An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2446

Chapter 2446

After Tobias and Stephan finished their conversation, they went their separate ways.

Tobias checked into a nearby hotel, patiently waiting for good news.

Stephan, on the other hand, wasted no time. After changing into fresh clothes, he headed directly to the West Lucozia Palace to deliver his visiting card. However, upon arrival, the sight before him left him stunned.

A crowd had gathered at the palace gate, including several high-ranking officials Stephan recognized: the city guard commander, Cardinal Dragon Marshal, and the Grand Secretary of Dragon Pavilion.

These three were first-ranking officials—figures of immense power in West Lucozia. It was no exaggeration to say they wielded enough influence to shape the region’s destiny, especially Cardinal Dragon Marshal. Normally, anyone encountering them would tread carefully, striving not to leave a poor impression.

In addition to these prominent individuals, there were also numerous second- and lower-ranking officials standing in neat rows at the entrance.

It was clear to Stephan that even the least influential person present held more authority and came from a stronger background than he did.

“What’s going on today? Is it a special occasion? Why are so many powerful people gathered here?” Stephan thought, feeling a surge of anxiety.

His earlier confidence evaporated, replaced by unease. Though he was a third-ranking official with a respectable position, compared to these true heavyweights, he was a mere nobody—little more than a face in the crowd. Normally, his goal was to remain visible, to remind people of his existence. But when it came to wielding real influence, he was insignificant.

At that moment, the red lacquered gate of the West Lucozia Palace remained tightly shut. Everyone waited outside, patiently or otherwise.

Occasionally, some of the first-ranking officials would peek through the crack in the door. The guards, however, turned a blind eye to this behavior as long as no one tried to force their way inside.

“What’s going on with the prince today? We’ve been waiting out here for ages, and he still hasn’t invited us in!” Cardinal Dragon Marshal muttered, pacing back and forth, his irritation growing.

“Exactly! I’m getting old, and this blazing sun is making me dizzy. How long does he expect us to endure this?” complained the Grand Secretary of Dragon Pavilion, visibly frustrated.

“Alright, you two. The prince has made it clear—he has pressing family matters and won’t be seeing guests today. Let’s just head back,” the city guard commander suggested diplomatically.

“Ha! If we’re supposed to leave, why don’t you take your own advice and go first?” Cardinal Dragon Marshal snapped back, his tone sharp.

“Exactly! We’ve all been in this game long enough to know what’s going on. Don’t bother trying to play tricks on us!” the Grand Secretary of Dragon Pavilion added, rolling his eyes.

Each of them had their own reasons for being there. The Grand Secretary represented the eldest prince, hoping to uncover the truth. The city guard commander, on the other hand, had aligned himself with the third prince. Meanwhile, Cardinal Dragon Marshal owed a favor to the second prince.

Though their goals were similar, their loyalties differed, creating an underlying tension.

“Let’s not get worked up,” the city guard commander said with a placating smile. “It’s clear the prince knows why we’re here and has decided to stay out of this mess. There’s no point standing around like this. How about we find a place to sit, grab a bite, and have a drink?”