An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

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 maintained his stubborn stance.

grabbed another batch of letters from his desk,

went on, “These are the collected pieces of evidence obtained through covert investigation. See for yourself the heinous crimes committed by you and the

picked up the letters. His face turned pale, frozen with shock. He thought there was only one charge, but Rufus had amassed a damning

for the loyalty and dedication I’ve shown over the years!” Ambrose continued

mercy!” Reuben

edge of the abyss. Without Rufus’s forgiveness, the weight of these charges alone

been with

in Your Highness’s service for over 20 years,” Reuben quickly

23 years,” Rufus

leaders, exterminating savages, securing internal peace and external stability, you’ve been by my

general. Even after your retirement, I didn’t mistreat you. I elevated you to a commanding

I had high hopes for

is unforgettable!” Reuben, still kneeling, quivered in

not of a military background, my expectations for you were no less than for Reuben,” Rufus turned to Ambrose, speaking

waste.

the ministry. Upon arriving in West Lucozia, I defied public opinion and