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An Understated Dominance Chapter 1771
"Sir, it's Mr. Aster!" The butler conveyed the report through the closed door."Aster?" Ambrose's brow furrowed. "What trouble has that boy stirred up now?"Among his sons, Aster posed the greatest challenge when it came to keeping him in line."It's not another trouble. Mr. Aster has been assaulted!" the butler hastily clarified."Assaulted?" Ambrose leaped out of bed upon hearing the alarming revelation. He swung open the door and demanded, "What happened? Who dared to assault my son?"Ambrose could wrap his head around his son getting into trouble. But if his son was physically harmed, that was a line he couldn't bear."The details are unclear, sir. We found Mr. Aster at the doorstep, injured. The assailant had already fled," the butler explained."Take me to him!" Concern etched Ambrose's face as he rushed out without even donning his coat.Upon entering the estate's infirmary with the butler, he was confronted with a grim scene. Aster lay on the sickbed, pale and blood
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1772
At the crack of dawn, within the grandeur of West Lucozia Castle's central hall, Rufus draped himself in a robe adorned with the sinuous coils of a serpent. The stoic captain of the royal guard was seated at the epicenter with his left guarded by Jaxon. And on his right stood Albert, a figure more known as the Executioner than by his given name. The harsh brilliance of overhead lights illuminated Rufus as he meticulously sifted through the abundance of letters strewn across the table.Each missive held revelations from the covert efforts of the castle's undercover agents.These written accounts unfolded tales of bloodshed, and the table groaned under the weight of hundreds of letters.The damning dossier was evidence exposing both the Vern and Linden families, even their shared history of criminal exploits.As Rufus delved deeper into these missives, concern etched lines on his forehead. The unveiled misdeeds within his jurisdiction pointed to corrupt officials who had ruthle
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1773
Rufus's resolute warning cleaved through the air. "I'm well aware of your ties with Ambrose, but today's events won't find an effortless path to absolution."Standing unwaveringly beside Rufus, Eloise spoke with resolute conviction, "When both the powerful and the humble defy the law, consequences must be confronted. "The Vern and Linden families have perpetrated numerous wrongs and should face severe punishment."Visibly angered, Rufus hinted that pleading wouldn't sway him at this moment. Eloise, astute to the gravity of the situation, chose her words judiciously."You know precisely what actions are necessary," she stated firmly.Rufus nodded and chose to remain in contemplative silence.At that very moment, a guard entered, bowing respectfully. "Your Highness, Mr. Vern has arrived.""Hmph! Bring him in!" Rufus ordered with an icy demeanor.The guard promptly responded with a curt "yes" and left.Shortly after that, the guard silently escorted the compliant Reuben into the
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1774
As Rufus unleashed his sudden burst of anger, Reuben felt a surge of fear, his face drained of color. In his experience, the prince seldom displayed joy, making his furious outburst all the more unexpected. After all, Russo had only been involved with an ordinary woman. Surely, it didn't warrant such fury?"Your Highness, it's my fault for not disciplining him properly. If my son has erred, I'm prepared to shoulder all the blame!" Reuben knelt on the floor, presenting an image of righteousness."Can you handle that responsibility?" Rufus, abruptly seizing a handful of letters, delivered them with a swift slap to Reuben's face. The force sent Reuben sprawling. His face was aflame. "What's all this about?" Perplexed, Reuben gathered the scattered letters and began to examine them.The deeper he delved, the more his panic intensified. His entire body shook like a sieve, with cold sweat forming."No way! This can't be ... It's impossible!" Reuben shook his head repeatedly, utterl
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1775
As Ambrose entered the grand hall, the unfolding scene left him utterly stunned. Rufus, the Prince of West Lucozia, stood imposingly with hands behind his back, an air of displeasure evident on his face. The princess consort, who stood by his side, wore a stern expression.Albert, the Executioner, maintained a facade of respect, yet his eyes hinted at a concealed threat. Jaxon, the captain of the royal guards, positioned his hand on the hilt of his blade, subtly indicating preparedness to draw his weapon.The most surprising sight was Reuben, kneeling on the ground, wearing a panicked expression and bowing repeatedly—a clear portrayal of impending doom."Your Highness!" Ambrose promptly kneeled, saluting respectfully without fully grasping the situation.Typically, Rufus would allow him to rise immediately, but this time was an exception."Mr. Linden, do you understand why I summoned you in the middle of the night?" Rufus began, echoing his earlier opening statement."I do no
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1776
The phrase "public execution" struck Ambrose like a lightning bolt, leaving him frozen in his tracks. At that moment, the severity of the situation fully sank in. For ordinary offenses, it was either a pay cut or the worst would be a demotion. But, it had escalated to the point of facing execution. What on earth was happening? How could a governor, in his right mind, order a beheading?"Your Highness! This is a grave injustice!" Realizing he was about to be apprehended, Ambrose pleaded desperately and bowed repeatedly. "Even if I failed in my duty as a governor, does that warrant losing my life?""Failing in your duty? Hmph! You're trivializing it," Rufus said with a stern expression."Your Highness! What crime have I committed that deserves such drastic punishment?" Ambrose questioned with a mournful face."Over the years, what unsavory deeds have you done? Haven't you kept count?" Rufus interrogated."I truly don't know. Please, Your Highness, enlighten me." Ambrose mainta
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1777
Reuben and Ambrose descended into a somber silence. Their heads were bowed, burdened by the weight of guilt. Tears traced down their cheeks. Along their journey, they succumbed to the temptation of wealth, pleasure, and the heady allure of power. While manipulating forces and wielding authority, they lost touch with the ideals that once guided them, metamorphosing into the very embodiment of the individuals they once scorned. Did they harbor regret for their choices? Undoubtedly. Yet, redemption now seemed like an elusive pursuit. Once certain actions were taken, there was no turning back."Reuben, Ambrose, having committed such grave crimes, how should I deal with you?" Rufus suddenly inquired.Reuben trembled as he spoke, "I acknowledge my profound guilt and am willing to atone with my life. I only ask Your Highness to spare the Vern family." "Innocent lives will be spared, but those who have committed severe wrongs shall face death," Rufus replied without turning around.
