[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system":3,"chapter-the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-119":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Exiled Duke's Lottery system",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1366827,1809,"Chapter 119 - 112: The Wolves of Valcriox","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-119",119,"\u003Cp>Snowstorms raged across the fortress-city of House Valcriox beneath dark skies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black mourning banners hung beneath ancient wolf crests while freezing mountain winds swept through the colossal citadel like funeral whispers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fortress no longer felt alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally the estate overflowed with activity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knight companies trained from dawn until midnight. War beasts roared from iron stables. Servants rushed endlessly through marble halls carrying reports and orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But tonight—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The training grounds stood abandoned beneath layers of snow. The knight barracks remained silent. Even the servants lowered their voices instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because everyone inside the fortress knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian Valcriox was dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The coalition army had collapsed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with it—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The future the elders of House Valcriox had spent years constructing through political maneuvering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep inside the central fortress keep, the ancestral hall burned beneath hundreds of black candles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Massive statues of past dukes watched silently from elevated alcoves while ancient battle banners hung draped in mourning cloth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the center of the hall rested a massive obsidian war table covered in battlefield reports, shattered maps, and casualty estimates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And seated at the head of it—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was Duke Octavian Valcriox.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ruler of House Valcriox had not spoken for several minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That frightened everyone in the chamber more than rage would have.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Octavian was not a man known for emotional outbursts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His authority came from something colder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duke’s silver-gray eyes moved slowly across the battlefield reports while every noble and commander around him struggled to suppress fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Lord Mathis truly noticed the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duke looked exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around the chamber sat the surviving senior members of House Valcriox.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Family elders. Knight captains. Military commanders. Political advisors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And among them—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darius Valcriox.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Younger brother of the duke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike Octavian—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darius looked openly furious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shattered metal goblet still lay near his chair from earlier when the battlefield reports first arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the war table knelt a surviving battlefield officer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Burn scars covered half his armor from artillery bombardment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hands shook slightly while holding the reports.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally Duke Octavian spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Continue.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officer visibly swallowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then resumed recounting the battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The coalition assault initially advanced according to plan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The outer trench sectors sustained pressure from mana cavalry and heavy infantry formations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officer hesitated briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However... Elarion defensive coordination remained extremely disciplined.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An elder scoffed coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Disciplined?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officer lowered his head further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another battlefield sketch unfolded across the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The rifle volleys disrupted cavalry momentum while artillery continuously fragmented concentrated assault formations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One knight commander muttered darkly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So the reports are true.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officer nodded slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall immediately went silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because nobody truly wanted the reports to be true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then came the landships.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several nobles visibly stiffened immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They appeared during the final assault phase.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officer’s breathing became uneven remembering the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Steel armored.\" \"Massive.\" \"And armed with continuous-fire weapons.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One older commander immediately snapped:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No weapon fires continuously,even after countless attempts by best blacksmiths and mages.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The battlefield survivor slowly raised hollow eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice sounded strained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I watched entire cavalry formations disappear.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence returned instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another surviving officer stepped forward shakily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The sound never stopped.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then quietly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost unconsciously—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man whispered it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>RATATATATATATATATATAT.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several people physically flinched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even remembering the sound unsettled the survivors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reports continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mana cavalry destroyed. Elite knight detachments shattered. Grand Knight Aldric killed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with every detail—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere inside the ancestral hall became darker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then came the artillery bombardment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officer lowered his voice instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They redirected artillery toward coalition rear command sectors.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several nobles frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Toward command?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officer swallowed hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They targeted the nobles directly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one spoke afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silence felt suffocating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another battlefield survivor continued quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Supply camps ignited.\" \"Messenger lines collapsed.\" \"Retreat coordination disappeared.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hands visibly trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The command structure disintegrated almost instantly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An elder noble suddenly slammed both fists onto the obsidian table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That northern bastard...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mana pressure burst outward violently enough to shake nearby candle flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He butchered them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because that was exactly what happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then finally—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officer spoke Kassian’s name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The appointed heir remained near the command ridge attempting to reorganize retreat formations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several knights lowered their eyes briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That sounded exactly like Kassian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too proud to retreat. Too stubborn to abandon soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officer continued slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He continued issuing orders despite ongoing bombardment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then came the final sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A direct artillery strike destroyed the ridge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snowstorm winds echoed faintly beyond the fortress walls while black mourning banners shifted against the night sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for several long moments—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one inside the chamber moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally another elder spoke quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More dangerous than shouting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Lucien.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The name itself felt poisonous inside the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One elder suddenly snarled:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He should have died years ago.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another immediately added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This disaster began when weakness entered the succession.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several elders nodded grimly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke Octavian finally moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet enough for the entire chamber to fall silent instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duke slowly raised his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold silver met the assembled nobles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Weakness?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The single word came quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But several elders visibly stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Octavian’s voice remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lucien survived exile.\" \"Built Elarion from almost nothing.\" \"Created weapons capable of reshaping warfare.\" \"And destroyed a coalition army several times larger than his own.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze hardened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If this is weakness then we would have been better off being weak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because nobody in the room could deny reality anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Years ago—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the death of Lucien’s mother—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything inside House Valcriox changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Political factions formed. The elders grew fearful. Succession disputes spread quietly through the estate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And eventually—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian rose as the politically acceptable successor candidate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not because Octavian truly chose him over Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But because the elders maneuvered relentlessly until the balance shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One older elder finally muttered carefully:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The boy had become difficult.