An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2464

Chapter 2464″General, please!”

Manuel gripped the hilt of his knife with one hand and gestured politely with the other, signaling the guest to leave.

“Hmph!”

Cardinal Dragon Marshal shot a cold glance at Manuel’s subtle gesture, then turned and strode out of the conference room.

Though the young prince harbored suspicions, without concrete evidence, there was little he could do.

Manuel escorted Cardinal Dragon Marshal out and returned to Room No. 1. After closing the door, he made his way to Room No. 2 and summoned the city guard commander. Together, they walked back to the meeting room.

“Greetings, Young Prince!”

The city guard commander entered the room and bowed respectfully, his demeanor formal and composed.

“General, please take a seat.”

Austin’s expression was unreadable. He motioned for Manuel to sit and then instructed him to pour a cup of tea.

“General, do you know why I called you here today?” Austin asked, his tone calm but probing.

The question was deliberate, testing the waters.

“Is it about Tobias’s disappearance?” the city guard commander replied.

“Oh? It seems you’re well-informed. In that case, tell me everything you know,” Austin said, raising an eyebrow slightly.

“Young Prince, I only heard about it from others. Tobias’s disappearance has nothing to do with me. I fear you may have the wrong person,” the city guard commander replied, his head slightly lowered, his expression hidden.

“Is that so?” Austin sneered. “Before Tobias vanished, he only met with the three of you, and he had a conflict with you last night. You claim it has nothing to do with you—do you really expect me to believe that?”

“My Lord, I swear everything I’ve said is true,” the city guard commander insisted earnestly. “Though I shared a midnight snack with Tobias last night, I returned home alone afterward and didn’t leave again. If you doubt me, you can question my family. They will vouch for me.”

“General, we’re both intelligent men. Don’t insult me with childish excuses,” Austin said coldly. “I’ll give you one more chance. Confess your mistakes, and I may spare your life. But if you continue to lie, the consequences will be dire—not just for you, but for your entire family.”

“Young Prince, I have always served West Lucozia diligently and remained loyal to the palace. I’ve done nothing wrong. I hope you will see the truth clearly,” the city guard commander replied, his tone humble, his head still bowed.

“Don’t worry. I will get to the bottom of this,” Austin said indifferently. “I offered you a chance, but you refused it. There’s nothing more to discuss. Manuel, see him out.”

“General, please!” Manuel wasted no time. He stepped forward and escorted the city guard commander out of the meeting room.

As they walked, the city guard commander frowned, a sense of unease creeping over him. He could tell Austin was genuinely angry this time. If evidence were found, the consequences would be severe—dismissal at best, execution at worst.

Though he had informed Cardinal Dragon Marshal beforehand and covered his tracks, the weight of his actions still gnawed at him. He could only hope Austin would find no evidence and the matter would fade away.

After guiding the city guard commander back to Room A-2, Manuel returned to the conference room. Austin sat silently, a cup of tea in hand, deep in thought.

It was clear to him that Cardinal Dragon Marshal and the city guard commander were colluding, which explained their boldness. With their combined influence and resources, silencing someone would leave little trace. Even if law enforcement were deployed, uncovering solid evidence would be nearly impossible.

To make progress, they would need a different approach.

“Manuel, release them both,” Austin suddenly said.

“Release them?” Manuel was stunned. “Young Prince, these two are the most suspicious. Why let them go?”

“Without evidence, we can’t act against them. It’s better to release them and lure them into revealing themselves,” Austin explained, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“Lure them out? What do you mean?” Manuel was even more confused. He struggled to keep up with the young prince’s strategic thinking.

“Don’t overthink it. Just follow my instructions,” Austin said meaningfully. “Not only will I release them, but I’ll also host a grand dinner in their honor. Let me explain how we’ll proceed.”

Austin gestured for Manuel to come closer and whispered his plan. As he listened, Manuel’s eyes lit up with understanding and admiration.

“Why didn’t I think of that? Young Prince, you truly are brilliant!” Manuel exclaimed, unable to contain his praise.

“Enough flattery. Get to work,” Austin urged.

“Don’t worry, Young Prince. I’ll handle it perfectly. You can count on me!” Manuel clasped his fists and hurried off to carry out the plan.

Austin took a sip of tea, his gaze fixed on the setting sun outside. He murmured to himself, “Good words can’t save those who refuse to listen. I gave you a chance to confess, but you chose to defy me. Don’t blame me for making an example of you.”