[{"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-129":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},1366837,1809,"Chapter 129 - 122: The Hall of Crowns","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-129",129,"\u003Cp>The Hall of Crowns was built to intimidate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything about it radiated authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Massive marble pillars stretched toward vaulted ceilings painted with the victories of ancient kings while silver-blue banners of House Vaelthron hung behind the royal throne like descending waterfalls of steel and silk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rows of nobles stood along both sides of the hall beneath magical lanterns glowing softly through the winter gloom beyond towering windows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Military officers,Royal ministers,Court mages and aristocrats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All gathered silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the far end of the chamber—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon the elevated throne beneath the crest of Asterion—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sat King Alaric Vaelthron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And before him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enormous golden doors of the Hall of Crowns slowly opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound echoed across the chamber heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Lucien Valcriox entered the royal court of Asterion for the first time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien walked calmly across the hall beneath hundreds of observing eyes while Malen followed slightly behind him alongside Gandalf, whose expression suggested he deeply regretted agreeing to wear noble robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old wizard quietly muttered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If anyone here starts reciting poetry, I’m leaving.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malen didn’t even glance toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien ignored both of them completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His black formal attire carried almost no excessive decoration compared to the richly embroidered southern nobles surrounding the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the silver crest of Elarion stitched onto dark fabric.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And somehow—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That simplicity stood out more than the extravagant aristocrats surrounding him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The court watched him closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some curious,Some impressed and Some openly hostile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But nearly everyone present shared one thought:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So this is the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lord who brought steel monsters into the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien finally stopped several meters before the throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither he nor Alaric spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two simply observed one another silently while the atmosphere inside the hall slowly tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then finally—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>King Alaric spoke first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Lucien of Elarion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice carried calmly across the enormous chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Asterion welcomes your arrival.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien inclined his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The king’s sharp silver eyes studied him carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then quietly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I trust the capital has treated you adequately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It has.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile touched the king’s expression briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But not comfortably i guess.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The statement caused several nearby nobles to glance toward one another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien answered calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Capitals rarely welcome uncertainty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A subtle flicker of amusement appeared in Alaric’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall remained quiet afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One elderly noble stepped forward slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too smoothly to be accidental.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man bowed respectfully before turning toward Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forgive my curiosity...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone remained polite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the hostility beneath it was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...but many within the capital remain uncertain regarding Elarion’s sudden... transformation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several nobles nearby watched carefully now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first jab.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien remained expressionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old aristocrat continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Factories.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Industrial production.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Steel war machines.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile crossed the noble’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One could almost mistake Elarion for a merchant enterprise rather than noble territory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soft laughter spread through portions of the court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malen’s eyes narrowed faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gandalf looked profoundly unimpressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien simply answered calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A starving peasant rarely cares whether grain arrives through noble tradition or industrial logistics.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The laughter disappeared instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several younger officers visibly suppressed reactions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old noble’s smile weakened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But another aristocrat immediately stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A military noble this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze hardened faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But kingdoms are not governed through workshops.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few nobles nodded immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Asterion was built through noble blood, knightly honor, and magical supremacy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes shifted briefly toward Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not through smoke and machines.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now the atmosphere became sharper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was no longer subtle probing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was ideological.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old order challenging the new directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien’s expression never changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He answered calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall quieted immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"During the coalition war...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien’s voice remained completely controlled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...your cavalry charges died beneath machine-gun fire exactly the same as common infantry all the same.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The military noble’s expression darkened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several younger officers visibly looked downward to hide reactions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien continued quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"war does not respect noble blood,it never did \"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That line struck the hall like a hammer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even some royal ministers shifted uneasily afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because nobody could deny the truth behind it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The military noble stiffened visibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You speak boldly for someone who stands before the Crown.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien’s eyes met his evenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you speak emotionally for someone discussing warfare.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young officer somewhere within the court failed to suppress a cough that sounded suspiciously like laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several nobles immediately turned toward him sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>King Alaric remained completely calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another aristocrat stepped forward afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Younger this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elarion seems determined to replace tradition entirely.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell me, Lord Lucien...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...what place remains for nobility once machines replace armies?