A red carpet was stretched from the house's entrance to the reception hall.Today marked the official announcement of Trent's position as the patriarch of the Harmon family. It was previously acknowledged within the family but was now being publicly declared. The Harmon family extended invitations to many guests and organized a banquet.Anyone who had good relations with the Harmon family or wished to gain favor with them made their way to congratulate them. The change in leadership meant that other influential families or figures would need to realign themselves with the Harmon family.…Meanwhile, Trent and the core members of the Harmon family gathered inside the conference room.Compared to before, the number of people present had significantly decreased.After the recent change, nearly half of the core members had been marginalized. Most people in the room were Trent's trusted inner circle and allies."Trent, after today, you'll be widely recognized as the patriarch of
"What the heck! What is this?"When the severed head rolled out, everyone was shocked. They instinctively backed away. Their shock only increased after they comprehended the situation.Today was supposed to be a joyous day for Trent, but someone dared to send such a gruesome gift. Were they trying to offend Trent?No!It was a provocation!"Who is it? How dare someone send me a severed head?" Trent seethed with anger.His mood was ruined instantly."You worthless piece of trash! How could you be so careless?" Furious, Jacob slapped the butler hard.As a butler of the Harmon family, he had been negligent and delivered the gift without inspecting it. What if it was a bomb?"I—I thought it was just an ordinary guest. I never expected this." The butler knelt on the ground and trembled.The person was smiling when he passed the butler the gift. So the butler thought it was a guest trying to get on the family head's good side. Who would have thought there was a severed head ins
Dustin just replied with a single word."Thanks." The girl in the blue dress smiled and motioned for her friends to sit. She thought, "This seems to be the only place with many empty seats. He looks friendly, so sitting with him shouldn't be an issue." "Hey, I'm Livia, and these are my friends, Leah and Quinton. What's yours?""We just met, so there's no need for names," Dustin replied bluntly. He was on a mission, not here to socialize.His rudeness caught Livia off guard.But Leah couldn't hold back and confronted him. "Hey, watch your tone. We're just asking for your name! "What's the big deal about that? You're not even dressed like a rich man. What makes you think you can act so high and mighty?"Quinton chimed in, "Yeah, you're not exactly dressed to impress. It's an honor for you to meet us.""It's ok, let's all forget about it." Livia tried to defuse the situation.But Leah couldn't let it go and snapped. "You can't give in to a loser like him, Liv. It's clear he d
Dustin's remark caught Livia, Leah, and Quinton off guard, leaving them puzzled."Hey, what are you babbling about? Who's going to die?" Leah raised an eyebrow and wondered if he had lost his mind."Are you jealous of Dylan, dude? You're saying nonsense now because you know he's better than you," Quinton remarked."Hmph, you know you're worthless, yet you badmouth someone you're jealous of. You're just a petty bastard!" Leah could not stand petty people like Dustin."Hey, if you've got something to say, say it to Dylan's face. What's the point of talking behind someone's back?" Quinton taunted."Yeah, be upfront and confront Dylan like a real man, not a coward," Leah added.While Livia remained silent, she shook her head in frustration. She found Dustin's behavior irritating.Ignoring their remarks, Dustin picked up a wine bottle and weighed it in his hand. Then, he shouted, "Dylan Harmon!"Dylan turned to locate the source of the voice. Suddenly, a wine bottle crashed onto his
"Unbelievable!""This is outrageous!""You have the nerve to mess with the Harmon family. You must have a death wish!"The startled guests shouted and protested.The commotion drew the guards' attention, who surrounded the area.Dylan sneered at Dustin. "You've got some nerve attacking me. If your bodyguard was here, you might have a chance. But going up against me alone is just asking for death!"Despite his previous loss to Cornelius, Dylan remained confident in defeating Dustin. Among his peers, he believed only Tyler could pose a challenge."Kid, today marks my ascent as the Patriarch. I don't want bloodshed, so surrender now," Trent shouted at Dustin. He knew Dustin's skills and gangs, but it was nothing compared to the Harmon family's forces. Besides, he had the support of the Grants."Dylan's life ends today, and anyone who intervenes will die too!" Dustin proclaimed."How dare you!" Trent barked at his guards, "Grab him!""Wait!" Dylan stepped forward. "Uncle Tr
"What happened?" The sight of the unconscious Dylan shocked everyone. Nobody expected the high-ranking commander of the Dark Panther Cavalry to lose. Everyone expected him to win, but the outcome was unexpected."Is this a dream? Did Dylan actually lose?" Quinton struggled to accept reality. He had anticipated Dustin's defeat, not him winning."How can this be? It's unbelievable." Leah stared in disbelief. She couldn't understand how someone as insignificant as Dustin could defeat Dylan."Wow! Is he that strong?" Livia's eyes widened in amazement. At first, she underestimated Dustin, but now she acknowledged his skills.Trent's eyebrows furrowed in surprise, "I didn't expect this kid to be a master level." While he had seen Dustin's amazing medical abilities, he was unaware of his martial arts skills.Jacob was shocked by the sudden turn of events. "My son lost?" He could accept if Dylan lost to Tyler but not to Dustin.Amid the stunned onlookers, Dustin strode forwar
