[{"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-78":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},1366786,1809,"Chapter 78 - 72: Eyes Toward the North","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-78",78,"\u003Cp>The study of House Valcriox remained quiet long after midnight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the fireplace still burned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian Valcriox stood beside the massive northern map while dozens of reports from Elarion lay scattered across the desk behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Factories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rifles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steam machinery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every document described something different, yet all carried the same unsettling conclusion:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien’s territory was changing too quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And House Valcriox no longer understood what was happening in the north.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That alone made the situation dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian slowly folded another merchant report before setting it aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...No lord builds this much infrastructure in a year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Seraphine remained seated near the fireplace while reviewing the intelligence summaries herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not without outside support.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s what worries me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian narrowed his eyes slightly toward the northern border marked on the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he had already considered every possibility:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>hidden noble backing,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>foreign influence,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>ancient ruins,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>smuggling networks,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>even illegal magical research.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet none of them explained the speed of Elarion’s growth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mass steel production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Advanced firearms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now rumors spoke about organized military reforms as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt less like territorial recovery—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And more like watching another era slowly emerge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The doors opened quietly afterward as another servant entered the study.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian glanced sideways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The family council has formally requested updated assessment regarding Lord Lucien and the northern territory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course they had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Valcriox elders were beginning to panic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trade routes shifting northward. Merchant profits rising around Elarion. Whispers of industrial expansion spreading through noble circles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old houses could ignore rumors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They could not ignore economic change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian dismissed the servant with a wave before returning his attention toward the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We need certainty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seraphine looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You still plan sending someone north?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Another spy may disappear again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian nodded once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Traditional spies failed inside Elarion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The territory had become too disciplined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too controlled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Workers noticed outsiders quickly. Military patrols increased constantly. And Lucien himself was cautious by nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinary infiltration no longer worked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant Kassian required someone different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not merely a spy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone capable of surviving if discovered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone skilled enough to observe Elarion directly without attracting suspicion immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His decision had already been made hours ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian walked toward the side table afterward before picking up a sealed black document bearing the insignia of House Valcriox.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seraphine noticed instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You’re serious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That seems excessive for reconnaissance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian handed her the file calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She opened it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then immediately frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside rested a single name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael Draven\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of House Valcriox’s strongest retainers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An elite knight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veteran of multiple border wars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peak-level aura user.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Intelligent with the ability to hide his presence even from peak knights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not the kind of knight obsessed with honor and glory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael specialized in observation, survival, and quiet operations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seraphine slowly lowered the document afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re sending him alone?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mostly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That means you expect danger.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian remained silent briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then answered honestly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t know what to expect anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that uncertainty bothered him deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Elarion no longer behaved like a normal territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every new report contradicted established logic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One frontier lord should not possess:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>industrial districts,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>advanced military production,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>disciplined rifle formations,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and rapidly expanding infrastructure simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something was missing from the reports.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some central truth nobody had discovered yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian intended to find it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The study doors opened again shortly afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy footsteps entered the room quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael Draven stopped before the desk before lowering his head respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knight wore dark travel attire instead of ceremonial armor tonight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tall. Broad-shouldered. Calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A long scar crossed one side of his jaw while cold gray eyes studied the room silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike many elite knights, Kael radiated restraint instead of arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian trusted him precisely because of that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You requested my presence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian nodded once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have a task for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael waited silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No unnecessary questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian moved toward the northern map again afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re going to Elarion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, Kael’s expression shifted slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even among the capital’s elite warriors, Lucien’s territory had begun gaining reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mostly unsettling reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian continued calmly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I need accurate assessment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Military?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Factories. Roads. Weapons. Political stability. Civilian loyalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian turned toward the knight fully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to know what Lucien is building.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael considered the request briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Direct infiltration?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seraphine watched quietly from nearby while Kassian stepped closer toward the knight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do not engage unnecessarily.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That earned the faintest hint of amusement from Kael.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You say that as if I normally start wars.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You once challenged three mercenary captains simultaneously.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They insulted House Valcriox.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They were drunk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They were inaccurate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fair enough honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This mission is observation only.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael nodded once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And if I’m discovered?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence followed briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because everyone already understood the answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elarion’s military was no longer weak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The northern rifle formations alone had become concerning enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then there was the artillery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the unknown industrial technologies\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most importantly a dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally Kassian answered quietly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Retreat immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael’s eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interesting response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most nobles would have demanded mission completion regardless of danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian instead looked genuinely serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do not underestimate Lucien.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That sentence settled heavily across the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because coming from Kassian Valcriox—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It meant something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kael accepted the sealed mission orders afterward before turning toward the northern map one final time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The territory changed that much?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kassian looked toward Elarion’s marked location silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then answered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Enough that I no longer understand it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time in years—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That statement sounded almost like frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the Valcriox estate, cold wind moved through the capital streets while distant lantern light reflected against stone roads below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far beyond the southern cities—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elarion continued expanding beneath smoke and steel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>House Valcriox had finally sent someone strong enough to witness it directly.\u003C\u002Fp>",978,"2026-06-05T21:32:57.730Z",1,"novelbin.me","ae5e171d59268901cc7dc6f02761b8d29e894275592a78f5f0ba24bb5fd67161","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-79","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-77",144,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-cover.jpg"]