An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2475-1

Austin spoke with a strong and commanding voice, each word hitting hard like thunder.

Warrick felt the weight of Austin’s presence. For a moment, he looked troubled, but he quickly collected himself.

He glanced at the evidence on the floor, showing no sign of panic or guilt. Instead, he shrugged and said, “Your Highness, these dead men were nothing more than ants. Is this really worth all the fuss? I doubt you haven’t killed anyone before.”

There was an old saying: the higher you climb, the heavier your purse becomes. Warrick had fought hard to rise above the crowd, risking his life at every turn.

Everyone had their own goals. Some wanted fame, others sought wealth. Some craved money, while others wanted power or the love of the people.

To reach those goals, people often had to get involved in shady deals. This was a known fact among officials, and Warrick saw nothing wrong with it.

“Ants?” Austin scoffed. “Without these ‘ants’ to support you, would you be living so well? You act like a petty ruler. If you go unchecked, others will follow your lead.

Let me be clear: while I may have been idle in the past, I’ve never taken innocent lives.”

“Your Highness, just because you haven’t done it doesn’t mean others can’t,” Warrick replied calmly.

He continued, “Look around West Lucozia. How many officials do you think are truly clean? If you dig deep, I bet at least 90% of high-ranking officials have blood on their hands. By your logic, shouldn’t they all be executed? Do you really think you can kill them all?”

“First, not all officials are like you. Second, if they are as you say, then I will punish every single one. Does that satisfy you?” Austin shot back.

“Seems there’s no room for—”

“Are we negotiating today?” Warrick asked, narrowing his eyes with a cold gleam.

He had been a general in West Lucozia for many years and always took precautions. He even had an escape plan ready. If things went wrong, he could leave West Lucozia and start fresh somewhere else.

“Negotiation?” Austin scoffed. “I didn’t bring you here to negotiate. I brought you here to confess.”

“Confess?” Warrick laughed loudly. “I’ve been on the battlefield for years, winning battles and defeating enemies. Do you have any idea how many have died under my command? Tens of thousands! And now you want me to confess to killing a few commoners? That’s ridiculous.”

As his laughter faded, Warrick stood up, anger flashing across his face.

“Listen, Austin Rhys! While I was out conquering lands for West Lucozia, you weren’t even born. You’re just a spoiled brat with everything handed to you. What gives you the right to lecture me? If your father were here, maybe I’d consider listening.”

With the polite act gone, Warrick showed no restraint. To him, this arrogant young noble had no right to judge him.

When he was in a good mood, he might call Austin “Your Highness.” But today, he was ready to fight. With Rufus’ health failing, Warrick felt fearless.

“What? Are you planning to rebel?” Austin asked coldly.

“So what if I am?” Warrick replied defiantly.

He stomped his foot, cracking the floor beneath him. The entire meeting room shook as a powerful force filled the air.

A heavy tension settled in the room, and the temperature dropped. It felt like everything had frozen.

Axel and his elite enforcement team drew their swords. The hidden troops nearby noticed the disturbance and prepared for action.

Axel rushed in without hesitation. Half of his men quickly surrounded Warrick, while the other half stood protectively in front of Austin.

“Punk! Do you really think your guards can stop me? That’s a joke!” Warrick looked around the room with contempt. “In my prime, I fought alone and broke through enemy lines time and time again. Why would I fear a few hundred men?”

Austin stayed calm. “I know how strong you are, which is why I added Tranqurin to your tea. It’s colorless, tasteless, and you won’t even know it’s there.”

“If you don’t use your strength, you might not feel anything. But the moment you try, the drug will take effect. In the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, your body will weaken, and you won’t be able to fight back.”

“Tranqurin?” Warrick’s expression darkened. “You sneaky bastard! You actually drugged me? I thought you were Prince Rufus’ son and had some honor.”

“Desperate times call for desperate measures. Besides, I never claimed to be a saint. What do I need honor for?” Austin replied calmly.

“You little—” Warrick began, furious, but suddenly he felt heavy, as if weighed down by lead. His internal energy felt thick and sluggish, refusing to flow.

Tranqurin was a rare poison meant to incapacitate grandmaster martial artists. It wasn’t deadly, but it could quickly take away a person’s ability to move.

“Seize him!” Axel shouted, seizing the chance, and charged forward with his men.