“Your Highness! Please mind your words,” Jovian quickly cautioned. He glanced around nervously, as if afraid someone might be eavesdropping.
Speculating on Valon’s fate in private was an act of grave disrespect. If someone with a hidden agenda spread this information, a ruined reputation would be the least of their concerns-what came after would be far worse.
“Relax, Mr. Jovian. We’re in West Lucozia, not Oakvale. Here, we can say whatever we want without worry.” Austin smiled faintly, showing no concern.
These were well-known facts, so what was the harm in saying them out loud? Keeping quiet wouldn’t change a thing, anyway. What a joke.
“Ahem… perhaps I was overthinking it.” Jovian let out an awkward chuckle. He knew Austin wasn’t wrong, but his cautious nature kept him from discussing Valon’s affairs too openly.
“Honestly, a lot of people have been showing up in West Lucozia lately. There’s a whole group standing outside right now, and they’re all here for the same reason as you.
“They’re trying to figure out whether we have any hidden ambitions and whether we’ll interfere with Oakvale’s affairs.” Austin took a sip of tea and deliberately paused for effect.
“Oh? And have you given them an answer, Your Highness?” Jovian asked tentatively.
“An answer? Hell no!” Austin sneered. “I haven’t given those people outside a second thought. Who do they think they are? Do they even have the right to probe us?”
Jovian shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
“Well, you’re different,” Austin continued smoothly. “You’re a distinguished guest of our family. Those nobodies outside aren’t even worth comparing to you.”
Jovian didn’t know how to respond. He could only smile awkwardly.
Austin added, “Honestly, who rises to power and claims the throne in Oakvale has nothing to do with us. Even if blood spills in the streets, it won’t affect West Lucozia. We have no interest in meddling in others affairs.”
The Rhys family’s influence was firmly rooted in West Lucozia, which differed from Oakvale. Over the years, the two regions had an unspoken understanding or rule not to interfere with each other’s affairs.
“That may be true. But the more powerful you are, the more eyes are on you. Even if the West Lucozian monarchy stays out of it, people will still be watching. The ones out there are a perfect example of that,” Jovian said.
More often than not, circumstances forced action, whether one decided to take a side or not.
“That brings me to something I’m curious about. What’s your family’s stance on all this?” Austin suddenly asked.
“Huh? Us?” Jovian was momentarily caught off guard. He hadn’t expected the conversation to turn toward him.
After a brief moment of contemplation, he said, “Frankly, we’re just as troubled by this situation. We’re caught in a tough spot and can’t make a move. As the saying goes, one wrong step and everything falls apart. We can’t afford to take any risks.” He let out a weary sigh.
Trapped in the power struggle with no control over the outcome, they had no choice but to tread carefully.
“I see.” Austin nodded knowingly. “You came to West Lucozia hoping we’d show you the way forward, right?”
“You are wise, Your Highness!” Jovian immediately stood and saluted. “If you could provide some guidance and help our family out of this predicament, we would be forever grateful.”
“I wouldn’t call it guidance, but we can certainly exchange insights.” Austin smiled faintly. “There’s no need for your family to worry too much. Like they say, when the time comes, everything will fall into place. When that moment arrives, a savior will step in to resolve your troubles.”
“A savior?” Jovian frowned in confusion. ” I’m not sure who you mean, Your Highness. 11
Only a handful of people in Oakvale had the power to change the outcome. Who could possibly be the Ballard family’s “savior”?
“Some things can’t be revealed just yet,” Austin said cryptically. “But when the time is right, you’ll know.”
His vague response only made Jovian more restless. Austin had said a lot, yet somehow, he had revealed nothing. Jovian had come to find a solution, but with each passing moment, it felt like more questions were piling up.
“I wouldn’t dwell on it too much. For now, why don’t you stay the night here in the castle? Relax, take it easy. Tomorrow morning, I’ll accompany you back to Oakvale.” Austin suddenly announced.
Jovian was startled. “You’re going to Oakvale, Your Highness?”
“Of course. Sitting around here gets dull. I might as well take this chance to visit Oakvale and look around.” Austin grinned. “Besides, my dear uncle-the King-is on his last legs. As his nephew, it’s only proper that I pay my respects.”
His mother, Eloise, was the eldest princess of Dragonmarsh, which made Valon his uncle. But the two had barely seen each other over the years. To say there was any deep familial bond would be laughable. Still, thanks to this connection, he could walk into Oakvale openly without raising any suspicion.
“I see.” Jovian nodded in realization. “But Oakvale is in turmoil right now. You should be careful once you arrive.”
“Oh? Do you think someone would dare to target me?” Austin smirked. “Honestly, I’d love to see someone try. Otherwise, how else would my tens of thousands of cavalry ever get a chance to show their strength?”
Jovian cleared his throat awkwardly, unsure how to respond.
Austin had no qualms about making bold statements. He might as well have “too powerful for my own good” stamped across his face.
Then again, he had a point. At a time like this, anyone foolish enough to target him would have to face the wrath of West Lucozia’s mighty cavalry.
