An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“Sir Thatcher? Mr. Wentworth?” When Langdon saw their faces, his eyes went wide in disbelief. “You… How did you two end up like this?” He was genuinely stunned. 2

Huxley and Percival were two of the most powerful figures in West Lucozia. They commanded respect wherever they went, and even Langdon himself had to show them deference.

He never expected that they had fallen from their positions of prestige to become disheveled prisoners overnight.

“Austin! You’ve gone too far!” Recovering from his initial shock, Langdon’s fury erupted. He didn’t even bother with titles anymore.

“Do you even realize what you’re doing? These two men are pillars of West Lucozia and the prince’s most trusted advisors. They’re your elders and mentors. Yet, you tortured them like this. Are you even human?”

“He’s right,” someone chimed in. “They dedicated their lives to this country. What crime did they commit to deserve such cruelty by Your Highness?”

The gathered officials erupted in outrage and condemned Austin’s actions. Loyal officials had been unjustly imprisoned, and they refused to stand by and let it happen.

Amid the royal advisors’ indignant protests, Huxley and Percival exchanged bewildered glances.

What happened? Were these officials… actually fighting for them? Their support was appreciated, but wasn’t their reaction a bit excessive?

After all, Huxley and Percival were criminals. Could those officials just voice their concerns properly instead of all this shouting?

you insult His Highness! Do

reached for his sword. But Austin

his expression icy. “Think before you speak. Have you

it be?” Langdon shot back without hesitation. “Because you’re an

issued a warrant for Warrick’s arrest. Now, he was imprisoning key officials. At this rate,

the innocent?” Austin scoffed. Then, he turned to the two prisoners and asked

Huxley shook his head

it. His Highness has shown mercy by sparing my life, and I’m grateful for his leniency,” Percival

least, Percival and his family’s life were spared. He had only been stripped of his position

“Don’t worry. We’re here to seek justice for you. If you’ve been wronged, tell us, and I’ll

have no complaints, and I haven’t been threatened. I made a huge mistake, and I deserve to die. I brought this on myself, and I can’t blame anyone else,” Huxley replied,

was inevitable. Now, he

Thatcher, I know you’re under pressure, but don’t be afraid. We’re here to support you,”

right. We’ll prove your innocence, “the other

die. Please stop speaking on

up and

Austin tortured you, didn’t he? That’s why you’re so eager to take the blame.” Langdon’s face lit