An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2469

Chapter 2469

The city guard commander, pale as a ghost, was dragged away. With his crimes exposed, his fate was sealed—his downfall was inevitable, and his entire family’s assets would be seized.

All guilty parties would be punished. Even those who had unknowingly benefited from corruption would not be spared.

The purge of the city guard commander’s family would be ruthless and thorough.

“Manuel! It’s time to summon the real master!”

Once the bloodstains on the ground were cleaned up, Austin issued another order.

With the city guard commander dealt with, the next target was General Cardinal Dragon Marshal.

Compared to the former, bringing down the latter would be far more challenging.

After all, the general commanded a vast army. If cornered, he could retaliate, making the situation even more dangerous.

“I understand!”

Manuel clasped his hands together in acknowledgment, then turned to his men. “Gather a few more people and come with me!”

General Cardinal Dragon Marshal had earned his rank through years of bloodshed. He was a warrior feared on the battlefield, his strength beyond the imagination of ordinary men.

Even as a martial arts master himself, Manuel had no certainty of victory against the general.

An old tiger may age, but it never loses its power.

Though General Cardinal Dragon Marshal had been away from the battlefield for years, his combat prowess remained intact.

If a fight broke out, the outcome would be unpredictable. To be safe, Manuel ensured they had enough reinforcements.

Once his team was assembled, he led an elite squad straight to the teahouse.

The young prince had invited General Cardinal Dragon Marshal to dinner, a calculated move to keep him unaware of the impending storm.

At this moment, the general was still inside, oblivious to the disaster about to unfold.

“Surround the place!”

As they neared the teahouse, Manuel signaled his men to seal all exits.

Then, with his four strongest guards, he strode forward and pushed the door open.

Inside, General Cardinal Dragon Marshal sipped his tea leisurely.

His demeanor was composed, his expression indifferent—he clearly did not take Manuel seriously.

“General! The young prince requests your presence!”

Manuel locked eyes with him, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword, his body tense with vigilance.

His four guards mirrored his stance, ready to draw their weapons at the first sign of hostility.

General Cardinal Dragon Marshal slowly set down his teacup and rose to his feet.

“Why does the young prince keep summoning me?” he asked. “What exactly does he want?”

A suffocating pressure filled the room, as though a mountain had settled on their shoulders. The air grew heavy, and even the strongest warriors found their breathing strained.

“I’m just following orders,” Manuel replied expressionlessly. “If you have questions, ask the young prince himself.”

“Fine. I’ll go with you again.” The general cracked his neck and walked toward the door. “Let’s see if we can settle this matter once and for all.”

Manuel signaled his team. They split into two groups, flanking the general as they moved.

Five minutes later, they arrived at the meeting hall.

This time, the atmosphere was entirely different.

Guards were stationed at every corner, their presence overwhelming. Dozens of elite law enforcement officers stood at the ready. More were hidden in the shadows, waiting for the order to strike.

General Cardinal Dragon Marshal glanced around, taking in the heavy security.

He chuckled softly, showing no sign of alarm.

With measured steps, he walked into the hall, right into the heart of the encirclement.

“My Lord,” he said, locking eyes with Austin. “Judging by this setup, it seems you don’t intend to let me sleep tonight.”

He skipped any pretense of formality, cutting straight to the point.

Austin’s expression remained icy. “The city guard commander has confessed. He claims you ordered the murder of Tobias. What do you have to say for yourself?”

General Cardinal Dragon Marshal picked up the teacup before him, took a slow sip, and smirked.

“What if I admit it? What if I deny it?” he asked. “Tell me, young prince, is it worth mobilizing so many troops over someone from the Ballard family of Oakvale? A man with no real significance? Are you truly from West Lucozia, or have you aligned yourself with Oakvale?”

Austin’s gaze darkened. “Tobias’ background is irrelevant,” he said coldly. “But one fact remains—he was a guest of the Rhys family. By targeting him, you insulted both my family and the entire royal court. Do you really think I will let that slide?”

“If this is just about saving face,” the general replied, “then I can admit my mistake. I’ll even write a letter of repentance and relinquish my military command. That should be enough, shouldn’t it?”

Austin scoffed. “Had you admitted your guilt earlier, I might have pleaded for your life. But things have changed.”

He picked up a stack of documents and tossed them at the general’s feet.

“You’ve committed countless crimes,” Austin said, his voice laced with ice. “You’ve taken innocent lives. If I let you go, how will I face my father? How will I answer to the people of West Lucozia? No matter what you say—tonight, you die.”