Word of Duskwatch’s sudden rise was beginning to spread. Merchants whispered of a land with no taxes, while nobles scoffed at the idea of governance by sheer negligence. But one noble in particular found the rumors too enticing to ignore.

At a grand banquet in the capital, Duke Reinhardt leaned back in his chair, swirling a goblet of wine. "I hear Duskwatch is… prospering. Under a man who claims no ambition. Curious, isn’t it?"

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Another noble scoffed. "It must be a farce. A lucky streak at best."

Reinhardt smirked. "Perhaps. But luck has a way of becoming power. I think it’s time we took a closer look at this ‘Lazy Lord.’"

Meanwhile, back in Duskwatch, Lucian sneezed. "Great. That’s usually a bad sign."