A strong and suffocating pressure filled the air as the Apostle's voice cut through the silence like a blade.

"How did it happen?" he asked coldly, his tone calm but terrifying.

The man in front of him trembled slightly before replying. "A few of our brothel houses were caught. The person in charge of contacting them was being followed without our knowledge. Eventually, it led to a full exposure of our branch there."

The Apostle's eyes darkened, the flicker of black flames glowing faintly in his pupils. "Anything else?"

"Yes, Sir. Small troubles are brewing here and there."

The Apostle tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "Which region?"

"Eastern!"

The Apostle's face twisted with irritation. "Eastern again..." he muttered under his breath, his tone laced with venom.

He slowly rose from his seat, the room trembling faintly as his aura surged. Years ago, one of his trusted Liches in the Eastern region was caught. Now, another problem was starting there. It seemed that place was cursed with incompetence.

He paced a few steps, his long cloak brushing against the floor as he pondered deeply. "How about the ration and sacrifices?"

"All had been prepared, Sir," the man replied quickly, bowing low.

"How is conversion going on?"

"We have enough!"

The Apostle lifted his chin slightly, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Good. The Eastern Region has been barking too much lately. It seems we should silence them once and for all."

He turned, his piercing eyes gleaming with a deadly resolve. "I will personally lead the attack there. First, we flatten the Duchy and cover the entire region. Then we sacrifice everything within. Once done, we'll spread our control until the entire Ruthiana bows before us."

The air around him pulsed, and the ground underfoot cracked slightly as the Apostle's power leaked out.

The subordinate lowered his head even further, trembling. "As you command, Lord Apostle."

A faint laugh escaped the Apostle's lips that were haunting, and full of malice.

.....

Meanwhile, back in the estate, the mood was completely different.

The training grounds were filled with the laughter and shouts of children, though none of them sounded happy at the moment.

"Ahhh... it's too brutal! Father, you don't love me anymore!" Miranda cried dramatically, falling to her knees after failing another sparring round.

"Me too!" Nera wailed, running in circles while holding her wooden sword over her shoulder. Her hair was messy, her cheeks flushed red from exhaustion.

Ethan stood in front of them, arms crossed, watching with faint amusement. "You're saying that now, but you'll thank me later."

Ray and Herion, the older ones, were more composed. They stood silently, drenched in sweat, trying to catch their breath. Herion opened his mouth as if to complain, but one stern glance from Ray shut him up immediately.

The little lion cub named Leo, however, had no intention of training. It wobbled on its small legs and ran straight into Ethan's arms. "Papa! Papa!" it squeaked, snuggling against his chest.

Ethan's hard expression softened instantly. He held Leo gently and patted its head. "My heart burns seeing you all like this, but if you don't get stronger and one day face danger, my heart will cry even more."

Miranda wiped her tears and muttered with a pout, "But that's why you're here, isn't it?"

Ethan turned his sharp gaze toward her. "It seems I've spoiled all of you too much."

Behind them, Lia chuckled softly. "Don't be angry at them, my Lord," she said teasingly.

Her voice had grown smoother, filled with quiet confidence. In just three years of marriage, she had changed. The shy and gentle girl Ethan once knew was now a composed and strong woman.

Her body had become toned, her skin glowing from her training. Despite her calm appearance, she was no weak woman. As a body cultivator, Lia had nearly reached the intermediate stage. The faint outlines of firm abs could already be seen forming on her stomach.

Just as Ethan was about to reply, a maid came rushing in, panting heavily.

"Sir... Sir!" she called, her voice trembling with urgency.

Ethan turned toward her immediately. "What happened?"

The maid's eyes were wide with both fear and excitement. "Sir, Lady Sophia has gone into labor!"

For a brief moment, everyone froze. Then Ethan's expression changed.

"Ray! Call the midwives! Miranda, prepare warm water and towels! Nera, stay here with Lia!" he ordered quickly, his tone sharp yet controlled.

The estate became a storm of motion. Servants ran down the halls, midwives were called in haste, and soon the air was filled with nervous energy.

Sophia lay in her chamber, sweat covering her forehead as she gripped the sheets tightly. Her breathing was ragged, and her face was pale but determined.

Ethan entered the room and moved to her side, holding her hand gently. "Sophia... I'm here," he said quietly.

Her eyes fluttered open, meeting him. A faint smile appeared on her lips despite the pain. "You... better... not faint this time," she whispered weakly.

He chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I won't. I promise."

Hours passed like an eternity, filled with cries, shouts, and whispered prayers. The midwives moved quickly, their hands steady. The tension in the air grew heavier with every minute.

Then, finally a cry echoed through the room.

The sound of a newborn filled the air.

Sophia's eyes welled up with tears as the midwife handed her the tiny baby wrapped in a soft blanket.

"It's a boy," she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion.

Ethan looked down at the baby in awe, his hand gently touching the child's tiny fingers.

The baby blinked up at him, and Ethan's heart melted instantly.

At that moment, a faint sound rang inside Ethan's head.

[Detected the birth of a host child.]

He froze for a second, the familiar voice of the system echoing within his mind. Then, a small smile crept onto his face as he whispered softly, "Welcome to the world, little one."

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