An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2450

Chapter 2450

Austin smiled brightly and led Tobias into the meeting room, his unusually enthusiastic demeanor catching Tobias off guard.

Tobias, on the other hand, was visibly puzzled and unprepared. Before stepping through the door, he had imagined countless scenarios for how this meeting might unfold.

He had steeled himself for Austin’s potential indifference, arrogance, or even hostility—behaviors he could understand and endure given Austin’s infamous reputation as a ruthless figure capable of anything.

Yet, to his surprise, Austin not only refrained from making things difficult but greeted him with a warm and welcoming attitude. This unexpected behavior left Tobias deeply unsettled.

As the saying goes, “When something is too unusual, it must be hiding something.” Tobias couldn’t shake the feeling that Austin had ulterior motives.

“Someone, bring the tea!” Austin called out after seating Tobias.

Moments later, servants arrived with a rare, top-grade spiritual tea from West Lucozia. Reserved exclusively for high-ranking officials, it wasn’t sold to the public, and its black-market price soared to nearly one million per tael, with demand far exceeding supply.

Compared to the tea Stephan had sampled earlier, this was several leagues higher. The rich aroma filled the room as soon as it was brewed, and just one sip was enough to refresh the mind and energize the body.

Although Tobias wasn’t a tea expert, he recognized its exceptional quality and understood the significance of Austin serving it. It was a clear sign that this meeting mattered greatly to him.

“Uncle Ballard, although this is our first meeting, I’ve long admired your reputation. I’ve always looked up to you as a role model and worked hard to emulate your strength!” Austin said, his words full of praise.

It was clear that his older brother had instructed him to handle this meeting well, and Austin intended to follow through.

“Your Highness, you flatter me. I’m just an ordinary general. I hardly deserve such attention,” Tobias replied, maintaining a polite smile despite his surprise.

“Ah, Uncle Ballard, don’t sell yourself short!” Austin said earnestly. “Everyone knows about the three Ballard heroes. Your family is legendary—one excels in politics, another dominates business, and you command the military with unparalleled prowess. And let’s not forget your remarkable feats! Just three years ago, you led 800 elite soldiers to wipe out 3,000 bandits on Mount Halgue. That victory is still celebrated across the country. How could anyone not admire you?”

Tobias raised his eyebrows, surprised by the young prince’s depth of knowledge. At first, he had assumed Austin’s words were empty flattery, but the mention of Mount Halgue—a significant achievement in Tobias’s career—proved otherwise.

The battle at Mount Halgue had greatly enhanced his reputation, and hearing it praised now filled him with pride.

“I didn’t expect you to know about that, Your Highness,” Tobias remarked, his tone softening.

“Of course, Uncle Ballard! You’re my idol. I’ve memorized your accomplishments and admire your peerless skills,” Austin said with a genuine smile.

Before the meeting, Austin had used his intelligence network to thoroughly research Tobias. While Tobias’s career lacked major achievements, the Mount Halgue victory stood out, making it the perfect subject for flattery.

Tobias couldn’t help but laugh, his pride evident. This unexpected praise from a prince was enough to make his day.

“Hahaha! Who would’ve thought the young prince would be so sincere?” Tobias said, his smile widening. It was a rare moment when his own merit, rather than his family name, earned him recognition.

“If this gets out, it’ll be enough to boast about for a year,” he thought to himself.

“Uncle Ballard, meeting heroes like you is one of my greatest joys. It’s an honor to host you as a guest in my home!” Austin continued to flatter.

“Hahaha! Thank you for your kind words, young prince!” Tobias was visibly pleased, smiling so broadly that his expression practically radiated joy.

“Uncle Ballard, since you’re here, why don’t you stay for a while? Let’s have a few drinks tonight,” Austin suggested warmly.

“Your Highness, I’d be happy to share a drink with you. But before that, I have a request. I wonder if you could introduce me to someone?” Tobias said, steering the conversation back to the purpose of his visit.

Austin’s expression shifted slightly. “Uncle Ballard, if it were any other matter, I’d agree without hesitation. But I’m afraid this isn’t possible.”

“Is it inconvenient for His Majesty to see me?” Tobias probed cautiously.

“It’s not just you, Uncle Ballard. My father has been ill and is currently in seclusion. He hasn’t met with anyone, not even me,” Austin explained, his tone regretful.

“I see,” Tobias nodded thoughtfully.

“But, Uncle Ballard, you don’t need to see my father. I’m now in charge of the entire West Lucozia Palace. Whatever you need, you can come directly to me,” Austin said, subtly shifting the conversation.

Before falling ill, his father had entrusted Austin with full authority over the palace. No one could question his decisions now.

“Young prince, with both brains and brawn, you’re more than capable of handling matters yourself,” Tobias replied, nodding in approval.

“By the way, young prince, do you have any updates on Oakvale’s situation?” Tobias asked tentatively, steering the conversation toward his true concern.

“You mean the old emperor is near death and urgently needs an heir?” Austin replied bluntly.

His straightforward words made both Tobias and Stephan, who had been quietly observing, momentarily tense.