The Seven Grand Duchies were Helen Tina's Xilun Duchy, Alec Ambridge's Bavenden Duchy, Bert Zili's Pauleta Duchy, Landy Alard's Bunton Duchy, Benedict Sackville's Nathan Duchy, Algie Kirans's Itman Duchy, and Nahum Betch's Beasley Duchy.
The combined territory of the seven duchies was not much smaller than the Lancelot Empire. However, they fought one another year-round, seemingly without any sign of stopping. This battle outside the Xilun Duchy now involved the Xilun Duchy, the Nathan Duchy, the Itman Duchy, and the Bunton Duchy.
Benedict, the Grand Duke of the Nathan Duchy, was in his prime and coveted Helen's beauty. To win her heart, he had allied with the Xilun Duchy, helping her resist the invasions of the Itman Duchy and the Bunton Duchy.
Coveting Helen's beauty, Benedict entertained the delightful prospect of gaining both the woman and her country. Yet Helen had remained lukewarm toward Benedict Sackville's fervent pursuit. This made Benedict all the more eager and restless, driving him to court her favor even harder. At Helen's invitation, he often led the Nathan Duchy's army into battle from the front.
On Barren Mountain, Helen of the Xilun Duchy wore a fiery-red magic robe, with an arcane magical pattern over her high, full bosom. Her flowing red hair danced in the wind. Against the Fire Phoenix beneath her, Helen Tina was as dazzling as a goddess of fire.
On the slope below her, Benedict of the Nathan Duchy stood before a luxurious carriage in an immaculate, finely tailored formal suit. A calm, confident smile graced his face as he watched the soldiers of the Itman and Bunton Duchies storming Barren Mountain.
Han Shuo flew above Barren Mountain and glanced at the raging battle. Recalling where Tuluoda's wealth was buried, he was momentarily taken aback.
Unlike the valley that had yielded a