[{"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-140":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},1366848,1809,"Chapter 140 - 133:The demonstration end","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-140",140,"\u003Cp>The demonstration ended shortly before sunset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet long after the final artillery round had been fired, nobody seemed eager to leave the grounds\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Groups formed naturally throughout the testing grounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Generals gathered around maps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Engineers argued over calculations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While nobles spoke in hushed voices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every conversation revolved around the same subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elarion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien stood near the edge of the field, quietly observing the aftermath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reactions interested him more than the demonstration itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The military officers looked concerned about the Warhound and lefh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every experienced commander present had immediately understood the implications of what they had witnessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Warhound alone would force changes to military doctrine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The LEFH would force changes to warfare itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The realization sat heavily upon them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby, the Grand Marshal remained engaged in a heated discussion with several senior generals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old commander appeared unusually animated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien caught fragments of the conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The topics changed constantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conclusion remained the same nothing would remain unchanged,the formations,strategies worked now would prove disaster so new formations must be formed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elsewhere, several nobles looked considerably less comfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many had arrived expecting another exaggerated tale regarding Elarion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now after seeing everything, seeing the proofs right before their eyes they were finding it hard to deny it anymore\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Royal Guardian stood quietly beside the observation platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demonstration had accomplished exactly what he intended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No more rumors or speculation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leadership of Asterion had now witnessed reality with their own eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually the carriages began departing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The engineers left first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the generals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lastly the nobles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conversations continued even as they departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nobody spoke of anything else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien watched Duke Harcourt leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elderly noble looked deeply troubled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man like Harcourt rarely appeared unsettled but today even his expression appeared deeply fearful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last royal carriage remained behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>King Alaric had not yet departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither had Crown Prince Cassian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Royal Guardian, however, simply finished his tea before quietly leaving without explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage had a remarkable talent for disappearing exactly when politics began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(The author also need this)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien suspected it wasn’t accidental.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually the King approached him after most of the crowd had dispersed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression remained unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King’s lips twitched slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The demonstration exceeded expectations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That sounded suspiciously close to praise but coming from Alaric, it practically counted as a celebration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It terrified half the nobles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien considered that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only half?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prince grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps three quarters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unfortunately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both men looked toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is precisely the problem.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The amusement disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King turned toward the distant horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments he remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you know,what happened today will not remain confined to the testing grounds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien nodded at this,he already knew that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tomorrow every major noble house will discuss Elarion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The day after, every merchant consortium will discuss Elarion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A week from now, foreign intelligence agencies will discuss Elarion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze shifted toward Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Power attracts attention and attention attracts danger \"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The statement carried considerable weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian folded his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The nobles are going to lose their minds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some already have.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That wasn’t encouraging but unfortunately it was also true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demonstration had changed things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before today, Elarion had been impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now it was both dangerous and impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And dangerous territories attracted enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King looked toward Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You understand this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien nodded\"I do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King’s expression softened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because pretending otherwise would be foolish.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually Cassian sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can we have this conversation somewhere that isn’t covered in artillery smoke?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time all day, the King actually smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An excellent suggestion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several hours later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Royal Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien found himself seated within a private chamber overlooking the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only three people occupied the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>King Alaric,Crown Prince Cassian And himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The absence of anyone else alone indicated the importance of the discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fire crackled quietly within the hearth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, evening had settled over the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere felt strangely informal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King poured himself a drink before taking a seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments nobody spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Alaric got directly to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What I witnessed today changes things.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King simply stated the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien remained silent as though agreeing with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Crown can no longer treat Elarion as merely another territory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian nodded immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not after today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaric leaned back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze remained fixed upon Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you know what the nobles saw?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question seemed strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien answered anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Military power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaric continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They saw the power of industrialisation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A different thing entirely.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room fell quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King folded his hands together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Armies can be defeated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fortresses can be captured.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wealth can be spent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Industry creates more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meaning was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single Warhound wasn’t frightening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A factory capable of producing hundreds was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither was one artillery piece wasn’t frightening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A manufacturing base capable of replacing losses indefinitely was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the true source of Elarion’s strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not individual weapons but production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The capital also has weapons comparable to what you have but they are both expensive and rare but today every noble realized the same thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your strength isn’t temporary.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was when Lucien finally understood where this conversation was heading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And why the King had summoned him privately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demonstration hadn’t created a military discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had created a political one and politics were often more dangerous than war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The realization settled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demonstration had never been solely about military power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Military power had merely been the trigger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The true consequences would be political.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien leaned back slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The nobles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes the nobles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should have seen their faces after the artillery demonstration.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Actually, you did.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien almost laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King remained serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fear is manageable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The statement drew both men’s attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaric continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fear follows logic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It identifies a threat and responds accordingly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King’s gaze hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Greed is different.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because everyone present understood exactly what he meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nobles had witnessed something extraordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some would fear it while others would desire it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And desire often proved far more dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King rose from his chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly walking toward the large window overlooking the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The city lights glittered beneath the night sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments he simply observed them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some nobles will attempt friendship.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some will attempt influence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some will attempt marriage alliances.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian snorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those have probably already started.