An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2452

Chapter 2452

After a brief discussion in the conference room, Austin invited Tobias to tour the West Lucozia Palace.

The palace was enormous, equipped with a variety of facilities, and so vast that newcomers could easily lose their way.

Although Tobias prided himself on his extensive knowledge, the grandeur of the West Lucozia Palace left him in awe.

Unlike the ostentatious splendor of the nouveau riche, the palace was a true masterpiece of majesty and magnificence.

Everywhere Tobias looked, the architecture exuded an air of imposing grandeur.

What impressed him most was the Hall of Heroes, a nine-story structure resembling an ancient tower. Inside, countless memorial tablets commemorated the martyrs who had fallen on the battlefield. Each tablet bore detailed inscriptions of their life stories, ensuring that their sacrifices would be remembered and honored by future generations.

Though the Ballard family also kept records of their distinguished ancestors, it paled in comparison to the Hall of Heroes.

It became clear to Tobias why the West Lucozia cavalry was unparalleled in the world—their strength and unity were deeply rooted in such traditions.

By the time they finished touring the palace, dusk had fallen. Austin had prepared a special dinner and invited Tobias to join him.

Despite the thirty-year age difference between them, their conversation flowed naturally. Tobias realized that Austin, often rumored to be a devilish playboy, was anything but.

Instead, Austin was a man of extraordinary talent, possessing sharp insight, vast knowledge, and skills in both literature and martial arts. In many ways, Tobias, a seasoned veteran, found himself feeling inferior.

As expected, no member of the Rhys family was ever easy to contend with.

While Tobias and Austin enjoyed a lively conversation over drinks, the atmosphere outside the palace was starkly different.

A group of influential figures continued to wait anxiously at the palace gates, reluctant to leave. Despite several attempts to gain entry, their requests were repeatedly ignored.

None dared to be the first to leave, fearing they might miss a rare opportunity and fall behind their rivals.

“My lord, the sun is setting. Are you sure you can keep waiting like this?” the city guard commander remarked with a hint of teasing, glancing at the pale, sweat-drenched Grand Secretary of the Dragon Pavilion.

Unlike the physically robust commander and General Cardinal Dragon Marshal, who both had military backgrounds, the Grand Secretary was unaccustomed to enduring such harsh conditions.

“Hmph! My health is none of your concern, General,” the Grand Secretary snapped, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Behind him, two aides were fanning him with large leaves in a futile attempt to offer some relief.

“There’s no point in waiting like this,” the city guard commander suggested with a smile. “Why don’t we find a place to rest and eat? After all, a person needs strength to endure.”

The Grand Secretary hesitated, touching his growling stomach. He hadn’t eaten since morning, and his hunger was becoming unbearable.

His stomach rumbled loudly at the mere mention of food, making the decision even harder to resist.

“General, what do you think?” he asked, turning to Cardinal Dragon Marshal.

The three shared a common goal, and the Grand Secretary didn’t want to risk falling behind if the Marshal gained an advantage while he took a break.

Glancing at the closed gates, Cardinal Dragon Marshal finally nodded. “It seems unlikely the gates will open again today. A few drinks wouldn’t hurt.”

His initial impatience had faded. He had come here on behalf of the Second Prince, and after waiting the entire day, his dedication was evident. Regardless, he would demand an explanation.

“Alright, let’s have a few drinks together,” the Grand Secretary agreed with a smile.

The three men understood each other’s intentions without speaking further.

“You two, come with me. I’ll host tonight,” the city guard commander said, motioning them forward.

“Then we’ll gladly accept your hospitality!”

Together, the three of them, surrounded by their respective entourages, left the palace gates and headed to a nearby restaurant.

The restaurant’s private room offered a perfect view of the palace gate, just 200 meters away. From there, they could observe any activity while enjoying their meal.

Pleased with the arrangement, the other two couldn’t help but praise the commander’s foresight. If they had known about this spot earlier, they wouldn’t have suffered under the scorching sun all day.

As the three men drank and chatted, a spy entered the private room and whispered something into the city guard commander’s ear.

The commander’s expression immediately darkened, catching the attention of the others.

“General, what’s going on?” the Grand Secretary asked cautiously.

“The situation has taken a turn,” the commander replied grimly, setting down his chopsticks. “We’ve just received word that an outsider has already gotten ahead of us.”

The room fell silent as the weight of his words sank in. Each man furrowed his brow, realizing the stakes had just been raised.