An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“Gentlemen, I’ve done my part and had my tea already. I still have things to take care of, so I’ll leave now. Farewell!” Jovian said.

When no one responded, he didn’t say another word. He nodded respectfully, stood up, and exited the room.

When the door opened, Warrick’s face darkened, and his hand instinctively moved toward the hilt of his sword. But before he could act, Huxley gently touched his arm and shook his head.

Jovian noticed something was off and paused at the doorway before stepping out.

Boston, who was standing by the door, let out a quiet sigh of relief as he watched Jovian leave without a scratch. His relief was short-lived, though, when he saw the grim expressions on the faces of the three men inside.

It was clear that the meeting hadn’t gone well. Fortunately, nothing too serious had happened. Otherwise, Boston would have much explaining to do to both sides.

“Why did you stop me? That arrogant brat clearly doesn’t respect us. He’ll think we’re pushovers if we don’t teach him a lesson.” Warrick slammed his fist on the table.

The rosewood split apart under the impact, and food and wine flew everywhere. In the past, his temper would have led him to kill Jovian on the spot.

“If he were anyone else, you could do whatever you wanted,” Huxley said calmly.

“But Jovian isn’t just from the Ballard family. He’s also Lord Austin’s guest. If something happened to him here today, do you think His Highness would let us off the hook?”

“That’s right,” Percival added. “We can threaten and intimidate all we want, but harming him is out of the question. It’s not worth provoking Lord Austin over a petty dispute.”

out a few threats and trying to scare Jovian was one thing, but hurting him would cause a lot of trouble. Even though they weren’t afraid of the Ballard family, they

or hit him. So we

got out about this, his

Lord Austin will hold us responsible if something goes wrong on our watch. But if it happens somewhere

get the idea. “You’re saying that we should handle this…

men, grab him, interrogate him, and make sure he vanishes without a trace.” Huxley made a slashing motion across his throat and lowered his

the sound of that.” Warrick’s

wasn’t anything new to him. If Jovian had been a local noble from West Lucozia, Warrick might have thought

had some influence, but not enough to stir things up here. With their reach, Warrick

Warrick figured that Austin wouldn’t make a fuss over a dead

take lightly. Maybe we should think this through

but if it led to someone’s death, he felt

coldly. “But let me make

laughed awkwardly. “Consider me absent today. I know

After all these years in politics, he knew that sometimes, it was best to let things slide and tolerate

timid you become. “He cast a sideways glance at him. He was clearly displeased but

was easy enough.

Jovian sat with his eyes closed in the back seat while Boston looked uneasy

West Lucozia now. The sooner, the

back to Oakvale tomorrow. If I leave now, I’d be going back on my word.” Jovian slowly opened