowns? And these... Are shirts? Ethan, what are you planning?"
Finishing his sketch, Ethan set down the pencil and smiled. "I've always had a hobby for designing clothes. With the Blank family's economy falling, I thought I should put it to use."
As a former fashion model and designer, it would be a waste to let such skills go unused. With them, he could bring both wealth and recognition to their name.
Sophia's eyes widened as she studied the gown design. It was a modern style, unlike the layered and heavy dresses of noblewomen.
The fabric seemed to flow like water in the drawing, the waistline fitted gracefully, with fine lace details along the neckline. The skirt had a soft flare, made to sway beautifully with each step. It was a dress that spoke of elegance without being overburdened by jewels.
"It's so beautiful," she whispered. She had seen the fashions of higher nobles, who never wore the same dress twice and always chased the newest trends. This design was different. It felt timeless. She couldn't help imagining herself wearing it.
But then her heart tightened. Thinking of how hard Ethan had been working for their estate brought warmth to her eyes. With a sudden leap, she threw herself at him, kissing his cheek.
"Ethan... why are you so good to me?"
He chuckled and flicked her forehead lightly. "If I don't take care of my wife, then who will?"
The line between servant and master had long since disappeared. They were simply husband and wife now.
"If this becomes known, so many women might chase after you," Sophia said with a serious look. "My promise still stands. You can take as many wives as you want, as long as you're good to me. But if you forgot me after taking them, I'll curse you."
Ethan laughed softly. "Do you really think the noble ladies of high rank would be interested in a weakling? You're overthinking it."
"Sisssh… you talk so sweetly. For that, today I'm going to reward you," she said with a faint smile.
"Reward me?" Ethan asked in surprise. "What kind of reward are you talking about?"
In response, what he got was Sophia's mischievous smile.