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𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞-𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡!
Surprisingly, the results of the large-scale subjugation were only briefly mentioned in the St. Arrogas newspaper.
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The content only mentioned that the subjugation team repelled the divine beast Behemoth, which had slain the grey dragon.
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“It can’t be helped.”
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Flora said this with a troubled smile.
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It seems the article couldn’t cover much, given the deplorable state of Prince Gale, who led the subjugation.
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Still, one can’t keep people from talking, and a week after the subjugation, rumors had started to circulate among the people.
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Allegedly, Prince Gale had made a major blunder during the subjugation, and an unnamed magic knight had actually defeated Behemoth.
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It was said that this magic knight used unknown magic and single-handedly repelled Behemoth.
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“That’s an overestimation.”
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Luke shrugged with a wry smile at these rumors.
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A week since the battle with Behemoth, Luke had recovered his magical power and physical strength, enabling him to meet with Flora.
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Since then, Gale had not shown himself.
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According to Flora, Gale had been in low spirits since then, secluding himself in his manor.
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“It might be a good lesson for him. He should be resting now anyway.”
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Gale’s magical power, thoroughly depleted in the battle with Behemoth, was not something that could be recovered overnight.
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For a while, he wouldn’t even be able to perform simple lighting magic.
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“Still, it seems he had his own thoughts on the matter.”
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Saying this, Flora opened the latest issue of the St. Arrogas newspaper.
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The headline read, 【Avaris Count Arrested! Could This Be the Biggest Scandal in the Kingdom’s History?】”
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Gash, captured by Luke’s group, had confessed his ties with Greed and Gluton Chamber of Commerce, revealing a hidden ledger that served as irrefutable evidence of Avaris’s involvement.
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Despite being a sensitive case of noble corruption, the investigation had progressed remarkably smoothly.
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It appeared Gale’s influence had played a significant role.
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Although Gale’s condition of total obedience hadn’t been met, Luke had sent all the information he had gathered to Gale through Flora.
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This, according to Flora, had been the catalyst for the recent arrests.
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“He’s stubborn, but this might be his way of atoning.”
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Flora said this with a bitter smile.
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“The royal capital will likely fall into considerable chaos now. With Sir Avaris gone, others will scheme to fill his place. It might be better for you to stay away from the capital for a while.”
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Luke had heard these rumors too.
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Nobles were terrified of being implicated in a domino effect following Avaris’s arrest, leading to a surge in betrayals and suspicious deaths.
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“Thank you for your concern. I plan to impose on Sir Wilfred for a while.”
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Luke bowed his head.
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“If we royals had been more responsible, none of this would have happened… I’ve caused you so much trouble. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do.”
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Luke raised his head at Flora’s words.
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“…May I ask you for a favor?”
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“Is it really okay? You are recognized as the legitimate heir to the Narejji territory, aren’t you?”
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“It’s fine. I don’t think I’m cut out to be a lord.”
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Sir Wilfred raises his eyebrows in disbelief as Luke smiles at him.
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Three months later, the major corruption scandal originating from Avaris, known as the St. Arrogas scandal, was nearing its end.
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Numerous crimes were exposed, and more than a dozen nobles were arrested.
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They all faced severe penalties, with Greed being stripped of his title and imprisoned after confiscation of his assets.
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The Avaris and Trinal families, identified as the masterminds, were exiled after permanent eradication of their titles and confiscation of their assets, extending even to collateral relatives.
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No one knows what happened to them afterward.
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The Narejji territory, formerly governed by Greed, was to be merged into the Rampart territory.
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Sir Wilfred offered to transfer it, but Luke adamantly refused.
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“Like I said before, I have things I want to do. Besides, I think the people would be happier with Sir Wilfred ruling.”
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“Really, there’s no helping it. But you must accept the title. If you don’t agree, I’ll tie you up and make you a lord.”
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Luke had also refused to reclaim the title usurped by Greed, but Flora would not allow it.
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Now, Luke is known as the Narejji Count, attached to the Rampart Margrave.
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“Having accepted it, I realize that holding a title is burdensome. I never knew a concept could have weight.”
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“Hahaha! I can’t count how many times I’ve wanted to discard it! But now, Luke, you’ll share in this hardship!”
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Sir Wilfred laughs merrily at Luke’s grumbling.
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“Well, I’ll look after the Narejji territory for a while. If you need it, just say the word. The mansion will remain your residence, so feel free to use it.”
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“Thank you.”
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Luke bows his head.
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“So, with our immediate concerns resolved, what will you do now?”
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“Yes, first, I plan to visit my master. This recent event has helped me see the direction I should take, and I’d like to discuss it with her.”
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“Indeed, that magic was incredible. Perhaps, Luke, you might one day truly grasp the origin magic.”
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Sir Wilfred nods, stroking his chin beard.
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“However, it’s a long and arduous path. Living in peace as a lord might seem better… but you won’t be dissuaded, will you?”
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“Of course not!”
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Luke nods firmly.
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“This is the path I’ve chosen.”
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“Well then, I won’t say more. Pursuing something is also a way of life. Leave the rest to me and focus on your pursuit.”
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“Thank you.”
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Luke shakes Sir Wilfred’s hand firmly and then leaves the room.
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Outside, Alma waits, having finished preparing for their journey.
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“Come on, let’s go. We’re heading to Iris’s place today, right?”
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“Yeah, the weather is nice, and it seems like it’s going to be a pleasant journey.”
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Under the clear blue sky, the two start walking side by side.