[{"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-133":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},1366841,1809,"Chapter 133 - 126: The Tower of Stars(Part1C)","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-133",133,"\u003Cp>The room remained quiet after the Guardian’s final words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the tower, snow continued drifting across the night sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The capital of Asterion slept peacefully beneath its blanket of white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the Tower of Stars, however, the future of the continent was being discussed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien sat silently while the old mage poured another cup of tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither rushed to fill the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian seemed perfectly comfortable waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As though he already knew what Lucien was thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually the old mage spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are wondering why I would involve you in matters that concern the entire continent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien looked toward him and nodded\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is a reasonable question.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage placed his cup upon the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Most nobles spend their entire lives fighting over land.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some spend it chasing titles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Others spend it chasing influence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very few concern themselves with the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment his gaze drifted toward the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Toward the sleeping city below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And even fewer are capable of changing it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage’s expression became thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I was younger, I believed magic was the answer to everything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft chuckle escaped him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Most archmages make that mistake.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We become powerful enough that we begin believing every problem can be solved with another spell.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unfortunately reality disagrees.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage leaned back comfortably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For example.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gestured toward the city below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If a village is starving, an archmage can create food.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps enough for several hundred people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A powerful spell.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A useful spell.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his expression sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or one can improve agriculture and feed millions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage pointed directly at Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You understand the difference.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage folded his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Most of the people attending the summit are powerful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exceptionally powerful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But power and vision are not the same thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That statement lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the Guardian stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walking toward one of the massive maps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This particular map differed from the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead of kingdoms, it contained symbols.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Markers,Lines and Annotations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien immediately recognized it as a strategic map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good eye.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His finger touched one marker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Supreme Mage Council.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room seemed quieter afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian observed the symbol carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have probably imagined them as some kind of ruling authority.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I did.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Most people do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They are not rulers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They do not govern kingdoms.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They collect no taxes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And lastly they command no armies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression became thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And yet every king listens when they speak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isnt it very interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Council was formed after the previous invasion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His finger moved across the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The survivors understood something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice lowered slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If the races returned to endless warfare, the next invasion would destroy everyone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage’s gaze became distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The world needed a balance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A referee kind you may say.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A final authority capable of preventing disasters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thus the Council was born.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien listened carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian returned to the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then sat down once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Council contains many factions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage’s eyes narrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some believe humanity should prepare aggressively.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Others believe the invasion remains centuries away.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A few believe it may never happen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien immediately identified the problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Complacency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As expected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nine hundred and fifty years is a very long time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice became quieter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Long enough for people to forget.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage stared into the fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When a man hears stories about monsters from a thousand years ago, they become myths.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When a kingdom hears warnings for centuries without consequence, they become noise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Council knows the invasion will return.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief pause followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But knowledge and action are not the same thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian’s gaze shifted toward Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which is why I need you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words were spoken simply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet they carried weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The summit occurs once every several decades.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Important matters are discussed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Resources allocated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Policies established.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is one of the few opportunities to influence the future of the continent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien considered that carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You want me there because of Elarion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Partly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression grew thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Council understands magic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They understand armies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They understand politics.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage leaned forward slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But they do not understand industry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want them to see what you are building.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want them to understand what mass production means.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want them to understand what happens when a kingdom can manufacture thousands of weapons rather than hundreds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian’s eyes gleamed faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want them to see artillery.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Factories.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And machine guns.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage chuckled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I would very much enjoy watching their reactions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, Lucien almost laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is twice tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage looked pleased with himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien ignored him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian eventually calmed down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his expression gradually became serious once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is another reason.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage’s eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have attracted attention.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien wasn’t surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I would be worried if you were.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rose once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walking slowly toward one of the bookshelves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments he examined various books.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then removed a thick leather folder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Placed it upon the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And tapped its cover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is a collection of reports.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien looked at it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Foreign merchants.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Travelers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Observers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Agents.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Spies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage opened the folder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several pages were covered in writing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maps,Notes and Observations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian casually turned a few pages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then pushed the folder toward Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elarion appears frequently.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien glanced downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several reports mentioned factories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others discussed military production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few described the Warhound project.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As expected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage folded his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your rise has been too rapid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your innovations too unusual.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And Your results too impressive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"People are asking questions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the Guardian added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Questions you may not want answered.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The implication was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien closed the folder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage nodded approvingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You understand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments neither spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Lucien asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A better question.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Foreign kingdoms.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Merchant consortiums.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Several noble alliances.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice lowered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And others.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The final word carried meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are organizations operating in the shadows of this continent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression became distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some ancient.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some secret.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some powerful enough that kings prefer pretending they do not exist.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room grew quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian tapped the folder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fortunately, most of them only observe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At least for now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage leaned back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which brings us to the second part of my offer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere became noticeably more serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage’s eyes locked onto his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have been investigating your mother’s death.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time that evening, complete silence filled the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the fire seemed quieter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien’s expression remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the Guardian immediately noticed the subtle tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As expected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice softened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your mother was a remarkable woman.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The statement surprised Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I knew her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was unexpected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage looked toward the fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments he appeared lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The official story never satisfied me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice became quieter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nor should it satisfy you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room felt colder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your mother did not die because she was weak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nor because she was unlucky.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage folded his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There were irregularities.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Contradictions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Missing reports.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze shifted toward Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And several individuals who benefited from her death.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became completely still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian’s expression grew serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Over the years I collected information.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Witness testimonies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Private correspondence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fragments of investigations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage’s eyes narrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pieces of a puzzle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian studied him carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I do not yet possess every answer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was honest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I possess more than anyone else in Asterion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That statement carried enormous weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage allowed several moments to pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am willing to share everything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the tower, snow continued falling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, the conversation had moved beyond politics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond kingdoms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond invasions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now it had become personal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian leaned forward slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You accompany me to the summit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You show the Council what Elarion is becoming.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze remained steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In return, I provide every piece of information I possess regarding your mother’s assassination.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he added one final thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I ensure certain eyes stop watching you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage’s expression softened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are advantages to being very old.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"People tend to listen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien stared at the fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No pressure,threats or manipulation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only an offer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And perhaps that made it more dangerous than any threat could have.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because for the first time since arriving in the capital, Lucien found himself genuinely considering an alliance with one of the oldest and most influential men on the continent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The future stood before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for the first time, it was asking for his cooperation.\u003C\u002Fp>",1625,"2026-06-05T21:32:57.730Z",1,"novelbin.me","46c2ca4a8a968c52e00409fabaa204443d9a5670dd2211e8acbff5fa07fa164c","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-134","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-132",144,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-cover.jpg"]