An Understated Dominance Chapter 1778
In this pivotal moment, Ambrose had utterly forsaken all rationality, succumbing to a reckless frenzy. He staunchly believed that his tireless efforts had been instrumental in Rufus's effective governance of West Lucozia. In Ambrose's perspective, reveling in the privileges of power and authority was a well-deserved entitlement.Why hold such a position if he couldn't relish its benefits? Sacrificing the lives of a few commoners seemed trivial compared to his role as governor. He failed to perceive any wrongdoing on his part, attributing the entire crisis to Rufus's lack of wisdom."Ambrose, do you still refuse to accept it?" Rufus shook his head, disappointment etched across his face. He went on, "Your son ran rampant, lives were callously taken, and the people were treated as if they were inconsequential. Your actions mirror those of ancient savages—burning, killing, and pillaging!""I've achieved greatness! I built West Lucozia's prosperity, ensuring its citizens' well-be
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Chapter 2529
"Give me a moment to think," Dustin said.Grace's words sent him into deep thought.After all, carrying the fate of Dragonmarsh was no small burden. First, he had to be tough enough to handle it. Then, he needed the resolve to accept what came with it. Once he carried that burden, it meant taking on a heavyweight.He used to act on his own terms and do things as he pleased without worrying too much about the consequences. But once the nation's fate was involved, everything changed.Not that he had many options.Dustin could either hide in Sacred Wrym Summit and hope Arion would protect him, or take a risk and absorb the Dragonmarsh's fate to push through his cultivation's bottleneck. Between the two, he was leaning toward the latter."I can give your plan a shot," Dustin said suddenly. "But we're still missing a piece of the Dracan essence. If we're doing this, we need to find that last one first."Only once all five pieces of Dracan essence were united could he truly wield the
Chapter 2528
"Royal gods? And two of them?" Dustin frowned at the news.His battle with Poseidon in West Lucozia had shown him firsthand that the Hall of Gods didn't send weaklings into the field.One royal god had already pushed him to his limit. If two came at him together, winning wasn't even the question. He'd be lucky just to make it out alive."That's right," Grace said solemnly. "The royal gods, Zeus and Hera, have crossed the border. They're even stronger than Poseidon. If they ambush you together, your chances are slim."She knew Dustin was strong, but he was still young. Moreover, Zeus and Hera weren't just anyone. They were world-class powerhouses. Surviving a fight with them would be next to impossible.The Hall of Gods had probably figured out how dangerous Dustin could become. If they had given him a few more years to grow, they might not have been able to stop him."Well, that complicates things." Dustin rested his chin in one hand with a thoughtful expression.Two royal god
Chapter 2527
Soluna Hall had one rule—they wouldn't accept unfamiliar customers. They only served those they knew well or people introduced by someone they trusted. Every transaction required an appointment. Exceptions were made for urgent matters, but those came with an additional fee.When Dustin reached the entrance, two security guards stopped him. After stating his name and being verified by the guards, they let him through.Inside, a female attendant with a pleasant smile greeted him and led him across the main hall straight into the back garden. They passed a small fish pond and stopped in front of a secluded private room."This is Ms. Linsor's private reception area. Mr. Rhys, please come in," the female attendant said with a smile."She's not here?" Dustin asked curiously."She had something come up, but she'll be here soon. Please make yourself comfortable," the attendant said, still smiling."Alright then." He nodded and walked into the room.The room was spacious, with a vintag
Chapter 2526
"You're wrong, Tristan," Matthias said with a meaningful look.He continued, "Sure, I've got the Moseys to back me, but I'm still far from securing the throne. Nathaniel's got strong backing too, and this won't be an easy win. But if you were to support me, I'd say my chances shoot up to 80%."In his eyes, Tristan's support was worth more than the Ballard family.If he could win Tristan over, his odds would jump from 60% to nearly 80%. The only question now was whether Tristan would be willing to shelve his own ambitions and place his bet on Matthias."You know me, Matthias. I've never been one for ambition or glory. This kind of power struggle just isn't for me. I hope you can understand that," Tristan said.After thinking about it thoroughly, he finally turned his brother down. He knew his chances of winning were slim, yet he couldn't let go.Tristan was the eldest legitimate son, the rightful and undisputed heir to the throne. Aside from his poor health, he had no real shortco
