"Say that again?" Scarlet's expression was frosty. She pointed the tip of her sword against Natasha's throat. If she just pushed forward an inch more, Natasha would easily end up dead. "Hmm?" Natasha frowned at the sight of the blade against her throat. She hadn't expected Scarlet to have such a bad temper and draw her sword without a word. She was also certain that Scarlet was serious. If she provoked her further, she would be as good as dead. It seemed like she had met her match. This woman before her was harder to deal with than Dahlia. "Stop it!" Amid their deadlock, Dustin suddenly rushed in. "Dustin, you're here!" Scarlet immediately sheathed her sword. Her previous cold demeanor was replaced by a smile."Scarlet, what were you doing earlier?" Dustin frowned, evidently displeased. "Nothing, I was just joking around with Ms. Harmon," Scarlet said with a smile. "Joking around?" Dustin turned to Natasha and asked softly, "Are you hurt?""I'm fine. I was bored e
Half an hour later, two luxury cars slowly pulled up in front of A'roma. The doors opened, and Dustin and his group got off one after the other. A'roma was a newly opened restaurant. It was known for its excellent ambiance, service, and food. The restaurant had garnered favorable reviews. There were many high-ranking officials and prominent figures who frequented the place. They had made a prior reservation. Thus, a few senior waitresses promptly led Dustin and his group to the second floor. On the second floor was the VIP area. Regular VIP patrons sat in the main hall, with decorative screens placed between tables.Meanwhile, higher-tiered VIPs had private rooms. They enjoyed a better experience in terms of environment and services. "Ms. Harmon, this way, please." A senior waitress dressed in a white shirt smiled as she led the group. She brought them to the entrance of a private room named Celestial Room 3.She opened the door and was about to walk in when a woman dress
Dustin found it amusing. "Is this the kind of service A'roma provides? Requesting us to switch rooms for no apparent reason and not even being polite about it? "Are you trying to take advantage of your customers?"How were they supposed to enjoy their meal when they were being forced to switch rooms for a few people?"What exactly do you want, sir?" Sue was unhappy. "Are you saying you should be compensated? Fine, as long as you agree to switch rooms, I'll cover the cost of a complimentary fruit platter. That should do it, right?" She looked at him in disdain. "Firstly, I don't need compensation. Secondly, offering us a mere fruit platter as compensation? What do you take us for? Beggars?"In a restaurant, the customer usually came first. Yet, the woman before him seemed to ignore that completely. "You better not be difficult, sir. We have rules in this restaurant. If you're unhappy, you're always welcome to leave!" Sue was annoyed. Their restaurant was booming. Losing a f
"Ugh …" Sue couldn't breathe. As her feet dangled in the air, her face turned red. A sense of impending doom spread through her. She never expected the silent white-haired woman to be that strong. She was able to lift her up effortlessly with just one hand. She had no doubt that if the woman exert some force into it, her neck would snap."No need, just two slaps as a lesson will do," Dustin said."Okay." Scarlet nodded and delivered two hard slaps. The slaps left Sue dazed and disoriented. Her teeth were knocked out, and her nose was bleeding. After hitting her, Scarlet threw her out the door like a piece of trash.Sue coughed violently, and her face was pale and swollen. It took her a while to recover."You … you guys are too much! I will not let you get away with this!"Sue grimaced and made her way downstairs in a rush. However, as soon as she reached the foot of the staircase, she collided with a group of people. Tumbling to the ground, she let out cries of pain. "
Dustin got up from his seat slowly and turned to face them. When he saw Florence and her group, he was slightly taken aback. What a small world."Another one?" Natasha frowned when she noticed Dahlia. She hadn't even finished dealing with Scarlet, and now Dahlia had joined the scene. It felt like she was being played by some cosmic joke. "Dustin? It's you!" Florence's expression darkened after she took a good look at the person before her. "Why are you here? You're not tailing us, are you?""Don't overthink it. We're just here to have a meal," Dustin replied impassively."A meal? Hmph! Who knows if you're telling the truth."Florence was doubtful. "You must have heard about our newfound wealth and planned this coincidental meeting. I've encountered plenty of people like you! You're trying to find an opportunity to gain favor with us!""That's right!" Julie chimed in haughtily. "Rhys! I'm warning you to keep your distance! Our social status puts us way out of your leagu
Natasha and Dahlia locked eyes in a fierce standoff. Their gazes were engaged in an intense battle of wills. The two women each possessed a unique charm and captivating beauty. At that moment, they exhibited a strong desire to outdo each other. "Ms. Harmon, I'd rather not engage in a verbal confrontation with you. The truth speaks for itself. "You've occupied our room. If you refuse to leave, don't blame me for calling the cops," Dahlia spoke again. Her tone was calm but assertive."Feel free to call the cops." Natasha smiled weakly, showing no fear."Dahlia, these people are truly shameless. There's no need to be polite with them. Just have someone kick them out!" Florence was getting annoyed."That's right! This is clearly the room we reserved. What makes them think they can just occupy it forcefully? They're too much!" Julie chimed in.Right then, the restaurant's security personnel had gathered in the room. When Florence saw them, she yelled, "What are you doing just st
