Novel Full Chapter 377:A Leap Of Faith
Chapter 377:A Leap Of Faith
The room fell silent again.
Mira remained kneeling, her back straight even though tension tightened her shoulders. She did not lower her head completely this time. Her posture showed restraint, but it was no longer obedience.
This was a negotiation.
Ethan tapped his fingers lightly against the desk. The soft sound echoed in the quiet room.
Once.
Twice..
His eyes never left her face.
A peaceful life… revenge… offering everything in exchange.
He let out a slow breath and leaned back slightly, as if weighing her words carefully.
“You really are honest to a frightening degree.”
Mira did not reply. Her hands rested on her lap, but her fingers were slightly curled. Honesty was the only weapon she still possessed, and she had already placed it on the table.
Ethan stood up and walked toward the window behind his desk. The evening light filtered into the room and cast long shadows across the floor. Outside, the vast grounds of the Blank Estate looked calm and orderly. Servants moved about their duties, guards trained in steady rhythm, and faint laughter drifted from somewhere far away.
Peaceful.
Exactly the kind of life she wanted.
And exactly the kind of peace that never lasted long.
“You misunderstand something,” Ethan said at last without turning around.
Mira’s fingers tightened against her clothes.
“I am not interested in broken loyalty bought through desperation.”
Her heart skipped at his words.
Ethan turned and faced her again.
“If I wanted obedient dolls, I could buy hundreds.”
His gaze sharpened slightly as he looked directly into her eyes.
“But people willing to speak unpleasant truths?”
He paused for a moment and studied her expression carefully.
“But people willing to speak unpleasant truths?”
He paused for a moment and studied her expression carefully.
“Those are rare.”
Confusion flickered across Mira’s face as she slowly lifted her head.
Ethan walked back toward the desk and stopped in front of her.
“Stand up.”
She hesitated for only a moment before pushing herself to her feet. Her knees felt slightly stiff, yet she stood straight. Now they faced each other at equal height, separated only by the corner of the desk.
“You want protection,” Ethan said calmly. “You want revenge. And you are offering yourself as payment.”
He shook his head lightly, almost as if correcting her thinking.
“That sounds less like marriage and more like employment.”
“However I like that..I will help you.”
Mira’s eyes lit up instantly, surprise and disbelief flashing through them. Hope rose before she could stop it, but Ethan’s next words struck her even harder.
“I will help you grow stronger and this revenge..”
He spoke steadily, his tone firm but calm.
“One day you would be strong enough to carve your own revenge.”
Mira froze.
For a moment, she could not speak. Her breathing slowed as those words settled deep inside her chest. No one had ever spoken to her like this before. No promises of ownership, no demand for submission, only strength offered in return for effort.
Her lips parted slightly, and her eyes trembled, yet she held herself together.
Ethan simply watched her reaction quietly, his expression serious and unreadable, as if this decision carried weight far beyond the room they stood in.
…..
The next morning, Mira, Lyra, Selene, and Elara finally stepped out to properly see the Blank Estate.
Soft sunlight spread across the wide courtyards, and gentle wind moved through rows of flowering trees. The estate was far larger than they had imagined. Stone paths stretched neatly between gardens, training grounds, fountains, and elegant buildings that stood tall yet welcoming. Nothing felt oppressive or cold like noble residences they had seen before.
Servants walked past them carrying baskets and documents, yet none lowered their heads in fear. Instead, they greeted them politely.
“Good morning, Lady Mira.”
“Good Morning,Lady Elara.”
“Please call if you need anything.”
“Breakfast has been prepared.”
The four women exchanged confused glances.
No mockery. No hidden contempt. No cold looks judging their origin.
Only respect.
Lyra whispered softly, almost afraid someone would hear her disbelief. “Why are they treating us like this?”
Elara shook her head slowly. “I… don’t know. They are kinder than people in my own home.”
Before they could think further, three women approached them.
