Subtle Command

“Well... sthings are better left unsaid, but | believe you understand what I'm getting at,” Percival said

gravely.

“I'm afraid | don’t, Mr. Wentworth. You'll have to forgive my ignorance.” Jovian’s tone was measured and

composed.

“You...” Percival’s expression darkened.

Judging by Jovian’s demeanor when he first arrived, Percival had assumed that he was someone who knew how

to read between the lines. Yet now, he was feigning ignorance, making it clear that he wasn’t taking Percival

seriously.

“Enough, Mr. Wentworth. Lethandle this.”

Warrick took over the conversation and got straight to the point. “Jovian, right? Let's not waste time. We know

why you're here. The only question is-what have you found out?”

“And what kind of information are you referring to, Sir Prescott?” Jovian asked.

Warrick slammed a palm onto the table, and his face darkened. “Don’t play dumb with me, brat. | don’t have

tfor games. If you don’t start talking, don’t blme if | stop showing the Ballard family any respect.”

As he spoke, an oppressive force exploded from his body and crashed into Jovian.

To rise to the rank of Major General in the State Guard of West Lucozia, one needed more than just an impressive

military record-immense personal strength was essential. The sheer pressure of a developed grandmaster’s

presence was something few could withstand.

Jovian’s breath caught as if a boulder had settled on his chest. But he remained composed, showing no sign of

fear. He picked up his teacup and took a slow sip, though the faint tremor in his fingers betrayed the immense

pressure bearing down on him.

“Sir Prescott, is this a dinner invitation or an interrogation?” he asked coolly. “My family may not be among the

great families, but we're not pushovers. If this is how the conversation will go, | see no reason to continue.”

“How dare you!” Warrick’s glare was fierce, and his voice cracked like thunder. ” You're just a low-ranking officer,

yet you dare speak tolike this? Do you have no respect for authority? | could charge you with insubordination

right now.”

“Insubordination?” Jovian chuckled.

He continued, “Firstly, you're a Major General in West Lucozia, and I'm a government official in Oakvale. You

have no jurisdiction over me.

“Secondly, we're not in a government office. We're in a restaurant. Rank doesn’t mean a damn thing here. And

thirdly, have | done anything out of line since | walked in? What grounds do you have to accuseof

insubordination?”

“You...” Warrick’s face twisted with rage. His chest heaved, his eyes burned with fury, and his killing intent

flooded the room.

The temperature plummeted, and frost crept over the wine bottles on the table.

Huxley remained unfazed, but Percival was visibly shivering though he dared not speak.

Jovian said, “Of course, with your authority as the Major General, you could fabricate a charge and throwin a

cell. I wouldn't put it past you.”

Then, his tone shifted slightly. “But before you do, letremind you. I'm a guest of the castle. Tomorrow, | have

an audience with Lord Austin. If you arresttonight, how exactly do you plan to explain that to His Highness?”

Warrick’s expression turned even darker. ” Are you threatening me?”

“I wouldn't dare. I'm merely reminding you,” Jovian replied evenly.

“You've got snerve,” Warrick growled through clenched teeth, appearing menacing.

He hadn't taken Jovian seriously before, but now, he had to consider the consequences of acting rashly.

Firstly, Jovian was a direct heir of the Ballard family. Detaining him wouldn't be easy to justify.

Secondly, Jovian was right. He had been personally invited to the castle and had spoken at length with Austin. If

they arrested Jovian the moment he left, Austin would not take it lightly, especially with his temperament.

Despite his burning anger, Warrick couldn’t afford to act recklessly. But he had already made his threats, and if

Jovian didn’t back down, it would be a blow to his pride.

“Mr. Prescott, there's no need to take it so seriously.”

As the tension in the room thickened, Huxley quickly intervened to defuse the situation. “We're just here for a

casual dinner, not an interrogation. No need to intimidate our guests. Please, have a seat.”

He poured Warrick a cup of tea before turning to Jovian, his smile warm. “Mr. Jovian, he was just joking. No hard

feelings, alright? Here, have stea.”

“Yes... It's just a joke,” Percival quickly added.

Warrick shot them both a cold glare but took the opportunity to step back without pressing further.

None of them had anticipated Jovian to stand his ground like this, much less brush off their threats. He not only

withstood their pressure but also countered it with reason. This left them no room to act against him.

If they had underestimated him earlier, they now saw that this seemingly ordinary middle-aged man was far

from weak. In this first confrontation, they had been completely outmatched.

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