An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

Austin smiled brightly as he ushered Jovian into the meeting room with surprising enthusiasm.

Jovian looked confused and somewhat unprepared. Before entering, he had already imagined many possible

scenarios for their meeting.

He had mentally prepared for a range of reactions from Austin-whether he would be ignored, faced with cold

indifference, or dealt with arrogance. He was ready for any of those. After all, the rumors about Austin painted

him as a “hellraiser” who did whatever he pleased.

But, to his surprise, Austin didn’t give him any trouble at all. Instead, he was giving him a warm reception, which

left him utterly confused.

Something felt off. He couldn't make sense of Austin’s sudden warmth, and he had no idea what ghe was

playing.

“Bring the tea!” After inviting Jovian to sit, Austin gestured for the attendant to serve the tea.

The drink was a rare specialty from West Lucozia, a premium elixir tea not sold to the public but reserved for

high-ranking officials. Its black market value was nearly a million per ounce, and demand far outstripped supply.

Compared to the tea Boston had been served earlier, the quality of this one was on a whole other level.

Once the tea was brewed, a rich, fragrant aroma filled the air and quickly spread throughout the meeting room.

Just a single breath of it was enough to leave anyone feeling refreshed and alert.

Though Jovian wasn’t particularly fond of tea, he knew enough to recognize its quality, and this was clearly no

ordinary brew. Austin’s attention to detail in offering such tea showed how much he valued this meeting.

“Mr. Jovian, even though this is our first meeting, I've heard so much about you. I've always looked up to you as

a role model and tried to follow your example in my own pursuits.”

Austin wasted no time, immediately heaping on the compliments. After all, Dustin had personally instructed him

to handle this matter, and he had to make sure it was done right.

Though it was unexpected, Jovian still maintained a polite smile. “Your Highness, you flatter me. I'm just an

ordinary general officer and not worthy of your attention.”

“Don’t underestimate yourself,” Austin said earnestly. “Who doesn’t know about the three heroes of the Ballard

family? The eldest in politics, the second in business, and the third in the military. Each of you shines in your own

field.

“Take three years ago, for example-when you led 800 elite troops to wipe out 3,000 rebels in Mount Cloudcrest.

That feat made waves across the whole region. It was an achievement worthy of respect.”

Jovian raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Oh? | didn’t expect you to know about this, Your Highness.”

He had thought Austin was just being polite with the usual pleasantries, but it seemed he actually knew about

his past accomplishments.

The Mount Cloudcrest counterinsurgency operation was one of Jovian’s few standout moments. After that battle,

his reputation had risen significantly.

“I've always regarded you as my role model. I'm not saying | know every detail of your accomplishments, but I'm

certainly familiar with them. Your remarkable achievements have earned you my deep admiration,” Austin said

with a smile.

While Boston stepped out to pick up Jovian, Austin had already used his intelligence network to conduct a

thorough background check.

Jovian hadn't accomplished much in his life. Aside from the Mount Cloudcrest counterinsurgency operation, there

wasn’t much worth mentioning. Austin naturally had to exaggerate a little to make a good impression.

Jovian laughed heartily. “I never expected you to be such a man of character, Your Highness.” He was so pleased

with the compliments that his face was filled with pride that he couldn't hide it.

In the past, whenever he went, he relied on the Ballard family nto open doors. But today, his charm and

charisma had won Austin’s admiration. If word of this got out, it would be the talk of the town for a year.

“Of course! | don’t have many hobbies, but one of my favorites is meeting heroes like you. Having someone like

Mr. Jovian visiting my humble his a great honor, “Austin continued to flatter.

Jovian grinned from ear to ear. He was practically charmed out of his skin. “You flatter me, Your Highness.”

Who said Austin was a hellraiser? He was amazing.

“Mr. Jovian, since you're here, why don’t you stay with us for a while? Let's have a drink tonight,” Austin offered.

“I'd be happy to join you for a drink, Your Highness. But before we do that, | have a matter I'd like to discuss with

the Prince. | wonder if you would make an introduction, Your Highness?” Though Jovian was flattered by the

praise, he didn’t forget his reason for being there.

“If it were any other request, I'd be happy to help, but this... I'm afraid | can’t.” Austin shook his head.

“Is His Highness not available to meet with me?” Jovian asked tentatively.

“It's not just you, Mr. Jovian. My father is recovering right now, and he’s not seeing anyone for a while-not even

me.” Austin looked helpless.

“I see.” Jovian nodded thoughtfully.

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But you don't need to see my father.

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Your Highness, you're truly a man of

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both skill and wisdom. You're more

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than capable of age tead how,

oki agknowledy d with a

respectful nod. Then, he asked

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cautiously, “May | inquire, Your

Highness, are you aware of the

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current situation in Oakvale?” The

content is on novelenglish.net! Read

the latest chapter there!

“You mean the reigning king is dying, and there's an urgent need for a successor, right?” Austin asked bluntly,

not mincing his words.

Jovian and Boston exchanged surprised glances at his directness.