Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 841

His words caused Count Philips and Baron Fenwick to frown. The two exchanged a brief glance, but neither interrupted him.

Duke Osantra remained composed as he continued looking at Ethan, waiting for his response.

Ethan looked at Duke Osantra for a moment before nodding slightly. He could understand the Duke's feelings. After all, nobility wasn't just a title. It represented the authority, status, and influence that a family had accumulated over generations.

Asking someone to give it up wasn't an easy thing, especially when they had spent their entire life protecting it.

"I understand. I never intended to ask you to give up your title."

Duke Osantra's expression eased slightly, but he continued watching Ethan.

"Then what do you intend to do?"

Ethan rested his hands on the table and glanced at Count Philips and Baron Fenwick before speaking.

"That's why I called everyone here. I want to find a way to preserve everyone's position without creating unnecessary trouble for the Duchy. I don't want any of you to lose what you have worked so hard to build."

Count Philips sighed and leaned back in his chair.

"Ethan, I appreciate your thoughts, but you don't need to worry too much about me. I have already made peace with my decision. If keeping my title becomes a problem for you, then I am willing to let it go."

"Father-in-law, I already said that's not what I want."

Ethan's voice remained calm, but his brows furrowed slightly. He didn't want Philips to think that his position was being sacrificed simply because he was growing old.

Count Philips looked at him for a moment before letting out a hearty laugh.

"Alright, alright. I won't bring it up again."

Despite his laughter, Ethan could tell that Philips was serious about his decision. The Count had already spent most of his life working for his family, and he wanted to enjoy the remaining years with his wife without having to worry about politics.

Beside him, Baron Fenwick nodded in agreement.

"I am in a similar position. I have lived long enough, and I don't have much interest in climbing higher. If my position causes trouble, I can accept whatever arrangement is made."

Ethan gave him a thoughtful look. He knew Fenwick had already refused his offer to extend his lifespan, and he wasn't going to force him to change his mind.

However, Duke Osantra was different.

The Duke had no intention of giving up his title, and Ethan couldn't blame him for that. His family had held its position for a long time, and losing it would mean losing much of the influence they had built.

Ethan rubbed his forehead and looked toward Count Alaric who had seated quitely.

"Is there any other way to handle this? For example, can we recommend them for positions without immediately granting them noble titles?"

Count Alaric considered the question before answering.

"That might be possible for certain administrative positions, but it wouldn't solve the issue entirely. The five quotas granted by Her Majesty are specifically meant for noble appointments. If you wish to use them, the candidates must meet the necessary requirements."

He paused before continuing.

"Moreover, even if we find a way to appoint them, the other nobles may still raise objections. The main concern isn't just the titles themselves, but the influence that would come with them."

Ethan nodded slowly. That was precisely the problem he had been trying to resolve.

He couldn't simply use his authority as Duke to push everything through. Doing so might settle the matter for the moment, but it could create resentment among the nobles who had already been dissatisfied with his appointment.

Duke Osantra crossed his arms and spoke.

"If the concern is about influence, then perhaps the appointments should be handled separately. My family has its own territory and authority. I don't need to be placed under your direct control to preserve my title."

Ethan turned toward him.

"Are you suggesting that you want to remain independent of the Duchy?"

"Not entirely," Osantra replied. "I understand that the territory now falls under your jurisdiction, and I have no intention of challenging Her Majesty's decision. But I would prefer to retain my family's position rather than become another noble who owes everything to the Blanks."

His words were direct, but Ethan didn't take offense. In fact, he found the Duke's position reasonable.

After all, Osantra wasn't someone who had recently gained a title through Ethan's support. He had already been a Duke before the current arrangement, and his family had its own foundation.

Ethan nodded.

"That can be discussed. I don't intend to interfere with your family's internal affairs as long as you follow the laws of the Duchy."

Duke Osantra gave a small nod, seemingly satisfied with the response.

The discussion continued for some time, but they couldn't reach a final agreement. There were simply too many things to consider, and Ethan didn't want to make a decision that could create further complications.

Eventually, Ethan stood up and looked at everyone.

"For now, let's leave the matter of the appointments aside. I will speak with Her Majesty and see what arrangements can be made. Once I have a clearer answer, we can discuss it again."

The others nodded in agreement.

Although the meeting hadn't produced a solution, Ethan felt that it had been necessary. At the very least, everyone had made their position clear, and he now had a better understanding of what they wanted.

After exchanging a few more words, Duke Osantra and the others left the meeting hall.

Ethan remained behind for a while, staring at the empty seats.

'This is turning into a real headache.'

He had expected some difficulties after becoming Duke, but he hadn't thought that even appointing a few nobles would become such a troublesome matter.

Still, he couldn't afford to make careless decisions. The Duchy had only just begun to take shape, and the last thing he wanted was to create divisions among the people who had supported him from the beginning.