An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2455

Chapter 2455

“Well… there are some things I can’t say openly, but I trust you understand,” the Grand Secretary of Dragon Pavilion said gravely.

“I’m not sure what you mean, sir. Please forgive my ignorance,” Tobias replied, his tone calm and measured.

“You—!” The Grand Secretary’s face darkened, annoyance flickering in his eyes.

From Tobias’s demeanor when he first arrived, the Grand Secretary had assumed he was clever enough to navigate delicate conversations. However, Tobias’s feigned ignorance now made it clear he wasn’t taking the Grand Secretary seriously.

Cardinal Dragon Marshal stepped in, his voice blunt. “Tobias, let’s not waste time with games. We know why you’re here. Tell us—what information do you have?”

“What kind of information are you referring to, General?” Tobias asked, maintaining his composure.

“Bang!” Cardinal Dragon Marshal slammed the table, his expression stormy. “Don’t play dumb with me, boy! My patience has its limits. Speak honestly, or don’t blame me for showing no respect to the Ballard family!”

As he spoke, a powerful aura erupted from Cardinal Dragon Marshal, pressing down on Tobias like an invisible weight.

To reach his position, Cardinal Dragon Marshal had not only demonstrated exceptional military achievements but also proven his formidable personal strength. The overwhelming pressure of a Grandmaster’s full force was not something many could endure.

Tobias felt his chest tighten, as though a massive stone were crushing him. Yet his expression remained calm, betraying no fear.

Lifting his teacup, he took a sip, though his slightly trembling hand revealed the strain he was under.

“General, is this supposed to be a dinner invitation or an interrogation?” Tobias asked, his tone still composed. “The Ballard family may not be a top-tier power, but we aren’t weaklings either. If this is how you intend to proceed, there’s no need for further discussion.”

“Impudent!” Cardinal Dragon Marshal roared, his voice like thunder. “A mere lieutenant dares to speak to me like this? You’ve crossed the line! Do you think I won’t punish you for disrespecting your superior?”

“Disrespect?” Tobias chuckled, his calm demeanor unshaken. “First, you are the general of West Lucozia, and I am an official of Oakvale—your authority doesn’t extend to me. Second, this isn’t a court, but a restaurant; ranks hold no weight here. Lastly, I challenge you to point out anything I’ve done since walking in that could be deemed disrespectful.”

“You—!” Cardinal Dragon Marshal’s fury boiled over, his chest heaving and eyes burning with rage.

The temperature in the private room dropped rapidly, the air turning icy. Even the drinks on the table began to frost over.

The city guard commander remained unfazed, but the Grand Secretary of Dragon Pavilion shivered, struggling to endure the cold.

Tobias continued, his tone steady despite the tension. “Of course, with your power, you could fabricate a charge and imprison me. I’m well aware of that. But let me remind you, General, that I am a guest of the palace and have a scheduled meeting with the prince tomorrow. If I were detained tonight, how would you explain it to him?”

“Are you threatening me?” Cardinal Dragon Marshal growled, his face dark with menace.

“I wouldn’t dare,” Tobias replied smoothly. “I’m merely offering a friendly reminder.”

“Good! Very good!” Cardinal Dragon Marshal ground out, his teeth clenched.

Though he looked down on Tobias, Cardinal Dragon Marshal hesitated to act rashly. Tobias was, after all, a direct descendant of the Ballard family, and detaining him without cause could create complications. Furthermore, the young prince’s favorable impression of Tobias was no small matter.

If Tobias were arrested immediately after leaving the palace, the prince would undoubtedly take issue with it.

Even so, retreating now would mean losing face.

Seeing the mounting tension, the city guard commander intervened with a laugh. “General, there’s no need for this. We invited our guest for dinner, not to frighten him. Let’s all calm down. Have some tea.”

He poured tea for Cardinal Dragon Marshal before turning to Tobias with a smile. “Mr. Ballard, the general was just joking with you earlier. Please don’t take it to heart.”

“Indeed, it was just a joke,” the Grand Secretary chimed in, eager to defuse the situation.

“Hmph.” Cardinal Dragon Marshal shot Tobias a cold glare but reluctantly backed down, refraining from escalating further.

It was clear now that Tobias wasn’t easily intimidated. His calm demeanor, sharp reasoning, and measured words had given him the upper hand in this confrontation.

What they had initially dismissed as mere posturing turned out to be strategic composure.

The first round of this battle of wits belonged, without a doubt, to Tobias.