https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-112-You-re-Born-to-be-a-Duke-Part-2-/12969723/
Chapter 111: What a Coincidence?
Chapter 111: What a Coincidence?
The Lane Family... is truly finished...
The elderly Duke, his neck wrapped in bandages, unable to even sit up, only half-reclining on the hospital bed, was surrounded by a group of nobles who couldn't help but think similarly.
In one night, losing over two hundred clan members, and with the core strength nearly wiped out, the only one capable of stepping forward to save the family was the old Duke. But now, with his neck vessels slashed, excessive bleeding leading to heart failure, he was barely breathing, his life hanging by a thread.
It could be said that the Lane family's collapse had entered a countdown. Aside from the empty title of Duke and the position of Vice President of the Upper House, everything else would be divided among the nobles present.
At this thought, the representatives from various noble families who came to "witness" or "mourn" couldn't help but glance at each other, their eyes revealing a mutual understanding.
As one of the former twin pillars of the kingdom, the Lane family's "inheritance" was indeed substantial. Even after centuries of intermarriage, there was a hint of familial affection, but compared to the vast "inheritance," this sentiment was truly insignificant.
As long as the old Duke handed over the title and passed away, countless greedy mouths would swarm in, devouring all the Lane family's assets, even licking the bare bones clean!
Damn you, you damn dogs! I'd rather feed the benefits to the dogs than give them to you!
The old Duke was well aware of the nature of these "in-law" families, looking at those seemingly respectful but malicious eyes, a deep resentment emerged in his cloudy eyes, and he huffed, expelling the little air left in his lungs.
"Speak, I'm listening!"
Hearing the huff, the butler by his side immediately bowed and leaned in, bringing his ear to the Duke's mouth. The nobles also subconsciously held their breath, and the room fell silent.
After a few gasps, the old Duke finally managed to utter a few words.
"First... where's the first in line? Why isn't he... still... not... here... hmm..."
The old butler understood that the first in line wasn't the deceased Bobby Lane but the new first in line after the Lane Blood Night.
After a quick exchange with the person in charge, the old butler adjusted the Duke's pillow, making it easier for him to breathe. Then, he reported:
"He's on his way, the first in line is the closest, right next door in this hospital."
"Next... door?"
"Yes... next door..."
After a slight hesitation, the old butler truthfully explained:
"The current first in line is the former third in line. Eight years ago, he had a conflict with your younger brother, Bobby Lane. He was struck on the back of his head with a club, and although he didn't die, he became paralyzed. He has no sensation below his collarbone, so..."
"Get out!"
The old Duke, enraged by either the situation of the first in line or the mention of the person responsible for his current state, managed to utter a few disjointed words.
"Let him... that first... get out! Second! Second!"
Second...
Hearing this, the old butler clenched his teeth and leaned in again, whispering:
"The second... he went crazy... He competed with that person for control of the armory, and then somehow went insane..."
Bobby Lane!!!
Hearing this name, the old Duke's heart rate, already at forty beats per minute, suddenly accelerated to over eighty, and the aged, pale face flushed with a hint of blood.
Damn it! Why are you in such a hurry? You just needed to wait a few more years! In a few years, the Lane family would have been yours! You damn...
Thinking of his clever but despicable brother, the old Duke's eyes filled with deep pain.
In his youth, the old Duke had suffered an injury that left him unable to bear children. As a result, he raised his younger brother, Bobby Lane, as if he were his own son. Bobby did not disappoint, using his own mysterious methods to bring down their competitors, ensuring the Duke's ascension to the position of Duke. This fostered a strong bond between the brothers.
But... why are you in such a rush?
I know you've wanted my position for a long time, but why can't you even wait a couple more years? Everything will be yours after my death!
Recalling his brother's betrayal, the old Duke's weakened heart ached with a dull pain. Exhausted, he asked, "Three! Four! Five! Normal... Is there... anyone normal?"
"These three heirs, while physically normal, are not suitable. It would be best to call the others as well..." the old butler explained helplessly.
"The third and fourth heirs are twins, barely two years old. The smaller one can't even speak yet, and as for the fifth..."
"Here he comes! The fifth heir is here!"
???
Another invalid? The old Duke's eyes widened as he saw the wheelchair and the bandaged figure of Leon, who had just arrived. The Duke, having regained some strength, pointed at Leon and shouted at the old butler, "You... You said that the third, fourth, and fifth... they..."
"He only has some skin injuries and an infection at the wound, but he's a normal person."
The old Duke's cloudy eyes moved up and down, assessing Leon's condition, and he nodded slightly.
Although Leon is also an invalid, he at least appears to be a normal adult, which is better than the previous four! "Then... then him!"
Feeling he had reached his limit, the old Duke firmly decided on Leon. He instructed, "Bring him over! I'll tell him how to deal with those... covetous ones who eye the Lane family..."
"Um... why don't you look further down the line?" the old butler suggested hesitantly after hearing the Duke's choice.
"He has black hair, not golden, and there are others with inheritance rights further down the line. It's not necessary to choose from the top five..."
"Hmm?"
The old Duke's eyes narrowed, sensing the old butler was hiding something.
"What... are you hiding? Tell me!"
"..."
"Hurry up!"
The old butler reluctantly whispered into the Duke's ear, "Your brother was killed by him."
!!!
Upon hearing the old butler's words, the old Duke's heart was flooded with a myriad of complex emotions, like the bursting of the Yellow River.
Looking at the man who had killed his only brother, yet also avenged him, the Duke's heart raced, doubling and then doubling again, reaching a staggering 160 beats per minute. He suddenly sat up in bed, pointing at the bewildered Leon, and shouted, "You! You! You!... Ugh!"
And with that, the Lionheart Duke passed away.
...
[In full view of everyone, the Lionheart Duke thrice nominated you as his successor, and you obtained the Silver-rank Identity Badge, 'Lionheart Duke'.]
[Lionheart Duke: One of the two pillars of the kingdom, the 29th Duke of the Lane Family]
[Effect: When interacting with recognized nobles, one naturally receives preferential treatment. Conversely, one will be strongly antagonized by those who do not recognize your noble status.]
[Evolution: None]
[Hidden Trait (No Badge Required): As you are only affiliated with the Lane Family by status and not by true blood, if this fact is exposed, this badge will undergo unknown changes.]
(End of Chapter)
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