Chapter 2525
Tristan, Matthias, and Nathaniel weren't fools. They understood the unspoken message loud and clear.Their purpose for this trip was to take advantage of the opportunity to offer their condolences and win the Ballard family's support. Should it work, all the better. If not, they'd at least make a good impression. The key was that as long as the Ballard family didn't pick a side or turn against them, there was still room to make things work. No need to rush into anything.Tristan spoke first. "You're being too kind, Duke of Lachshire. We've always admired Mr. Jovian's loyalty and courage. We're simply here to pay our respects—nothing more."Matthias added, "That's right. Your family has a lot to deal with right now. Plus, you're not as young as you used to be, so don't wear yourself out over this. We won't take up more of your time today."He gave a respectful nod, then turned to leave."Duke—"Nathaniel opened his mouth to speak, but Tristan interrupted. "That's enough, Nathani
Chapter 2524
"Oh? I didn't expect both of you to be here," Nathaniel said.He was just about to pay his respects when he spotted Tristan and Matthias inside the mourning hall. He gave a respectful nod and said, "Hello, Tristan, Matthias."Truthfully, he wasn't surprised. He had already guessed they would show up.The four ancient houses and the eight great families were all key players he needed on his side. And with the Ballard family still undecided, he wasn't about to miss the chance to make an impression."I heard you left Oakvale on official business. Funny how quickly you came back," Tristan said, his tone laced with meaning."It wasn't anything important. When I heard about Mr. Jovian's passing, I returned immediately. I wanted to pay my respects in person," Nathaniel answered smoothly, without missing a beat.He brushed off Tristan's subtle jab and used the moment to show the Ballard family he was genuinely there to pay his respects."Don't just stand there, Nathaniel. Go pay your re
Chapter 2523
"Your Royal Highness, it's an honor to have you here," Jonathan said.Upon seeing the distinguished guest arrive, he quickly pulled himself together and aside his grief. He led his family to greet Tristan, and they bowed in respect.Before they could finish the gesture, Tristan raised a hand to stop them. "No need for such formalities," he said. "The deceased deserves our respect."He turned to Jovian's portrait, which was displayed in the mourning hall, and sighed deeply.Tristan continued, "Mr. Jovian's untimely passing is truly a great loss to Dragonmarsh. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to your family during this difficult time."Jonathan's eyes were filled with tears as he bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kind words. My family is heartbroken over my brother's tragic death."Tristan nodded slightly. His gaze quickly swept across the hall before asking, "I've heard that Duke Lachshire fainted from grief. How is he doing now?"Jonathan
Chapter 2522
The unrest in West Lucozia finally ended with the capture of Warrick.Every official who was his accomplice was thoroughly investigated. Those who needed to be arrested were taken into custody, and those who deserved to be punished were executed.After the purge, more than 300 officials in West Lucozia were removed from their posts. Those guilty were arrested, and those whose crimes were severe were executed.Under Austin's iron-fisted reforms, West Lucozia's government underwent a complete overhaul. Corruption, bribery, and the tangled web of illegal deals were swept away like dust in the wind.The citizens quickly noticed the difference. When they visited government offices, they no longer faced delays, refusals, or demands for bribes.Long-neglected public issues began to move forward, thanks to the organized efforts of newly appointed officials. Things were improving across the board.Instead of fearing the crackdown, the citizens welcomed it. The corrupt officials who had dr
Chapter 2521
Austin's expression also turned serious as he saw the doubt in Dustin's eyes. He knew Dustin wouldn't worry over nothing.There were many strange beings in Streuqua, including vampires, werewolves, and the like. These supernatural species were notoriously hard to kill. Even after being decapitated, they weren't necessarily dead.Austin wasn't sure if Poseidon had that kind of ability. After all, the Hall of Gods and its so-called royal gods were still a mystery to most people in West Lucozia.To play it safe, they needed to recover Poisedon's head for their own peace of mind.Out on the water, Jaxon led a team of soldiers and ship crews to comb the sea in search of Poisedon's severed head.At the docks, all eyes turned to Warrick, Mulder, and the others. They had been tied up and were now being dragged before Dustin and Austin one by one.Warrick looked pale, but there was a certain defiance in his eyes. He knew his fate was sealed. After Dustin killed Poseidon, Warrick knew his
