An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2478

Chapter 2478

After a night of chaos, the Red Fire Army was either killed or imprisoned, leaving their entire force in ruins.

Cardinal Dragon Marshal’s mansion was also purged—his embezzled wealth confiscated, and his guilty associates taken into custody. Anyone with ties to him was placed under house arrest and interrogated.

As the mastermind behind it all, Cardinal Dragon Marshal became the kingdom’s most wanted criminal. Until his capture, the royal city remained under strict martial law.

Major roads were barricaded, patrols scoured the city, and every possible escape route was blocked. The hunt was relentless.

Many senior officials, unaware of the full situation, were outraged by Austin’s aggressive tactics. Some of the more radical ones even gathered at the palace gates in protest.

They were furious, pounding their chests in frustration, their faces red with indignation. They stopped just short of cursing outright.

To them, Cardinal Dragon Marshal was a war hero. Even if he had committed offenses, a death sentence seemed excessive.

Now, with sweeping house searches and a citywide manhunt, everything had descended into turmoil.

“This is madness! Do you know how much manpower and resources are wasted by shutting down an entire city?”

“Even if Cardinal Dragon Marshal is guilty, he deserves a fair trial! This is nothing short of lawless tyranny!”

“I always knew this boy lacked character, but I never imagined he’d be so reckless! Confiscating property, executing people at will—if West Lucozia falls into his hands, it’ll be ruined overnight!”

At the palace gates, a group of elderly ministers—most over seventy—stood together, pointing fingers and condemning Austin’s actions.

As veteran advisors, they refused to tolerate what they saw as an abuse of power. Speaking out was their duty.

In truth, none of them took Austin seriously.

To them, he was just a spoiled noble, a reckless youth playing ruler.

With the prince gravely ill, they saw themselves as his rightful mentors, tasked with setting his wayward son straight.

Just as their discussion grew heated, the palace doors creaked open.

Squeak—

Manuel emerged with several law enforcement officers, his expression cold and unreadable.

“General St-Onge!” An elder with a ruddy complexion stepped forward, his tone harsh. “Do you realize that shutting down the city, even for a single day, inflicts massive losses on the entire royal economy?”

The man was Adonis Rhys—a high-ranking official from the powerful Rhys family and a close ally of the royal court.

In terms of seniority, he was technically Austin’s uncle, which gave him the confidence to speak so bluntly.

“He’s right!” another elder chimed in. “Shutting down the city and arresting a decorated general is not a game! We demand a proper explanation!”

“Summon the prince at once! We will not leave until he answers for this!”

Their voices rose in unison, each sounding righteous and indignant.

Manuel remained unfazed. “Gentlemen, please be patient. The young prince has prepared tea in the reception hall. He awaits you there.”

The group hesitated for a moment, caught off guard.

They had expected Austin to avoid them, to cower inside the palace. But instead, he had invited them in.

For a brief moment, uncertainty flickered among them.

“Adonis, what do you think?” one of the elders asked.

As the highest-ranking official among them, Adonis was their natural leader.

With a flick of his sleeve, he scoffed, “Since the young prince has extended an invitation, we shall grant him the honor.” He strode forward without hesitation.

After all, he was a regular guest at the palace and Austin’s elder. No matter how reckless the young prince was, he wouldn’t dare harm him.

“Let’s go,” another minister muttered. “We’ll hear what he has to say.”

The others nodded and followed.

As advisors, it was their duty to speak truth to power—even at the risk of their own lives.

Under Manuel’s lead, they entered the reception hall.

Inside, an elegant tea set and an array of fine snacks had been carefully arranged.

Austin sat at the head of the table, his expression calm and unreadable.

“Ah, Uncle, you’re here. Please, have a seat,” he greeted with a polite nod.

Snort!

Adonis did not bother hiding his disdain. Without a word, he took the first seat on the left, acting every bit the elder he believed himself to be.

The other officials followed suit, neither bowing nor offering formal greetings. Their faces remained stern, as though they were there to collect a debt.

Austin, however, remained unfazed. His smile didn’t waver.

“Uncle, what brings you and the others here today?” he asked lightly. “Do you have advice for me?”

Adonis leaned forward, his voice sharp.

“Austin, answer me this: why did you order the arrest of Cardinal Dragon Marshal? Why impose martial law on the city?”

His questions came rapid-fire, each laced with accusation.

“Do you realize the chaos your reckless actions have caused? How many innocent people are terrified? How many merchants have suffered losses? Can you take responsibility for this disaster?!”

Austin raised an eyebrow but remained composed. He sat back, exuding an air of quiet authority.

“Uncle, are you here to discuss personal matters with me or official business?”

Adonis scoffed. “What if it’s personal? What if it’s official? What difference does it make?”

Austin’s smile faded. His voice turned cold.

“If it’s personal, I will listen to you with respect—as a junior should to his elder.”

Then, his gaze sharpened like a blade.

“But if it’s official, then you had better remember your place.”

His tone was now laced with unmistakable authority.

“In matters of state, who is king, and who is minister?”

Austin’s eyes swept across the room, his presence suddenly overwhelming.

“Are you truly qualified to sit here and speak to me as equals?”