An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2456

“Your Highness! Please watch what you say,” Jovian warned quickly, looking around nervously as if someone might be listening.

Talking about Valon’s fate in private was a serious offense. If anyone with a hidden agenda got wind of it, the consequences could be dire. A ruined reputation would be the least of their worries.

“Relax, Mr. Jovian. We’re in West Lucozia, not Oakvale. Here, we can speak freely,” Austin said with a faint smile, seeming unconcerned.

These were common facts, so what was the harm in saying them out loud? Keeping quiet wouldn’t change anything. It felt ridiculous to him.

“Ahem… maybe I was overthinking it,” Jovian said with an awkward laugh. He knew Austin was right, but his cautious nature made him hesitant to discuss Valon too openly.

“Honestly, a lot of people have been coming to West Lucozia lately. There’s a whole group outside right now, and they’re here for the same reason you are,” Austin explained.

“They want to see if we have any hidden plans and if we’ll interfere with Oakvale’s matters.” He took a sip of tea and paused for effect.

“Oh? And have you told them anything, Your Highness?” Jovian asked carefully.

“Tell them? Not a chance!” Austin scoffed. “I haven’t given those people outside a second thought. Who do they think they are? Do they even have the right to question us?”

Jovian shifted awkwardly in his chair.

“Well, you’re different,” Austin continued smoothly. “You’re a respected guest of our family. Those nobodies outside don’t even compare to you.”

Jovian wasn’t sure how to respond, so he just smiled awkwardly.

Austin added, “Honestly, who takes the throne in Oakvale has nothing to do with us. Even if there’s chaos in the streets, it

“won’t affect West Lucozia. We don’t want to interfere in other people’s matters,” said Jovian.

The Rhys family had a strong presence in West Lucozia, which was different from Oakvale. Over the years, both regions had agreed not to meddle in each other’s business.

“That may be true,” Jovian replied. “But the more powerful you become, the more attention you attract. Even if the West Lucozian monarchy stays out of it, people will still be watching. Look at the ones out there as an example,” he said.

Often, situations forced people to act, whether they wanted to take a side or not.

“Speaking of which, I’m curious about your family’s position on all this,” Austin suddenly asked.

“Huh? Us?” Jovian was surprised. He hadn’t expected the conversation to shift to him.

After thinking for a moment, he replied, “Honestly, we’re just as worried about this situation. We’re in a difficult position and can’t do much. As the saying goes, one wrong move and everything could fall apart. We can’t take any risks.” He sighed, feeling the weight of their predicament.

Caught in the power struggle without any control over what would happen, they had to be very careful.

“I understand,” Austin said with a nod. “You came to West Lucozia hoping we could help you find a way forward, right?”

“You are wise, Your Highness!” Jovian exclaimed, standing up and saluting. “If you could offer some guidance to help our family out of this mess, we would be very grateful.”

“I wouldn’t call it guidance, but we can definitely share our insights,” Austin replied with a small smile. “There’s no need for your family to worry too much. As the saying goes, when the time is right, everything will fall into place. When that moment comes, someone will step in to help you.”

“A savior?” Jovian asked, frowning in confusion. “I’m not sure who you mean.”

“Your Highness,” Jovian said, feeling a mix of confusion and worry.

In Oakvale, only a few people had the power to change things for the Ballard family. Who could really be their “savior”?

“Some things can’t be revealed just yet,” Austin replied mysteriously. “But when the time is right, you’ll understand.”

Jovian felt more restless after hearing this. Austin had said a lot, but it felt like he hadn’t shared anything useful. He had come looking for answers, but instead, he only had more questions.

“I wouldn’t worry too much right now. Why don’t you spend the night in the castle? Relax and take it easy. Tomorrow morning, I’ll go with you back to Oakvale,” Austin suddenly suggested.

Jovian was surprised. “You’re going to Oakvale, Your Highness?”

“Of course! Sitting here is boring. I might as well take the chance to visit Oakvale and see what’s happening,” Austin grinned. “Plus, my dear uncle, the King, isn’t doing well. It’s only right for me to pay my respects.”

Austin’s mother, Eloise, was the eldest princess of Dragonmarsh, making Valon his uncle. They hadn’t seen each other much over the years, so their family bond wasn’t strong. Still, this connection allowed him to visit Oakvale without raising suspicion.

“I understand,” Jovian nodded. “But Oakvale is in chaos right now. Please be careful when you arrive.”

“Oh? Do you think someone would dare to target me?” Austin smirked. “Honestly, I’d love to see someone try. Otherwise, my cavalry wouldn’t get a chance to show their strength.”

Jovian felt awkward and cleared his throat, unsure how to respond.

Austin was bold and confident, and he didn’t seem worried at all.

He also had a look on his face that seemed to say, “I’m too powerful for my own good.”

But he wasn’t wrong. Anyone who dared to go after him would have to deal with the fierce cavalry of West Lucozia.