An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2462

Chapter 2462

“Hmm?” Cardinal Dragon Marshal frowned at the news.

The Royal Palace Law Enforcement Team was rarely deployed. But when they were, it meant something major was happening.

The real question was—why would the young prince go to such lengths for a mere direct descendant of the Ballard family?

“General, are you certain the Royal Palace Law Enforcement Team has been mobilized? And it’s because of Tobias’s disappearance?” Cardinal Dragon Marshal asked.

“Absolutely!” The city guard commander replied firmly. “An official order was just issued. The captain of the law enforcement team has taken over my position as commander. From now on, all city defense operations and security investigations are under their control!”

“Strange…” Cardinal Dragon Marshal muttered, his expression darkening. “Why would the young prince make such a fuss over someone so insignificant?”

According to his intelligence, Tobias had only recently met the prince. Even if there had been prior dealings, they shouldn’t have been significant enough to warrant this level of response.

Had he underestimated Tobias’s importance to the young prince?

“General, it seems the young prince is taking this matter seriously. What’s our next move?” the city guard commander asked cautiously.

With his authority now stripped away, he could no longer mobilize troops. This left him feeling uneasy.

“No action is needed. Act as if nothing happened.” Cardinal Dragon Marshal said calmly. “We’ve already erased all traces. Even if the law enforcement team investigates, they won’t find anything.”

He had anticipated potential fallout. The assassins he deployed had no identities, no records—nothing that could be traced back to them.

All evidence from last night had been meticulously erased, and Tobias’s body had been completely cremated. No clues remained.

Even if the young prince had suspicions, without proof, the law enforcement team wouldn’t dare take action against him.

After a brief moment of surprise, Cardinal Dragon Marshal quickly regained his composure.

“General, I understand, but no secret stays hidden forever. You know how relentless the law enforcement team can be. If they uncover even the slightest lead, we’ll be in serious trouble,” the city guard commander warned.

“There’s nothing to uncover—unless there’s a mistake on your end.”

Cardinal Dragon Marshal turned to him and asked coldly, “Tell me, can you vouch for your men?”

“Absolutely. My most trusted subordinates have been with me through thick and thin. They would never betray me. My concern is whether the assassins you hired can be trusted,” the commander replied.

“Rest assured. They were sent out of West Lucozia overnight. Even if the law enforcement team is capable, they can’t track them beyond our borders,” Cardinal Dragon Marshal said confidently.

“Alright, alright…” The city guard commander exhaled in relief. “Still, just in case, we need to stay coordinated. If the law enforcement team comes knocking, we must be prepared.”

“Sir, you’re being overly cautious,” Cardinal Dragon Marshal smirked. “We’ve covered our tracks perfectly. Their investigation is doomed to fail. There’s no need to worry.”

“Better safe than sorry,” the commander replied with a nervous smile.

He had been on edge ever since hearing about the law enforcement team’s involvement.

His anxiety deepened when they seized control of city defense operations.

That’s why he had rushed here—to make sure Cardinal Dragon Marshal was aware of the situation.

Now, after their discussion, he finally felt reassured.

At dusk, inside West Lucozia Palace…

Austin sat in the meeting room, his face grim. Standing beside him was the captain of the law enforcement team, Manuel St-Onge.

“Young Prince, based on our investigation, Tobias had contact with three individuals in West Lucozia. I suspect they’re connected to his disappearance,” Manuel reported.

“Who are they?” Austin’s expression darkened.

He was now certain—something had indeed happened to Tobias.

“The city guard commander, Cardinal Dragon Marshal, and the Grand Secretary of Dragon Pavilion,” Manuel answered.

Austin frowned. “Those three? I remember they were among the crowd gathered at the palace gates yesterday.”

“Yes. According to our findings, they hosted a banquet last night and invited Tobias. There was an altercation, and shortly after, he vanished without a trace,” Manuel explained.

Austin’s eyes burned with fury.

“So, Tobias’s disappearance is directly linked to them?”

They dared to pull such a stunt right under his nose? That was an unforgivable provocation.

“We haven’t found concrete evidence yet, but they are the prime suspects,” Manuel said.

“Hmph! How bold of them to target one of my guests. They clearly don’t respect me!” Austin slammed his fist against the table. “Arrest all three of them immediately. I’ll interrogate them myself!”

“Understood, sir!” Manuel responded before swiftly leaving the room.