An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2524

Chapter 2524

“Let me think about it…”

Grace’s words sent Dustin into deep thought.

Carrying the destiny of an entire nation was no small matter. First, you had to be strong enough to handle it. Second, you had to be aware of the immense responsibility it brought.

Once a country’s fate rests in your hands, it’s no longer just about personal freedom—you carry a burden that can’t be ignored.

Before, Dustin could act freely, without concern for consequences. But now, everything had changed. The moment he took on the weight of national destiny, his path became one of duty, not choice.

Of course, his options were limited.

He could either hide away in the Sacred Wyrm Summit under the protection of the old Taoist priest—or take the risk and directly absorb the national essence to break through.

Given the choice, he would rather take the risk.

“I’m willing to try your method,” Dustin said at last, “but I’m still missing one strand of Dracan essence. To go through with it, I need that last piece.”

Only when all five sources of dragon energy were united could the full national destiny be activated.

“You’re right,” Grace nodded. “As for the final strand, I’ve had people investigate thoroughly. We’ve confirmed that it’s in my brother Nathaniel’s possession. But we haven’t been able to locate exactly where he’s hiding it.”

Even with Grace’s vast intelligence network, infiltrating the royal family completely was impossible. Gathering information like this came with enormous risk.

Investigating royal blood was a dangerous line to cross. One leak could trigger a disaster.

“Nathaniel?” Dustin narrowed his eyes slightly. “That does make things more complicated.”

Nathaniel was both brilliant and ruthless, a rare blend of intellect and strength. His noble status and massive influence only made him more dangerous. Getting the Dracan essence from him wouldn’t be easy.

“I actually have a plan,” Grace said suddenly, “but it’s risky. I’ll need your help.”

“Oh? What kind of plan?” Dustin raised an eyebrow.

“Nathaniel is greedy. One strand of Dracan essence won’t satisfy him. If he wants to ascend the throne, he’ll need at least one strand to push his fortune to its peak. We can use that against him.”

Grace gave a knowing smile.

“Use it how?” Dustin asked, confused.

“He wants Dracan essence, right? Then let’s give him some,” Grace explained. “We’ll offer him the one we have to lure out the one he’s hiding. Then we take both in one sweep.”

Her words were bold, almost shocking.

Dustin nodded slowly. “It’s a clever plan—but as you said, risky.”

She was essentially proposing to bait a wolf with its favorite food.

If it worked, it would be brilliant. But if it failed, the consequences could be devastating.

“For the sake of the Dracan essence and the country’s future, the risk is worth it,” Grace said confidently. “If you follow the plan, I’m at least 70% sure we’ll succeed.”

“Oh? And what exactly do you need from me?” Dustin asked.

“It’s simple,” Grace replied. “I need you to pretend to surrender—pretend to offer a stream of Dracan essence to Nathaniel. It’ll earn his trust. But we’ll plant a special mark in that essence, so you can track and retrieve it later. If luck is on our side, you might even be able to steal his as well.”

Dracan essence had to be stored in special containers. That meant Nathaniel would likely place both streams together.

So once Dustin retrieved their original strand, he might get a shot at Nathaniel’s as well.

In short—it was baiting a trap.

Whether or not it worked would depend on both luck and skill.

After all, Nathaniel’s mansion was tightly guarded. Even if Dustin found the treasure vault, getting in and back out would be another challenge altogether.

“I understand,” Dustin said with a nod. “When do we begin?”

“The two great gods of the Pantheon have entered the country and will arrive in Oakvale soon. Time is tight. You need to act tomorrow,” Grace urged.

The sooner the Dracan essence was recovered, the greater Dustin’s advantage.

“Alright. Tomorrow it is,” he agreed.

“I’ll leak some intel—just enough to let Nathaniel know you have a stream of Dracan essence,” Grace added. “That way, he’ll come to you. It’ll seem more natural.”

Then her tone grew serious.

“But be careful. Nathaniel is incredibly suspicious. It won’t be easy to win his trust. Once you’re in his mansion, stay alert and don’t take any unnecessary risks.”

“Thanks for the warning. I know what I’m doing.” Dustin smiled.

He had visited Nathaniel’s mansion once before, so the layout wasn’t unfamiliar.

Besides, he wasn’t going in to fight. Just to steal.

But that raised the real question—how could he pull off the heist without raising suspicion?

That… was something worth thinking about.

He had to find a way to get in, get what he needed, and get out—without leaving a trace.