An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

"I..."

Abigail's words left Ruby speechless, and she blushed. Ruby suddenly realized she was too naive.

Grudges and alliances often defied reason in the martial world—either kill or be killed.

If Luke intended to kill Abigail, then it was only natural for her to defend herself by retaliating against him. Her actions were justified.

Furthermore, as Abigail pointed out, those who acted solely for profit were hardly virtuous. Therefore, it was not worthwhile to advocate for justice on their behalf.

"Ruby, judging by your demeanor, you're likely new to the martial world," Abigail began. "Holding onto your good intentions is commendable, but you must choose your allies wisely. Blindly playing the role of a saint will only bring harm to yourself and others."

She offered a knowing smile. "Let's let bygones be bygones. There's no need to let tension brew between us over strangers' affairs. Come, let's continue with our drinks."

Then, she lifted her glass and nodded toward Ruby.

Ruby hesitated briefly before raising her glass and downing its contents.

As the tension dissipated after the brief commotion, the atmosphere in the tavern returned to its former merriment as if nothing had happened. Laughter and chatter resumed, accompanied by the clinking of glasses.

Meanwhile, members of the Mystic Arts Order swiftly cleaned up the aftermath outside the tavern.

With the streets littered with bodies and blood, they worked diligently to erase any traces of the night's violence. Even if their actions were in self-defense, they had to ensure no lingering consequences.

preserving their reputation and ensuring their gambling activities could

to morning, the atmosphere at Sacred Wrym Summit

anticipation as crowds filled every available space. They were eagerly awaiting the start of

capitalize on profits, Abigail invested a significant sum to secure a prime spot. She had set up ten gambling tables to

wagers available, covering everything from match outcomes to timing and

for crates of celestial stones to be delivered overnight from the

trivial disputes on the previous day, Abigail appeared resolute to

including elite members from various major sects, gathering at the Sacred Wrym Summit, there was ample opportunity

gamblers would lead to untold wealth. She naturally had taken precautions

Wrym Summit had turned a blind eye to the gambling

make

herself with her schemes in

Wrym Summit, he ventured alone to a secluded,

by a letter he found slipped under his door that

a request without much

distinct emblem of the

years, the Hall of Gods had been relentless in their efforts to sow discord and assassinate key figures within the palace.

Swinton, where they

persisted in their clandestine

pondered why the Hall of Gods members sought him out before he had revealed his identity. To

in the letter, he arrived at a private