"I …" Sue was at a loss for words.She wanted to argue further but hesitated. She could sense that Dahlia had grown angry. "You useless trash!" Right then, Florence couldn't hold back any longer and slapped Sue across the face. She yelled, "You can't even secure us a room? What good are you for? You've made a fool out of me!""Madam Franklin, I'm sorry. I'm really sorry." Sue held her burning cheek. She held back her anger and apologized profusely, appearing extremely subservient. "What's the point of apologizing? How are you going to resolve this issue? Do you know that we have important guests arriving soon?" Florence snapped. This useless person not only failed in her task but also humiliated her in front of Dustin. It was simply unforgivable."Madam Franklin, why don't we head to Terra Room 1? The atmosphere there is quite pleasant," Sue suggested tentatively. Florence delivered another slap across her face. She roared, "Are you stupid? People of our stature should
Dustin found it amusing how arrogant Florence was behaving.From her actions and attire, Dustin guessed that she must have met a benefactor who had brought her entire family to immense riches. Not only were they rich now, but they also possessed power and status.She was already rude and haughty before they were rich and powerful. Now that they were, she went from bad to worse. But Dustin wasn't surprised that she'd act this way."Hey! I'm talking to you! Do you hear me? Name your price! I'm really busy and don't have time for your games!"Florence held a gold card between her fingers, looking every part a wealthy woman."I'm afraid you won't be able to afford the price I have in mind." Dustin shook his head."We can't afford it?" Florence broke out in cackles as she shot Dustin a ridiculous look."Hey Rhys! You really look down on us, don't you? Do you know our status now? Do you know how loaded we are?"See this gold card here? The amount I have in here is enough to shock y
"Get lost! I'm not in the mood for anything right now. If you want to eat, go on your own." Warrick snapped, looking annoyed."I'm not going either," Percival refused flatly. "I'm on a health regimen these days—only tea, no alcohol.""Fine. If you're going to wait, then keep waiting. I won't be sticking around." Huxley forced a smile and acted like he was about to leave.But as he turned, he almost bumped into Boston, who was approaching from the other direction."Sorry, Sir Thatcher! I hope I didn't startle you." Since he was surrounded by so many high-ranking officials, Boston was already on edge. He had momentarily spaced out and almost caused a mishap by running into Huxley, which left him flustered and a bit tongue-tied.Unlike the other generals, Boston didn't come from an influential background or have any powerful connections. He had worked his way up from the bottom, and the last thing he wanted was to offend Huxley and risk losing everything he had fought so hard for.
After parting ways with Boston, Jovian checked into a nearby hotel to await the good news. Boston wasted no time. After changing into a fresh set of clothes, he headed to the castle to deliver a letter of introduction. But when he arrived, he was stunned by what he saw.The gates of the West Lucozian monarchy had already gathered quite a few people, and among them were several figures he immediately recognized. These included Huxley Thatcher, the Commander of the Militia; Warrick Prescott, the Major General of the State Guard; and Percival Wentworth, the Chancellor of the National Academy.These three were first-ranking officials. In West Lucozia, they were nothing short of kingmakers who wielded immense power and influence. Warrick, in particular, was two ranks above Boston. Hence, he felt the need to be cautious in his presence and was eager not to make a bad impression.Alongside these three prominent figures, several second- and third-ranking officials also stood in line at
The following morning, Jovian stood at the entrance of West Lucozia Airport, wearing a sharp suit.Before the trip, he had contacted his comrade with whom he had fought side by side in the military. After earning military merit and with the Ballard family's influence, he was fortunate enough to stay in Oakvale and secure a decent position.His comrade, on the other hand, had moved to West Lucozia to carve out a life for himself. Years of hard work had paid off—he was now a third-rank general with considerable power, influence, and a strong network of connections. Jovian's meeting with the Prince of West Lucozia would depend entirely on his comrade's connections.Just then, the roar of an engine cut through the air as a military jeep pulled up beside him. The window rolled down, and the first thing that came into view was a bald head gleaming in the sunlight like a lightbulb. The glare nearly blinded him.Under that shiny dome was a face that looked ordinary at first glance. But w
