An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2448

Chapter 2448

The moment the palace doors creaked open, everyone’s eyes were drawn to them.

Under the intense gaze of the waiting officials, Austin strode out confidently, flanked by two guards.

“Young Prince?!”

The gathered officials immediately moved forward, their faces lighting up with ingratiating smiles.

Whether it was the city guard commander, the Grand Secretary of Dragon Pavilion, or Cardinal Dragon Marshal, all displayed a mix of respect and caution.

Austin was a notorious figure—a devil in the eyes of many. Although he had reined in his infamous behavior over the past two years, his reputation still loomed large, and his authority remained unshaken.

“My Lord, it’s a relief to see you. I have urgent matters to discuss with you—please…”

“Get out of the way!”

The Grand Secretary of Dragon Pavilion approached, his expression full of flattery, but before he could say more, Austin pushed him aside without hesitation.

The older man stumbled, his frail frame swaying as he barely managed to regain his balance.

“Grand Secretary, we all know the young prince values proper order. How could he tolerate your improper behavior?” Cardinal Dragon Marshal mocked as he stepped forward to take his turn.

“Your Highness…”

“It’s none of your business!” Austin interrupted sharply, cutting him off before he could say another word.

Cardinal Dragon Marshal froze, his smile vanishing. He stared in shock, unsure how to respond.

What’s going on?

Did Austin really just dismiss him so casually? Was the prince in a particularly foul mood today?

Seeing the two senior officials’ failed attempts, the city guard commander’s eyes flickered with caution. Choosing discretion over boldness, he wisely held his tongue, avoiding the humiliation his peers had endured.

“Who among you mentioned delivering a visiting card on behalf of the Ballard family?”

Austin’s sharp voice cut through the tense atmosphere as he scanned the crowd, his piercing gaze searching for the person in question.

At once, all eyes turned to Stephan.

The third-rank official froze. His throat tightened, and cold sweat began to bead on his forehead.

Was the young prince holding a grudge against the Ballard family? If that were the case, delivering the visiting card could spell disaster for Stephan.

This is bad, he thought. I’m in trouble.

“Hey, I asked a question. Who is delivering the visiting card for the Ballard family?” Austin repeated, his tone edged with impatience.

“It’s… it’s me, Your Highness,” Stephan stammered, trembling as he raised his hand.

He had no choice but to admit it.

Austin stepped closer, sizing him up with a calm but penetrating stare. “You look unfamiliar.” Then, without warning, he added, “No matter. Come in with me.”

With that, Austin turned and began walking back into the palace.

“Wait… what?”

Stephan stood frozen, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

Wasn’t the prince going to berate him? Why had he invited him in instead?

The other officials exchanged baffled glances.

What is going on?

They had all waited for hours, only to be ignored while a low-ranking official was granted an audience. It was unthinkable.

By seniority, status, and influence, Stephan was the least likely candidate to gain entry. Yet here he was, being personally invited into the palace.

“Hey! What are you standing there for? Do you want me to carry you in?” Austin’s voice rang out from the door, snapping Stephan out of his daze.

“Oh! Coming, coming!” Stephan jolted into action, nodding frantically as he hurried after the prince.

Though he had no idea why he had been chosen, this seemed like an opportunity rather than a threat. If he could present his case to the prince, he would have done his duty, regardless of the outcome.

As Stephan followed Austin inside, the heavy vermilion doors swung shut with a resounding boom.

The officials left outside stared in stunned silence.

Then, the commotion began.

“What does the young prince mean by this? We’ve been waiting here all day, only to be ignored while a nobody gets invited in? This is a slap in the face!”

The Grand Secretary of Dragon Pavilion’s voice quivered with rage. As one of the most influential figures in West Lucozia, he was accustomed to being treated with the utmost respect—even by Austin himself.

To be turned away after such effort was bad enough, but seeing a third-rank official welcomed in his place was utterly humiliating.

“What is the prince playing at?” Cardinal Dragon Marshal muttered, his brows furrowing in frustration.

The city guard commander, however, remained calm, a thoughtful look crossing his face.

“The Ballard family… Tobias Ballard… This is intriguing,” he said, half to himself.

Austin’s words had struck a nerve. The only reason Stephan was allowed inside seemed to be his connection to the Ballard family.

But why would West Lucozia Palace, which rarely showed deference even to royalty, take an interest in a family so far away?

What’s the real game here?