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 they weren’t

can’t insult or hit him. So we just let

about this, his reputation would take a

him here. Lord Austin will hold us responsible if something goes wrong on our watch. But

for a moment, then seemed to get the idea.

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 eyes

covering it up wasn’t anything new to him. If Jovian had been a local noble from West Lucozia,

stir things up here. With their reach, Warrick didn’t need to worry about the Ballard

for Austin, as long as they didn’t make a scene, Warrick figured that Austin wouldn’t make a fuss over a dead

we should think this through a little

led to someone’s death, he felt it crossed

handle it,” Warrick said coldly. “But let me make one thing clear-everyone knows what happened today. If

Mr. Prescott.” Percival laughed awkwardly. “Consider me absent

enjoy his remaining years without causing trouble. If he could avoid it, he would. After all these years in politics, he knew that sometimes, it was best to let things

you get, the more timid you become. “He cast a sideways glance at him. He was clearly displeased but didn’t say anything

Jovian was easy enough. He felt

closed in the back seat while Boston looked uneasy

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

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