Sophia walked in front with calm elegance, her presence gentle yet dignified. Diana followed beside her with confident steps, while Julia carried a warm smile that instantly eased tension.
“You must be tired after yesterday,” Sophia said kindly. “Come. Let us show you around.”
There was no arrogance in her tone despite clearly being Ethan’s main wife.
Mira quietly observed them, expecting hidden hostility, but none appeared.
Instead, Diana laughed lightly while leading them toward the training grounds. “You will get lost if you wander alone. This estate is ridiculously big.”
As they walked, the sound of weapons clashing echoed nearby.
Their steps slowed.
Dozens of warriors trained in formation. Spiritual Mana surged through the air, heavy enough to press against their skin. Every movement carried precision and terrifying strength.
Selene’s eyes widened. “They… they are all strong.”
Julia nodded casually. “Most of them are at the Advanced Stage and above.”
All four women froze.
Advanced Stage knights were respected figures anywhere outside. Yet here they trained like ordinary guards.
Mira felt her heartbeat quicken. Just what kind of power does this estate hold?
Then laughter broke their thoughts.
Children ran across the courtyard chasing one another. A little boy stumbled and another child quickly helped him up. Their bright voices filled the air with life.
Lyra covered her mouth softly. “They are… so beautiful.”
A young girl with silver eyes ran past them, her hair shining under sunlight. Behind her followed a handsome boy who looked strikingly similar to Ethan.
Selene’s expression softened as she watched them. “They look like little angels.”
Elara smiled faintly, though her eyes grew moist. “Seeing them… makes my heart feel warm.”
Lyra spoke quietly, almost shyly. “I… want children like that someday. Healthy and happy. Children who are not afraid.”
Mira remained silent, but her gaze lingered on the children longer than anyone else.
Julia noticed and smiled gently. “They grow freely here. No one forces expectations on them.”
Though she said this,she remembered Ethan dragging kids to do his word.But at this moment it’s better to keep quiet.
The words struck deeply.
For the first time, something painful rose inside all four women.
They remembered homes filled with shouting, hunger, fear, and cold indifference. No laughter. No safety. No warmth.
Here, servants smiled at children. Guards lifted them playfully. Even powerful warriors softened their expressions when passing by.
Selene wiped the corner of her eye quickly. “People here… treat everyone like family.”
Sophia nodded. “Lord Ethan dislikes cruelty inside his home.”
As they continued walking, they overheard guards speaking proudly.
“The Order of Eternal Blades returned yesterday.”
“They freed another group of slaves from the western mines.”
Mira stopped walking.
She had heard that name before.
The Order of Eternal Blades. A force feared across regions. Warriors strong enough to challenge nobles and tyrants. Stories said they destroyed trafficking routes and liberated countless prisoners.
Lyra whispered in shock. “That order belongs to Count Ethan?”
Diana folded her arms. “Yes. They act under his command.”
A chill ran down their spines.
The calm man who spoke casually yesterday possessed frightening power capable of shaking entire territories.
Warmth and terror existed under the same roof.
Later that evening, the four women rested in the garden.
Mira sat quietly on a wooden swing beneath a large tree. The gentle motion moved her back and forth while golden light faded into dusk.
For the first time in years, her mind felt calm.
Selene sat beside her and looked at the peaceful estate.
“This peace and happiness. All of this is quite addictive. Once you enjoyed it seems there is no going back.”
Her voice carried longing.
Lyra hugged her knees softly. “I want more of this. I want to wake up without fear.”
Elara nodded slowly. “I want someone to care whether I live or die. I want to feel loved… and taken care of.”
Silence followed.
The distant laughter of children echoed again.
Mira looked up at the sky, her expression softer than ever before.
None of them spoke for a long moment, yet the same thought formed in their hearts.
Finally, Selene whispered, “Maybe… we should stay.”
Lyra nodded first.
Elara followed.
Mira closed her eyes briefly and then spoke quietly.
“Let’s take a leap of faith.”
And for the first time since being sold away from their homes, the decision did not feel forced..
…….