The insides of Ashbourne Manor were thicker than ever.
The news of Duke Arthur had reached all the members of his family.
The next Duke of Ashbourne would not be elected according to order of birth.
He will be selected by his abilities, achievements, loyalty, and talent.
House Ashbourne had been at the pinnacle of the Azure Dragon Empire for a thousand years.
The next in line would determine the fate of the family, either to maintain its splendor or to slowly deteriorate.
In the grand hall all the direct descendants and all the important elders were gathered.
Arthur Ashbourne, Duke of the time, was at the top.
His eyes turned to his children.
Not the position of Duke is a reward.
“It is a duty.”
The person inheriting this title must safeguard this family, even at his own personal risk.
Everyone became serious.
The competition was really on.
The son of the First Madam volunteered.
“Alexander Ashbourne.”
The oldest son came to the middle of the hall.
He seemed to be surrounded by the presence of a mighty sword.
Many elders nodded.
Alexander was a very talented man.
He had an S-grade Sword Talent and an A-grade Warrior Talent.
He was one of the strongest in his younger days in Ashbourne.
“If I can make it clear that I’m worthy of being the next Duke.”
First, Madam Isabella looked proudly at the smile.
For many years, her son was getting ready for this moment.
Next was Leon Ashbourne.
Leon was more serene than Alexander.
He had a plain sword on his back.
But all knew that this sword was not a normal sword.
S-grade Sword Talent
A-grade Mage Talent
He was also a veteran of the battlefield.
There were a number of elders who privately believed that he was the best competitor.
Leon turned his gaze on Andrew.
Brother, I want to play fairly.
Andrew smiled.
“Of course.”
Leon was one of the very few in the family who never treated him differently.
All the other brothers demonstrated their skills, and then they waited.
Finally…
“Andrew Ashbourne.”
The hall became quiet.
He received much interest from onlookers.
The renowned handicapped little master.
Andrew slowly walked forward.
Some elders sighed.
Why get involved if he can’t grow it?
“Let him wait in peace.
Andrew heard the voices but didn’t listen.
He put his hand into the test crystal.
Nothing happened.
A couple of seconds later.
It was utterly silent, the crystal.
As expected.
Residents started talking in hushed tones.
Andrew took his hand away.
I don’t feel better anymore, it appears?
He slowly walked back to his place.
The first madam gave a slight smile.
The Fourth Madam was also let down.
To them, Andrew was no threat. Get faster updates on g.com.
However, Duke Arthur was silent.
He had a strange sensation.
Not as a result of Andrew’s strength.
However, from his son’s poise.
Andrew had been subjected to a host of insults for eighteen years.
But he didn’t gripe.
Never showed anger.
Never fought back.
Arthur clenched his fists.
What are you thinking about, Andrew?
On that night, in Andrew’s room.
The system alert came up.
Ding!
Host’s identity could be kept concealed.
Reward given: Perfect Concealment Technique.
Andrew smiled.
This will be helpful.
The less they knew the truth…
The more secure and safe he would keep his people.
In another courtyard…
Giving a letter to a servant to pass on in secret.
It was opened by the recipient.
There were just some words inside.
The bloodline of the Ice Phoenix has been roused.
“Take her out before she gets big.
The person’s eyes became cold.
House Ashbourne’s younger daughter…
“Let her not live.