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chamber became colder instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because everyone knew \"the boy\" meant Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time that night—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emotion flickered visibly across Duke Octavian’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gone almost instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lord Mathis an older strategist of the house noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duke finally spoke quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lucien’s mother died poisoned.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several younger commanders looked shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The matter had never been openly discussed inside formal meetings before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Octavian’s voice remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three physicians died afterward.\" \"Two servants disappeared.\" \"And every investigation trail ended abruptly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence filled the chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because everyone now understood something horrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duke had never believed his wife’s death was natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darius frowned deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Octavian continued speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I sent Lucien away because this estate had already become dangerous.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That sentence stunned half the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several elders visibly paled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One elder protested nervously:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord, surely you do not imply—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I imply nothing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Octavian interrupted coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But shortly after my wife died... political factions suddenly pushed aggressively to remove Lucien from succession.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silence afterward became crushing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lord Mathis slowly closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally understanding everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien had not truly been abandoned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Octavian had sent him away to keep him alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And while the world viewed it as exile—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duke allowed the misunderstanding to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One elder spoke carefully:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kassian still served the house loyally.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Octavian nodded once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice carried genuine sincerity now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This was never Kassian’s fault.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That sentence stunned several nobles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because despite everything—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duke did not blame Kassian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian himself had not created the succession conflict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He merely inherited it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something changed in Octavian’s expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cold control cracked for just a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hand tightened slowly against the obsidian armrest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when he spoke again—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice became colder than anyone in the chamber had ever heard before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I ever discover who poisoned my wife...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room froze instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Darius slowly looked toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Octavian’s silver eyes sharpened with terrifying hatred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I will give them a death so terrible...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mana pressure slowly began leaking into the chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Candles flickered violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several weaker nobles visibly paled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...that even death itself would fear it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A terrifying silence returned to hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because for the first time in years—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ruler of House Valcriox sounded genuinely monstrous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pressure disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Octavian leaned back again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calm returning to his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now everyone in the room understood something terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duke had never forgotten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darius finally spoke quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You still care about Lucien.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chamber became dangerously silent again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one had ever dared saying that openly before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Octavian did not answer immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slowly looked toward the snowstorm beyond the fortress windows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments only winter winds could be heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then finally—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duke spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He is my son.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chamber froze harder than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because for the first time in years—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke Octavian openly acknowledged emotional attachment toward Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the warmth vanished quickly afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duke’s expression hardened once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And now he commands enough power to shake the kingdom itself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then another messenger entered hurriedly into the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man knelt immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord... reports from the capital.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darius already looked irritated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The messenger swallowed nervously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The royal court completed emergency deliberations regarding Elarion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Octavian’s eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The messenger hesitated briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...His Majesty rejected immediate military retaliation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became tense instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the next sentence was worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually far worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The crown has formally invited Lucien of Elarion to the capital.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then fury exploded across the chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The king invited him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After Kassian dies?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This humiliates House Valcriox.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several nobles stood outright from their seats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One knight captain nearly overturned his chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another messenger added shakily:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Additional reports claim Crown Prince Cassian spoke favorably of Lucien during court discussion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now the chamber truly descended into outrage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Duke Octavian remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching,thinking And then gradually—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That silence became more terrifying than rage .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally the duke spoke quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The king fears what Lucien represents.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lord Mathis narrowed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You believe so?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Octavian nodded once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not merely military power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duke’s fingers tapped lightly against the obsidian table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Change.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because deep down—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knew he was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien was no longer merely a northern lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had become something far more dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A military innovator. A political symbol. A victorious claimant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps even the beginning of a new era.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Octavian’s gaze lowered toward Kassian’s folded war banner resting beneath funeral cloth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for the first time that night—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duke looked genuinely pained as a father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice came quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...All for nothing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room slowly fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One son dead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes shifted northward instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The other beyond my reach.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one dared speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because everyone now understood the full tragedy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elders. The politics. The succession struggle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of it had ultimately forced his sons onto opposite sides of a battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now one was dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the other stood stronger than ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Octavian slowly closed his eyes briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then finally said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This family made one son kill another...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words felt heavy enough to crush the chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...for a petty position.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Complete silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several elders lowered their heads shamefully for the first time that night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Darius looked unsettled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duke slowly turned away from the war table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black robes shifting behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He no longer looked like the terrifying ruler of House Valcriox.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked like a man exhausted by years of political poison inside his own house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This meeting is adjourned.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one moved immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Octavian walked toward the massive chamber doors without another word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The funeral candles flickered softly while snowstorm winds echoed through the fortress beyond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for one brief moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Duke of House Valcriox no longer looked like a feared ruler.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a father who had lost both sons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the other to the consequences of his own house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The massive doors slowly closed behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving the ancestral hall buried in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>",1986,"2026-06-05T21:32:57.730Z",1,"novelbin.me","02f8d6590c3acaecb18597c643e447df4fcc29112f7a52f579a964d1994d638e","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-120","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-118",144,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-cover.jpg"]