An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2497

Chapter 2497

After a hearty meal, the burly Cardinal Dragon Marshal stretched out on the bed and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

By the time he woke, the sky had turned into a masterpiece of gold and crimson, the sun dipping below the horizon. His fatigue from the previous day had completely vanished, leaving him refreshed and invigorated.

In the living room, Uncle Wubo had already set the table for dinner. Compared to the previous meal, tonight’s spread was even more extravagant. At the center of the table sat a roasted suckling pig, its golden, glistening skin giving off an irresistible aroma that filled the room.

Cardinal Dragon Marshal, always one to indulge without restraint, wasted no time. Without waiting for Alec to return, he sat down, grabbed his utensils, and began devouring the feast. Soon, half the suckling pig was gone, grease dripping from his fingers as he let out a satisfied burp.

Just then, the door creaked open. Alec entered with several subordinates, looking weary from his excursion. He glanced at Cardinal Dragon Marshal, who was feasting alone, but showed no irritation. Instead, he sat beside him and started eating as well, while the subordinates remained standing, not daring to overstep their boundaries.

After nearly finishing his meal, Cardinal Dragon Marshal leaned back, wiped the grease from his mouth, and asked, “So? Did you find anything useful?”

Alec smirked slightly. “I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first, General?”

“The bad news,” Cardinal Dragon Marshal replied.

“The West Lucozia army has launched a citywide search for you. They’ve deployed troops from the city to the outskirts, conducting a thorough sweep. At this rate, they’ll likely track you down within two days.”

“So we only have two days?” Cardinal Dragon Marshal’s expression darkened.

“That’s not all,” Alec continued. “They’ve also sealed off all major ports and docks. Even our usual smuggling routes have been taken over.”

Cardinal Dragon Marshal frowned. “Are you saying we have no way out?”

“It won’t be easy, but there’s still one last option,” Alec said. “Of the five smuggling routes we planned, four have already been compromised. Soldiers are stationed nearby, making escape nearly impossible. But there’s one hidden route they haven’t discovered yet—that’s our one chance.”

“Then what are we waiting for? We need to move now!” Cardinal Dragon Marshal urged.

“If we act rashly, we could be walking into a trap,” Alec cautioned. “Austin isn’t a fool. He may have deliberately left one route open to lure us in, only to ambush us at the last moment.”

“A trap?” Cardinal Dragon Marshal scoffed. “Austin’s just a kid. He might be clever, but he’s not capable of something like this. You’re overthinking it.”

“General, this is a matter of life and death. We can’t afford to be careless,” Alec insisted, his tone serious.

Cardinal Dragon Marshal fell silent, his expression thoughtful. Years of battle had taught him that caution was often the difference between survival and demise.

“If you’re that concerned, why not send someone to scout ahead?” he finally suggested.

“I’ve already arranged for two new operatives to investigate. It’ll take some time, but we should have an answer soon. For now, I ask for your patience, General,” Alec said.

“Fine. But don’t drag this out,” Cardinal Dragon Marshal warned. “If we wait too long and the army locks down that last route, we’ll be trapped here for good.”

“I understand. You’ll have an answer tonight,” Alec assured him.

“Good,” Cardinal Dragon Marshal muttered, returning to his meal.

Deep down, he had already prepared for the worst. If things went south, he would rely on his strength to fight his way out. As for Alec and his men? If necessary, they could serve as expendable pawns in his escape.