Chapter 298 - 296: Fatal Temptation

Chapter 298: Chapter 296: Fatal Temptation

Sigmund’s questioning made Duane realize that the Crown Prince’s friendship with Orisien must run deep.

Otherwise, as the Crown Prince, his considerations should stem from the Kingdom’s interests, with personal feelings put aside.

Still, Duane could understand. No one in this world is perfectly calm and rational, and it was only natural for the Crown Prince to adopt an accusatory tone upon seeing his friend so brutally treated.

"He brought this upon himself."

Duane said, "I was merely defending my own rights."

"But regardless, your actions were a humiliation to Orisien," Duke Kelvin added.

Duane chuckled. "Then he can petition His Majesty for a duel to the death. I’ll be ready anytime. If he brings others to my Territory to cause trouble again, I won’t spare their lives like I did this time!"

Kelvin’s brow furrowed. He heard the arrogance in the young nobleman’s voice, but he had to admit the man had the right to be arrogant.

At that point, Duane had no desire to explain further. He reached over, picked up the Memory Ball that had been sitting to the side, and infused it with Magic Power to play the recording within.

Neither Duke Kelvin nor the Crown Prince expected Duane to have this up his sleeve. However, they were also eager to see the full course of events, so they ceased their arguments and watched in silence.

The Memory Ball had clearly recorded the entire incident, including Orisien’s insolent expression, his absurd accusation that Duane was of an Exotic Race, and the fierce battle between Duane and Thomsen.

Though a few angles and scenes were blurry, Duke Kelvin could clearly perceive Duane’s true strength from the recording.

Sharp Insight, superb Swordsmanship, powerful Combat Techniques, and that strange yet extraordinary Bloodline Power...

The Duke was certain that even though Duane was a Silver Moon Warrior, the power he displayed was already approaching the Scorching Sun Level.

Before his arrival, he had considered finding an excuse to spar with Duane and gauge his true abilities.

But after watching this recording, there was no need for a spar at all.

But when the recording showed Orisien and Thomsen attempting to kill each other, the color drained from everyone’s faces.

Mitchell’s fists clenched unconsciously, his knuckles letting out a soft CRACK.

As the Saint Hall Grand Commander of the Church Court, he had never imagined he would witness the Holy Son and the Chief Judge trying to kill one another.

Clement’s pale lips trembled. If Duane hadn’t intervened in time, it was likely neither of the two men would have survived.

If word of this got out, it would not only shake the Pruck Kingdom but also the Holy Radiance Church Headquarters on the Sunset Continent.

The Holy Son and the Chief Judge, trying to kill each other...

The repercussions would be immense!

At that moment, the Crown Prince finally calmed down.

The power, methods, and leverage Duane had displayed forced him to set aside his personal feelings for the time being.

He returned to his seat and ordered his Knights to carry out the wailing Orisien and the silent Thomsen.

"Duane, forgive my tone from earlier. But... this Memory Ball..."

Duane handed it to Jasmine, motioning for her to take it to the Crown Prince.

"As long as the two matters His Grace the Duke just mentioned are settled, I guarantee the contents of this Memory Ball will never be seen by another soul."

From his words, everyone understood that Duane must have a second Memory Ball.

And they were right; Duane had indeed made a copy of the recording.

Handing this one over was therefore of no consequence to him.

The Crown Prince nodded and said no more.

Duke Kelvin was the decision-maker in this negotiation. He picked up the conversation and gave Duane a firm answer.

"In his current state, it’s unlikely we’ll get an apology out of Orisien. However, I can promise you that once we are back in the Royal Capital, his letter of apology will be publicly posted within one month at the latest."

"Furthermore, Thomsen will be expelled from the Kingdom’s borders immediately!"

Given that he and Orisien had tried to kill each other, Thomsen’s expulsion was absolute. He would never be allowed to set foot in the Pruck Kingdom again.

How he was dealt with after that would be a matter for the Holy Radiance Church Headquarters.

"I have no objections. His Majesty’s judgment is most just!" Duane said.

Duke Kelvin nodded with a beaming smile. With that, the matter was considered settled.

He waved his hand. "Sigmund, Mitchell, and Bishop Clement, you may leave us. I have other matters I wish to discuss with Count Duane."

The men were taken aback, but they asked no questions and left immediately.

This scene surprised Duane. Although Kelvin was a Duke and the Crown Prince’s maternal grandfather, it was rare to see someone openly give orders to the heir apparent.

It was a clear testament to Duke Kelvin’s truly high standing within the Kingdom.

