An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2473-1

could do was wait and hope for the best.

“You’re right about one thing,” Austin replied, his voice cold. “You were a fool for thinking you could get away with this.”

Huxley felt a chill run down his spine. He knew he had to keep talking to save himself. “Your Highness, I swear I will prove my loyalty. Just give me a chance to make things right. I can help you with your plans for West Lucozia.”

Austin raised an eyebrow, intrigued but still skeptical. “Help me? How do I know you won’t betray me again?”

Huxley took a deep breath, desperation fueling his words. “I’ll do whatever you ask. I’ll be your eyes and ears. I’ll gather information and eliminate any threats to your throne. Just please, don’t throw me in that dungeon.”

Austin considered Huxley’s plea, weighing his options. He could see the fear in Huxley’s eyes, but he also knew that fear could lead to betrayal.

“Very well,” Austin said slowly, “I’ll give you one last chance. But if you fail me this time, there will be no mercy.”

Huxley nodded vigorously, relief washing over him. “Thank you, Your Highness! I won’t let you down!”

As the guards stepped back, Huxley stood up, feeling a mix of gratitude and dread. He had escaped punishment for now, but he knew he had to tread carefully. The stakes were higher than ever, and he was walking a tightrope.

Huxley could only hope for mercy and pray that Austin would spare his life. He was ready to give up everything to stay alive.

Defiance was not an option anymore. The enforcement team around him was made up of elite fighters, the best he had ever faced. He knew he stood no chance against them.

Even if he managed to escape the castle, where would he go? There would be nowhere to hide. And what about his family?

“You don’t regret what you’ve done. You just know you’re about to die, don’t you?” Austin’s voice was icy. “Your crimes are unforgivable. If I let you go, how can I expect anyone else to respect the law?”

Huxley’s face went pale, as if all the color had drained from him. Yet, he still held onto a small glimmer of hope.

“Your Highness, I’ve served West Lucozia for years. I may not have done great things, but I’ve worked hard. Even if I’ve made mistakes, I don’t deserve to be executed. Please… show me mercy.”

“Forget it!” Austin shouted, kicking Huxley to the ground. “You’ve burned, killed, and looted without a second thought, and you call that a mistake? You’re lucky I haven’t skinned you alive.”

The more he thought about Huxley’s actions, the angrier Austin became. He raised his hand and ordered, “Drag him out and give him 50 lashes. If he’s still alive, bring him back for more questioning.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” the guards replied.

Axel stepped forward, pulled out the Dragon Rope, and bound Huxley tightly. The rope sealed Huxley’s powers, leaving him unable to use his true energy.

Axel then threw him down and began to lash him with a punishment rod, putting all his strength into each blow, showing no mercy.

By the time the final strike hit, Huxley’s back and thighs were a mess of torn flesh and blood. At one point, he blacked out, but Axel splashed cold water on him to bring him back to consciousness.

Afterward, Axel dragged him back into the castle.

In the meeting room, Huxley was in bad shape. He looked so beaten down that he couldn’t even beg for mercy. His head hung low, and he seemed barely alive.

Austin glared at him. “I’ll ask you one question at a time. Answer truthfully, and I’ll give you a quick death. Lie, and you’ll face all 108 tortures of Grimhold Keep. Do you understand?”

“Yes… I understand,” Huxley replied weakly.

“Is Jovian still alive?” Austin asked sharply.

“H-he’s dead…” Huxley admitted, knowing he couldn’t lie.

“Where’s the body? Who killed him?” Austin pressed.

“Mr. Prescott sent assassins to ambush him. Jovian refused to be captured and took his own life.” Huxley paused before adding, “Mr. Prescott had his body burned.”

Austin frowned. He had suspected as much, but hearing there were no remains only made him angrier.

“Take him away and have him sign his confession,” he ordered.

Two guards stepped forward and pulled Huxley to his feet.

“Your Highness… I deserve to be executed for my crimes, but my family is innocent. Please have mercy on them…” Huxley pleaded, looking miserable. He knew he was doomed and hoped his loved ones wouldn’t suffer because of him.

“You’ve spent years embezzling and abusing your power,” Austin replied coldly. “Your family has benefited from your actions. They’re far from innocent.”

Austin was done talking. With a wave of his hand, he commanded, “Take him away. Lock him up and keep a close watch on him. Execute him in public at noon tomorrow.”