An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2468

Chapter 2468

“You beast! What do you have to say for yourself after seeing this evidence?!” Austin’s voice was cold and commanding.

“My Lord, please hear me out…”

The city guard commander broke into a cold sweat, his words stumbling over each other. “This is all fake! Someone must have framed me! I’ve been a loyal and law-abiding official for years—how could I ever commit such crimes?”

“The evidence is undeniable, yet you still dare to argue? You won’t admit guilt until you’re staring death in the face!” Austin waved his hand and barked, “Guards! Take him to the Black Prison. Torture him until he talks—I want to see how long he can keep his mouth shut!”

“Yes, sir!”

A group of law enforcement officers rushed in, surrounding the commander.

Seeing this, panic finally set in. He fell to his knees with a loud thud, pleading, “Your Highness, I was wrong! I was momentarily blinded by greed. Please, in light of my years of service to West Lucozia, show me mercy! I swear to serve you with unwavering loyalty from now on!”

He kowtowed repeatedly, his forehead hitting the ground with force.

Though he didn’t know how this evidence surfaced, he understood one thing—if Austin was serious, his entire family would be ruined.

At this moment, dignity meant nothing. Survival was all that mattered. If he had to be Austin’s dog to keep his wealth and status, so be it.

“Where was all this humility before? Weren’t you defiant just moments ago?” Austin’s expression was icy.

“I was foolish. I thought I could deceive you, but Your Highness is far too perceptive. I was naive to think I could hide anything from you. I swear, I will never do it again!”

The commander kept his head bowed, barely daring to breathe. He knew his fate rested in Austin’s hands. If he was granted mercy, he’d retire to the countryside and live the rest of his life in peace.

As for resistance? That was out of the question.

Not only was he surrounded by elite law enforcement officers—handpicked from the best—but even if, by some miracle, he managed to escape the palace, what then?

A man can flee, but his family cannot. What would become of them?

“You don’t regret your crimes—you regret getting caught!” Austin’s voice was razor-sharp. “You’ve committed atrocities beyond forgiveness. If I let you go, how could I ever uphold justice?”

The commander trembled as if struck by lightning, his face draining of color. Still, he clung to hope, begging, “Your Highness, I have served West Lucozia for years! Even if I haven’t done great deeds, I have worked hard. My mistakes don’t deserve a death sentence. Please, have mercy!”

“Mercy?!” Austin sneered, kicking him to the ground. “You plundered, killed, and terrorized innocent people. Do you call that a ‘mistake’? You should be grateful I don’t flay you alive!”

The more Austin thought about it, the angrier he became. He raised his hand and ordered, “Take him outside and give him ten lashes—hard! If he survives, bring him back in for questioning!”

“Yes, sir!”

Manuel stepped forward, pulling out the dragon rope. He bound the commander tightly and dragged him away.

Under the rope’s restraint, the commander’s cultivation was completely nullified—he was powerless.

Manuel forced him onto the ground and struck him ten times with a heavy cane.

Each strike landed with full force, showing no mercy.

By the end, the commander’s lower back and thighs were a mangled mess of blood and torn flesh.

At one point, he lost consciousness, only to be revived by a splash of ice-cold water.

After the brutal beating, Manuel dragged him back into the chamber like a lifeless corpse.

The commander no longer had the strength to beg. His head hung low, his spirit crushed.

Austin loomed over him, his voice domineering. “I’ll ask you a question. You’ll answer truthfully. If you comply, I’ll grant you a swift death. If you lie, you’ll endure every one of the 108 tortures in the Black Prison. Do you understand?”

“Y-yes… I understand…” The commander’s voice was barely above a whisper.

“Is Tobias still alive?” Austin asked.

“He… he’s dead…” The commander dared not lie.

“Where is the body? Who killed him?”

“General Cardinal Dragon Marshal sent assassins to ambush Tobias. Rather than be captured, Tobias took his own life.”

The commander hesitated before continuing, “His body… General Cardinal Dragon Marshal burned it to ashes.”

Austin’s expression darkened.

Though he had expected this outcome, the complete erasure of Tobias still enraged him.

“Take him away. Have him sign a confession.” Austin’s voice was cold and final.

Two law enforcement officers lifted the commander.

“Your Highness… I accept my fate. But my family is innocent. Please, I beg you, spare them…” His voice was filled with despair.

He knew his life was forfeit—his only hope was to protect his loved ones.

“You’ve spent years abusing power, enriching yourself at the expense of the people. Your family reaped the benefits—they are far from innocent!”

Austin wasn’t interested in further debate. He waved his hand dismissively.

“Take him away. Keep him under strict guard. Behead him at noon tomorrow!”