Duane had Jasmine and the others leave the hall as well. "I wonder what other business Your Grace has for me?"

"Haha, I wouldn’t dare order you to do anything."

The Duke said playfully, "My title may be a bit higher than yours, but if we’re talking about strength, it’s hard to say who is superior."

Such flattering words made Duane realize that what was to be discussed next was likely no ordinary matter.

"You are the strongest in the Kingdom. The gap between us is still immense!"

After the two exchanged some pleasantries, the Duke finally revealed his true purpose.

"You are a powerful man—the second strongest in the Kingdom. Your Territory shouldn’t be limited to two small places like Black Forest Island and the Silver Jade Territory."

He said, "Your marriage alliance with the Kennedy Clan will certainly boost your reputation and bring you benefits, but what will you truly gain?"

"Territory? Count Kais has no authority to grant you land, and His Majesty would never permit it!"

"Wealth? The Kennedy Clan’s shipping and grain businesses are decent, and they have their own unique magical research, but they’re hardly unrivaled in the Kingdom."

"And as for population and armies, how can they possibly compare to the Royal Family?"

Duane rubbed his nose. "Your Grace, what are you trying to say?"

Kelvin sat up a bit straighter, his eyes sharp and wise in his aged face.

"His Majesty can bestow upon you the title ’First General of the Kingdom’ and appoint you ’Royal Chief Tutor,’ responsible for training and guiding the Royal Knight Order and even the Kingdom Legion. This would allow you to quickly gain the loyalty of many talented individuals."

"Furthermore, His Majesty intends to marry Princess Nina to you. If you agree, he is willing to grant you a territory of three cities, the rank of Hereditary Earl, vast resources... He will even give you the entire Lakefront Secret Realm, including the share that was supposed to go to Brian!"

He paused before adding, "Compared to the Kennedy Clan, the House of Pruck can offer you so much more."

To be honest, if Duane didn’t have such firm control over his body, his breathing would have quickened at the mention of these terms.

The temptation was immense!

However, he keenly realized the first offer was likely a trap.

If he accepted it, he would be forced to spend long periods away from his own Territory, wasting vast amounts of time on so-called "guidance and training."

That was something he did not want.

But the second offer—the boost to his reputation, status, and power—was especially significant.

"As far as I know, isn’t Princess Nina only nine years old?"

Duane knew the Third Princess, Amy, but she was involved with Harrison, the son of Earl Orlando, which was why King Eric was now offering the Fourth Princess, Nina.

"Her young age is not an issue."

Duke Kelvin seemed unconcerned. "His Majesty is aware of your relationship with Natalia. He doesn’t mind you taking her as a mistress. He is even willing to tacitly approve the legitimization of any illegitimate children you might have with her."

"Of course, if you are truly concerned about your wife’s age, my own granddaughter, Tania, is sixteen this year. She’s a Level 3 Mage, in no way inferior to Natalia."

"Choose Tania, and the terms promised by His Majesty will still stand," he added.

This showed that the two great houses, Pruck and Hughes, were already completely intertwined.

Duane fell silent.

If he were a truly cold-blooded nobleman, he would have accepted such terms without hesitation, binding himself deeply to the Royal Family.

Doing so would rupture his relationship with the Kais Clan and alienate him from Natalia. He would also be shackled to the Royal Family’s war chariot for the foreseeable future.

But the immediate benefits, without a doubt, would be immense.

But if he really went through with it, the choice would stand in stark contrast to the public image he had so carefully cultivated.

It would paint a negative picture for his subjects, his followers, and the world at large—an image of a man who would abandon anything for the right price.

After all, everyone knew that Count Kais had helped him a great deal, and that while his relationship with Natalia was a partnership, there were also genuine feelings between them.

"Your Grace, perhaps you are unaware, but Count Kais and I have already signed a marriage contract. This matter..."

Duane was about to continue, but Duke Kelvin raised a hand, cutting him off.

"And how legitimate is this contract? For a powerful young man such as yourself, every action impacts the Kingdom. His Majesty has the right to nullify any marriage contract that doesn’t align with the Kingdom’s interests!"

His smile was perfectly affable, but his tone was indisputable.

"You don’t have to give me an answer right away. There’s plenty of time ahead. You can think it over."

"You and I are both powerful men, but not everything can be accomplished through personal strength alone. After all, no matter how strong a single lion is, it will still retreat from a pack of wolves."

Kelvin’s tone was like that of an elder lecturing a junior.

"Love is but a fleeting pleasure. Vast territories, immense wealth, and countless followers—these are the things a powerful Lord ought to pursue!"