"Grandfather, I understand why you sent Uncle Jonathan and Uncle Jensen to the Spanner and Fallon families to gather information," Natasha began. "But West Lucozia is thousands of miles away."She shook her head slightly. "They've always stayed out of the government's political matters. Sending Uncle Jovian there wouldn't achieve anything. He'd likely just be turned away." Oakvale and West Lucozia were worlds apart. The fight for the Oakvale throne didn't really affect the West Lucozian monarchy. Both sides had long adhered to an unspoken agreement to avoid meddling in each other's affairs."I know, but it'll be different this time. The royal throne is at stake, and every faction will do whatever it takes to secure West Lucozia's support. If the West Lucozian monarchy picks a side, the balance we've maintained for years will collapse. That's why I need to be ready for whatever happens," Simon replied.It would be best if the West Lucozian monarchy stayed out of the political strug
At the Ballard estate, Dustin was warmly welcomed to stay after dinner. This was the first time Natasha had brought her boyfriend home, so the Ballards made a big deal of it.Simon personally accompanied the young couple and invited them to the study to chat over tea. With his sharp eye, Simon could tell Dustin was no ordinary martial artist. His manners, speech, and broad knowledge set him apart from most people."Dustin, I fully support your relationship with Natasha. Your background or status doesn't matter. What matters most is that you two are happy together." Simon paused and said earnestly, "I want you to understand that she's been pampered all her life and hasn't faced much hardship. Now that she's with you, I hope you'll take good care of her.""Don't worry, Mr. Ballard. I would never let her down," Dustin replied sincerely.Though they had known each other for some time and hadn't yet taken their relationship to the next level, they had already made their feelings clear
After hearing Nathaniel's words, Tristan's expression darkened. His brow furrowed as he sank into deep thought.It seemed he had underestimated the situation. He had assumed it was just a simple rivalry between brothers; he hadn't anticipated Seamus seizing the chance to further his own agenda.Seamus already wielded considerable influence. Under the guise of supporting Matthias' ascension to the throne, he had been forming alliances and recruiting talents. His influence had grown to rival the royal family's.If Seamus really supported Matthias' ascension, he'd overshadow the king, and no one would be able to stop him. The worst-case scenario would be Seamus using Matthias as a puppet to overthrow the House of Linsor."Nathaniel, is everything you said true?" Tristan frowned."Absolutely. Every word," Nathaniel replied solemnly. "Of course, if you don't believe me, you can send someone to investigate.""I believe you. But… taking down Seamus won't be easy. Do you have a plan?" Tr
An hour later, Nathaniel quietly entered a private mansion wearing a disguise.Inside the living room, Tristan had already prepared tea and refreshments. He looked as if he had been waiting for a long time."Sorry to have kept you waiting, Tristan." Nathaniel took off his coat and walked forward with a smile."No need to apologize. I'm happy that you made the effort to arrange this. A few extra minutes are nothing, especially since it's rare for us to meet." Tristan gestured for him to sit while he poured two cups of tea and handed one to his brother.Nathaniel accepted the cup and discreetly set it aside. Whenever he was out, he was always cautious about food and drink—this wariness had become second nature."You asked to meet me on short notice. Is this about official matters or something personal?" Tristan took a sip from his cup and got straight to the point."Both," Nathaniel replied, still smiling."Oh?" Tristan raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear it, then.""Given how things
In another luxurious mansion in the Inner City, a female spy dressed in black, cloaked in a hood, was reporting the results of her investigation to Nathaniel."Your Highness, the Moseys have been particularly active recently and are rallying allies. Many of the eight great families and other influential factions have already allied with them. If left unchecked, they'll pose a serious threat to us," she said, kneeling with her head lowered slightly."So the Moseys are backing Matthias, huh?" Nathaniel sat quietly, his expression unreadable."The Moseys have grand ambitions. While they claim to support Prince Matthias, they're merely setting him up as a puppet to rise to power and expand their own influence," she revealed.She had been infiltrating the Moseys' mansion for years and had gained a deep understanding of their operations, from the smallest details to the key players.Though Seamus appeared as a benevolent philanthropist, it was all a façade. Behind closed doors, he was r
That night, two young men sat playing chess inside a secluded mansion in the Inner City. On the left was Anders, who had visited the Ballard estate earlier. Across from him sat Matthias, a broad-shouldered man dressed in richly adorned robes.The game was intense, with fast moves followed by moments of deep thought. About ten minutes later, Anders finally conceded defeat."Anders, you've really improved since we last played. You almost had me there," Matthias said, stroking his beard in mild surprise."You flatter me, Your Highness. My chess skills are nothing compared to yours. If you hadn't gone easy on me, I wouldn't have lasted half as long," Anders replied with a modest smile."You're as smooth with words as ever." Matthias let out a hearty laugh with a look of smug satisfaction. Winning was in his nature—whether in war or on the chessboard, defeat was not an option."Well, we've eaten, and we've played. Let's get to business." With a wave of his hand, he signaled his men t