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

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

Robinson, are you telling us you manipulated today's betting pool?" Miles

outcome. Even so, it's enough for me to gain the upper hand," Abigail

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

was also one of the

ambiguously and said, "Deceiving? I don't see it that way. I'm just using

weren't so greedy, they wouldn't

made a nice haul of celestial stones. You would've won a

"You—"

was about to say something, but Crystal interjected, "Ms. Robinson is

everything. Today, Ms. Robinson has taught

Crystal who'd understand," Abigail remarked

being upfront because you're Sir's friends. Otherwise, I

exchanged a glance of resignation. Despite their annoyance, they

and yielding to greed. Perhaps the result could have been different if they had been

"Oh, by the way, are you Group B contestants?"

B contestants, huh? That's great. It just so happens I could use your help,"

celestial stones and placed them on the table. "I'll be running betting pools for the

in, I'll reward you generously. These celestial stones are the down payment. Once everything's settled,

"Um..."