Less than a quarter of a minute later, the Titan soldiers that had infiltrated the Afterglow Valley had been killed.
Some fortunate survivors that had not entered the valley yet ran for their lives.
After the landslide attack, even more Morko soldiers appeared from both sides of the valley and charged down towards their enemies.
"It was a signal to activate the trap! It was all a big trap right from the beginning! A trap set specifically for Titan Grand Duchy!" Kieran realized silently.
"The Grand Duke knew about the uprising in the castle, and he used it against them! He knew about everything right from the start, but pretended not to! Was he the one who arranged everything after all?"
The second theory sent chills down Kieran's spine. After careful thought though, he realized it was possible.
Ferlin had said that when Stagner had appeared before the Grand Duke ten years earlier, he'd had his doubts. If Ferlin had known, why wouldn't the Grand Duke?
The answer was a no brainer. The Grand Duke must have known everything right from the start. Otherwise, Ferlin would not have appeared at the castle at just the right time.
"What a fearsome man! I don't think he has any humanity at all. He wanted to win that war, and he used all means necessary to achieve it!"
Kieran looked at the Grand Duke. His sword was still high up in the air, and he was still whispering to his son. He looked like a scorpion ready to sting its prey.
Kieran took a second look at Mordred, who had already passed out. His life was hanging by a thread.
Still, that was not a good enough reason for the Grand Duke to stop. He continued whispering softly about that woman, Kylie, and how they'd met and fallen in love.
Stagner was roaring like a raging beast while still tangling with Ferlin.
Ferlin wounded him repeatedly, giving him minor cuts from time to time. As the Grand Duke continued his story, the wounds multiplied on Stagner's body and his tone got more agitated.
"Do you know why your mother eventually left me, but still presented you back to me? Do you, Mor? It was because she had discovered my secrets. Some very dark secrets… She thought I was just some mindless, merciless tyrant! That's why she left me!"
"She underestimated me though! My determination brought you back to me. Wasn't it worth it? A whole village for you? Just like I used LeGrand and Reedrall's lives in exchange for the whole Titan Grand Duchy! It was a really great bargain!"
The Grand Duke was looking at Stagner as he spoke.
"I really have to thank you, Leor! You are still so simple-minded. All I had to do was feed you some clues. You couldn't even wait to go after it! It was quite disappointing that it took you ten years to complete your plans though! I thought you'd form a relationship with Titan in three to five years! I gave you many chances after all!"
The Grand Duke shook his head as he lectured Stagner.
"MORKO!" Stagner shouted.
"I'm here! Oh, I have an idea!"
The Grand Duke nodded as if he agreed, the wrinkled corners of his mouth grinning with malicious intent.
"How about you take your own life? If you do, I'll let Mor live. Your existence is just a nuisance! I can't sleep or have a good meal anymore!" he said before pointing his sword at the unconscious Mordred.
"Are you serious?" Stagner suddenly stopped attacking, and so did Ferlin.
Ferlin went over to the Grand Duke without a blink.
"Of course, Mor is my son after all. He's the only son I have now. If the situation allows it, I would rather not lose him!" the Grand Duke said.
"Very well... I choose death then! I won't take my own life though. Ferlin, you bastard, you've wanted to kill me for so long, haven't you? Here's your chance! Do it!" Stagner threw his blade away.
The blade fell on the ground, producing a clear sound. Within an instant, Ferlin's thorny sword had pierced through Stagner's chest.
The slim, long sword was inside his chest, blood gushing out as Stagner replied with an unexpected grin.
He grabbed Ferlin, who was within arm range, and dashed towards the Grand Duke.
Before the Grand Duke could even react, Stagner's other arm had grabbed him tightly, preventing an escape.
Stagner instantly turned his head around, shouting towards a specific spot, "NOW!"
It was where Kieran was hiding!
Chapter end
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