An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Dustin made his way unhindered to the summit of Quandary Mountain, finally stopping at the entrance of the monastery. Hanging above the entrance was a sign with two large words-Scenic Monastery.

The monastery was neither large nor small, and it appeared quite ordinary, showing signs of age and wear. Who would have thought that the once influential Prince of Carsonne would hide in such a small monastery?

Dustin lightly knocked on the monastery door but was met with no response. After a few seconds, he knocked again, with more force.

“Coming, coming,” a childish voice echoed from inside. The door opened, revealing a seven or eight-year-old novice monk who peered out and curiously asked, “May I help you, sir?”

“I got lost in the mountains and happened to see a monastery here. I thought it was convenient to ask for some water. Is that possible?” Dustin spun a tale.

“Of course, please come in,” the novice said without suspicion, opening the door and inviting Dustin inside. Rare to see an outsider, the novice was excited, bombarding Dustin with questions like, “Where are you from? How did you end up here?”

The novice added, “There are many wolves and leopards in Quandary Mountain. Luckily, you got lost during the day. If it were nighttime, it would be dangerous.

kitchen. If you don’t mind, you can have some to

way, if you don’t know the way, I can

a lot.” Dustin smiled faintly. He found the novice monk

the novice grinned. “Master said monks should be compassionate. If someone is in trouble and we can help, we should. Saving a life is worth more than a

I ask how many people are in your Scenic Monastery?” Dustin asked, changing

novice counted on his fingers and said, “We have abbot, our master, and two of master’s colleagues, plus me. So, that makes

there a monk named Lumen?” Dustin

” Sir, do

of him,” Dustin said casually. “Abbot Lumen has a great reputation, and

reputation. No wonder master and master’s colleagues

meet Abbot Lumen? I have some doubts and would like

novice readily agreed, leading Dustin straight to the monastery