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.”

had personally instructed him

“Your Highness, you flatter me. I’m just an ordinary general

doesn’t know about the three heroes of the Ballard family? The eldest in politics, the second in business, and the third in the military. Each of you

ago, for example-when you led 800 elite troops to wipe out 3,000 rebels in Mount Cloudcrest. That feat made waves across the whole region. It was an achievement worthy of

didn’t expect you to know about this, Your

just being polite with the usual pleasantries,

one of Jovian’s few

know every detail of your accomplishments, but I’m certainly familiar with them.

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

operation, there wasn’t much worth

“I never expected you to be such a man of character, Your Highness.” He was so pleased with the compliments that his face was filled with pride that he

he relied on the Ballard family name to open doors. But today, his charm and charisma had won Austin’s admiration. If word of this got out, it would be the talk

favorites is meeting heroes like you. Having someone

was practically charmed out of his skin. “You

said Austin was a hellraiser? He

you’re here, why don’t you stay with us for a while? Let’s have a

for a drink, Your Highness. But before we do that, I have a matter I’d like to discuss with the Prince. I wonder if you would make an introduction, Your Highness?” Though Jovian was flattered by the praise, he

it were any other request, I’d be happy to help, but this… I’m