Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 522:The War Is On Again

The extended period of silence was not to last.

Three months later, the Emperor of Arcadia unfurled a call to arms, catching most by surprise. It wasn't the unexpectedness of war itself, but its intended direction that caused astonishment.

This was no defensive mobilization for Arcadian lands. The Emperor intended to muster his forces and strike directly into the Demon territories, proclaiming it a righteous punishment for the demons' transgressions.

The announcement, sudden and impactful, left many stunned. Draft orders were already being dispatched, and the moment Ethan heard the news, a sense of foreboding took root in his chest, refusing to budge.

As he had anticipated, it wasn't long before this predicament became his direct concern.

A delegation of envoys from the imperial court of the Arcadia Empire arrived at Blank Manor, their presence marked by the formal deportment typical of imperial representatives – composed and deliberate in every movement and presentation.

Ethan welcomed them in the grand hall, and both parties exchanged greetings with the requisite courtesy, neither excessive nor frigid.

The envoys offered a bow of proper deference to the Marquis, and Ethan returned it with the practiced ease of one well-versed in courtly protocols, understanding the precise weight to lend each gesture.

Following the initial pleasantries, one of the envoys stepped forward, requesting Marquis Ethan to peruse the Imperial Decree they had brought. Ethan accepted it with both hands, unrolled the parchment, and read its contents at a measured pace.

It was a formal appointment, clearly and officially outlining his designated post. Furthermore, the decree summoned capable individuals to step forth and support the army in its campaign against the Demon Empire, with Ethan's name conspicuously listed among those mobilized without any ambiguity.

Ethan had been mentally bracing for this development for some time. Several months prior, he had received subtle indications of the unfolding events, and the trajectory had been shaping itself into this very form for long enough that its official confirmation brought little shock, serving instead as a mere confirmation.

He placed the decree down, observing it in silent contemplation.

"It appears I am destined for the battlefield," he stated.

The news did not remain confined within the hall; it rapidly permeated the entire manor, reaching every corner where his family resided.

Reactions were swift and, as expected, Sophia was the first to erupt.

"What is this preposterousness!" she exclaimed, her voice sharp as she paced, her mounting frustration evident in the increasing force of her steps. "That Emperor… I swear I'll curse his lineage!"

Crossing her arms tightly, she fixed Ethan with a glare, clearly unwilling to accept the situation. "To send you off to war like this… do they see you as some expendable soldier?"

Ethan remained standing calmly, observing her for a moment before a faint, involuntary chuckle escaped him.

Sophia immediately turned towards him, narrowing her eyes. "You find this amusing?" she demanded, pointing at him. "Are you serious right now?"

Ethan raised his hands slightly in a placating gesture, the faint smile still gracing his lips. "I am serious," he replied, then added, "you look as though you're about to march on the capital yourself."

Sophia scoffed, averting her gaze, yet her anger remained undiminished. "Don't push me," she muttered under her breath.

Diana stepped forward at that juncture, her composure evident, though a clear flicker of concern resided within her eyes. "When must you depart?" she inquired.

"Soon," Ethan responded, his tone unwavering. "The order is already in effect."

Lia stood quietly nearby, her fingers clenching subtly as she voiced her question softly. "…Is it dangerous?"

Ethan glanced at her briefly before answering with a simple tap on her head. "It's war."

"What did you expect?"

"A celebration!"

This declaration momentarily silenced the room, none daring to speak immediately.

Mira leaned casually against a pillar, her brow furrowed slightly. "So, they've finally decided to make their move," she commented. While her voice was calm, her gaze remained sharp.

Rina approached, looking directly at Ethan. "You knew this was coming, didn't you?" she questioned.

Ethan nodded without hesitation. "Yes, I had a feeling."

Selene then stepped forward, her tone imbued with quiet gravity. "Then you must also understand this will be no simple undertaking," she stated.

"I know," Ethan replied, his certainty absolute.

Sophia approached again, positioning herself directly before him, her initial anger having subsided somewhat, replaced by a stronger current of worry. "Knowing what must be done and actually doing it are two different things," she stated, her gaze fixed intently on him. "...You have a family here."

A subtle softening touched Ethan's expression as he responded, "I am aware of that as well."

Sophia remained silent for a beat, her stare unwavering, before she let out a small click of her tongue and averted her eyes once more. "...Still as exasperating as ever," she murmured under her breath.

A faint smile played on Ethan's lips as he then spoke in a measured tone, "I will be alright."

"That's the standard line from every soldier," Diana chimed in softly.

Rather than engaging in an argument, Ethan moved a step nearer, his hand coming to rest gently upon Sophia's head.

She tensed momentarily but did not immediately withdraw from his touch.

"Look after things on this end," he instructed.

After a brief pause, Sophia flicked his hand away, her voice now tinged with a gentler tone. "I hardly need you to tell me that," she retorted.

Ethan then surveyed everyone present, noting the diverse emotions reflected in their faces – some evident concern, others a quiet resignation.

He drew a slow breath, and a fleeting memory surfaced. It was of a similar summons from decades prior, an obligation he had successfully sidestepped then. However, circumstances were drastically different now, and he understood that evasion was no longer an option.

"I shall return," he declared simply.

No one offered a verbal response, yet their collective silence conveyed a profound understanding.

With preparations made discreetly soon after, there was no elaborate send-off; the entire affair remained understated and controlled.

Ethan cast one final glance at the assembled group before turning away and departing the manor.

...…

The journey proceeded without incident. As he journeyed further, the landscape began a gradual transformation, the air growing perceptibly colder, and the terrain progressively more rugged. Along his path, indications of military activity became increasingly prevalent: soldiers marched in organized formations, and supply caravans trailed in lengthy lines, all converging towards a singular destination.

After a period of travel, he finally arrived at his objective.

Ahead lay the Anning Pass in Scholdz Province, a constricted corridor nestled between imposing rocky formations, serving as the gateway to more remote territories. The location was already abuzz with activity; tents blanketed the land, and a constant stream of soldiers moved about, engaged in preparations for the anticipated conflict.

The prevailing atmosphere was thick with tension, underscored by the clatter of armor, the resonance of weapons, and the distant echoes of commands.

Ethan paused briefly at the pass's entrance, taking in the scene with quiet observation.

This was no longer the sanctuary of home, nor was it a place of tranquility.

This was war.

He exhaled slowly and then proceeded forward without hesitation, entering the encampment.