An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“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.

of our family. Those nobodies outside aren’t even worth

know how to respond. He could only

Oakvale has nothing to do with us. Even if blood spills in the streets, it won’t affect West Lucozia. We have no

differed from Oakvale. Over the years, the two regions had an unspoken understanding or rule

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

circumstances forced action, whether one decided to take a side or

What’s your

was momentarily caught off guard. He hadn’t expected the conversation to

said, “Frankly, we’re just as troubled by this situation. We’re caught in a tough spot and can’t make a move. As the saying goes, one wrong step and everything falls apart. We

over the outcome, they had no choice but to tread

nodded knowingly. “You came to West Lucozia

wise, Your Highness!” Jovian immediately stood and saluted. “If you could provide some guidance and help our family out of this predicament, we

we can certainly exchange 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 place. When that moment arrives, a savior

confusion. ” I’m not sure who you mean, Your Highness.

to change the outcome. Who could possibly be the

be revealed just yet,” Austin said cryptically. “But when

yet somehow, he had revealed nothing. Jovian had come to find a solution, but with each passing moment, it felt like