Duke Theodoric's actions are indeed despicable, but by no means are they close to being deprived of the duke's title; the Duke of Borelion can still hold his position unless he voluntarily gives it up and plans to pass it to his heir.
The problem now is that Duke Theodoric does not want to give up his duke title. The king cannot do anything about him, and the Lake God Witch cannot strip his duke title for this reason, as it would be against the rules.
Laine and Mogiana discussed the matter and finally agreed that it was difficult to handle. Lastly, they decided that Duke Theodoric should first apologize privately, then arrange to retreat to a monastery far from human habitation to practice penance in seclusion, praying to the Lake Fairy for forgiveness, at least to get through this period.
By the time this discussion was over, the seat of the Lake God Witch had moved from the chair to Laine's lap. Mogiana placed her hands on her knees, and Laine gently wrapped his arms around her waist, and the two kissed.
Feeling Laine's breath, Mogiana suddenly felt her whole body go weak and numb. Not only could she exert no strength, but her body was also undergoing some changes. She complained in her heart that Laine must have done something to her body, otherwise, she couldn't have become like this, especially with the spirit rune on her lower abdomen, the silver light was visible even through the clothes, the wings on both sides had completely unfolded, and the power within had deeply integrated with Mogiana's soul.
Mogiana uncomfortably rubbed her legs together, the white velvet stockings making a rustling sound. The Lake God Witch barely regained her senses after a while of kissing with Laine, and with a flushed face, she immediately continued to the next topic: "By the way, have you heard about Richard's plan to abdicate in favor of Lorne?"
"This matter... has already been approved on your side? What is the Lady's wish?" Laine knew the important part had come; he gently caressed Mogiana's waist and whispered in the ear of the Lake God Witch: "Actually, I also wish to be king, but..."
"Laine, it's understandable that you want to be king, but first, you don't have a duke title, and second, Duke Lorne excels in internal affairs, personal valor, and command ability; he is among the best in Brittania. I can't find a reason to oppose him." Mogiana hesitated for a moment, but still told Laine more of the truth.
"Indeed." Laine cast his gaze towards the dense fog outside the tower window, knowing that this matter was extremely difficult.
Firstly, he wasn't a duke, a fatal flaw. He was already prepared to seize the Duke of Musillon's title, but recovering Musillon was not something that could be done at will. Brittania had fought for many years, and this Cursed City still stood there; he would need at least a few years to prepare.
Secondly, between Laine and Lorne, there is both camaraderie in battle and good diplomatic relations. Laine is a Holy Grail Knight, and so is Lorne. The identity of a Holy Grail Knight precludes and forbids them from using dishonorable means against each other. The competition between Holy Grail Knights is always honorable; this is not a power struggle of the Chosen of Khorne where the fastest axe dictates the winner.
To belong to the divine is divine, and to the mortals belong to the mortals. Becoming a king must still be according to the basic law... only a new king can gain public support.
As the father-in-law said, power resides below, not above.
"What I mean is, Laine, you are already a Holy Sanctuary Grand Knight, with a long lifespan. Why not let Lorne serve one term first? It won't be too long. You currently lack a duke title, even if you propose a championship duel to decide the outcome, Richard still has the right to refuse." Mogiana tried to say: "The throne needs the Lady's coronation, you are the Lady's Divine Chosen Champion, and you must obey the rules set by the Lady."
"I can wait, but the Moment of Destruction cannot." Laine shook his head repeatedly in resignation: "Lord Lorne is indeed an excellent Holy Grail Knight, but precisely because he is a Holy Grail Knight, once he becomes king, he will have to sit on the throne for at least seventy to eighty years. I'll think of other ways, while also discussing these matters with the Lady."
"The Moment of Destruction is already so close?" Mogiana's attitude shifted slightly, and she said with some concern: "The whole process of abdication and accession doesn't happen that quickly; Richard has about two or three years before abdicating. You should first think about how to obtain a duke title."
"Let me see what I should do next." Laine sighed deeply, then the count suddenly remembered something and playfully asked: "My highness, how many days am I in debt to you?"
Mogiana's face gradually filled with a flush, and feeling weak all over, she was carried by Laine in a princess carry, she wrapped her arms around Laine's neck and whispered softly: "Four days."
"Then shall I make up for two days first, and make up the rest slowly?"
"Yes... okay... hurry up and carry me in, I've already..."
......A dividing line shrouded in mist......
The matter of Duke Theodoric of Borelion quickly caused a huge wave in the circle of great nobles of the kingdom through the circulation of interested parties. Many dukes listed Duke Theodoric as an unwelcome person.
Nevertheless, even at a very critical time, Duke Theodoric refused to abdicate, firmly believing that he remained the Duke of Borelion, a descendant of the first Duke of Borelion, Holy Grail Knight Balduin. Despite many affairs and actions contrary to the chivalric spirit, Theodoric had no intention of giving up the duke's title.
