An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Under the night sky of Sacred Wrym Summit, Abigail, well-heeled and in high spirits, had booked the second floor of Heighten Tavern for a celebratory feast.

The attendees were Dustin and his companions.

After all, making a fortune through unscrupulous means wasn't that honorable. So, it was crucial to keep a low profile.

"Sir, I'm in a great mood today. We're not leaving until we're all plastered!" Abigail poured the wine and clinked glasses with Dustin before downing it in one gulp.

He smiled in response and took a sip.

"Come on, everyone. Dig in and enjoy! Don't be shy about it." She warmly encouraged Crystal and the others after downing her drink.

Dalen smiled and asked, "Ms. Robinson, that smile of yours tells a story. I bet today was a profitable day, right?"

"Just a small haul and nothing too extravagant," she replied modestly.

"Ms. Robinson, it seems luck is always on your side. You always manage to turn the tide at the critical moment," Crystal remarked. Her tone seemed to suggest something.

"Luck has nothing to do with it. It's all about my ability to turn the tide with my smarts." Abigail tapped her temple with her finger.

She continued, "I've strategically positioned several elites among the Group C contestants. Whenever they take the stage, I have complete control over the outcome. I determine the winners and losers, which gives me an unbeatable edge."

Crystal was taken aback upon hearing that. She had noticed a few clues throughout the day but wasn't sure about her assumptions.

However, she never anticipated Abigail's blunt admission. It even led her to question if she had misheard.

Ruby exchanged incredulous glances and were equally

winning and losing in the bet depended solely on intuition and luck. However, Abigail's revelation completely shattered

you telling us you manipulated today's betting pool?"

Even so, it's enough for me to gain

aren't you deceiving us?" Ruby asked and sprang

was also one of the

that way. I'm just using my smarts to make some money.

weren't so greedy, they wouldn't have ended up

also made a nice haul of celestial stones. You would've won a lot if you had listened

"You—"

interjected, "Ms. Robinson is right.

you know when to stop, you won't lose everything. Today, Ms. Robinson has taught you

it's Crystal who'd understand," Abigail remarked with a faint

only being upfront because you're Sir's friends.

annoyance, they knew they had to

sharpness to detect the deception and yielding to greed. Perhaps

by the way, are you Group B

so happens

she took out several bags of celestial stones and placed them on the table. "I'll be running betting pools for the tournament, but I'm a bit

stones are

"Um..."