An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2487

“Sir Thatcher? Mr. Wentworth?” Langdon exclaimed, his eyes widening in shock when he saw them. “What happened to you two?” He was truly taken aback.

Huxley and Percival were two of the most powerful men in West Lucozia. They were respected by everyone, and even Langdon had to show them respect.

He never imagined they could fall from their high positions to become scruffy prisoners overnight.

“Austin! You’ve gone too far!” After recovering from his surprise, Langdon’s anger flared. He dropped all formalities.

“Do you even understand what you’re doing? These two are key figures in West Lucozia and trusted advisors to the prince. They’ve guided you! Yet you treat them like this. Are you even human?”

“Exactly,” another person added. “They have devoted their lives to this country. What did they do to deserve this cruelty from Your Highness?”

The officials around them erupted in anger, condemning Austin’s actions. Loyal men had been wrongly imprisoned, and they wouldn’t stand by silently.

As the royal advisors protested, Huxley and Percival exchanged confused looks.

What was happening? Were these officials really standing up for them? They appreciated the support, but wasn’t the reaction a bit much?

After all, Huxley and Percival were considered criminals. Couldn’t those officials voice their concerns without all the shouting?

“Enough!” Axel shouted. “How dare you insult His Highness! Do you want to die?”

His anger boiled over at their disrespect, and he reached for his sword. But Austin raised a hand to stop him.

Calmly, he pushed Axel’s sword back into its sheath and turned to Langdon, his expression cold. “Think before you speak. Have you ever wondered why I…”

“Did they arrest you?”

“What else could it be?” Langdon replied quickly. “You’re an arrogant tyrant who punishes innocent people.”

First, Austin had issued a warrant for Warrick’s arrest. Now, he was locking up important officials. At this rate, West Lucozia was in serious trouble.

“Arrogant? Punishing the innocent?” Austin scoffed. He then looked at the two prisoners and calmly asked, “Why don’t you explain? Did I accuse you wrongly?”

“N-No, Your Highness,” Huxley said, shaking his head vigorously.

“I deserve this. His Highness has shown mercy by sparing my life, and I’m thankful for his kindness,” Percival added humbly.

Compared to Huxley, Percival had gotten off easy. At least his life and his family’s life were safe. He had only lost his position and was under investigation. To him, this was a hidden blessing.

“Sir Thatcher, Mr. Wentworth, did Austin threaten you?” Langdon asked, frowning. “Don’t worry. We’re here to get justice for you. If you’ve been wronged, tell us, and I’ll make sure your case gets to the prince.”

“I have no complaints, and I haven’t been threatened. I made a huge mistake, and I deserve to die. I brought this on myself, and I can’t blame anyone else,” Huxley replied, looking grim.

He had done so many serious wrongs that execution seemed certain. Now, he just hoped his family wouldn’t suffer because of him.

“Sir Thatcher, I know you’re under pressure, but don’t be afraid. We’re here to support you,” Langdon said firmly.

“That’s right. We’ll prove your innocence,” the other royal advisors chimed in.

“I am beyond saving and deserve to die. Please stop speaking for me,” Huxley said anxiously.

Why couldn’t they just let him face his punishment in peace? If they kept stirring things up, they would only anger Austin further.

There was no way to know if Huxley’s family would suffer along with him.

“I see what’s happening. Austin tortured you, didn’t he? That’s why you’re so quick to take the blame,” Langdon said, his face lighting up with realization.

“You… You fools! Stop sticking your noses where they don’t belong!” Huxley shouted in anger.

To Langdon and the others, Huxley’s outburst just showed how scared he was.

“Austin!” Langdon yelled, turning towards him. “What did you do to them? Why do they fear you so much?”

“I have only done what the law requires,” Austin replied calmly. “Percival was let go for corruption and misuse of power. I chose not to press further charges because he gave us valuable information.”

He continued, “As for Huxley, he is guilty of horrible crimes—murder, abuse of power, and many other atrocities. His execution is justified, and the evidence against him is clear.”

As Austin spoke, Axel placed a pile of incriminating documents on the table for everyone to see.

Even after looking over the papers, Langdon still didn’t believe it. “This is ridiculous! Sir Thatcher is the Commander of the Militia. How could he have committed such crimes? This is obviously a setup. This so-called evidence is just a lie.”

Austin let out a dry laugh at Langdon’s stubbornness.

The evidence was overwhelming—witnesses, testimonies, and records—but Langdon refused to accept it and insisted it was all part of a conspiracy.

Austin couldn’t understand how someone so blind to the truth could hold a position of power. If the government was full of people like Langdon, then it was time for a serious change.