An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2454

After entering the castle, Boston felt a tight knot in his stomach. He had been here before, but only for official business.

Usually, he was accompanied by guards or attendants, but this time, Austin had brought him in himself. Boston felt both honored and a bit overwhelmed. Why was he receiving such special treatment?

Austin had brushed aside higher-ranking officials, so why was he focusing on Boston? Was it because his shiny bald head made him noticeable? Boston had no answers, just a growing curiosity as he followed Austin into the meeting room.

“Sit,” Austin said as he took his place at the head of the table, raising his hand for Boston to do the same.

“No… no need. I’ll just stand,” Boston replied awkwardly with a smile.

“Just sit down. Why are you so nervous? I won’t bite,” Austin said, waving his hand dismissively.

“Y-Yes, Your Highness.” Boston didn’t want to refuse again and quickly took a seat. He was six feet three inches tall, yet he felt like a startled rabbit, sitting up straight and not daring to move.

Austin gestured. “Someone bring the tea.”

An attendant hurried in with a pot of fragrant tea and poured a cup for Boston.

“Thank you for the tea, Your Highness,” Boston said quickly as he picked up the cup and took a sip.

The tea was scalding hot, and though he didn’t want to complain, he couldn’t help but wince. He forced himself to swallow, steam escaping from his mouth and nose.

“What’s your name?” Austin asked casually.

“My name is Boston Graham, Your Highness. I serve in the military, and I’m 40 years old. I have a pair of twins…”

Boston hurried through the details, wanting to provide all the information and avoid giving Austin any reason to doubt him.

“Boston, right? I heard you know Jovian from the Ballard family?” Austin asked.

Boston nodded. “I do, Your Highness. I have…”

meet you at the castle,” Boston said, urgency in his voice.

“Is everything alright?” Jovian asked, noticing the seriousness on Boston’s face.

“Just come with me,” Boston insisted, glancing at the bodyguards who stood ready.

Jovian quickly gathered his things and followed Boston outside. The bodyguards flanked them as they made their way to the car.

Once they were inside, Jovian asked, “Why the rush?”

“It’s just a precaution,” Boston replied, trying to sound calm. “There have been some tensions among the factions in Oakvale. We want to make sure you get to the castle safely.”

Jovian nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He appreciated the concern.

The drive to the castle was quick. When they arrived, Boston led Jovian through the back entrance to avoid any attention. They entered a large room where Austin waited.

“Jovian, welcome!” Austin said with a smile, stepping forward to greet him.

“Thank you for having me,” Jovian replied, shaking Austin’s hand.

“I hope your trip was good,” Austin continued. “I want to make sure you feel at home here.”

“I appreciate that,” Jovian said, feeling reassured.

Austin gestured for them to sit down. “There’s much to discuss, especially with the current situation among the factions.”

Jovian nodded, ready to dive into the conversation. He knew the importance of their meeting and wanted to make the most of it.

“See you,” Boston said as he grabbed Jovian’s wrist and pulled him forward.

“Sir Austin wants to see me? So, you managed to pull some strings?” Jovian’s face lit up with excitement. “Wow, Boston! I didn’t think you’d get it done this fast. That’s impressive!”

He expected to wait a day or two, but it happened in just two hours. Boston clearly worked hard to make this happen.

Boston coughed awkwardly. “I didn’t do much. Sir Austin is doing this out of respect for your family. I’m just the messenger.” He looked a bit embarrassed by the praise.

Earlier, he had almost backed out when he felt pressured by those important people. Without Austin’s help, he would never have gotten through the castle gates.

“Ha! You’re too modest, Boston!” Jovian said with a smile, shaking his head.

The Ballard family had some influence in Oakvale, but in West Lucozia, they didn’t hold much power at all. Jovian knew it was Boston’s connections that made this meeting possible.

“Alright, enough about that. Sir Austin is waiting for us at the castle. Let’s not keep him waiting,” Boston said, his cheeks a little pink as he quickly changed the subject.

They left the hotel and got into the car. Less than half an hour later, they arrived at the castle without any issues on the way.

It was likely thanks to the castle’s personal escort ensuring their safety. If they had been in Boston’s car, things might have turned out differently.

Once they arrived, they entered through the back entrance. The castle guards led them to the meeting room. Just as they were about to step inside, Austin appeared.

Jovian Ballard greeted them with a bright smile.

“My name is Jovian Ballard. I am honored to meet you, Your High-” he started to bow, but Austin quickly reached out to stop him.

“Mr. Jovian, what are you doing? There’s no need for that. Come inside and have a seat,” Austin said.

“Huh?”

Jovian was completely stunned by how casually Austin used his name.