An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“Your Highness! Please mind your words,” Jovian quickly cautioned. He glanced around nervously, as if afraid someone might be eavesdropping.

Speculating on Valon’s fate in private was an act of grave disrespect. If someone with a hidden agenda spread this information, a ruined reputation would be the least of their concerns-what came after would be far worse.

“Relax, Mr. Jovian. We’re in West Lucozia, not Oakvale. Here, we can say whatever we want without worry.” Austin smiled faintly, showing no concern.

These were well-known facts, so what was the harm in saying them out loud? Keeping quiet wouldn’t change a thing, anyway. What a joke.

“Ahem… perhaps I was overthinking it.” Jovian let out an awkward chuckle. He knew Austin wasn’t wrong, but his cautious nature kept him from discussing Valon’s affairs too openly.

“Honestly, a lot of people have been showing up in West Lucozia lately. There’s a whole group standing outside right now, and they’re all here for the same reason as you.

“They’re trying to figure out whether we have any hidden ambitions and whether we’ll interfere with Oakvale’s affairs.” Austin took a sip of tea and deliberately paused for effect.

“Oh? And have you given them an answer, Your Highness?” Jovian asked tentatively.

“An answer? Hell no!” Austin sneered. “I haven’t given those people outside a second thought. Who do they think they are? Do they even have the right to probe us?”

Jovian shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

guest of our family. Those

how to respond. He could

who rises to power and claims the throne in Oakvale has nothing to do with us. Even if blood spills in the streets, it won’t

which differed from Oakvale. Over the years, the

you are, the more eyes are on you. Even if the West Lucozian monarchy stays out of it, people will still be watching. The ones out

than not, circumstances forced action, whether one decided to take

What’s your family’s stance on all this?” Austin

was momentarily caught off guard. He hadn’t expected

in a tough spot and can’t make a move. As the saying goes, one wrong step and everything falls apart. We can’t afford to take any risks.” He let out a weary

the power struggle with no control over the outcome, they had no choice

“You came to West Lucozia hoping we’d show

stood and saluted. “If you could provide some guidance and help our family out of

insights.” Austin smiled faintly. “There’s no need for your family to worry too much. Like they say, when the time comes, everything will fall into

” I’m not sure who

Oakvale had the power to change the outcome. Who could

can’t be revealed just yet,” Austin said cryptically. “But when the time is right, you’ll