After the hidden room was cleared and the loot was gathered, the dungeon finally collapsed.

The ground shook as its power faded. What had stood for over a century, a place that drew mercenaries and soldiers alike, disappeared as if it had never existed.

Ethan looked at the empty land with calm eyes.

To him, it was nothing. But he knew this was a huge loss for House Fenwick. For them, it was a blow that would take years to recover from.

He brushed the thought aside. Whatever happened to House Fenwick had nothing to do with him.

As for this land, it was far from his own territory. He decided it would be best to sell it for a good price and forget about it.

When everything was settled, Ethan invited Joel's team to his estate. They accepted happily, glad for rest and payment after such a harsh battle.

Back home, Ethan thought things would finally be calm. But he was greeted with another surprise.

"What did you just say?" Ethan asked, doubt flashing across his face.

Sophia smiled and answered in a steady voice. "I said… Lia is pregnant, you big fool."

Ethan's gaze shifted from Sophia to Lia. She stood quietly with her head lowered, her ears twitching and her tail swaying slightly. A blush warmed her cheeks.

Sophia frowned when she saw Ethan's blank expression. "Why are you reacting like that? Aren't you happy?"

Ethan blinked, then snapped out of his shock.

In the next moment, he stepped forward and scooped Lia into his arms. His voice carried both surprise and joy. "No, I am happy. I just… didn't expect this. I thought it was hard for beastmen to get pregnant. But after only one night… you really became pregnant?"

Lia's blush deepened, her face turning crimson as she avoided his eyes.

Sophia crossed her arms, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "Well, who wouldn't get pregnant after being filled again and again with so much seed?"

Lia's entire face turned red at her words. She covered her face with her hands, her ears shaking in embarrassment.

Ethan only laughed, his heart warm. He pressed several gentle kisses on Lia's lips and forehead. "Great… This is wonderful. Then we should prepare for the wedding."

At his words, Lia's eyes widened with a spark of light. But just as quickly, she shook her head and grabbed Ethan's arm, her voice trembling.

"My Lord… maybe we shouldn't. If you marry me, people might talk bad. They may say things behind your back."

Ethan looked at her with firm eyes and shook his head. "Why would that matter? I am not doing anything wrong. I am taking you as my wife with Sophia's permission. There is nothing shameful in that."

Sophia stepped forward and clasped Lia's hands tightly. Her voice was calm, but it carried strength. "Don't be afraid. With me by your side, let's see who dares to speak ill of you. You are a kind and gentle girl. You deserve a wedding that honors you."

Lia's eyes grew wet,and her lips trembled as she looked at Sophia and then at Ethan.

For a long moment, she could not speak, but the light in her gaze was full of gratitude and hope.

...…

The heavy doors of House Fenwick's study swung open with a sharp sound. A servant rushed in, his breath uneven, his face pale with panic.

Baron Fenwick lifted his head from the desk. His cold eyes narrowed and his tone was sharp. "What is this rudeness?"

The butler froze, realizing his mistake. He bowed low, his voice trembling. "Forgive me, My Lord. The news I just received… I lost my composure."

Fenwick set down the papers in his hand, his brow furrowing. He had little patience for such outbursts, but the man's urgency hinted at something serious. "Speak. What happened?"

The butler hesitated, then forced the words out. "It is about Baron Blank. The informants say he… he has cleared the dungeon."

The sound of a pen snapping broke the silence.

Ink spilled across the parchment as Baron Fenwick's hand clenched tight. A wave of pressure filled the room, suffocating the air around them. His eyes, sharp as blades, rose to meet the butler's.

"Explain…..Clearly."

The butler swallowed, then continued. "Baron Blank hired a mercenary team. The one led by Joel. Together, they entered the dungeon. They fought through and cleared it. The dungeon has disappeared from the land."

Fenwick sat in silence as his expression became dark. He leaned back slowly in his chair with his fingers tightening against the armrest. The news struck deeper than he wished to admit.

He had thought about using mercenaries before.

Many lords did. It was the simplest way to challenge a dungeon of such scale. But the cost was staggering.

Their pay was enormous, and most mercenary teams demanded half the loot from the boss chamber. To him, it was nothing less than robbery.

And besides, mercenaries were filthy creatures. Men without honor, living only for coins. Even if a handful were decent, Fenwick had no wish to bow to their terms.

He had gambled on patience, believing he could bide his time and still secure the dungeon for himself.

Alas,that gamble had failed.

He pressed his hand to his forehead, as the weight of the situation sunk in.

Never, even in his worst fears, had he imagined this outcome. That Baron Blank.. the young guy coming out of nowhere would seize victory against him.

He had been so sure of his own success yet he failed.

And on top of that he didn't imagine that he would win against the Orc King.

He was just paralyzed by that guy's aura and had to run away.

"He must have paid dearly for this," Fenwick muttered, his voice low and bitter.

"There is no doubt, My Lord," the butler replied quickly. "The sum must have been enormous."

Fenwick leaned back into his chair, his gaze drifting toward the tall windows of the study.

Outside, the evening light cast long shadows across the courtyard. His fingers tapped slowly against the armrest, each tap echoing the heavy silence in the room.

For a long time he said nothing. His mind turned over and over, sifting through the loss.

The dungeon had been a beacon, a legacy of power and wealth of Fenwick had finally disappeared.

He thought of his children. Their future, their standing, the pride of his house. All of it seemed to dim under this blow. The taste of failure felt quite bitter on his tongue.

But then, a flicker of thought stirred in the back of his mind. His eyes sharpened.

"Perhaps…" His words came out as a whisper to himself. "Perhaps there is still a way. If I play my cards right, and move carefully… this loss may yet turn into an opportunity."

The butler looked at him with confusion, but did not dare to question.

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