Chapter 1786 by Marina Vittori
An Understated Dominance
At this moment, Dustinâs eyes burned with determination. His eyes reflected a silent resolve. Though once estranged from his father, the passage of time had woven a deeper comprehension of the choices he made.
Particularly upon learning of his fatherâs deteriorating health and limited time, any residual discord had gracefully dissipated.
His singular aspiration now was to address the concerns surrounding the Dragon Guard. Then, in his fatherâs remaining days, he would do his duty as a son with utmost sincerity. 3
Unexpectedly, a tragedy struck, and now his father fell victim to an assailant before their reunion. This sudden and devastating event left him profoundly shaken.
âCelestial Blade!â Dustin roared in a burst of emotion, beckoning the Celestial Blade to his side, readying himself for the challenges outside.
Fueled by the profound grief of the loss of his father, he was determined to eradicate every remnant of the Dragon Guard.
âYour Highness! Please calm down!â Seeing Dustin on the brink of emotional turmoil, Rodrigo quickly stepped in, halting his advance.
In a somber tone, he advised, âThe Dragon Guard is well-prepared. Charging out recklessly wonât bring justice for your father. It might only put you in harmâs way.â
âStep aside!â Dustinâs eyes blazed with anger as the Celestial Bladeâs edge pressed against Rodrigoâs neck. There was a sharp cut, creating a small wound where blood trickled out.
âYour Highness! Even if you kill me, I must stop you. I cannot watch you head straight to death!â Rodrigo declared.
âHis Highness is gone, and you cannot afford any mishaps. Our efforts will be in vain if you jeopardize yourself.â
Rodrigo bravely stood in front of Dustin, ready to face the consequences.
Dustin clenched his teeth, his sword trembling mildly. After a few tense moments, Dustin took a deep breath and lowered the blade. Rodrigo was right; he needed to remain calm.
With Rufus dead, the castle was undoubtedly in a state of chaos.
The remnants of the Dragon Guard would likely make their move. Losing his composure now would hinder his revenge and put him in danger.
To neutralize the remnants of the Dragon Guard, he understood the importance of restraint.
The timing was crucial-waiting for the opportune moment when the vulnerabilities of the Dragon Guard would reveal themselves. Only then would he unleash a precise and decisive strike.
âWhatâs the situation at the castle now?
âDustin asked with a stern tone.
âThe castle is on lockdown, only allowing entry, not exit. Theyâre probably searching for the traitor,â Rodrigo replied solemnly.
âHis Highnessâs death was too sudden. The assassins couldnât have infiltrated the castle so easily without an inside connection.â
âWho do you think the traitor could be? âDustin inquired.
âItâs hard to say,â Rodrigo shook his head. âFor the assassins to infiltrate the castle, the traitor must have significant authority.
âEveryone from the castle steward Albert to the captain of the royal guards, Jaxon, and even lower-ranked officers is under suspicion.â
âWhat about Eloise?â Dustin raised an eyebrow.
âHer Highness?â Rodrigoâs eyes constricted. Then, he quickly denied, âHighly unlikely. If she were the traitor, she would have struck long ago.
âBesides, as the eldest princess of Dragonmarsh, she has no motive, both publicly and privately, to do such a thing.â
âI guess Iâm letting my imagination run wild.â Dustin nodded.
Since the betrayal by Cinna, he couldnât help but harbor suspicion toward everyone. Even though he knew Eloise was the least likely culprit, he still couldnât shake off the habit of thinking the worst.
âRodrigo, can you arrange a disguise for me so that I can infiltrate the castle? I want to see him one last time,â Dustin suddenly requested.
âThisâ¦â Rodrigo furrowed his brow, hesitating. He feared that Dustin might lose control, creating more problems.
âDonât worry, Iâve regained my composure. I know what to do. I just want to go in and take a look. I wonât expose my identity,â Dustin assured solemnly.