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.

reputation and ensuring their gambling activities

night swiftly progressed to morning, the atmosphere at Sacred Wrym Summit

filled every available space. They were eagerly awaiting the

secure a prime spot. She had set up ten gambling tables to

match outcomes to timing and fighting styles, the variety

had arranged for crates of celestial stones to be delivered overnight from the Mystic Arts Order for

disputes on the previous day, Abigail appeared resolute

from various major sects, gathering at

lead to untold wealth. She naturally had taken precautions

the gambling activities as long as they didn't

make a profit. Thus, her new round

with her schemes in the tournament venue, Dustin

Summit, he ventured alone to a secluded, unfamiliar

influenced by a letter he found slipped under his door that morning. The letter's content was simple. It

would have dismissed such a request without much

peculiar mark—a distinct emblem

had been relentless in their efforts to sow discord and assassinate

Rufus in Swinton, where they had even deployed

clandestine machinations. But their sudden appearance near

he had revealed his identity. To uncover the mystery, he reluctantly agreed to the

the instructions in the letter,