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.”

here at the Ashen

without knowing anything else that was going on. She

was the King’s orders,” Sadie explained. “Right after you left Oakvale, all three princes received royal decrees and rushed over right away. Looks like they’re

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

the outbreak, such elaborate arrangements wouldn’t be necessary, nor would they require deploying all three princes at once. The only reason for this approach

health must be declining faster than expected, and he was feeling

princes are certainly accomplished, but they still fall short compared to you, Your Highness. It’s just a shame that…” Sadie’s words trailed off, leaving the thought

focus on your duties. The three princes are not for you to judge, unless you want to bring trouble upon

Your Highness. I spoke out of turn.” Sadie quickly apologized,

don’t want anything to happen to you, and I certainly don’t want you getting involved in the power struggle for the throne. Do

passed for harmless gossip today could become a death sentence

in mind.” Sadie held her tongue

behind us. Regardless of what others may do, our immediate priority is

the plague. Have them deliver it to the three princes so they can administer it accordingly and stop the outbreak

Your Highness,” Sadie responded before hurrying

also arrived at the

the so-called renowned doctors and finally gotten them to a

here because he wants to test them,” Grace replied without hiding anything. “He’s using this outbreak to decide who will be his final heir. In the end, it all