"I'd like to purchase a batch of weapons from you."
Jarvan IV spoke slowly, eyes gleaming with anticipation. It was clear he had thought long and hard about this.
The weapons Duke once used to annihilate the Argonian locust swarm had been terrifying enough to shatter even the fearless confidence of the Dauntless Vanguard's most elite warriors.
Their power was simply overwhelming—enough to erase everything within ten kilometers in the blink of an eye.
"Weapons, huh?"
Duke rubbed his chin thoughtfully, glancing at Jarvan's expectant gaze. "I know what kind you want, but those are limited, and even if I sold them, you wouldn't be able to use them."
Every one of Duke's weapons was locked behind a personal security code—only he could activate them.
"I see."
Disappointment flickered across Jarvan's eyes, but he quickly shook it off.
Even if he couldn't buy that kind of terrifying weapon, there were still other, more conventional options worth considering.
"What about the others, then?"
"For the rest, I've got a list here—you can take a look."
Duke pulled out Edith and projected a detailed inventory of everything he was willing to sell.
Of course, all of them had safety locks and built-in backdoors.
He wasn't about to make the same mistake twice—last time someone got burned by one of his own weapons, the poor fool had been swinging a hammer in a cave for months.
Duke had no intention of becoming the second victim of his own creations.
Jarvan studied the list carefully, Garen leaning in beside him to analyze the specifications.
While the two discussed, Duke turned his attention to Fiora standing nearby.
"Where's Jax?"
Duke asked casually, remembering that the man still owed him an answer. Back in the southern territories, after summoning Tahm, Jax had said he wouldn't return to the capital with them—he needed time to reflect.
And since then, the guy had completely vanished.
"Since we split up last time, I haven't seen Master Jax. Didn't he say he'd come find you himself?"
Fiora's tone held both respect and admiration. During the Argonian purge, Jax had given her just a few words of guidance—and it had helped her break through a bottleneck she'd struggled with for years.
"I haven't seen him either," Duke murmured, rubbing his chin and scanning her up and down, making her shift uncomfortably before he looked away. "Forget it. Not worth worrying about."
"That old man moves like a ghost anyway. He's got his own plans. When he figures things out, he'll show up on his own."
He smirked. "You, on the other hand—are you really serious about escorting me to the Forbidden Magic Forest?"
Fiora crossed her arms, chin held high. "Our personal grudge is one thing, but when it comes to official duty, I won't play favorites."
"Fair enough." Duke clapped her on the shoulder. "Then I'll be counting on you."
Fiora flinched slightly at the touch but forced a composed reply. "Understood, Duke."
"Tch." Duke clicked his tongue but let it slide.
"Duke, what's this?"
Jarvan pointed at an item on the list, drawing Duke's attention back.
"Let me see…"
That night
"To put it simply, I need you to send a team here to help take over the territory,"
Duke said into his communicator, just as the study door opened and Vayne leaned against the frame, arms crossed, watching him.
Duke glanced at her and gestured for her to wait.
"I'll handle the territory matter," Camille replied, her tone light but satisfied—Duke's results had far exceeded her expectations.
"Also, I'll send over a batch of new blueprints. Have the factory accelerate production—this is a royal order. You can make extra units for sale too."
"Got it." Camille nodded. "The team heading to Demacia is ready. Once you depart, they'll move in."
"Good. We'll talk details when I return."
"Alright, I'll be waiting."
"Mm."
The moment Duke ended the call and started to rise, a sudden pull on his belt stopped him.
"Whoa, whoa, no need to rush like that"
"What do you think?"
Vayne rolled her eyes, crouching down slowly.
"It's our last night. I figured we should make it memorable."
The next morning.
"Mmph…"
Half-asleep, Duke reached out instinctively—only to find an empty space beside him.
He yawned, sat up, and after a quick wash, headed downstairs—where the only thing waiting was a freshly made breakfast and a note.
"So she just left without saying goodbye, huh?"
He sat down, picked up the note, and smirked.
"Heh. Women."
On the note, a few short lines read:
'Eat breakfast and remember to wash the dishes. I left first. Miss you already—contact you soon.'
After eating and tidying up, a knock came at the door.
When Duke opened it, he found Lux standing there, suitcase in hand. Since the Night of Chaos, she'd been staying with her aunt as he'd suggested—and it seemed she was ready to leave.
"Brother Duke! Time to go?"
"Yeah, I know."
Duke gave a small nod, glancing once more at the empty living room before shutting the door behind him.
At the southern gate, near the docks
"Alright, you guys don't need to stand here seeing me off. Go do your own thing."
Duke waved dismissively toward the lineup of soldiers and Jarvan IV.
Jarvan shook his head. "Etiquette must not be neglected, Duke."
"Yeah, well, I'm not much for ceremony."
He gave a lazy wave, tapping the bridge of his nose where Edith rested.
The ship's engines roared to life in response.
It was an old fishing vessel he'd refurbished himself—hardly luxurious, but sturdy enough for the journey.
Fiora stepped aboard, her small bag slung over her shoulder, expression calm and unreadable.
"I'll be in touch," Duke called from the deck.
"Farewell, Duke!"
Jarvan watched as the vessel cut through the river, heading east.
Duke had mentioned his route—sailing across Demacia's eastern plains, collecting the forbidden magic stones near Greenfang Peak, then following the river toward the sea, through Boleham's waters, and finally back to Piltover.
"Safe travels," Jarvan murmured softly as the ship vanished from sight.
"Your Majesty, it's time to return," Xin Zhao said at his side.
"Yes... let's go home."
Meanwhile, atop the city wall
A pair of eyes hidden behind tactical goggles watched silently as Duke's ship disappeared beyond the horizon.
Only when the last trace was gone did Vayne retract her gaze.
"He's gone. Then it's time for me to shed my sentimentality."
Her stealth armor shimmered faintly as she leapt down from the wall, the warmth in her eyes fading into cold resolve.
"It's time to hunt those lost to the dark."
Aboard the ship, Duke had just unfolded a deck chair and was setting up an umbrella, a side table, a cigar, and a drink.
"So, you planning to stand there all day until sunset?" he asked, lighting his cigar.
"I'm responsible for your safety," Fiora replied evenly. "It's only right that I stay alert."
"Please, you couldn't even beat me. How exactly are you planning to protect me?"
He waved her over. "Relax a little. Doesn't your face ever get tired from all that frowning?"
Fiora hesitated, then glanced toward the two automatons—Pride and Gluttony—who were now skimming swiftly over the river, scanning the surroundings for threats.
Three nights ago, during the Night of Chaos, both had taken damage fighting Kayle. Duke had already noted several areas for improvement—there would be upgrades waiting once they returned.
"With them handling security," he said, "you might as well come here and explain your family's sword techniques to me."
He pulled out the Laurent family's sword manual—a perfect reproduction of their legendary art.
Fiora sighed but eventually stepped closer. "What exactly do you not understand?"
"I get most of it," Duke said, flipping through the pages, "but since I fight with my fists, some parts are a bit… confusing. Like this one."
"Let me see."
As Fiora leaned in to read, Pride sidled up beside Gluttony and muttered, "I think Father's trying to find us another stepmother."
"Stepmother?" Gluttony blinked innocently. "Does it taste good?"
"...Just keep drinking your water," Pride groaned.
"Oh."
End of chapter....
IRONBOUND PATRON
🔹 Hexcore Initiate – 15 chapters ahead
🔸 Arc Reactor Elite – 35 chapters + 3 BONUS CHAPTERS + HIDDEN SURPRISES
👉 patreon.com/MrBehringer