An Understated Dominance (Maria Vittori) novel Chapter 2024

Dustin had just slammed the door and was about to climb into bed to meditate when he noticed a woman in his room.

The woman wore a veil and a hood, obscuring her features, leaving only her lively eyes visible. She gave off an air of graceful nobility that was hard to look away from.

She was none other than Grace.

"Hmm? When did you come in?" Dustin was puzzled and slightly surprised.

He had been preoccupied with Sophia and didn't notice when Grace entered.

"Dustin, I'm lonely and scared to be left alone at night. Can you keep me company?" Grace teased, imitating Sophia's tone.

"Can you be more serious? You're a princess, for god's sake…" Dustin rolled his eyes.

Grace laughed. "Oh, Dustin, I didn't expect you to be so popular with the girls. Even beautiful women are willingly offering themselves to you."

She added, "If it had been me, I would have taken advantage of the opportunity. After all, there's no harm in accepting, or do you prefer to have them suspect you of having different preferences."

"Do you think I'm that easy?" Dustin chuckled dryly.

He then poured two cups of tea and handed the first cup to Grace. "Alright, tell me. What brings you here at this late hour?"

"Nothing much. I just wanted to let you know we've been targeted," Grace said.

She brought the cup of tea to her lips and blew on it gently before continuing, "Earlier, when Mr. Will was patrolling, he noticed someone lurking around our inn and acting suspiciously. They're clearly up to no good."

"Oh? Is that so?"

Dustin walked to the window. Gently lifting a corner of the curtain, he peeked outside. As expected, he noticed several people lingering around their inn. They seemed to be spying on them.

"Who are these people?" Dustin asked.

"Oh? May I know what your plan is, Master Peach?" Sophia was curious.

"I've already reached out to various factions, including the Embersteel Order, to form an alliance and seize the treasure together. After our success, we'd only take the Spirit Core, leaving the lesser gains for our allies," Bertha said, confident with her plan.

"Great idea!" Sophia's eyes lit up.

"We'll allow them to face the risks ahead while we wait to reap the benefits. This way, we not only minimize our losses but also maximize our gains."

"Relying solely on our combined forces may not be enough. That is why I've prepared Tranqurin specifically to deal with that young grandmaster."

As Bertha explained, she took out a black porcelain bottle from her pocket.

She continued with a cold smile, "With this treasure, even if that young grandmaster has incredible skills, it won't help him at all!"