An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2517

Chapter 2517

West Lucozia was in chaos, but the turmoil finally subsided after Cardinal Dragon Marshal was captured.

Officials who had close ties to him were investigated, and those found guilty faced swift justice—some were arrested, while others were executed.

Following this purge, more than 300 officials were dismissed. Most were imprisoned, while those guilty of severe crimes were put to death.

Under Austin’s firm leadership, the government of West Lucozia underwent a drastic transformation.

The corruption, bribery, and backdoor dealings that had plagued the system for years were wiped out like a storm clearing the sky.

For the common people, the change was immediate and undeniable. When they visited government offices, they no longer encountered bureaucratic runarounds, bribery demands, or endless delays.

Long-neglected public matters were now being handled efficiently by newly appointed officials, and life in West Lucozia began improving in every aspect.

Rather than fearing this crackdown, the people welcomed it with open arms.

Corrupt officials had long been a source of suffering, and now that Austin had removed them, the people of West Lucozia were relieved and overjoyed.

Austin’s reputation soared.

No one could have imagined that the once-irrelevant playboy, scorned by all, would rise to become a powerful and independent figure.

After staying in West Lucozia for three days, Dustin departed for Oakvale.

Austin had wanted to accompany him, but Dustin refused.

With Rufus still recovering from his injuries, Austin was responsible for his care and was now the only one overseeing the palace.

Dustin couldn’t risk something happening in his absence, so he firmly discouraged Austin from leaving and set off alone.

As the future King of West Lucozia, Austin had responsibilities to uphold. Meanwhile, Dustin preferred the freedom of the open world.

Of course, if Austin ever found himself in trouble, Dustin would be there for him as his elder brother.

Before leaving, Dustin asked Austin about the political situation in the Forbidden City.

Specifically, he wanted to know which prince West Lucozia Palace would support for the throne.

After all, every faction was closely watching this matter.

Austin’s answer was simple:

“Whoever you support, West Lucozia Palace will support.”

Dustin was caught off guard. The weight of representing West Lucozia Palace in such a critical decision was not something he had expected.

He never wanted to be involved in the power struggles of the court, but between his ties to Natasha and his obligations to West Lucozia, staying neutral was no longer an option.

The future of Dragonmarsh depended on the next emperor.

A wise choice could bring prosperity, securing West Lucozia’s safety and potentially elevating Natasha and the Ballard family to greater heights.

But a wrong move could spell disaster.

Dustin had to think carefully.

Upon arriving in Oakvale, Dustin immediately went to the Ballard family’s estate and delivered Tobias’s ashes to Simon, the Duke of Lachshire.

Simon broke down in tears, and the entire Ballard family was consumed with grief.

Though they had been worried ever since Tobias lost contact, they had clung to a sliver of hope—believing he had only been kidnapped and might still be alive.

But as they stared at his ashes, that last hope was crushed.

No one had expected that Tobias’s journey to West Lucozia would cost him his life.

“It’s all my fault… It’s all my fault… I never should have let him leave Oakvale…”

Overcome with guilt, Simon wept bitterly, clutching Tobias’s ashes—then suddenly collapsed.

Panic erupted in the household.

Dustin checked on him and confirmed that Simon had simply fainted from grief and exhaustion.

With Simon incapacitated, Kairo stepped forward to arrange Tobias’s funeral.

According to tradition, the coffin would remain in the mourning hall for three days to allow people to pay their respects.

Throughout those days, visitors arrived in a steady stream.

As a third-rank military general, Tobias hadn’t been the most powerful figure in Oakvale, but he was well-known and respected.

Moreover, due to Duke Simon’s status, the funeral attracted many high-ranking guests.

Tobias’s wife sat beside the coffin, her eyes swollen from crying, her body weak from grief.

Beside her were their two children, both barely in their twenties.

Each time a visitor came to pay their respects, lighting incense and bowing before the coffin, Tobias’s wife and children knelt and bowed in return.

Then, amidst the heavy atmosphere of sorrow, a voice rang out from outside the mourning hall:

“The Prince has arrived!”

A moment later, a tall young man with an imposing presence strode in, accompanied by several officials.

Prince Tristan.

His sudden appearance silenced the room.

Mourning guests instinctively paused, turning to watch him.

Surprise, reverence, and speculation filled their eyes.

After all, a prince of such noble status rarely attended funerals, especially for a third-rank general.

His presence here was shocking.