An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2501

Chapter 2501

“Who’s there?” Warrick’s grip tightened around the hilt of his steel blade, his sharp eyes scanning the dimly lit room like a predator sensing danger.

For days, he had been on edge, like a cornered beast. Sleep had been fleeting, and every shadow felt like a lurking threat.

The door creaked open slowly. An elderly man with gray hair stepped inside, balancing a tray of fruit and pastries in both hands.

Before he could react, a flash of cold steel cut through the air—Warrick’s blade was already at his throat.

The old man trembled, his hands shaking as the tray slipped from his grasp. Fruit and pastries tumbled to the floor.

“Easy, Sir Prescott. He’s one of us.”

Mulder stepped forward, pressing a finger against the flat of Warrick’s blade. With a calm smile, he explained, “His name is Leigh Houston. He’s mute and has served the Hall of Gods for years. He watches over this tunnel entrance and has never failed his duty.”

“He’s mute?” Warrick gave Leigh a once-over, only lowering his blade after confirming there was no threat.

Mulder turned to Leigh and asked in a low voice, “Have you noticed anything unusual lately?”

Leigh shook his head, then quickly signed something with his hands.

Warrick frowned. “What’s he saying?”

“He says this place is so remote that no strangers have come near. We’re safe,” Mulder translated.

The Hall of Gods had chosen this location as the exit for their secret tunnel for a reason. It was a secluded mountain village, sparsely populated and isolated. Most of the residents were either elderly or children—the younger adults had long since moved to the city for work.

The rugged terrain and dense forests made for an ideal escape route. If trouble came knocking, vanishing into the woods would make it easy to lose any pursuers. It was the perfect temporary hideout.

“Being safe is good, but right now, I’m starving,” Warrick grumbled. “Tell him to bring me some food.”

“Leigh, prepare us a proper meal. Something hearty,” Mulder instructed.

Leigh nodded, but a flicker of unease crossed his eyes. He shot a wary glance at Warrick before quickly turning to leave.
An hour later, the table was set with a generous spread of food. It wasn’t particularly fancy, but the portions were hearty—cured fish, smoked pork, sausages, chicken, and duck filled the plates.

Still, caution was second nature to Warrick. Before taking his first bite, he gestured for Leigh and Mulder to taste the food. Only after they confirmed it was safe did he dig in, tearing into his meal like a starving wolf.

Under normal circumstances, Warrick wouldn’t have given such rustic fare a second glance. But hunger gnawed at him, and he ate with relish, grease glistening on his lips.

Since becoming a fugitive, he’d barely had a proper meal. Now, with a feast in front of him, refinement was the last thing on his mind.

After a hearty meal and a few drinks, Warrick finally got down to business. “We may have escaped Celestria, but we’re still in West Lucozia. The longer we stay, the greater the risk. I need the Hall of Gods to arrange for my departure as soon as possible.”

“Stay calm, Sir Prescott. This place is safe for now,” Mulder reassured him with a confident smile. “Besides, even if we’re planning to leave West Lucozia, we need a proper plan. Acting recklessly could lead to disaster.”

“So, what’s your plan?” Warrick asked, his gaze sharp.

“Since you’re now a fugitive, leaving West Lucozia through official channels is out of the question. Your only option is to cross the border in secret,” Mulder explained, taking a sip of tea.

“Sneak across the border?” Warrick frowned slightly. “If I remember correctly, Thaloria lies between West Lucozia and Artea. Wouldn’t that mean we’d have to go through Thaloria first?”

“Exactly.” Mulder nodded. “The Hall of Gods has a strong presence in Thaloria. Once you make it there, you won’t have to keep hiding. You’ll be free to travel openly to Artea and start fresh.”

“If that’s the case, then I have no complaints. But which route do you have in mind? How safe is it?” Warrick asked, his voice steady.

“I’ve narrowed it down to five lesser-known smuggling routes. Before making a final decision, I’ll send people to scout them out—just to be safe,” Mulder replied.

“Good. I like the way you handle things. Once I’m settled in Artea, you won’t go unrewarded,” Warrick said with a satisfied nod.

“In the meantime, you should get some rest. When the time is right, we’ll leave the country,” Mulder advised.

“Fine. Get me a room. I need a good night’s sleep. And tell everyone not to disturb me until I wake up.”

Now that he had escaped Celestria, the immediate danger had passed.

With Mulder handling the arrangements, there was nothing left for Warrick to worry about. At last, he could get some proper rest.