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.”

cause a lot of trouble. Even though

or hit him. So we just let

got out about this,

calmly. “We invited him here. Lord Austin will hold us responsible if something goes wrong on our watch. But if it happens

get the idea. “You’re

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 Lord Austin

the sound of that.” Warrick’s

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

Oakvale and had some influence, but not enough to stir things up here. With their reach, Warrick didn’t need to worry about the Ballard

they didn’t make a scene, Warrick figured that Austin wouldn’t make a fuss over

something we should take lightly. Maybe we should think this through a little

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

scared, don’t get involved. Let me handle it,” Warrick said coldly. “But let me make one thing clear-everyone knows what happened today. If this leaks, don’t blame me for turning

Prescott.” Percival laughed awkwardly. “Consider me

avoid it, he would. After all these years in

become. “He cast a

Jovian was easy

his eyes closed in the back

think something’s off. You should leave West Lucozia now. The sooner, the better.” Boston finally spoke up after a long

If I