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.”

thing, but hurting him would cause a lot of trouble. Even though they weren’t afraid

So we just

this, his reputation would

responsible if something goes wrong

to get the idea. “You’re saying

a few skilled men, grab him, interrogate him, and make sure he vanishes without a trace.” Huxley made a slashing motion across his throat and lowered his voice. “As long as we keep it clean and leave no evidence, even if

of

anything new to him. If Jovian had been a local noble from

stir things up here.

scene, Warrick

we should take lightly. Maybe we should think this through

it led to someone’s death, he felt

coldly. “But let me make one thing clear-everyone

worry, Mr. Prescott.” Percival laughed awkwardly. “Consider me

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

timid you become. “He cast

Jovian was easy enough. He

eyes closed in the back seat while Boston

think something’s off. You should leave West Lucozia now. The sooner, the better.”

We’re supposed to head back to Oakvale tomorrow. If I leave now, I’d be