"This… this has to be C-rank."

"What? Are you saying Baron Ethan defeated a master-rank monster?" someone else stammered, voice trembling with disbelief.

"That can't be right," another argued. "I think it's peak advanced-rank. There's no way one man could kill a master-rank alone."

Han, who had been silent, turned around sharply. His tone carried a mix of irritation and authority. "I think it's better if you all focus on your job rather than spouting nonsense," he said firmly. "Collect the remains, check the chamber for cores, and mark any unsteady ground. Move!"

…...

Outside the dungeon, a large crowd had already gathered in the nearby village. The villagers, hearing that the dungeon was finally cleared, rushed out to meet the man who had saved them.

Ethan stood quietly near a wooden fence, his sword sheathed, his clothes torn and bloodstained. Despite the exhaustion in his eyes, he smiled faintly as people surrounded him.

He greeted everyone who wanted to see him personally.

"Sir Ethan, thank you for saving us!" a man shouted, bowing deeply.

"Because of you, our children can live in peace again!" another woman said tearfully, clutching her child's hand.

An elderly man stepped forward and said with trembling lips, "The monsters almost reached our fields… If not for you, our homes would've been gone."

Ethan nodded humbly, his voice soft but firm. "It's alright. I just did what I had to do. No one should suffer because of something like this."

Standing beside the crowd, Countess Rina approached. Her long red hair glowed under the sunlight, and her crimson eyes softened as she looked at Ethan. She clasped her hands together and spoke with genuine gratitude.

"I don't know what would have happened if you weren't here," she said quietly. "Many lives would have been lost. As the ruler of this territory, it pains me that I could only watch helplessly."

Ethan shook his head lightly, giving her a calm smile. "It's okay. It's not your fault. No one expected a dungeon break."

Meanwhile, inside the dungeon, Joel and Han had begun gathering the loot left behind by the Spider Queen. After hours of careful work, they carried several artifacts outside and laid them before Rina and Ethan.

"There were a few items left intact," Joel reported, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Most are low to mid-grade, but two are quite valuable."

On the ground lay several glittering objects: a dark-purple orb faintly pulsing with light, a set of sharp, silver-edged daggers, and a chain bracelet that shimmered faintly.

Among them were two C-rank artifacts,a crystalline orb with swirling mist inside and a black.It was the C-rank core.

Then there was a rune-engraved dagger of C-rank.

The rest were D and E-rank items, mostly small accessories and fragments of armor.

The mercenaries who had gathered began whispering among themselves.

"Haa… now what are we supposed to do?" one complained under his breath. "We didn't really do much in this raid."

"So does that mean we won't be getting paid?" another muttered.

Their grumbling grew louder until Rina stepped forward, her voice calm but commanding. "Don't worry," she said. "Everyone will receive the payment that was promised. You all came when called, and that deserves respect."

The murmuring died down, replaced by quiet relief.

Rina then turned toward Ethan, her tone softening. "However, regarding artifact distribution… since the boss monster was defeated by Sir Ethan himself, the spoils rightfully belong to him."

Ethan nodded without hesitation. "Just hand them over to me later," he said simply. He didn't feel the need to act humble or refuse.

It was his battle, after all.

"Fine," Rina replied, smiling faintly. "I'll make sure everything is properly arranged."

She paused for a moment, then added warmly, "Since this is over, Sir Ethan, I kindly invite you to my estate for some rest and a proper follow-up. You must be exhausted."

Ethan returned her smile, his expression calm yet grateful. "Of course," he said. "I'd be honored."

Rina turned to her guards and ordered them to prepare the carriages. As the crowd began to disperse,

.....

Ethan and his children were warmly welcomed into the Countess's estate. The servants guided them through long, polished hallways lit by crystal lamps until they reached a large, luxurious guest room. The place was elegant and spacious, with soft velvet curtains, carved furniture, and a wide bed that looked too soft to be real. It was clear they were being treated as honored guests.

Miranda, who had been shaken after witnessing the brutal battle earlier, began to cheer up as she ran around the room with a bright smile.

Her earlier fear seemed to fade, replaced by childish excitement. Ray, on the other hand, sat quietly on the couch, examining one of the artifacts Ethan had brought back from the dungeon. Its faint glow reflected in his eyes, full of curiosity.

"Brother, can I see it?" Miranda asked eagerly, stepping closer.

"No," Ray said firmly, turning away.

"What? Why not!" she protested, puffing her cheeks.

"I want it... Let me!" she said and suddenly leapt at him.

The two began to wrestle on the carpet, laughing and struggling until Ethan entered the room. His expression turned serious as he saw the artifact in their hands.

"Kids, enough," he said firmly. "Don't play around with those. They are dangerous and can harm you."

"But Papa!" Miranda looked up, her eyes tearing up slightly, but Ethan didn't move. He took the artifact from them and sealed it back into his storage ring.

If something ever happened to them because of his carelessness, he would never forgive himself.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Ethan opened it to find a maid bowing respectfully. She handed him a folded letter.

"A letter?" he murmured, taking it. The maid bowed again and left.

Tilting his head, Ethan frowned. Something about it gave him a bad feeling.

'Why does this look like Sophia's doing?' he thought.

He opened it, and his eyes widened immediately.

[Sir Ethan, please come to my room at midnight.]

[And don't worry, you have Lady Sophia's full permission.]

[She won't blame you for stepping into uncharted territory.]

"What the hell!" Ethan exclaimed, almost shouting in disbelief.

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