Austin smiled brightly as he ushered Jovian into the meeting room with surprising enthusiasm.
Jovian looked confused and somewhat unprepared. Before entering, he had already imagined many possible scenarios for their meeting.
He had mentally prepared for a range of reactions from Austin-whether he would be ignored, faced with cold indifference, or dealt with arrogance. He was ready for any of those. After all, the rumors about Austin painted him as a “hellraiser” who did whatever he pleased.
But, to his surprise, Austin didn’t give him any trouble at all. Instead, he was giving him a warm reception, which left him utterly confused.
Something felt off. He couldn’t make sense of Austin’s sudden warmth, and he had no idea what game he was playing.
“Bring the tea!” After inviting Jovian to sit, Austin gestured for the attendant to serve the tea.
The drink was a rare specialty from West Lucozia, a premium elixir tea not sold to the public but reserved for high-ranking officials. Its black market value was nearly a million per ounce, and demand far outstripped supply.
Compared to the tea Boston had been served earlier, the quality of this one was on a whole other level.
Once the tea was brewed, a rich, fragrant aroma filled the air and quickly spread throughout the meeting room. Just a single breath of it was enough to leave anyone feeling refreshed and alert.
Though Jovian wasn’t particularly fond of tea, he knew enough to recognize its quality, and this was clearly no ordinary brew. Austin’s attention to detail in offering such tea showed how much he valued this meeting.
“Mr. Jovian, even though this is our first meeting, I’ve heard so much about you. I’ve always looked up to you as a role model and tried to follow your example in my own pursuits.”
Austin wasted no time, immediately heaping on the compliments. After all, Dustin had personally instructed him to handle this matter, and he had to make sure it was done right.
Though it was unexpected, Jovian still maintained a polite smile. “Your Highness, you flatter me. I’m just an ordinary general officer and not worthy of your attention.”
“Don’t underestimate yourself,” Austin said earnestly. “Who doesn’t know about the three heroes of the Ballard family? The eldest in politics, the second in business, and the third in the military. Each of you shines in your own field.
“Take three years ago, for example-when you led 800 elite troops to wipe out 3,000 rebels in Mount Cloudcrest. That feat made waves across the whole region. It was an achievement worthy of respect.”
Jovian raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Oh? I didn’t expect you to know about this, Your Highness.”
He had thought Austin was just being polite with the usual pleasantries, but it seemed he actually knew about his past accomplishments.
The Mount Cloudcrest counterinsurgency operation was one of Jovian’s few standout moments. After that battle, his reputation had risen significantly.
“I’ve always regarded you as my role model. I’m not saying I know every detail of your accomplishments, but I’m certainly familiar with them. Your remarkable achievements have earned you my deep admiration,” Austin said with a smile.
While Boston stepped out to pick up Jovian, Austin had already used his intelligence network to conduct a thorough background check.
Jovian hadn’t accomplished much in his life. Aside from the Mount Cloudcrest counterinsurgency operation, there wasn’t much worth mentioning. Austin naturally had to exaggerate a little to make a good impression.
Jovian laughed heartily. “I never expected you to be such a man of character, Your Highness.” He was so pleased with the compliments that his face was filled with pride that he couldn’t hide it.
In the past, whenever he went, he relied on the Ballard family name to open doors. But today, his charm and charisma had won Austin’s admiration. If word of this got out, it would be the talk of the town for a year.
“Of course! I don’t have many hobbies, but one of my favorites is meeting heroes like you. Having someone like Mr. Jovian visiting my humble home is a great honor, “Austin continued to flatter.
Jovian grinned from ear to ear. He was practically charmed out of his skin. “You flatter me, Your Highness.”
Who said Austin was a hellraiser? He was amazing.
“Mr. Jovian, since you’re here, why don’t you stay with us for a while? Let’s have a drink tonight,” Austin offered.
“I’d be happy to join you for a drink, Your Highness. But before we do that, I have a matter I’d like to discuss with the Prince. I wonder if you would make an introduction, Your Highness?” Though Jovian was flattered by the praise, he didn’t forget his reason for being there.
“If it were any other request, I’d be happy to help, but this… I’m afraid I can’t.” Austin shook his head.
“Is His Highness not available to meet with me?” Jovian asked tentatively.
“It’s not just you, Mr. Jovian. My father is recovering right now, and he’s not seeing anyone for a while-not even me.” Austin looked helpless.
“I see.” Jovian nodded thoughtfully.
“But you don’t need to see my father. Currently, I’m in charge of the whole West Lucozia. Whatever you need, just tell me directly,” Austin explained.
Before his retreat for recuperation, Rufus had handed over all his authority to Austin. Now, whatever he decided to do, no one could stop him and oppose his decisions.
“Your Highness, you’re truly a man of both skill and wisdom. You’re more than capable of taking the lead now,” Jovian acknowledged with a respectful nod. Then, he asked cautiously, “May I inquire, Your Highness, are you aware of the current situation in Oakvale?”
“You mean the reigning king is dying, and there’s an urgent need for a successor, right?” Austin asked bluntly, not mincing his words.
Jovian and Boston exchanged surprised glances at his directness.