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now THAT question mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because beneath all the hostility—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the true fear consuming the old noble houses becoming irrelevant and then obsolete\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien understood that immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall waited silently for his answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then calmly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nobility was never supposed to exist merely to preserve itself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several expressions hardened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A ruler exists to strengthen territory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To protect people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To stabilize civilization.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze slowly swept across the court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If industrialization accomplishes those goals more effectively...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...then resisting it becomes incompetence masquerading as tradition.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even parts of the royal court became visibly unsettled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Lucien wasn’t merely defending factories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was challenging the philosophical foundation of stagnant feudalism itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One elderly duke stepped forward angrily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You speak as though centuries of noble order are meaningless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien answered immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I speak as though survival matters more than nostalgia.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence crashed across the hall again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some nobles looked furious now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others looked thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the younger military officers?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They looked fascinated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because for the first time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone inside the royal court was openly saying what many of them already suspected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world was changing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the old order might not survive unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The temperature inside the hall dropped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immense mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The magical lanterns flickered violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several court mages immediately stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Royal guards instinctively tightened formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Gandalf’s relaxed expression disappeared instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone was standing beside the throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One moment empty space existed there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the next—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An old man stood calmly beside King Alaric.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Royal Guardian(Father of king alaric)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire hall froze immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every noble lowered their head instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several court mages visibly paled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this was not merely some powerful royal mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the being responsible for maintaining the Crown’s absolute authority for decades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ancient mana pressure filled the chamber like invisible oceans pressing against mortal flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien felt it immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet his expression remained calm externally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Royal Guardian ignored everyone else completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His ancient eyes settled directly upon Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And remained there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence deepened further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time since appearing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Interesting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice sounded soft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the entire hall heard it perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian slowly stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Court mages looked terrified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the Royal Guardian almost never involved himself in political audiences personally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked directly toward Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mana pressure intensified slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several nobles visibly struggled breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Malen’s expression hardened faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Guardian only studied Lucien silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a scholar examining something impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then quietly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You stand within this world...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage’s eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...yet your existence leans elsewhere.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien’s heart tightened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because that statement was dangerously close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall itself didn’t fully understand the meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lucien did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And judging by Gandalf’s suddenly serious expression—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So did the old wizard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Royal Guardian continued observing Lucien silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile touched the ancient mage’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fascinating.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pressure vanished instantly afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The magical lanterns stabilized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Breathing became easier again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet nobody inside the hall dared speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the Royal Guardian had just shown personal interest in Lucien publicly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Politically—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was enormous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage calmly turned back toward the throne afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then simply disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One moment present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next absent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the silence he left behind felt heavier than his mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several seconds—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nobody spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then finally—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>King Alaric broke the silence calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It appears Elarion continues surprising the kingdom.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The king’s gaze rested upon Lucien thoughtfully now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deeply interested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time during the audience—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaric leaned slightly forward upon the throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell me, Lord Lucien.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire hall listened carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If the future you envision truly arrives...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His silver eyes sharpened faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...what becomes of Asterion?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now THAT question mattered more than anything asked previously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien remained silent briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then calmly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That depends.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The court waited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien’s gaze slowly moved across the nobles surrounding the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"On whether Asterion chooses to evolve with the future...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes finally returned toward the king.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...or attempts to chain itself to the past.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall became completely silent again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because everyone present understood immediately—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This conversation was no longer about Elarion alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was about the direction of the kingdom itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for the first time that morning—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>King Alaric smiled openly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interesting indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>",1521,"2026-06-05T21:32:57.730Z",1,"novelbin.me","6be8be8f325b691cfe7787014d12f7d581e01a60db263905d346b8405aff428b","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-130","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-128",144,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-cover.jpg"]