An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

Austin smiled brightly as he ushered Jovian into the meeting room with surprising enthusiasm.

Jovian looked confused and somewhat unprepared. Before entering, he had already imagined many possible scenarios for their meeting.

He had mentally prepared for a range of reactions from Austin-whether he would be ignored, faced with cold indifference, or dealt with arrogance. He was ready for any of those. After all, the rumors about Austin painted him as a “hellraiser” who did whatever he pleased.

But, to his surprise, Austin didn’t give him any trouble at all. Instead, he was giving him a warm reception, which left him utterly confused.

Something felt off. He couldn’t make sense of Austin’s sudden warmth, and he had no idea what game he was playing.

“Bring the tea!” After inviting Jovian to sit, Austin gestured for the attendant to serve the tea.

The drink was a rare specialty from West Lucozia, a premium elixir tea not sold to the public but reserved for high-ranking officials. Its black market value was nearly a million per ounce, and demand far outstripped supply.

Compared to the tea Boston had been served earlier, the quality of this one was on a whole other level.

Once the tea was brewed, a rich, fragrant aroma filled the air and quickly spread throughout the meeting room. Just a single breath of it was enough to leave anyone feeling refreshed and alert.

Though Jovian wasn’t particularly fond of tea, he knew enough to recognize its quality, and this was clearly no ordinary brew. Austin’s attention to detail in offering such tea showed how much he valued this meeting.

“Mr. Jovian, even though this is our first meeting, I’ve heard so much about you. I’ve always looked up to you as a role model and tried to follow your example in my own pursuits.”

the compliments. After all, Dustin had personally instructed him to handle this

polite smile. “Your Highness, you flatter me. I’m just an ordinary general officer and not worthy of your

in politics, the second

troops to wipe out 3,000 rebels in

didn’t expect you to

the usual pleasantries, but it seemed he actually

few standout

regarded you as my role model. I’m not saying I know every detail of your accomplishments, but I’m certainly familiar with them. Your remarkable achievements have earned you my

Boston stepped out to pick up Jovian, Austin had already used his intelligence network

wasn’t much

laughed heartily. “I never expected you to be such a man of character, Your Highness.” He was so

went, he relied on the Ballard family name to open doors. But today, his charm and charisma

don’t have many hobbies, but one of my favorites is meeting heroes like you. Having someone like Mr. Jovian visiting my humble home is

ear. He was practically charmed out of

a hellraiser? He

Jovian, since you’re here, why don’t you stay with us for a while?

discuss with the Prince. I wonder if you would make an introduction, Your Highness?” Though Jovian was flattered by the praise, he didn’t forget his

any other request, I’d be happy to help, but this… I’m afraid I can’t.” Austin