An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2522

The unrest in West Lucozia finally came to an end with Warrick’s capture.

Every official linked to his treason was thoroughly investigated. Those who warranted arrest were taken into custody, while the truly guilty were executed.

Following the purge, over 300 officials were removed from their positions. The corrupt were imprisoned, and those with severe offenses faced execution.

Under Austin’s iron-fisted reforms, West Lucozia’s government was completely transformed. Corruption, bribery, and the web of illegal dealings were swept away like dust in the wind.

Citizens quickly noticed the change. When visiting government offices, they no longer encountered delays, refusals, or demands for bribes.

Long-neglected public concerns finally gained traction, thanks to the efforts of newly appointed officials. Progress could be seen across all sectors.

Far from fearing the crackdown, the people welcomed it. The corrupt officials who had bled the system dry were gone, and Austin had become the people’s champion.

His reputation soared.

No one had expected the once-disgraced playboy to become a respected and capable leader.

After spending three days in West Lucozia, Dustin returned to Oakvale.

Austin had hoped to join him for a brief escape, but Dustin immediately rejected the idea.

With Rufus still bedridden and Eloise preoccupied with his care, the entire castle fell under Austin’s responsibility. If he left now, chaos might follow.

Dustin firmly stopped him from abandoning his duties and left quietly.

After all, Austin was the future prince of West Lucozia. He had responsibilities to uphold.

Dustin, by contrast, thrived in the free-spirited life of the martial world. Still, if Austin ever needed him, he would be there.

Before leaving, Dustin casually asked Austin how the castle intended to position itself amid the growing power struggle within Aylka.

He wanted to know which prince West Lucozia would support for the throne—an issue that was on everyone’s mind.

Austin’s response was simple: “Whoever you support, we support too.”

The answer caught Dustin off guard. Being asked to represent the West Lucozian monarchy was no small thing, and the weight of that trust began to settle on his shoulders.

He had no desire to be entangled in political struggles. But with Natasha on one side and West Lucozia on the other, staying neutral was no longer an option.

After all, Dragonmarsh’s future rested in the hands of its next king. If they chose the right ruler, the nation would flourish, West Lucozia would remain secure, and Natasha’s family could rise to new heights.

But backing the wrong prince could lead to devastating consequences.

Dustin knew he needed to think long and hard before making any decision.

Upon returning to Oakvale, he went straight to the Ballard estate and handed Simon the urn containing Jovian’s ashes.

Simon broke down in tears, and the rest of the family was overcome with grief.

For the past few days, the Ballards had been anxious but hopeful, believing that Jovian had merely gone missing or had been abducted and was still alive.

But now, with the urn in their hands, their final shred of hope was extinguished. No one had expected Jovian’s journey to West Lucozia to end in tragedy.

“This is all my fault… I never should’ve let him leave Oakvale…” Simon sobbed.

Overwhelmed by guilt, he clutched the urn and wept bitterly before suddenly collapsing.

The Ballard estate was thrown into chaos.

Dustin quickly checked on Simon’s condition.

Thankfully, there was no serious medical issue—he had simply been overcome by grief and fury.

With Simon unconscious, Jonathan stepped up and took charge of the arrangements. A funeral was planned for Jovian, and following tradition, the coffin would remain in the mourning hall for three days so visitors could pay their respects.

Throughout those three days, guests came and went.

Jovian, a third-rank military officer, wasn’t the most powerful man in Oakvale, but he was widely respected.

Combined with his father’s noble title as the Duke of Lachshire, the funeral drew a number of high-ranking guests who came to offer their condolences.

Jovian’s wife sat silently beside the coffin, quietly sobbing. Her eyes were red and swollen from days of weeping. Their two children, both in their early twenties, stood solemnly at her side.

As each visitor entered the mourning hall to pay their respects, Jovian’s wife and children bowed their heads in acknowledgment.

“Announcing the arrival of His Royal Highness, Prince Tristan.”

Just as mourners were immersed in their sorrow, a voice rang out from the entrance of the mourning hall.

A tall, distinguished young man entered, accompanied by several officials. It was the eldest prince—Tristan Linsor.

His appearance caused everyone to pause and turn toward him. A mixture of surprise, reverence, and curiosity filled their expressions.

It was rare for someone of Tristan’s rank to attend such an event. His presence at Jovian’s funeral was completely unexpected, leaving the room in stunned silence.