Upon receiving Trent's orders, the Harmon family guards and the elite shadow guards took action."Quick! Seal off all exits and ensure this kid doesn't get away!""Acting so boldly on the Harmon family's grounds? He must have a death wish!"The guards quickly blocked all escape routes and surrounded Dustin.As Dustin exited the reception hall, he could feel the hostile stares of the guards on him. He guessed there were around two hundred of them, including Dylan's Dark Panther Cavalry soldiers. "Rhys! Release my son now, or you'll pay with your life!" Jacob yelled angrily."You're trapped, there's no escape. Release Dylan, and maybe I'll spare you," Trent warned."I only want Dylan. The rest of you can step back!" Dustin stated firmly."You're standing at death's door and don't even realize it. Look around and see who's in charge!" Trent threatened. Trent knew Dustin could not win against so many armed guards, no matter how skilled he was."Even though this kid managed to t
Dylan was stunned and muttered, "Again?"He was worried about Trent's impulsive decisions since the previous shots had missed Dustin completely.Jacob urged. "Trent, you've got to stay calm! Dyl's life is on the line here!" He wanted to prevent Trent from losing his temper and accidentally shooting Dylan."I'm concerned about Dyl's safety too. But have you considered our family's reputation if we let this kid escape?" Trent argued."This kid isn't a pushover. We should consider bringing in the aces," Jacob whispered."Aces? Where can we find them on such short notice? I say we take him down now." Trent insisted.Then, Jacob proposed a different approach. "But before we resort to that, let me try talking to him first. It's best if we can resolve this without violence."Trent took a deep breath and yielded. "You've got three minutes.""Okay." Jacob nodded and turned to Dustin. "Listen, you need to stop right now. There's no way you'll make it out of here alive today. But if y
Austin's words were strong and commanding, each one landing like a thunderclap.Warrick felt the weight of his presence. His brow furrowed for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. He glanced at the so-called evidence on the floor, showing no sign of panic or guilt. Instead, he said indifferently, "Your Highness, these dead men were nothing more than ants. Is this really worth making such a fuss over? I doubt you haven't killed anyone before."As the old saying went, the higher one climbed, the heavier one's purse. Warrick had clawed his way up, risking his life at every step for the sake of rising above the masses. Everyone had their own desires—some sought fame, others fortune. Some were greedy for money, some for power, and others reveled in the adoration of the masses. To achieve those things, one inevitably had to engage in shady dealings. It was an unspoken rule among officials, and Warrick saw nothing wrong with it."Ants?" Austin sneered. "Without these 'ant
The ashen-faced Huxley was dragged away. With his crimes exposed, his fate was sealed. His entire family would be implicated, and their assets would be seized.Those guilty would be punished, and even those who had merely benefited from his corruption would be held accountable. To put it bluntly, Huxley's entire family was about to be annihilated.Austin issued his next order once the bloodstains were cleaned up. "Axel, it's time to bring in the mastermind."With Huxley dealt with, the next step was to confront Warrick. Unlike Huxley, Warrick wouldn't be easy to deal with. After all, he commanded a large number of troops. If backed into a corner, he could become a major threat."Understood!" Axel responded respectfully, then turned to his subordinates. "Gather more men and come with me."Warrick had earned his prestigious position through years of fierce battles. On the battlefield, he was a one-man army, a warrior capable of taking on thousands. His strength was beyond what mos
"You bastard! With all this evidence in front of you, what do you have to say for yourself?" Austin barked."Your Highness, please let me explain…" Huxley broke out in a cold sweat, his voice trembling with panic."This is a lie. Someone's trying to frame me! I've always followed the law—how could I possibly be involved in something so vile?""The evidence is right in front of you, and you're still trying to weasel out of it?" Austin shot back. "Looks like you won't confess until death is knocking at your door."He raised his hand and ordered, "Guards, throw him into Grimhold Keep. Use whatever means necessary—let's see how long he keeps up this act.""Yes, Your Highness."A squad of enforcement team members rushed in and surrounded Huxley.Cornered, Huxley finally lost his nerve. He dropped to his knees with a thud and begged, "Your Highness, I admit I made a grave mistake."His voice cracked as he continued, "I wasn't thinking clearly at the time. Please, for the sake of my y
