Chapter 120: A Ray of Hope

Words : 1311 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Chapter 120: A Ray of Hope It was definitely chaotic, as the dignified people of the Dukedom of Kyros decided to return to their military roots to channel the soldiers in them. You’d think they were starving or excluded, but each one actually received a decent share because Luca didn’t want anyone to go without. So, what exactly were they fighting for? One might not understand, but their Young Lord sent over three flavors. Three. But if each one only got a piece, then it would be impossible to taste all three. In front of them lay boxes with the following labels: original crispy chicken, soy garlic, and spicy chicken. And everyone will be damned if they don’t get to taste them all. At first, they wanted to share because the duchy was filled with people who valued each other. Well, provided nothing like this fried chicken existed. It was unexpected, but suddenly, years of brotherhood went out the window the moment they tasted it. To be fair, some attempted to share, but the moment they got the first taste, it only took a blink before everything was gone. And the guilty staff couldn’t believe he ate it all just like that. That started a riot. And even Butler Gary, who initially wanted to maintain a semblance of order, decided to just let it be for today. Those who would survive this ordeal deserve to return to being civilized humans tomorrow. But that was for tomorrow; today, it was a chance to battle for supremacy. The Duke watched all of this as he guarded his share of all three flavors with his life. While he trusted all of his people when it came to loyalty, that did not include facing never-before-seen food. And his precious son allocated a share just for him. The proud father seriously thought about succession planning as he munched on the best thing he’d tasted in his years of life. And had he mentioned that his son sent it for him? Yes? Oh well, it won’t be bad to repeat that his son sent it for him. Important things need to be said thrice, after all. It was actually all well and good, and in the spirit of this battle royale, several people, such as Steward Han, could only lament about working for logistics when he was younger. Had he gone in as a combatant, maybe he would have had a chance even against the weakest of the maids. So, the steward focused on other important things, such as asking the Duke about the young Lord’s letter! Of course, the Duke, who had been repeatedly beaten out by the likes of the steward and even the guards, finally had something to boast about and showed the letter penned by his son. "Ehem!" The Duke cleared his throat, especially for the steward, as he gently patted Luca’s letter. Even opening it took a while because the Duke wanted much of it preserved. If he opened it really fast, what would happen to the glue? After the very ceremonious letter opening, the Duke managed to begin reading out the letter. "Dear Father, I hope you’re doing well. Thank you for sending over the people of the duchy last time. I have sent a few things to thank everyone for their efforts. However, this letter is to—" The Duke had to do a full stop as his eyes read faster than his mouth. The letter that could’ve been preserved for everyone to see probably had to be incinerated. Or locked up so tightly with guards posted on rotation. The steward was wondering what got the Duke so spooked. "Your Grace? Is everything alright?" Duke Leander wasn’t sure how to answer. On the one hand, it was more than alright, but on the other hand, they probably needed to buy the planet closest to the Nova Base Station. Then, it was the turn of Butler Gary, who continued reading the note only to realize he had been too careless by not storing it with the antiques. What actually got the Duke and the Butler panicking was the small note regarding a probable way to improve the Duke’s health. There were actually a number of pills and fruits stored in the space button sent back by their Lord. When Luca wrote down the instructions, he wasn’t actually sure if they would take him seriously, yet he decided that this was all that he could do until they could meet in person. If anything, maybe the food and its spiritual recovery benefits would help even if they decided not to take the admittedly suspicious pills. But Luca did not take into account the overzealousness of his people. The Duke and the Butler inhaled the remainder of their fried chicken before hurriedly going back into the room to do as the best heir instructed. Unlike Xavier or the Marshal, who were already on the brink of imploding when they got treated, the Duke had long been preserving what was left of his energy by not using it. At all. If anything, he had only begun using a bit after recovering much of it with the help of the spiritual fruits he had been eating. So, the Duke was awake the entire time. It was impossible to deny that the suspicious-looking pills had affected the corruption, which was evidently receding. Luca had no idea how serious the Duke’s case was and wanted to take it slowly. But what he was really hoping for was to talk to them in person before he could decide what he could and could not share. "Butler Gary." The Duke stared at the items sent by his son. None of these screamed normal, and he felt that his boy may have had a tough time obtaining these relics for him. The Duke was touched. Who wouldn’t be? Especially when he thought he was going to die early and just wanted to prepare what he could for his good son. "We’re leaving for Planet Nova for this weekend. My son asked to talk to me." Frankly, when he read that earlier, he was willing to go there even in crutches or inside a cargo as a stowaway if these doctors tried stopping him again. But then he realized that his son probably sent all of these because he was missing his father and was terribly homesick! The Duke’s mind wandered to so many different thoughts, including purchasing the military. It would be expensive but not impossible, right? Originally, the Butler would’ve dissuaded the Duke, but this package gave him so much hope that he decided to prepare as early as today. They both had faith in Luca and were rightfully diligent in following his instructions. It was a glorious, albeit slower recovery that would usher in a new era for one usually quiet Duchy. Meanwhile, Luca, the son who had been exalted to heaven by so many people without his knowledge, was busy entrapping his brother inside the mecha manufacturing training hall. Well, this time around, even Ollie wanted to stay inside. Both money-grubbers felt like it was a paradise made just for them. If not for the fact that it was all a simulation. But then Luca had to shock Ollie by telling him about the Laboratory he had actually purchased. It was magnificent. And it was free, thanks to his benefactor. That day, a little chipmunk and his best brother, the mop, were busy tinkering and fiddling with everything they could touch. "Luca, remember this. You must burn my body if I fail to pass the exam." Ollie was dead serious. If he still failed with his brother spoon-feeding him like this, did he still deserve to use up oxygen? And so, with this self-issued threat, the little highlighter decided to study, even at the risk of balding!

Chapter 120: A Ray of Hope

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