An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2479

Chapter 2479

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

Austin’s voice was firm and commanding, each word cutting through the air like a blade. His piercing tone stunned Adonis, leaving him momentarily frozen and speechless.

Adonis had never expected such sharpness from Austin, who had always seemed polite and composed.

If he admitted he was here for personal matters, he might save face, but he would lose his authority. Any criticism he had prepared would become meaningless.

On the other hand, if he claimed to be here for official business, he was obligated to show the proper respect and decorum. Either way, he was at a disadvantage.

“I’ll ask you again—are you here on business or for personal reasons?” Austin’s voice remained cold and unwavering.

“Official… official business,” Adonis stammered, caught off guard.

Austin’s eyes narrowed. “Then tell me, is this how a subordinate conducts himself?”

Hearing this, Adonis had no choice but to rise to his feet and bow. “Your humble servant, Adonis, pays his respects to the young prince.”

Seeing this, the other ministers immediately followed suit, bowing in deference.

The arrogance Adonis had displayed upon entering the room had completely vanished.

Watching from the side, Manuel couldn’t help but admire Austin. The young prince lives up to his reputation—his wit and presence of mind alone have crushed these old foxes.

Then, in an instant, Austin’s demeanor shifted. The icy, authoritative figure of a moment ago was now all smiles. “Oh, Uncle, why so serious? I was only teasing you,” he said, his tone warm and inviting. “Come, everyone, sit down. There’s no need to be so tense.”

Adonis and the other ministers exchanged glances, hesitant. This sudden change in attitude was as swift as flipping a page in a book.

“I… I dare not. I’ll stand and answer,” Adonis said stiffly, his face dark with frustration.

He had spent years maneuvering the political landscape, yet today, he had been outplayed by a mere boy. The humiliation gnawed at him.

“Suit yourself,” Austin replied casually, settling back into his chair. He then met Adonis’s gaze with an amused smile. “Now, Uncle, tell me—why are you here?”

“I…” Adonis opened his mouth but hesitated. He suddenly found himself at a loss for words.

As the saying goes, the first strike is the strongest; the second, weaker; the third, powerless.

When he first arrived, he had been full of righteous indignation, ready to challenge Austin. But after being thoroughly outmaneuvered, his momentum had completely dissipated. Now, he couldn’t summon a single forceful word.

“What’s wrong, Uncle?” Austin asked, raising an eyebrow. “Is there something you can’t say?”

Adonis took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. “Young Prince, the entire city is under martial law. The people are terrified. What could possibly warrant such drastic measures?”

“Obviously, we’re hunting a traitor,” Austin said smoothly. “This morning, I ordered an official notice to be issued. Didn’t you read it?”

“Notice?” Adonis frowned. “What notice? Why weren’t we informed?”

Austin leaned back. “Ah, I see. You’ve all been so busy—I understand why you might have missed it. Not to worry, I’ll have copies delivered to each of your homes later. No one will be left out.” His tone was unmistakably domineering.

Realizing that the conversation was being steered away from its original intent, Adonis quickly refocused. “Never mind the notice. I want to know—what crime has Cardinal Dragon Marshal committed that justifies such reckless action? Why have you thrown the royal city into chaos?”

“Exactly!” another minister chimed in. “Cardinal Dragon Marshal has made countless contributions to West Lucozia. Even if he made a mistake, execution is far too extreme!”

“If the prince were here, he would never allow such nonsense! He would never let the entire capital descend into turmoil!”

With Adonis leading the charge, the other ministers quickly joined in, voicing their protests.

Their defense of Cardinal Dragon Marshal wasn’t just about loyalty—it was about protecting themselves.

After all, which official didn’t have a few skeletons in their closet? If small mistakes now meant execution, how would any of them survive?

Austin calmly raised his hand, signaling for silence. When the room fell quiet, he spoke in a measured tone.

“Let me make one thing clear—Cardinal Dragon Marshal has not committed a small crime. His crimes are immense. He and his people have engaged in countless atrocities—burning, killing, looting—unspeakable horrors.”

His voice turned sharp. “The blood on his hands is beyond measure. Even if he were executed a hundred times over, it still wouldn’t be enough. Shouldn’t such a man be arrested? Shouldn’t he face justice?”

“Words alone aren’t enough,” Adonis challenged. “Show us proof, Your Highness. Otherwise, we refuse to believe it!”

“That’s right!” another minister added. “Cardinal Dragon Marshal has always been loyal and courageous. How could he possibly be guilty of such things?”

“In my opinion, the young prince has been deceived by treacherous ministers and has wrongly accused a good man!”

“This is an outrage! We demand that the arrest warrant be revoked immediately and that Cardinal Dragon Marshal be cleared of these false accusations!”

The ministers erupted in protest, their voices filled with anger and defiance.

To an outsider, it would almost seem as if Austin was the one in the wrong.