An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2476

Chapter 2476

“Gulung…”

Manuel swallowed hard, his face filled with disbelief. He had always known that Cardinal Dragon Marshal was powerful—but this powerful? He had never imagined.

Manuel had fought with everything he had, struggling against Ziggy and Trevor for a long time. Despite his efforts, he ended up severely injured.

Yet, Cardinal Dragon Marshal had arrived—alone, on horseback—and wiped out Ziggy, Trevor, and dozens of Red Fire Army soldiers in an instant.

Not a single scratch on him.

Had Manuel not witnessed it himself, he would never have believed it. The Red Fire Army, renowned for its elite soldiers, had been utterly helpless.

It wasn’t just that they were weak—it was that Cardinal Dragon Marshal’s strength defied comprehension.

Even the lowest-ranking members of his force could stand as mighty generals elsewhere.

As for his captains? Their strength far surpassed Manuel’s own.

This wasn’t just a squad—it was an unstoppable force.

“General St-Onge, let’s clean up the battlefield and continue pursuing Cardinal Dragon Marshal.”

Jaxon stepped forward, issued his command, and swiftly departed with the Dragon Guards.

All that remained were lifeless bodies and the stunned expressions of the law enforcement team.

The law enforcement unit was composed of elites, each handpicked for their exceptional skills. They had always believed themselves to be among the strongest.

But now, they understood the difference.

They thought they were “one in a hundred.”

The Dragon Guards? They were “one in ten thousand.”

“General St-Onge, was that… the Wandering Dragon Guard? That was terrifying!”

One of the law enforcement officers stared in shock at the battlefield.

Just hours ago, they had struggled against the Red Fire Army.

Yet the Dragon Guards had annihilated them in an instant.

The difference in strength was staggering.

“Why do you think they’re so powerful?” Manuel exhaled deeply. “Only one or two hundred were chosen from the hundreds of thousands in the Black Dragon Army.”

He turned away, sighing. “There’s nothing left for us here. Let’s start clearing up the mess.”

The Dragon Guards had taken over. The law enforcement team had no role in capturing Cardinal Dragon Marshal now.

For them, tonight’s mission was an absolute failure.

The hunt continued through the night.

By dawn, every last scattered member of the Red Fire Army had been captured.

Not a single one escaped.

Inside the palace, at dawn.

Austin sat beneath an osmanthus tree, playing chess alone.

Two maids stood beside him, holding lanterns.

The soft fragrance of osmanthus flowers drifted through the air. The setting was peaceful.

Then—

“Da, da, da, da…”

Hurried footsteps shattered the silence.

The maids looked up to see Manuel and his law enforcement team entering the courtyard, dragging along two captured rebel generals.

“Young Prince!”

Manuel knelt on one knee, fists raised in respect.

“The last of the Red Fire Army has been eliminated. The remaining survivors have been captured. This man is a deputy general. Please give your orders!”

Austin didn’t even glance up. His gaze remained fixed on the chessboard.

“Where is Cardinal Dragon Marshal?”

“General Cardinal Dragon Marshal and a few of his personal guards are still missing,” Manuel admitted. “We are still searching for them.”

He lowered his head further.

“This failure is my responsibility, my Lord. I accept any punishment.”

Austin finally lifted a white chess piece and placed it on the board. His voice remained calm.

“He escaped even after being poisoned by the Ten Fragrance Softening Powder? Impressive. I underestimated him.”

His tone was steady, indifferent.

“This is not your fault. Rise.”

“I do not dare!” Manuel remained kneeling, head bowed.

The army had strict laws. The family had even stricter rules.

Regardless of the circumstances, he had failed to capture Cardinal Dragon Marshal. That alone warranted punishment.

Austin studied him briefly before speaking.

“If you insist on punishment, then receive fifty strikes of the military rod.”

“Thank you for your mercy, Young Prince!”

Manuel exhaled in relief. The punishment was painful but not unbearable.

Without it, he wouldn’t be able to face himself.

Austin’s voice broke through his thoughts.

“After you receive your punishment, there is another task for you.”

Manuel straightened.

“I await your command, Young Prince!”

“I hear Cardinal Dragon Marshal’s mansion is quite extravagant—filled with treasures.”

Austin’s tone was calm, yet firm.

“Take your men and search the mansion. Arrest whoever needs to be arrested. Imprison whoever must be imprisoned. Handle everything fairly. No exceptions.”

“I will carry out your orders!” Manuel saluted before turning to leave.

Austin finally set his chess piece aside and turned to the rebel generals.

“How long have you served under Cardinal Dragon Marshal?”

Silence.

Not a single one spoke.

Austin remained unfazed.

“I will give you one chance to live.”

His next words sent a chill down their spines.

“Whoever answers my questions first will be spared.”

The generals stiffened, their eyes flickering with uncertainty.

“Young Prince… do you truly mean that?” one of them finally asked, hesitant.

“Shut up!” another snapped. “Are you really going to betray the General?!”

Smack!

Before he could finish speaking, a law enforcement officer struck him hard across the face.

Austin remained indifferent, sipping his tea.

“The choice is yours.” Austin picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and said calmly, “My patience is running out. You have ten breaths to decide. After that, even if you beg to speak, I won’t be interested in hearing it.”