An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2482

Chapter 2482

“The City Guard Commander? The Grand Secretary of Dragon Pavilion?”

Adonis’s eyes widened in shock as he recognized the two men before him. His expression was one of sheer disbelief. “You… how did you both end up like this?”

He was truly stunned. These were not ordinary men—they were influential figures in West Lucozia, men whose presence commanded respect wherever they went. They had once stood at the pinnacle of power, yet now, in a single night, they had been reduced to disheveled prisoners.

“Austin! You’ve gone too far!” Adonis hesitated for a moment before his anger exploded. His tone changed as he directly confronted Austin. “Do you even realize what you’re doing? These men are pillars of West Lucozia! They are the prince’s most trusted advisors! They are also your mentors and elders! And yet, you’ve treated them like this? Are you even human?!”

“That’s right! These two have served our country with unwavering loyalty. What crime have they committed to deserve such humiliation from you, young prince?!”

Many officials joined in, condemning Austin.

It was unthinkable. Two of the nation’s most revered ministers had been thrown into prison without explanation. How could anyone accept this?

As the voices of protest grew louder, the City Guard Commander and the Grand Secretary of Dragon Pavilion exchanged bewildered glances.

What was happening?

Were these officials actually standing up for them? But… wasn’t their tone a little too harsh?

They were guilty. Couldn’t their colleagues speak in a more composed manner instead of yelling?

“How dare you insult the young prince! You’re asking for a beating!”

Manuel, enraged by the disrespect, instinctively reached for his sword. But before he could draw it, Austin stopped him, calmly pushing the weapon back into its sheath.

Austin then turned to Adonis, his expression chillingly cold. “Before you speak, I suggest you use your brain. Think—why did we arrest them in the first place?”

“Why else?” Adonis shot back. “Because you’re an arrogant tyrant who wrongfully persecutes loyal subjects!”

These arrests, along with the hunt for the Cardinal Dragon Marshal, were reckless. If this continued, West Lucozia would be doomed!

“Arrogant? Tyrannical? Persecuting loyal subjects? Haha…”

Austin let out a cold laugh. He turned to the two prisoners, his voice calm yet commanding. “Tell me—have you been wronged?”

“No… no.” The City Guard Commander shook his head repeatedly.

“We deserve this punishment,” the Grand Secretary admitted, his face full of shame. “His Highness has already shown mercy by sparing my life.”

Unlike the City Guard Commander, the Grand Secretary had been granted some leniency. He had lost his position and was under investigation, but his life and family had been spared. In a way, he had escaped the worst outcome.

“My lords, did Austin force you to say this?” Adonis pressed, his brows furrowed. “Don’t be afraid—we’re here to seek justice. If you’ve been wronged, speak freely! I’ll personally appeal to the prince on your behalf!”

“We haven’t been threatened,” the City Guard Commander responded firmly. “We made grave mistakes. We brought this upon ourselves. We deserve to die, and no one else is to blame.”

His crimes were too severe. Execution was inevitable. Now, his only hope was that his family would be spared.

“General, I know you have your reasons, but don’t be afraid!” Adonis insisted, puffing out his chest. “Your colleagues stand with you!”

“That’s right! We will clear your name!” the ministers echoed.

“We committed serious crimes and deserve our punishment! Stop this nonsense!” the City Guard Commander snapped, his voice tinged with frustration.

Why couldn’t they just let him die in peace? If they kept making a scene, they might provoke the young prince and put his family at risk.

“I understand now!” Adonis suddenly exclaimed, as if having an epiphany. “Austin must have tortured you! That’s why you’re acting this way!”

“You… you fools!” The City Guard Commander nearly jumped up in frustration. “Can you stop meddling?!”

But to Adonis and his supporters, his outburst only confirmed their suspicions. They saw it as a sign of fear, proof that he was desperately trying to protect himself.

“Austin! What have you done to these men?! Why are they so terrified of you?!” Adonis demanded angrily.

“I have done nothing outside the law,” Austin replied calmly. “The Grand Secretary was dismissed for corruption and abuse of power, but his confession earned him leniency. As for the City Guard Commander, he murdered innocent people without a second thought. His execution is justified. The evidence of their crimes is clear and undeniable.”

As he spoke, Manuel laid out the documents detailing their offenses for all to see.

Even with the evidence before him, Adonis remained defiant. After glancing at the reports, he scoffed. “Ridiculous! Fabricated nonsense! The City Guard Commander would never break the law like this! This is clearly a setup!”

Austin let out a laugh—one filled with frustration rather than amusement.

The evidence was right in front of them. Concrete proof, undeniable facts. Yet Adonis and his group refused to see the truth, choosing instead to believe that a conspiracy was at play.

How could such an ignorant man hold such a high position?

If West Lucozia’s government was filled with people like this, then Austin had a lot of work to do. A thorough purge was long overdue.