An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Dustin and Grace were just watching the scene unfold when, suddenly, the ponytailed girl turned her focus on them. It took them a moment to shake off the surprise.

“Exactly! Just look at their dishes. Each is a culinary masterpiece. Compare that to what we’ve got on our table-it’s just garbage!”

“I don’t care! Swap our food right now, or we’ll cause a scene!” the group shouted. In the middle of their protest, they angrily tossed the food from their table onto the floor, making a mess.

“I’m afraid our small establishment has a few constraints when it comes to swapping these exquisite dishes,” the waiter explained, wearing a regretful and apologetic expression.

“You can’t swap them? Are you suggesting that we can’t afford it?” Bran frowned.

“Damn! Are you seriously discriminating against us? Do you even know who we are?” the ponytailed girl shouted.1

“We are disciples of the renowned Frostwing Sect. If you piss us off, we might just have to give your inn a bit of a makeover, you know?” she threatened.

“I’m sorry. It looks like there’s a bit of a misunderstanding,” the nervous waiter clarified.1

He continued, “The other guests’ personal chefs prepared those dishes. We provide only the kitchen facilities.”

“What? Personal chefs? Seriously? Who in the world hires a chef while traveling?” The ponytailed girl seemed skeptical.

She knew that those who explored the Deadlands were typically treasure- hunting adventurers. However, bringing a personal chef on such a journey was unheard of.

“It’s true. I witnessed it myself. I wouldn’t lie to you,” the waiter earnestly insisted. Upon hearing this, the Frostwing Sect disciples exchanged glances. They eventually directed their attention toward Dustin and Grace.

are these dishes prepared by your chef?” The ponytailed girl approached, inspecting their table with a

our chef

ponytailed girl scrutinized the dishes on the table and couldn’t hide

Trout Fillet, Spicy Chicken Tacos, Maple-Glazed Pork Bites, and even Clam Chowder. There’s a variety of mouthwatering dishes. Do you think you guys can finish all of

reply, the girl snagged a fork and sampled a bit of the filet. In an instant, her eyes sparkled, and a look of pleasant surprise flashed across

“This is so tasty!”

and Grace’s reactions. “Hey Bran, check this out! We’ve got something delicious here. Come

and Dustin’s feelings, the ponytailed

resist the temptation. Their

to scout out a different table for your meal,” Bran declared. He casually tossed a gold

issue here? Just barging in without an invite and now trying

bit more easygoing, maybe a friendly drink or meal could have been in the cards,

just made Dustin see them in a less favorable

Not satisfied? Okay, let me throw in some more.” Bran flaunted his arrogance, tossing another gold bar onto the table. “Is this enough for you

scraps?” Dustin casually waved his hand, sending the

“Wow, he’s pretty bold!”

“This is unacceptable!”

“Unbelievable!”

his actions, sparking some intense

of such a highly regarded sect in the martial world, they were used to

the ponytailed girl snapped, slamming

added, “Do you know who we are? We’re disciples of the Frostwing Sect, one of the big three sects in the Southwest. Check the whole martial world, and nobody dares to

impassively, and he took

this table today. If you’re smart, grab those gold bars and scoot,