An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2492

“Hold on!”

Langdon panicked as he realized he was about to be taken away. “You can’t arrest me without a proper investigation or a judge’s approval! This is just wrong! You’re abusing your power!”

Austin laughed harshly. “When I tried to be fair, you did everything dirty you could. But now that I’m being tough, you want to talk about the law? Do you really think that’s going to work?”

“Mr. Langdon, if you have anything to say, you can say it in prison. We’ll have plenty of time to talk there.” Axel stepped forward, a wicked grin on his face, and placed a firm hand on Langdon’s shoulder.

“Wait! I still have something to say.” Langdon swallowed hard, realizing he was trapped. He dropped his tough act and tried a softer tone. “Austin, we’re family. Do we really need to take it this far? I made mistakes. Can’t you give me some mercy, just this once?”

In the past, Langdon had been able to talk his way out of trouble. But now, with all the evidence against him, there was no way to deny the truth. If he went to prison, getting out would be nearly impossible. He had to set aside his pride and ask for help.

“Give you some mercy?” Austin scoffed. “If I let you go today, should I let every criminal go too? What’s the point of having laws in West Lucozia if they’re not enforced?”

“How can you compare me to them? I’m your uncle, part of the Rhys family,” Langdon pleaded. “We share the same blood. You can’t put me in the same group as outsiders!”

“I once respected you and gave you a chance to admit your mistakes, but you didn’t take it. Now you want to play the family card?” Austin’s tone changed. “It’s too late for that.”

“I messed up, I really did. Just give me one more chance. I—”

“I promise I’ll change and live honestly from now on,” Langdon pleaded, desperation in his voice.

“You’re not sorry for what you did. You just regret getting caught,” Austin replied coldly. “A man like you, who is corrupt and treats human lives like they mean nothing, deserves no mercy.”

“Austin—”

Langdon tried to speak again, but Austin interrupted him. “Axel, what are you waiting for? Take him away.”

“Yes, Your Highness!” Axel responded without hesitation. He grabbed Langdon and pulled him out of the room.

“Austin! Austin!” Langdon shouted, his face pale with fear as he begged for mercy. But Austin just watched with a blank expression.

As Axel dragged Langdon towards the door, fear turned to anger. Langdon dropped his act and shouted, “Austin! You ungrateful bastard! You’re a disgrace to the family. I hope you rot in hell!” His furious screams echoed through the reception hall long after he was gone.

Austin remained unmoved. As he scanned the room with a cold gaze, the royal advisors lowered their heads, visibly shaken.

When they first entered, they had thought of Austin as just a young man without experience. They treated him with respect, but secretly, they looked down on him.

After what they had just witnessed, they realized how wrong they were. This young man in his early 20s had a sharp mind and a ruthless way of dealing with his enemies.

He had given them proof, a reason to be honest, and a chance to change. If they had admitted their mistakes sincerely, they might have been spared.

But for those too stubborn to repent, the consequences were severe. At best, they would lose their wealth; at worst, they would face execution.

Langdon, who had just been thrown into Grimhold Keep, was a perfect example. If even a blood relative could be imprisoned without a second thought, it was clear that no one was safe.

“What hope do they have now?”

Austin asked, his voice cold and piercing, breaking the heavy silence in the room.

Suddenly, the older royal advisors exchanged worried glances. With loud thuds, they dropped to their knees.

“We acknowledge our mistakes. We are ready to turn ourselves in and ask for your mercy, Your Highness,” they pleaded.

Seeing the elders take this step, the other advisors quickly followed suit, kneeling to confess as well. They knew that admitting guilt might lead to a lighter punishment.

They realized that lying would only anger Austin more, leading to harsher consequences. Their best chance of survival was to be honest and hope for some mercy.

“Hmph! At least some of you understand the situation,” Austin remarked, still cold. “I’ll give you a chance. Go to Axel and admit your crimes. This way, I won’t have to waste my time finding evidence against you.”

“Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness!” the advisors said, bowing deeply, relief washing over them.

As long as Austin didn’t dig too deep or uncover their worst secrets, they still had a way out. His decision to let them confess showed he was being lenient.

At worst, they would have to step down and retire to the countryside, keeping what little wealth they had. That was much better than facing imprisonment or execution.

“Now, leave,” Austin said, waving them away impatiently.

Politics had its own rules. Stealing money wasn’t the end of the world unless it involved murder or treason, which could be dealt with more lightly.

But Langdon was a different story. He had committed many crimes, flaunted his power, and acted as if he was above the law. If he wasn’t punished, what was the point of the laws in West Lucozia?

It didn’t matter that he was a distant relative of the Rhys family. Even those who were direct descendants and went against public opinion had to face the consequences.