Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 840:I Don't Want To Let Go

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Previously on Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill...
Ethan discusses the administration of his new territory with Lancelot, who offers to help retain capable officials. They also discuss Gu Cheng, a man from another world who was captured and used as a puppet by the Divine Family. Ethan explains how he freed Gu Cheng, who is now staying at Blanks while seeking a way home. The conversation then shifts to Ethan's newly appointed noble positions, with Count Alaric expressing concern about consolidating too much power within Ethan's circle.

"Her Majesty has given five quotas to be filled by Lord Ethan, and she will send five more nobles herself. However, if four of those five positions are filled by people who have a close relationship with the Blanks, won't that cause dissatisfaction among the other nobles?"

He paused for a moment before continuing, his expression growing more serious.

"On top of that, except for Lancelot, the others don't have the merit or strength to hold those positions."

Eldorian wasn't a new Empire like Arcadia. With a thousand years of history, its nobility had a much deeper foundation. Almost everyone from the rank of Marquess and above was a Transcendent. Even a Baron could possess the strength of a Mythic powerhouse.

To make matters worse, most of the nobility were mages, while the people on Ethan's side were mostly knights. Even Ethan's appointment as Duke had already created considerable dissatisfaction among the nobles.

This was exactly what Ethan had been worried about, and now he found himself in a difficult position.

After thinking for a while, Ethan finally spoke.

"Then preserve Lancelot's position as Count. I will discuss the matter with the others."

Count Alaric gave a brief nod, and the meeting finally came to an end.

After finishing the meeting, Ethan immediately went to find his wives. He knew he couldn't keep delaying the matter, and he needed to discuss it with them before making any further decisions.

When he entered the room, Sophia, Julia, Rina, Claire, and Amber were present. The others were busy taking care of the children, and since the matter didn't directly involve them, they hadn't come along to avoid crowding the room.

Ethan sat down and explained the situation, laying out his thoughts and concerns without hiding anything.

After hearing him out, everyone frowned. They understood the difficulties he was facing, especially when it came to balancing his personal relationships with the interests of the Duchy.

"Maintaining relationships is really a hassle job." Claire spoke while grabbing her forehead, looking troubled by the entire situation.

At that moment, Julia spoke up.

"Ethan, I understand your concern. You don't need to fight for House Salvos."

She looked at him with a calm expression before continuing.

"They already have me and their grandchildren to depend on. Just because they aren't nobles doesn't mean they can't live well. I will make them understand."

Although Julia spoke with confidence, everyone knew that saying something was one thing, while actually making others understand it was another.

Ethan looked at her for a moment before giving a slight nod. He understood what she meant, but the matter wasn't something that could be resolved with a few words.

"I will try to fight for them, but I am not sure what will happen in the end. So before I go, I think I personally have to talk to them."

The others nodded in agreement. They understood that the matter involved more than just a few appointments, and a careless decision could create problems for everyone in the future.

"Ethan is correct. Since it's a serious matter, Ethan, you should call for a meeting."

Ethan gave a brief nod, accepting their suggestion. He had already decided to discuss the matter with the others, and now he needed to hear their thoughts before making a final decision.

Although he had already discussed the matter with Count Alaric, he still needed to hear what Salvos, Osantra, and Fenwick had to say before making any decisions.

Since the matter involved their future positions and the stability of the Duchy, he didn't want to delay it any further.

By the time the sun began to set, the invitations had already been delivered.

The following morning, Ethan arrived at the meeting hall, where he saw Duke Osantra, Count Philips, and Baron Fenwick waiting for him.

"Greetings, Duke Osantra."

Ethan greeted them with a smile before approaching Count Philips. Unlike the formal greeting he had given Duke Osantra, he warmly grabbed Count Philips's hand.

Count Philips laughed heartily as he held Ethan's hand. His face was now filled with wrinkles, and his hair had turned grey. Compared to the past, he looked much older, yet he carried a different kind of charm.

Baron Fenwick was already old, and his remaining years were few. Ethan had even offered him life-extending support, but Fenwick had declined it.

As for Count Philips, although he had taken the potion that increased his potential, it was clear that he hadn't put much effort into raising his rank.

Even though this was a formal meeting, it didn't stop Ethan from giving them a warm greeting, especially Count Philips.

From the days when he was merely a Baron to the present, Count Philips had played a crucial role in Ethan's journey. His support had been unmatched, and Ethan had never forgotten the help he had received from him.

"Father-in-law, you..." Ethan paused as he sensed that Philips's realm hadn't changed.

Count Philips immediately understood what Ethan wanted to say. He grabbed Ethan's hand firmly and spoke with a gentle smile.

"Ethan, let it go. I don't have any more will to keep being headstrong and pushing forward. I have already given it my all. Now it's time for the younger generation to shine."

He gave Ethan's hand a gentle pat before continuing.

"Your mother-in-law and I want to spend our remaining days happily without any burdens."

Ethan swallowed hard upon hearing those words. He looked at Philips's aged face and found himself unable to say anything for a moment. He had hoped that his father-in-law would continue advancing, but he also understood that everyone had their own limits and wishes.

After taking a deep breath, Ethan finally released his hand and moved toward the centre of the room.

Once everyone had taken their seats, his gaze swept across the room before he continued.

"As you all know, I have recently been appointed Duke of Eldorian, and the Queen has given me five quotas to appoint nobles under my jurisdiction. I have already discussed this matter with Count Alaric, but there are some complications."

Duke Osantra raised his eyebrows slightly, while Count Philips and Baron Fenwick exchanged glances.

Ethan leaned back in his chair and continued explaining the situation. He told them about the concerns regarding the concentration of power and how appointing people with close ties to the Blanks could cause dissatisfaction among the other nobles.

He also explained the difference in strength between Eldorian's nobility and the people who had come from his side. Most nobles in Eldorian had deep roots and considerable strength, while many of his own people were still lacking the necessary qualifications to hold such positions.

After hearing everything, the room fell silent for a moment.

Duke Osantra rubbed his chin and glanced at Count Philips before turning toward Ethan.

"So, what you are saying is that even if you want to appoint us, there might be objections from the other nobles?"

"That's right," Ethan replied with a nod. "I can recommend you, but the final appointment still needs to be approved. I don't want to create unnecessary trouble for everyone, especially when we have only just begun establishing the Duchy."

Count Philips remained quiet, his fingers tapping lightly against the table. Fenwick also seemed to be thinking about the matter, and neither of them immediately spoke.

"Ethan, I understand your concern. But you don't need to force yourself over this matter. If my appointment causes trouble, then I can let go of my noble title..." Count Philips spoke, his voice calm and steady.

Ethan frowned slightly.

"That's not what I want. You have already contributed a lot, and I don't think it would be right to leave you without a proper position."

Baron Fenwick smiled faintly and shook his head. He seemed to share Philips's thoughts, though he remained silent.

Ethan then looked toward Duke Osantra, who had been quietly observing the conversation. The Duke met his gaze with a serious expression before finally speaking.

"Ethan, I won't pretend to be a saint. This matter of nobility, I don't have the heart to let it go."