An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2453

Chapter 2453

“A foreign visitor? Who is he?” the Grand Secretary of Dragon Pavilion asked urgently.

“Could it be the deputy general who went in at noon?”

Cardinal Dragon Marshal frowned and replied, “I’ve looked into him. That man has no background or significant connections. He’s just a veteran—a nobody in the grand scheme of things.”

“Not him, but someone connected to him,” the city guard commander interjected, lowering his voice. “Do you remember what the young prince mentioned at noon? When he summoned the deputy general, he specifically brought up the Ballard family.”

“The Ballard family?” The Grand Secretary of Dragon Pavilion looked surprised. “Are you saying the Ballard family of Oakvale already had contact with the prince before us?”

“The prince didn’t meet with the family directly,” the commander clarified. “But based on my intelligence, this man, Tobias, had a private conversation with the young prince for two hours today. They talked and laughed as if they were old friends. The prince even invited him to dinner at the palace.”

Hearing this, the city guard commander added with a grim expression, “Let’s think about it carefully. At such a critical time, the Ballard family sent someone here, likely to gather intelligence. The young prince ignored us but met privately with Tobias. Doesn’t that make his stance clear?”

“That doesn’t make sense!” The Grand Secretary frowned deeply. “The Ballard family has no ties to the palace and no vested interests in it. Why would the young prince show such favor to Tobias? Is something else going on?”

“I find it suspicious too,” Cardinal Dragon Marshal agreed. “The Ballard family may have influence in Oakvale, but they’re insignificant in West Lucozia. If they had real power, they wouldn’t need a deputy general as their guide. Given the young prince’s personality, he’d normally dismiss someone like that outright.”

The group struggled to comprehend why the young prince had taken such an interest in Tobias. What was their connection?

“Whether or not we understand the reason is irrelevant now,” the city guard commander reminded them. “The question is how we should deal with this representative of the Ballard family.”

The commander’s words cut through their speculations. The meeting and dinner between Tobias and the prince had already happened. There was no point dwelling on it further. The priority now was to figure out how to extract the information they needed.

“Grand Secretary, you’re the one with the ideas. What do you propose?” Cardinal Dragon Marshal asked, deflecting the responsibility.

The Grand Secretary stroked his white beard thoughtfully. “If we can’t meet the prince or the little prince directly, why not start with the Ballard representative? Tobias is new to West Lucozia and doesn’t know the area well. He should be easy to approach. Let’s invite him to dinner and see what we can learn about him.”

“Excellent idea! Let’s go with that plan,” Cardinal Dragon Marshal decided immediately.

Although Cardinal Dragon Marshal couldn’t enter the palace, dealing with a foreigner like Tobias was within his abilities.

“Who will extend the invitation?” the city guard commander asked.

“General, isn’t the deputy general, Stephan Chapman, one of your subordinates?” the Grand Secretary suggested. “Why don’t you send the invitation through him and let him act as the middleman?”

“That’s no problem. I’ll arrange it right away!” Cardinal Dragon Marshal agreed.

Although Stephan Chapman was low-ranking and not usually privy to core matters, Cardinal Dragon Marshal felt confident Tobias wouldn’t refuse an invitation to a dinner personally hosted by him.

After nightfall, Tobias left the palace through the back door, having enjoyed a sumptuous meal.

He understood that lingering in the palace could spark unnecessary controversy. If word got out, the Ballard family might find themselves under the spotlight—something he wanted to avoid.

Before leaving, Tobias had arranged to return to Oakvale with Austin the next day. Traveling together would ensure mutual convenience and safety.

On the way back to his hotel, Tobias chatted casually with Stephan.

In Tobias’s eyes, it was Stephan’s introduction that had enabled him to meet Austin and earn his favor.

To Stephan, however, the situation felt like an opportunity to ride on the coattails of the Ballard family’s influence. After all, dining with the young prince was a rare privilege that could significantly boost his prospects.

As they were chatting, Stephan’s phone rang.

Answering the call, Stephan’s expression gradually darkened, the smile vanishing from his face.

“Stephan, what’s wrong? Did something happen?” Tobias noticed immediately.

“My boss just called,” Stephan said, his tone uneasy. “Cardinal Dragon Marshal wants to treat me to a midnight snack, and he specifically asked me to bring you along.”

“You mean Cardinal Dragon Marshal is targeting me?” Tobias’s frown deepened.

Tobias had never met the marshal, but he’d heard enough to know he wasn’t a man to be trifled with. An unsolicited dinner invitation clearly had ulterior motives.

“Tobias, maybe you should head back to the palace. I can tell my boss that the young prince asked you to stay, and that will avoid any issues,” Stephan suggested hesitantly.

“No,” Tobias replied firmly. “If it’s a blessing, I’ll accept it. If it’s trouble, I’ll face it. Refusing this invitation will not only cause problems for you but could make things harder for me in West Lucozia later on.”

“But—”

Stephan tried to argue, but Tobias cut him off. “Relax. It’s just a midnight snack, not an execution. What’s there to fear? Where is this meeting supposed to take place? Let’s go now and get it over with.”

Tobias had weathered his fair share of storms. Running away from a challenge wasn’t his style.

The Ballard family was a royal lineage. There was no reason to cower before a military marshal. If anything, this was a chance to prove they couldn’t be intimidated so easily.