Night had fallen. Austin sat in the meeting room, quietly reading a book as he waited for the results of the investigation.After successfully turning Percival against his allies, it was only a matter of time before they uncovered solid evidence of Warrick and Huxley's crimes.For years, the castle had turned a blind eye to their shady dealings. After all, corruption among officials was nothing new.But this time was different. The two had secretly orchestrated Jovian's murder, a direct challenge to the authority and dignity of the royal family. Such defiance couldn't be ignored. If Austin didn't set an example, others would surely follow."Your Highness!"Axel burst into the meeting room, panting heavily. He had clearly run the whole way to avoid any delay.Austin set his book aside and asked calmly, "Well? How did it go?""Your Highness, we've completely shut down all of Warrick and Huxley's illicit operations. Every hidden network they had built over the years has also been d
At that moment, Percival truly panicked. Earlier, he had only worried about being implicated. But now, faced with such a serious accusation, he was completely caught off guard."Hmph! The evidence is irrefutable, and you still dare deny it? Do you want me to torture the truth out of you?" Austin barked."Your Highness, I'm innocent!" Percival was so terrified he was on the verge of tears. He raised his hand and swore, "If I had anything to do with Jovian's death, may I be damned for eternity.""If swearing oaths proved innocence, we wouldn't need an enforcement team," Austin said coldly. "Out of respect for your years of service to West Lucozia, I'll give you a chance to come clean and receive a lighter sentence. Tell the truth now, or I'll throw you into Grimhold Keep."At the mention of Grimhold Keep, Percival began to shake uncontrollably. Tears and snot ran down his face as he wailed, "Your Highness, I swear I didn't do anything. Who's the bastard making up these accusations?
Ten minutes later, Warrick was escorted out of Room A1 again.Axel's demeanor had completely changed since their first meeting, and he had become unusually warm."Sir Prescott, Lord Austin has concluded the investigation. It turns out this matter has nothing to do with you. We made a mistake earlier, and I apologize for any offense caused." He smiled apologetically and spoke with a humble tone."Hm?" Seeing the fawning expression on Axel's face, Warrick raised an eyebrow and looked surprised. Just moments ago, the two sides had been at each other's throats. What had caused such a sudden change?"Did you really investigate it thoroughly?" Warrick asked tentatively."Of course! According to our findings, Jovian's disappearance was the result of a personal vendetta from his enemies in Oakvale," Axel said with a straight face.He continued, "He was a tyrant and always stirring up trouble everywhere he went. He got what was coming to him. Lord Austin only launched the investigation
"After you, Sir Prescott." With one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, Axel's other hand gestured toward the door."Hmph!" Warrick shot a cold glance at Axel's subtle movement and then turned to leave the meeting room.Even if Austin had his suspicions, Warrick knew he couldn't do anything to him without concrete evidence.Axel escorted Warrick back to Room A1. After closing the door, he went to Room A2 and led Huxley to the meeting room."Your Highness, it is my privilege to stand before you." Huxley entered the meeting room with a respectful salute."Mr. Thatcher, please take a seat." Austin's face remained neutral as he gestured for Huxley to sit, then motioned for Axel to pour him a cup of tea."Do you know why I've summoned you here today?" Austin spoke calmly, and his words carried the same probing tone as earlier."Is it about Jovian's disappearance?" Huxley asked in return."Oh? It seems you're quick on the uptake." Austin raised an eyebrow. "In that case, g
The enforcement team worked with remarkable efficiency. Within an hour, Huxley, Warrick, and Percival had been brought back to the castle.Per Austin's instructions, Axel made sure the three met briefly upon arrival, though they were given no opportunity to speak to one another. Afterward, they were taken to separate rooms and were guarded individually.Due to their status, the enforcement team treated them with respect, offering them tea and wine. However, they weren't allowed to leave their rooms and had to wait for Austin to summon them.Warrick was confined to Room A1, Huxley to Room A2, and Percival to Room A3. Their rooms were right next to each other, separated only by thin walls. If they stepped out, they would see one another, but none of them knew how close they were.This, of course, was all part of Austin's plan. He knew that extracting the truth from these three cunning foxes would require unconventional tactics.…Inside Room A1, Warrick sat calmly, sipping his te
"Hm?"Even Warrick frowned at the news.The royal enforcement team was rarely mobilized. When they did, it was always for something monumental. The question was, did a minor figure like Jovian Ballard really warrant such attention from Austin?"Mr. Thatcher, are you sure the royal enforcement team has been mobilized? And it's because of Jovian?" Warrick asked skeptically."Of course I'm sure," Huxley replied with a grave expression. "I've just received orders from above. The enforcement team captain will be taking over my duties temporarily. From now on, they'll have full control over the city's defense and investigative operations.""That's strange. Why would Lord Austin go to such lengths for someone so insignificant?" Warrick was confused, his brow furrowing.According to his intel, this was the first time Jovian and Austin had even met. Even if they had crossed paths before, it shouldn't have been enough to justify deploying the enforcement team.It seemed Warrick had undere