Chapter 326: Julian's rise to power
The news of Julian's rise to the position of Duke spread like wildfire throughout the kingdom, creating shockwaves far and wide. It was not every day that a new duke rose to power, especially not from the family of a Grand Duke.
People were taken aback by the suddenness of the news, and the entire kingdom seemed to be active with doubts and speculation.
Whispers filled the streets, with nobles as well as commoners all questioning the decision. "Is this really the right choice?" some asked.
"How could they hand over the title of Duke to someone so young?" Others wondered what kind of leader Julian would be.
"Will he be a fool, or will he prove worthy of his family's legacy?" they wondered, exchanging rumors throughout the kingdom.
Some believed Julian's swift rise to power was a sign of a promising future, while others feared the unknown. After all, the Easvil Duchy had been led by Alden, a man with years of experience and a deep sense of loyalty towards his kingdom.
Even within the royal palace, there were gossips and whispers. Some of the older nobles questioned if Julian would have the same loyalty for his kingdom as his father.
Despite the questions and doubts, there was one thing no one could deny: Julian's rise was a historical occasion that had captured the attention of everyone in the kingdom. And as the days passed to his inauguration, the kingdom waited in suspense, wondering what kind of impact he would have on the future of the kingdom.
**
Meanwhile, in the Duchy of Ethwer.
Duke Ethwer sat at his table, his eyes fixed on the papers before him. His expressions darkened as he read the news of Julian's rise to power.
All of a sudden he raged and slammed his fist onto the table, causing the papers to scatter in all directions. He stood, kicking his chair, and knocked over the lamp with a sweep of his arm.
"What the fuck is this?!" he shouted.
He threw the paper to the floor as his frustration boiled over. His face turned fiery red, and his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles whitened.
"How the fuck does he win every battle?!"
His breath became irregular as his whole body raged with both frustration and confusion.
For a long while, Julian had been a thorn in his side, always managing to defeat him, and now... now he had ascended to a position of even more power.
He paced back and forth, unable to contain his fury. The room seemed suffocating, and he could not hold back his growing frustration.
He had tried everything, making connections, planning his moves by calculating every possibility, but it was of no use; Julian kept shitting on both him and his plans.
"That bastard... What is he, some kind of genius?"
The fact that Julian not only outsmarted him again but even rose to the position of Duke was a humiliating blow to his pride.
"What the fuck is up with that fucker Alden? Why did he even agree to give his position? This whole Eavil family is going to be the death of me."
He slammed his knuckles against the wall, the power shaking the whole castle. His eyes were red with rage as his aura flared uncontrollably.
"This won't stand. I will crush him. I will make sure he regrets this."
His mind raced with countless thoughts, each more dangerous than the other.
"I will destroy him. I will make sure that this... this battle ends before it even begins."
Meanwhile, the Duchess of Ethwer watched the chaotic scene unfold before her with a concerning look in her eyes.
She stepped forward, her hands trembling slightly as she reached for his shoulder.
"Calm down, dear," she said softly. "You can't afford to make any more mistakes now. We need to think this through."
Duke Ethwer sharply turned around and flicked her hands off his shoulder.
"But you saw what that fucker did, didn't you?!" His voice echoed through the room, filled with raw frustration and humiliation.
"He fucking severed the head of my army and sent it to my door! He is playing with me—mocking me!"
The Duchess flinched at his words. Every part of her body trembled as the horrifying memory surfaced in her mind. Continue your saga on My Virtual Library Empire
She swallowed hard, recalling the gruesome gift that was delivered to their duchy. The large, decorated crate held the decapitated heads of their finest soldiers who had pledged their loyalty and fought under their banner.
The sight had left her nauseous as she struggled to maintain her dignity in front of their court.
Her voice shook as she responded, "I haven't forgotten... how could I? But losing your temper won't change what has happened. If anything, it will make us more vulnerable."
Duke Ethwer let out a frustrated sigh, pacing the room like a caged animal.
"Vulnerable?!" he spat. "I already look weak! Do you have any idea what the other nobles are saying? They will think I am a fool, a failure who can't even defend his own army. And Julian... that bastard... he has taken everything from me!"
The Duchess took a deep breath, composing herself. She knew her husband's anger came from his wounded pride, but she also understood the importance of lying low and thinking about the future.
Her voice raised, "You better thank the gods that the royal family has not taken action even after we rallied an army and attacked another duke family. The queen is protecting us. So, stop acting like a spoiled little brat.
For a moment, Ethwer's gaze met hers, and his expression softened. He knew she was right, but his pride wouldn't allow him to admit it.
Instead, he turned away, clenching his fists. "He will pay for this. One way or another, Julian Easvil will pay."
The Duchess of Ethwer gently grabbed the Duke's arm.
"Not now," she said. "Calm yourself down, and attend the inauguration as if nothing has happened. We can't afford to show weakness or hostility right now. There will be plenty of time to think about this later."