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King ignored him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Others will attempt acquisition at any cost imaginable or unimaginable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That word carried considerably more weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien’s expression darkened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As expected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Alaric turned toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today they saw power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King’s voice remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tomorrow they will begin calculating how to obtain it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien didn’t disagree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the King was correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several houses would undoubtedly attempt to gain influence within Elarion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others would seek access to the factories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some would simply want a share of the profits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most ambitious might attempt something far worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King returned to his seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then finally revealed the true purpose of the meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Crown intends to act before that happens.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien became attentive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaric folded his hands together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are two matters we must discuss.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King raised a finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The first concerns industry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A second finger followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The second concerns rank.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now things were becoming interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King looked directly at Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s begin with industry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaric continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Crown wishes to establish a central armaments manufacturing consortium.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien’s expression remained unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, however, his thoughts accelerated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That wasn’t what he had expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A joint enterprise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not ownership or seizure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone became slightly firmer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have no intention of taking Elarion’s factories.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That statement eliminated several concerns immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The weapons only exist because of Elarion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Crown would be stupid to interfere with that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King pointed at his son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his attention returned to Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Crown provides resources.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Land.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Transportation infrastructure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Political support.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And lastly Protection.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice remained steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elarion provides technical expertise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Production leadership.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Design authority.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The knowledge required to build these weapons.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien considered the proposal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the surface it sounded reasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps almost too good to sound true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King seemed to anticipate the thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re wondering what the Crown gains.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien didn’t deny it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he answered his own question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Crown gains stability.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That wasn’t the response Lucien expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaric continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elarion cannot remain isolated forever.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The kingdom requires a formal relationship with your industrial base.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King leaned forward slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you require protection. I know you have legendary dragon but even he has limits but greed doesn’t and i can make sure it stays in limit one way or the other \"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because there was truth in those words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demonstration had fundamentally changed Elarion’s position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Protection would become increasingly valuable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With royal involvement, any attempt to pressure Elarion becomes pressure against the Crown.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian nodded immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which most nobles are smart enough to avoid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prince paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Most.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King’s expression suggested he shared that assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Lucien asked the obvious question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ownership?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King’s smile widened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apparently that was the response he had hoped for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sixty percent Elarion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forty percent Crown.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was significantly more generous than expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am interested in cooperation .\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice became firmer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not theft.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The statement carried enough sincerity to be believable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian looked amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My father prefers profitable alliances.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve noticed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prince laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King ignored both of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he raised a hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which brings us to the second matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere immediately changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Cassian became more serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King looked directly at Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today every noble in the kingdom witnessed something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaric continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They witnessed military and economic power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze never wavered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yet officially...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King leaned back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...you can become a count at most according to the pioneering agreement .\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words hung in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A contradiction existed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One impossible to ignore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Technically your territory is one of the largest in whole kingdom\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you possess military capabilities exceeding your title.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King’s expression remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yet your rank does not reflect reality.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian folded his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The nobles have noticed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was putting it mildly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And that imbalance creates tension.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien understood immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Power and status were supposed to align.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The aristocracy depended upon that principle,when they didn’t, problems emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King finally delivered his proposal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Crown intends to elevate House Valen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, genuine surprise crossed Lucien’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaric continued calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elarion shall be recognized as a hereditary duchy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room fell completely silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Cassian seemed impressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you shall become its first Duke.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments nobody spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The significance of the offer was immense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Duke stood among the highest ranks of the kingdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most nobles would instantly lose any claim of superiority while many would lose leverage entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King’s voice broke the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some houses will oppose the decision.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fortunately, their approval is unnecessary.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crown prince gave a stifled laughter at this\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King allowed himself a small smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his expression became serious once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is not a reward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The statement surprised Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaric continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is recognition.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King gestured toward the city beyond the windows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The kingdom already treats Elarion differently.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The military treats Elarion differently.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The economy treats Elarion differently.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The law should do the same.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The logic was difficult to dispute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments silence lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Cassian spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both men looked toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prince leaned back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A year ago half the kingdom thought Elarion would collapse.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now we’re discussing a duchy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Life is strange.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien couldn’t argue with that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prince wasn’t finished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You discovered the truth regarding your mother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You gained Grandfather’s support.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re preparing to attend a summit of the Supreme Mage Council.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His grin widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And now you’re being offered a duchy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became quiet again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because hearing it spoken aloud made the changes seem even more dramatic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King rose from his chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The discussion was clearly nearing its conclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I do not require an answer tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That surprised Lucien,most rulers would demand one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alaric merely shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This decision deserves consideration.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The King moved toward the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment he remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he finally spoke, his voice carried unusual sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Meet your father too...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked directly at Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...the man has it hard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2177,"2026-06-05T21:32:57.730Z",1,"novelbin.me","ad840017c21a9f60ed0d62261c9b8f0929d6210a58f188d10ea7d67c8eecce60","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-141","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-139",144,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-cover.jpg"]