[The child had been born with F-rank warrior potential.]
[Reward: Gift*1]
It was within Ethan's expectations. According to the system, the gift package level would match the child's potential. If it turned out to be E-rank, it would be useful. Otherwise, it would be a waste for him.
He kept the package aside and walked over to look at the child.
"It's a girl," Ethan said softly.
The moment he laid eyes on her, his expression lit up. It wasn't that he favored a girl over a boy, but because this daughter had completely taken after him.
Sophia, squeezing her tired eyes open, held the baby close.
"She looks just like you… the white hair and even the features," Sophia said with a joyful smile.
Ethan held her hand gently, his voice low. "You should rest."
After coaxing her to sleep, Ethan carefully took the girl, whom they named Miranda. He stayed by her side until she fell asleep, then secluded himself.
"Open the package."
[DING]
[Breakthrough Card*1]
[Breakthrough Card: E rank]
Can be used to break through a minor realm in the Intermediate stage. The breakthrough is permanent.
Ethan studied the details and finally sighed in relief.
"Thank God… it's useful."
He thought for a moment. "Should I use this card now to break through?"
He didn't dare to be hasty and asked for system advice.
The system answered, and the revelation shocked him.The card would not only break through but also restore his full energy.
"This might turn the tide of battle," Ethan murmured. His gaze grew sharper as his thoughts shifted to the mine.
"Finally… the time has come." His eyes shone with determination.
Days later, Ethan called Randall and Oliver.
"I have become an Intermediate Knight," Ethan announced.
Randall's eyes widened, and he broke into a grin. "No way! That's insane, Lord Ethan. I knew you'd pull it off, but damn, you actually did it!" He laughed and slapped Ethan on the shoulder with boyish excitement.
Oliver, calm as always, gave a gentle smile. "Impressive. Truly. You've grown stronger, and at the right time. The Baron, if alive , would be proud of you."
Sophia, standing nearby, gasped. Her face brightened with happiness as she rushed forward. She let out a joyful cry and kissed him over and over, her arms tight around him.
"My husband is amazing," she said, her voice filled with pride and love. "You've never let us down, Ethan. Never."
Ethan smiled faintly and set her back down gently. Then he looked at all of them with a somber expression.
"We've delayed it long enough," he said. His voice was heavy with resolve. "It's time."
Randall's grin faded, replaced by a more serious look. Oliver's expression grew still, his calm demeanor hardening as he caught Ethan's meaning.
Sophia frowned, worried in her eyes. "Time for what?" she asked.
Ethan's gaze turned firm. "Time to clear the mine."
Sophia's eyes widened and her whole body trembled in fear, unable to process Ethan's words. For a moment she could not even breathe. Then, before Ethan could say anything, her voice ripped through the room.
"NO!"
The cry echoed against the walls and shook everyone present.
"You aren't allowed to go!" she screamed.
Her roar silenced the air. Oliver and Nina both rushed to her side.
"My Lady…" Oliver tried to speak, his calm voice soft as ever.
"My Lady, please calm down," Nina begged, holding Sophia's arm, but Sophia shook her head wildly. Her face was pale and her lips trembled.
"You know how dangerous that place is!" she shouted through her tears. "It took my father's life. What if something happens to Ethan?"
Her chest heaved as memories clawed at her heart. The day her father came back injured and carried by others was carved deep inside her. She remembered waiting by the gates, the laughter of servants turning quiet, the heavy silence, and then the dreadful news.
That day crushed her, and even though she had learned to live with the pain, it had never left her.
Ethan stepped forward and gently grabbed her shoulders. His voice was firm but soft. "You are overthinking, Sophia. It's not as dangerous as you imagine."
But Sophia shook her head, tears blurring her vision. "Everything is going right. Why do you need to take this risk? Why?"
Her voice broke, raw with fear. The thought of losing him wrapped around her throat like a chain. She could not bear it.
Ethan looked into her eyes and sighed. "Sophia… my dear. You are a Baroness now. Calm yourself. I am not rushing into this blindly. I have prepared. That is why I am going down there now.Everything is planned."
Randall, who had been leaning by the side with his arms crossed, nodded in agreement. He tried to lighten the weight of the air, though his voice carried respect. "My Lady, it is true the place is dangerous, but we can still escape if things go wrong. Lord Ethan has had chances to flee before, yet he stayed because of you and this estate. If he had thought only of himself, he could have left long ago."
Sophia bit her lip hard and lowered her head against Ethan's chest. Her tears soaked his shirt. "You are all so cruel," she whispered between sobs. "You leave me with helplessness."
Ethan did not argue. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as if shielding her from the world. The others bowed and quietly left, giving them space.
After crying until her body weakened, Sophia raised her swollen eyes to him. Her lashes clung together with tears. "Promise me you will come back," she said, her voice shaking.
Ethan brushed away the wetness from her cheeks with his thumb and smiled faintly. "Yes. I promise," he whispered.
He meant it with all his heart. Looking at her, so fragile yet so strong, made him ache. She was his wife, his anchor, his home.