[{"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-124":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},1366832,1809,"Chapter 124 - 117:The preparation before the journey","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-124",124,"\u003Cp>Snow fell heavily across the northern fortress of Elarion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mountains howled beneath freezing winds while forge fires illuminated the valleys like burning stars scattered across the snow-covered wilderness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet despite the late hour—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The territory remained alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steel hammers echoed endlessly through workshop districts. Military patrols marched across reinforced walls. Supply wagons moved constantly between warehouses carrying ammunition, mana crystals, and newly forged machine parts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire north had become a giant war machine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was preparing for its lord to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep inside the central command hall—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive map of the kingdom covered nearly the entire stone table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pins marked supply depots. Artillery emplacements. Rail construction sites. Defensive lines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And near the southern edge—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien stood calmly beside the map while the others gathered around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malen. Cedric. Lucas. Gandalf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And sprawled lazily across the enormous chamber behind them—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ancient golden dragon had somehow forced nearly half his gigantic body into the hall by coiling around support pillars and partially resting through a shattered section of wall that engineers had long ago given up repairing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden scales reflected firelight brilliantly while smoke drifted lazily from his nostrils toward the ceiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone simply accepted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric stared at the map with folded arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So we’re really doing this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien nodded calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The invitation cannot be ignored.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas leaned against the wall nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Technically it can.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malen answered immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And then the crown declares Elarion rebellious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric snorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They might already think that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s different from openly declaring it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence settled briefly across the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone understood the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The capital was dangerous because politics in noble courts were often deadlier than battlefields.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien’s gaze rested briefly upon the southern region of the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The system quest still lingered in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Legendary-ranked mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Go to the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Find the truth behind his mother’s death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact the system itself acknowledged a conspiracy changed everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malen eventually spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The journey itself will take nearly two weeks unless we push continuously.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We won’t.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien answered calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This isn’t a military campaign.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric immediately looked offended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...That sounds boring.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas chuckled quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re staying here anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien finally looked toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You and Lucas will remain in Elarion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became quieter immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re leaving us behind?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re staying because I trust you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That answer immediately killed most of Cedric’s complaints.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost at least\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien pointed toward the northern sectors of the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The territory is still vulnerable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then toward the western frontier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The coalition remnants haven’t fully stabilized.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then toward the engineering district markings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the projects cannot stop.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric slowly exhaled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hated admitting it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lucien was correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first Warhound prototypes still required constant protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The factories remained incomplete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Elarion itself had grown too important militarily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Lucien took all his strongest people south—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The north would become vulnerable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas finally nodded slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll handle internal security.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric sighed dramatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I’ll handle the armies while you enjoy noble banquets.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien calmly answered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If nobles attempt poisoning me, I’ll write your name in my will.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric looked genuinely touched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s friendship.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s suspicion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Malen nearly smiled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gandalf quietly sat near the fireplace reading several documents while pretending not to listen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien glanced toward the old wizard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re coming with me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage froze briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then slowly lowered the papers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I suspected this unfortunate possibility.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric immediately laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re doomed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gandalf sighed deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The capital is exhausting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien walked toward the old wizard calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I need someone who understands ancient magic, court mages, and political manipulation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gandalf looked offended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You just described three things I despise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is precisely why you’re useful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old wizard stared silently for several moments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric immediately grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh this will be entertaining.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gandalf pointed toward him angrily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I die in the capital, I will haunt you specifically.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That seems unfair.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It will also be intentional.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Near the rear of the chamber—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar lazily opened one massive golden eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Humans continue speaking excessively.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas glanced toward the dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve been listening this whole time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have superior hearing admit it mortal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric folded his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You also gossip more than old women.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon looked mildly offended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am preserving strategic awareness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s somehow even worse.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien finally turned toward Aurethar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room quieted slightly again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this part mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The capital may become dangerous.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar blinked slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I may require your support there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon stared silently for several seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric nearly choked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You rejected him instantly?