Bab 222: Turmoil
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
Duke Fraule is about to announce the heir?
Upon hearing this, everyone was quite surprised, but upon closer thought, it was indeed time. Normally, a noble's heir is assumed to be his eldest son, unless there are extenuating circumstances, in which case there is no need to publicly announce it.
However, Duke Fraule was different; he had no sons, and now his health seemed precarious. So, announcing the heir at today's occasion was quite fitting and reasonable.
Who would be the lucky one?
The most likely candidate would be Viscount Henry, after all, he was the Duke's eldest brother.
Recently, Viscount Henry had taken up residence directly in Sente City, personally attending to Duke Fraule inside and out, and frequently networking with various lords. It seemed he was poised to inherit the Duke's position.
However, this position was not one hundred percent guaranteed to him. Technically, Viscount Henry and Duke Fraule were not even full-blood brothers, as they did not share the same mother.
When Duke Fraule was just the heir himself, the position rightfully belonged to him. However, Viscount Henry had always been a bit unruly; after the previous Duke Fraule passed away, there were some unpleasant incidents between the two brothers.
Despite many twists and turns, Duke Fraule eventually inherited the title. Perhaps out of brotherly consideration or to demonstrate his magnanimity, Duke Fraule did not hold his brother accountable and even bestowed upon him a viscountcy.
Since then, Viscount Henry had behaved more obediently, but recently his ambitions seemed to stir once again.
Who knew if Duke Fraule still harbored any grudges about his past actions? The title might fall into the hands of another branch of the family.
As everyone pondered these thoughts, they held their breath, quietly awaiting the Duke's next words.
Regardless of whom the Duke chose as his heir, they would need to ingratiate themselves well after the banquet. No, they would have to toast him later.
At this moment, only Maltz Kent remained calm. He sipped his wine slowly, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
The usually tasteless wine suddenly felt exceptionally rich today.
The "pageboy" beside the Earl stared fixedly at Duke Fraule in the main seat, his eyes unblinking.
"I... I... have decided..."
Who would it be? Viscount Henry? Most people guessed it would be him.
"The heir is... Maltz Kent!"
In that instant, all sound in the hall ceased abruptly, even the sound of people's breathing.
After a few seconds of silence, a collective gasp erupted among the guests.
"Earl Kent... is the Duke's heir?"
"I didn't expect that, didn't expect it at all, it's actually Earl Kent."
Discussions erupted, with everyone expressing disbelief at the Duke's choice.
Especially members of the Fraule family's collateral branches stood stunned, their expressions dumbfounded. Even if the position didn't fall to them, it shouldn't have gone so far away, right?
Speaking of which, the Kent family did indeed have some distant blood ties with the Fraule family, considered to be from the same lineage, but that was generations ago.
"Viscount Henry? Viscount Henry?"
Those around Viscount Henry noticed that he remained motionless and quickly patted his back.
Alas, perhaps the one most affected by this decision was the Duke's younger brother; the crowd felt great sympathy for him.
Viscount Henry snapped out of his daze but still looked bewildered. He turned to the person next to him and asked, "What did my brother just say?"
Duke Fraule's speech just now, though intermittent, was quite clear, ensuring that everyone in the hall could hear it.
Viscount Henry clearly did not fail to hear it; he simply couldn't believe what his brother had said.
"Um... Viscount, your brother..."
The embarrassed person being asked didn't know how to respond.
"What did my brother... just say?"
The Viscount asked again, his tone turning hostile, veins bulging on his temples.
The person being questioned was startled and hastily replied, "The Duke said... the Duke said he has decided to make Maltz Kent the heir."
"No!"
A loud shout rang out in the hall, drawing the guests' attention.
"No! This can't be true!"
Viscount Henry's face twisted in madness. After confirming the cruel reality from others' mouths, he couldn't accept it and yelled out.
He pushed over the table in front of him, food and drinks spilling all over the floor.
Henry rushed to the main seat, grabbing his brother's shoulders on both sides and shaking him vigorously.
"Brother! My brother! Tell me this isn't true! How could you choose an outsider to be the heir?"
Seeing his brother dazed, he shook even harder.
"Say something! Say something!"
With Henry taking the lead, other members of the Fraule family also approached, voicing their doubts.
"Yes, Duke, even if you don't choose Viscount Henry, you can't pass it to an outsider!"
"Revoke your hasty decision, you're the head of the family, you must consider the family!"
"You need to think carefully, this title has been passed down by our ancestors."
The room full of guests was at a loss, unsure whether to intervene in this family dispute.
"Enough!"
Duke Fraule suddenly erupted. Despite his ailing condition, he found the strength to push away his younger brother.
Viscount Henry stumbled back; behind him was a table that toppled over, spilling dishes and food everywhere.
Pointing at him, the Duke's face twisted with rage as he said, "Do you think I've forgotten what you did back then? Do you think I can just let it go? Hmph, wishful thinking!"
"I... I..."
Viscount Henry couldn't speak. His hand was pierced by the shards of broken glass from the fallen wine glass, the pain jolting him back from his frenzy.
After all these years, he never expected his brother still harbored unforgiveness. Was their brotherly affection all a façade?
This was the second blow he received today.
Duke Fraule suddenly regained his former authority and demeanor, shouting, "Guards!"
Footsteps echoed as a group of fully armed guards rushed into the hall.
"Take this bastard and lock him up in the dungeon! Put him... yes, put him in the deepest, darkest cell!"
"Yes!"
Viscount Henry's face was pale as death. He didn't resist, letting the guards drag him away.
Duke Fraule spat at him, "Hmph! Ungrateful fool, fantasizing for so long. Go to hell!"
Then, he surveyed the surroundings, focusing on the family members who had gathered around.
"Now, does anyone else have objections?"
(End of the Chapter)
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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