Ethan's heart skipped a beat when he saw the scene before him.
A line of soldiers stretched across the estate gates.
Their armors gleamed in the sunlight, and every single one of them stood tall with sharp eyes emitting calm yet crushing auras.
Ethan could tell at a glance that not one of them was weaker than an Intermediate Knight.
Behind them rolled in a grand carriage, whose wheels seemed to be plated in silver, and the curtains embroidered with fine golden thread.
It was the kind of carriage only someone of high noble blood could use.
The sight stirred Ethan's heart. He clenched his fists without realizing, and his body tensed.
"Father,is there trouble?"Miranda asked fearfully.
Ray looked at Ethan with solemn expression and asked,"Did you offend higher up…Is this the end."
Ethan's lips twitched for a moment.
"I haven't offended anyone..Why are you always thinking bad?As a kid you shouldn't just enjoy and play around."
"As an elder,if I don't become responsible then all the children behind me might turn into waste."
"..."
Ethan blinked his eyes.
'Damn…Is this kid a reincarnator?'
Miranda looked at Ray and his father in confusion wondering what they were saying.
"Daddy,are we in big trouble…Will we be punished?"
"Of course not..''Ethan spoke and then put down the kids,and patted their heads.
"I don't know what's going on but don't worry."
"What is going on here?" he demanded as he strode forward.
A familiar figure broke from the soldiers and hurried over. "My Lord!" Randall called out. He bowed quickly. "It is Lady Julia. She has come to visit."
"Lady Julia…?" Ethan repeated in confusion.
Randall lowered his voice as though speaking of someone sacred. "She is the daughter of the Duke."
"The Duchess…" Ethan murmured. The tension in his chest eased, and he let out a slow breath. 'So she came here… most likely for the payment but what a grand display.'
He marvelled and then turned to hand over Ray and Miranda over to Nina. "Take them inside."
He then patted Miranda and Ray.
"Go and play.I will take care of things here."
Nina nodded, though she looked worried, and guided the children away. Ethan straightened his clothes, calmed his mind, and made his way to the main hall.
When he entered, his steps halted.
The woman standing in the hall immediately drew his eyes.
Ethan had seen many people in this world.
Most were tall compared to Earth standards, but this woman still managed to tower over him.
He himself had grown to nearly 187 centimeters, yet she stood taller.
Her frame was sturdy, her shoulders broad, and her body carried the strength of someone well trained.
Despite wearing a luxurious gown, Ethan could see it didn't fit her nature. Her posture, the slight stiffness in her movements, the way her hand tugged at the hem of her skirt,she was clearly uncomfortable.
Her face was strikingly beautiful but cold, like a mountain peak untouched by warmth. She looked like one of those slim yet muscular fitness women from Earth, only sharper, stronger, and more refined.
The gown emphasized her elegance, but her temperament didn't match the attire at all. As a designer, Ethan could see it clearly. If he couldn't notice such flaws, he would be useless.
"Ethan, you are here," Sophia said quickly. "Allow me to introduce Lady Julia Salvos."
Ethan lowered his head and bowed deeply. "It is an honor to meet you, Lady Julia."
Julia glanced at him. Her eyes were calm, unreadable. She gave the slightest nod. "Sir Ethan."
He straightened, then stepped closer. "Please, My Lady, take a seat."
Julia hesitated, holding the hem of her gown as if uncertain. Then, with a trace of discomfort, she sat down. Ethan moved to his place beside Sophia.
Sophia's voice was gentle as she looked at the guest. "Lady Julia, it is a surprise to have you here."
Julia smiled faintly, her expression softening just a little. "Your dresses were greatly liked by my mother. If this was only about the payment, I would not have come myself. My mother has prepared something more.A special reward."
"Special rewards?" Ethan and Sophia asked almost at the same time.
Julia nodded and signaled to her attendants. They carried in a large casket and set it down before Ethan.
"Please, Sir Ethan," Julia said. "Open it."
Ethan's heart raced as he lifted the lid. Inside lay a greatsword, its blade gleaming faintly even in the dim hall. He touched the weapon and immediately recognized its quality. This was no ordinary weapon.
This was a C-rank sword.
He drew in a sharp breath and stepped back, bowing. "My Lady, this is too precious. I cannot accept it."
Julia's cold expression softened for the first time. She saw his genuine shock. "It is precious.No one can deny that. But this sword has been gathering dust for too long. If you refuse it, it will only return to rot in storage."
Ethan hesitated. He had been searching for weapons, yet the cost was enormous.
A D-rank sword alone could cost ten to thirty thousand gold coins, depending on quality. A C-rank like this would start at fifty thousand. He could afford it, but he believed now was not the time. The money was better invested in his business and people.
"My Lady," he said slowly. "My designs, even if appreciated, do not deserve such a treasure. A gown may cost much, but it is still only fabric. This sword… it is beyond that."
"Yes, Lady Julia," Sophia added gently. "It is too much. We are grateful, but it feels wrong to accept."
Julia studied them quietly, then spoke again, her voice firm. "Sir Ethan. Lady Sophia. This is not only for the designs. My father also permitted this. Consider it not just as a gift, but as compensation."
"Compensation?" Ethan and Sophia exchanged startled looks.
The moment the word left Julia's lips, both of them felt a shiver run down their spines.
"Is there trouble."
Ethan swallowed hard, his throat dry.
'Damn… I should have known. Things are never so simple. This is the carrot and stick method.'