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar ignored him completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden eyes remained fixed on Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I refuse to walk among southern nobles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon sounded deeply disgusted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They weaken my majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas rubbed his forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s honestly difficult to argue against.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien crossed his arms calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So you’re staying?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar closed his eyes again lazily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will come if necessary.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malen frowned slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How exactly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon answered casually:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will teleport.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence filled the room immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric blinked twice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gandalf looked like he discovered a new dimension worth researching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You can WHAT?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar looked mildly annoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We are connected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then one gigantic golden eye opened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If danger becomes significant, I will simply arrive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas stared blankly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve been able to do that this entire time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Why didn’t you mention this earlier?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon looked genuinely confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You never asked.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric immediately pointed accusingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s not information you WAIT to share!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Lucien looked slightly surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not because Aurethar could teleport.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ancient dragons breaking logic had become normal already.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But because the dragon said it so casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gandalf suddenly narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The soul contract.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar nodded slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our connection bypasses ordinary spatial restrictions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old wizard slowly looked toward Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Do you realize how absurd that is?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien answered honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At this point I’ve stopped measuring absurdity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric still looked betrayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You could’ve appeared dramatically during battles this entire time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon rumbled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I prefer dramatic timing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That somehow makes it worse.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar lazily stretched one gigantic golden wing slightly across the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If the capital becomes troublesome...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden eyes narrowed faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I will arrive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The temperature inside the chamber seemed to drop slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Malen remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because everyone understood what that truly meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Aurethar entered the capital—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Political problems would become very secondary concerns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien eventually nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he turned back toward the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The escort will remain small.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malen immediately answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Agreed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A large military convoy would provoke the capital.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas smirked slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So naturally we’ll provoke them intelligently instead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien nodded once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The plan slowly began taking shape afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A compact escort force. Elite northern guards no more than 500 total. Several armored transport vehicles. Supply wagons. Limited artillery presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not enough to resemble invasion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But enough that assassination attempts would become extremely difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric eventually pointed toward one section of the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about the Warhound?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room quieted slightly again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because everyone knew why that mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien remained silent briefly before answering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One prototype comes with us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Malen looked surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To the capital?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gandalf immediately sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You truly enjoy causing panic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien calmly answered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I prefer demonstrations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The truth was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The capital already feared Elarion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiding the Warhound changed nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien intended to show controlled strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enough to force caution. Enough to discourage reckless actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric slowly grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh the nobles are going to lose their minds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas nodded slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Especially after seeing the turret rotation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first Warhound prototype already possessed terrifying battlefield capability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mana-assisted engine systems. Sloped reinforced armor. A 57mm high-velocity cannon. Dual MG34 Stormhowl machine guns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked less like a medieval war vehicle—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And more like an artifact from another civilization entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which technically—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien’s gaze drifted briefly toward the snowy windows overlooking the engineering district.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The transmigrator inside him understood something nobody else in this world fully realized yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once mechanized warfare began—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It never stopped evolving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There would always be:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>larger guns,faster engines,stronger armor and deadlier weapons\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Civilization itself would transform around war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had started that process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far below the fortress—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A loud mechanical rumble suddenly echoed through the valleys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first operational Warhound prototype emerged slowly from the engineering halls beneath clouds of steam and mana exhaust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy tracks crushed snow beneath its weight while workers and soldiers gathered around it excitedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even from the command hall windows—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The machine looked terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric stared outward proudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our enemies are doomed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gandalf adjusted his robes tiredly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our enemies.\" \"Our allies.\" \"Possibly reality itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar suddenly rumbled softly from the rear of the chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...The world is changing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien watched the moving Warhound below calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon slowly opened both massive golden eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the capital still believes it controls the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence settled across the chamber afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because everyone understood the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The kingdom still thought Lucien was merely another noble lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They still believed Elarion was simply a powerful northern territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They still believed politics could control what was coming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had no idea—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The age of industrial war had already begun.\u003C\u002Fp>",1534,"2026-06-05T21:32:57.730Z",1,"novelbin.me","44fa4a707f612bbaefd3247bbe77569534beb2a590c2dba33f9e3108298a1aa7","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-125","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-123",144,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-cover.jpg"]