[{"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-134":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},1366842,1809,"Chapter 134 - 127: A Night of Reflection","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-134",134,"\u003Cp>The journey back from the Tower of Stars was far quieter than the one that had brought Lucien there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A royal escort guided him through the palace grounds, but neither side felt the need to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow continued falling gently over the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the city remained illuminated beneath countless lanterns, creating a sea of golden lights beneath the night sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinarily, Lucien would have appreciated the view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tonight, however, his thoughts were elsewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Tear, demonic invasions,Supreme Mage Council and hidden factions observing Elarion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The possibility that the next invasion might arrive sooner than expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each revelation carried enough weight to occupy a man’s thoughts for weeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet none of them dominated his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, one particular topic kept returning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For years, he had investigated her death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Missing records,contradictory testimonies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Witnesses who remembered nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officials who preferred silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every path eventually vanished into darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But tonight had changed something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, someone with genuine authority had openly acknowledged what Lucien had long suspected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her death had not been an accident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nor had it been simple noble politics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone had benefited from it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And someone had wanted her gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And according to the Guardian, there were records.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evidence,Names.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The possibility alone was enough to keep sleep far away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time Lucien returned to the estate assigned to him in the capital, the night had grown late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most servants had already retired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The building itself remained quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a handful of lamps still burned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, Gandalf remained awake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage sat near a fireplace reading a book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without even looking up, he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You were gone longer than expected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien removed his coat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The conversation took time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gandalf nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I assumed as much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage finally closed his book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments he studied Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a knowing smile appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was important.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien simply nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gandalf’s expression became thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Interesting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage leaned back slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems the Guardian rarely wastes his time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually Gandalf spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Will this meeting change anything?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien stared into the flames dancing within the fireplace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments he considered the question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then answered honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Possibly everything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That response immediately drew Gandalf’s full attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage’s eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment he remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he asked quietly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everything?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gandalf carefully observed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Years of experience had taught him how to read people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, years spent serving alongside Lucien had taught him how to read this particular young lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage’s gaze sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he asked a question that caught Lucien slightly off guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it about the Great Tear?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief pause followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Gandalf added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or your mother?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became completely silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the crackling fire remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien slowly looked toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gandalf held his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage immediately understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression softened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So it is your mother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien looked back toward the flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For years he had pursued fragments of truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For years every trail had vanished into darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tonight was the first time someone had acknowledged that his suspicions might be correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That alone changed everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gandalf sighed quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Guardian told you something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien nodded once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But more than I had before.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage sat quietly for several moments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a faint smile appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is still progress.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien didn’t disagree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gandalf closed his book completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then rested it on the table beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whatever answers you find...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice became softer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...make sure they are answers you truly wish to know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warning wasn’t dramatic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nor was it mysterious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It came from experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From a man who had lived long enough to understand that truth was not always comforting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually Gandalf rose from his chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage stretched slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then looked toward him one final time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Guardian wouldn’t involve himself unless he considered the matter important.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which means your life is about to become considerably more complicated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time that evening, a faint smile appeared on Lucien’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gandalf immediately pointed at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I knew you could still smile.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien immediately regretted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage looked entirely too pleased with himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, still chuckling quietly, Gandalf retired for the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before going he added \"if you take action against your enemies make sure you are fast enough or the council might intervene.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving Lucien alone with the fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with thoughts that would keep him awake long after midnight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conversation ended there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both men returned to their thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually Lucien retired to his room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, sleep proved elusive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hours passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several times he attempted to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several times he found his thoughts returning to the same subjects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The invasion,summit,mother and Guardian’s offer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of all, he kept analyzing the old mage himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That part troubled him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not because he distrusted the Guardian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quite the opposite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage had been honest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There had been no threats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Merely an offer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And somehow that made the situation even more difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the Guardian genuinely seemed to believe everything he had said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He genuinely believed Elarion could influence the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He genuinely believed industrial production might change the balance of power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And most concerning of all—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He genuinely believed Lucien mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By dawn, Lucien had reached a conclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of personal feelings, refusing the offer made little sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The summit offered opportunities impossible to ignore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Access to the Supreme Mage Council.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Access to information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Access to individuals capable of shaping the continent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And perhaps most importantly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Access to the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His decision was made.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The following morning arrived quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a simple breakfast, Lucien once again made his way toward the Tower of Stars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same royal guard waited near the entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same ancient corridors greeted him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same seemingly endless staircase stretched upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, however, the journey felt different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yesterday he had climbed seeking answers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today he climbed carrying a decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually he reached the summit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old wooden door stood exactly where it had before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien knocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar voice responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room remained unchanged. Same books,maps and scrolls\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And nearthe fireplace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>sat the Royal Guardian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cup of tea rested comfortably in his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without looking up from his book, he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You decided.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage finally looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As though he already knew the answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps he did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien stopped before the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian waited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll attend the summit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments the old mage simply observed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a satisfied smile appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excellent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian closed his book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I expected that answer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien sat down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage poured another cup of tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then pushed it across the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a sip from his own cup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Council will be... interesting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something about the way he said that word made Lucien suspicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian noticed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile widened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That expression is appropriate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage seemed genuinely amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a while they discussed practical matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Travel arrangements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Expected attendees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing particularly surprising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually the conversation appeared finished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien rose from his chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian remained seated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a brief moment neither spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the old mage suddenly remembered something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One more thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something in his tone immediately attracted attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien waited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come back tomorrow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian’s expression became unexpectedly amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think it is time you met little Elena properly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For perhaps the first time during their entire series of conversations, Lucien genuinely looked surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian immediately noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It would be disappointing if that announcement failed to surprise you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien stared at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage seemed entirely too entertained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After several moments he finally continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Considering the two of you are technically engaged.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became very quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien remained motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just enough to reveal how amusing he found the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I take it nobody informed you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which answered the question perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Remarkable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His amusement only increased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Royal politics truly are inefficient.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually he placed his teacup aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression softened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The arrangement was established years ago.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When both of you were children.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Neither of you had much say in the matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That wasn’t surprising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noble marriages rarely involved personal choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage leaned back comfortably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a thoughtful expression appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fortunately, Elena has very strong opinions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, that statement sounded vaguely dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian seemed to realize it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should probably worry a little.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien stared at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage laughed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She has spent months hearing stories about you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That immediately explained several things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Factories.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Warhounds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Machine guns.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elarion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile became helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I fear her curiosity has become somewhat excessive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The image of the Royal Guardian describing a princess as a problem was strangely amusing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage rubbed his forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Asking questions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Demanding reports.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Arguing with tutors.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression suggested this had become a recurring issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he looked directly at Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Meeting her will solve several problems.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or create new ones.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That didn’t sound particularly reassuring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage clearly agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments he appeared lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Definitely create new ones.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian pointed toward the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tomorrow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come here after breakfast.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I believe the two of you have much to discuss.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Lucien left the Tower of Stars, he couldn’t help but notice something unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout their conversations, the Royal Guardian had discussed demonic invasions, continental politics, ancient conspiracies, and world-ending threats without the slightest concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet somehow—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mentioning Princess Elena had made him look significantly more nervous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That realization followed Lucien all the way back to the estate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for the first time since arriving in the capital, he found himself genuinely curious about what tomorrow would bring.\u003C\u002Fp>",1699,"2026-06-05T21:32:57.730Z",1,"novelbin.me","1679eec0e8be355fae1cf3b3108559b69afed2b839f087f3a723313f544e4388","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-135","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-133",144,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-cover.jpg"]