An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2470

Chapter 2470

Austin’s words were firm and commanding, each syllable carrying the weight of thunder.

General Cardinal Dragon Marshal was momentarily shaken by his imposing presence, his brows knitting together before quickly regaining composure.

He cast a glance at the so-called evidence scattered on the ground, his expression devoid of panic or guilt. Instead, he said indifferently, “Young Prince, those who died were nothing more than ants. Is it really necessary to make such a fuss? Don’t tell me you’ve never killed anyone before.”

Power and wealth go hand in hand.

Cardinal Dragon Marshal had fought hard to reach his current position—wasn’t it all for a life of luxury and superiority?

Everyone has their own desires—some seek fame, others chase fortune. Some are driven by greed, some by lust, and others by the intoxicating thrill of power and influence.

To achieve these ambitions, a few dark deeds are inevitable.

That’s simply how the system works. Every official plays by the same rules, and he saw nothing wrong with it.

“Ants?” Austin scoffed. “Without those so-called ants, would you be living the life you have today? You’ve abused your power, committing countless crimes under the guise of authority. If you’re not punished, won’t others follow your example? And for the record, while I may have neglected my responsibilities in the past, I have never killed or harmed innocent people.”

The General remained unfazed. “Just because you haven’t done it doesn’t mean others won’t. Look at all of West Lucozia—how many officials are truly innocent? If you dig deep enough, I guarantee that every high-ranking official has dirt on them. Are you prepared to punish them all? Can you?”

“First of all, not every official is like you,” Austin retorted coldly. “Second, if they are guilty, then they, too, will be held accountable. Is that answer good enough for you?”

General Cardinal Dragon Marshal narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint flashing within them. “So, from what you’re saying, there’s nothing to negotiate?”

Having served as a general for years, he was always prepared for the worst. If things took a turn for the worse, he had an escape plan—fleeing West Lucozia and living freely elsewhere.

“Negotiate?” Austin sneered. “I didn’t summon you here to talk—I called you here to make you confess your crimes.”

“Confess?” The General suddenly burst into laughter, his voice filled with mockery. “I’ve fought on the battlefield for years, never losing a single war. Under my command, thousands have perished. And now, you want me to plead guilty for killing a few untouchables? That’s absurd!”

His laughter faded, replaced by an icy glare as he rose to his feet. “Young Prince, when I was shedding blood for West Lucozia, you weren’t even born! You’re nothing but a spoiled brat who grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth. What right do you have to judge me? If your father were here, it would be a different story!”

Now that the façade had crumbled, he no longer held back.

In his eyes, this young prince—still wet behind the ears—was unworthy of punishing him.

When he felt generous, he’d call him “Young Prince.” When he wasn’t, he’d strike him down without hesitation.

Besides, the prince’s days were numbered—there was little need for restraint.

“What now? Are you planning to rebel?” Austin asked coldly.

“And if I am?” The General sneered before stomping his foot. The ground beneath him cracked, shaking the entire conference hall.

A suffocating pressure filled the room.

The temperature plummeted, and the very air seemed to freeze.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Manuel and his elite law enforcement team drew their swords, ready for battle.

Outside, soldiers lying in ambush sprang into action.

Half of them surrounded General Cardinal Dragon Marshal, while the other half formed a protective barrier around Austin.

The General scanned the room with disdain. “Do you really think a handful of guards can stop me? Laughable! On the battlefield, I fought alone, cutting down enemies left and right. You think a few hundred men are enough to threaten me?”

A smirk crept onto his face.

“I anticipated this, so I added a colorless, odorless muscle-weakening agent to the tea in front of you.”

Austin remained unfazed. “Unlucky for you, it’s almost impossible to detect. The moment you exert your strength, the poison will take effect. Within moments, your limbs will go numb, and you won’t be able to muster any power.”

The General’s face darkened. “Poison?” He gritted his teeth. “You dishonorable brat! You dare to drug me? You call yourself a prince, yet you have no dignity!”

Austin’s expression remained calm. “Desperate times call for desperate measures. Besides, I never claimed to be a gentleman.”

“You—!” The General’s fury reached its peak, but just as he prepared to strike, his body suddenly felt unbearably heavy.

It was as if his limbs were filled with lead.

His internal energy, once flowing like a mighty river, slowed to a sluggish crawl—like mercury trapped in his veins.

The poison wasn’t lethal, but it was designed to cripple even the strongest martial artists within moments.

“Seize him!”

Seizing the opportunity, Manuel shouted the command, and his team rushed forward.