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

the Ashen Coast, she rushed over without knowing anything else that was

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 here to compete for merit and

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

to contain the outbreak, such elaborate arrangements wouldn’t be necessary, nor would they require deploying all

than expected, and he was feeling the

accomplished, but they still fall short compared to you, Your Highness. It’s just a shame that…” Sadie’s words trailed

at her. “Just focus on your duties. The three princes are not for you to judge, unless you want to bring

Your Highness. I spoke out of turn.” Sadie

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

the palace, loose lips could sink ships. What passed for harmless

right, Your Highness. I’ll keep that in mind.” Sadie held

of what others may do, our immediate priority is controlling the outbreak and minimizing casualties,” Grace

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

Your Highness,” Sadie

have also arrived at the Ashen Coast?” Dustin asked as he walked through the

finally gotten them to a decent level of competency. Their treatment methods remained somewhat sluggish, but that would improve

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 comes down to how capable my three