An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“Excellent work. Reedcrest managed to contain this outbreak so quickly thanks to everyone’s dedicated efforts,” Grace said after listening to Sadie’s report.

She felt the weight lift off her shoulders. The infected patients had been quarantined, and having additional skilled doctors to treat them took a huge burden off her plate.

All that remained was to hunt down the remnants of Skull Covenant operatives, and their mission would be complete.

“It’s all because of your excellent leadership, Your Highness. Anyone else wouldn’t have been able to pull this off,” Sadie replied with a smile.

“Let’s not pat ourselves on the back just yet. There’s still work to do,” Grace

replied, her tone shifting to business. ” What’s the update on Lauren, the woman I asked you to investigate?”

“We’ve finally got an update on that,” Sadie reported. “Our investigation confirmed that Lauren did go to Harbortown and has been in close contact with several Nexology members there. I’ve already sent a team to make the arrest. We should have news soon.”

“That’s great.” Grace nodded, then suddenly asked, “By the way, how many cities in Ashen Coast are dealing with the outbreak now? How bad is it?”

Sadie reported, “Four out of seven cities have reported outbreaks, namely Reedcrest, Harbortown, Thornwick, and Sommertown.

“As for Reedcrest, well, we’ve already got that under control, but the situation in the other three cities is getting worse.

According to the reports we’ve received, the three princes have each arrived in one of the cities. With proper handling, there shouldn’t be any major problems.”

at the Ashen Coast?” Grace

without knowing anything else that was going on. She hadn’t expected that by the next morning, her three brothers would be

explained. “Right after you left Oakvale, all three princes received royal decrees and rushed over

use this outbreak as a test to evaluate their crisis management abilities.”

the goal were simply to contain the outbreak, such elaborate arrangements wouldn’t be necessary, nor would they require

declining faster than expected, and he was feeling

certainly accomplished, but they still fall short compared to you, Your Highness. It’s just

talk nonsense!” Grace glared at her. “Just focus on your duties. The three princes are not for you to judge, unless you

out of turn.”

I certainly don’t want you getting involved in the power struggle for the throne. Do you understand?” Grace

could sink ships. What passed for harmless gossip today could become

keep that in mind.” Sadie held her tongue and said nothing

behind us. Regardless of what others may do, our

treating the plague. Have them deliver it to the three

Sadie responded before hurrying

arrived at the Ashen Coast?” Dustin asked

a decent level of competency. Their treatment

Grace replied without hiding anything. “He’s using this outbreak to decide who will be his final heir. In the end, it all comes down to how capable my