The unrest in West Lucozia finally ended with the capture of Warrick.
Every official who was his accomplice was thoroughly investigated. Those who needed to be arrested were taken into custody, and those who deserved to be punished were executed.
After the purge, more than 300 officials in West Lucozia were removed from their posts. Those guilty were arrested, and those whose crimes were severe were executed.
Under Austin’s iron-fisted reforms, West Lucozia’s government underwent a complete overhaul. Corruption, bribery, and the tangled web of illegal deals were swept away like dust in the wind.
The citizens quickly noticed the difference. When they visited government offices, they no longer faced delays, refusals, or demands for bribes.
Long-neglected public issues began to move forward, thanks to the organized efforts of newly appointed officials. Things were improving across the board.
Instead of fearing the crackdown, the citizens welcomed it. The corrupt officials who had drained the life out of the government for so long had been rooted out by Austin, and the people of West Lucozia couldn’t be happier.
Austin’s reputation soared in the process.
No one had expected the once-disparaged playboy to become such a respected leader.
After spending three days in West Lucozia, Dustin returned to Oakvale.
Austin had planned to join him for some leisure time, but Dustin shut that idea down immediately.
With Rufus still bedridden and Eloise busy tending to him, the entire castle was Austin’s responsibility now. If he left West Lucozia, who knew what kind of mess would unfold?
Dustin firmly stopped Austin from shirking his duties and slipped away quietly.
After all, Austin was the future prince of West Lucozia. He had responsibilities to uphold.
Dustin, on the other hand, preferred the free-spirited life of the martial world. If Austin encountered any issues, he would have his back.
Before leaving, Dustin casually asked Austin how the castle planned to position itself in the growing power struggle within Aylka.
He wanted to know which prince the West Lucozian monarchy would support for the throne since it was a question on everyone’s mind.
Austin’s response was simple. “Whoever you support, we support too.”
That reply caught Dustin off guard. Being asked to represent the West Lucozian monarchy was no small request, and the weight of that responsibility began to sink in.a
He had no interest in getting involved in power struggles. But between Natasha and the West Lucozian monarchy, it was impossible for him to stay neutral.
After all, the future of Dragonmarsh was in the hands of the new king. If they picked the right ruler, the country would thrive, West Lucozia would be secure, and Natasha and her family could rise to greater heights.
But if they made the wrong choice or backed the wrong prince, it would lead to serious consequences.
Dustin knew he would need to think this through carefully.
After returning to Oakvale, he headed to the Ballard estate and handed Simon the urn containing Jovian’s ashes.
Simon broke down in tears, and the rest of the family was even more grief-stricken.
The past few days since the Ballards lost contact with Jovian, they had been anxious but hopeful. They assumed he might have been abducted and was still alive.
But now, with the urn in their possession, their last sliver of hope vanished. No one had expected his trip to West Lucozia would cost him his life.
“This is all my fault… I never should’ve let him leave Oakvale…” Simon said.
Overcome with guilt, he cried bitterly while clutching Jovian’s urn before suddenly passing out.
The Ballard family was thrown into chaos.
Dustin checked on Simon’s condition.
Simon had no serious ailment, but he was just overwhelmed by sorrow and rage.
Since Simon was unconscious, Jonathan took charge and arranged a funeral for Jovian. According to tradition, the coffin was to remain in the mourning hall for three days so others could pay their respects.
During those three days, visitors came and went.
Jovian was a third-rank military officer. He wasn’t considered the most influential in Oakvale, but he was still a well-respected figure in the city.
In addition to his father’s status as the Duke of Lachshire, many high-ranking guests came to offer their condolences.
Jovian’s wife sat beside the coffin and sobbed quietly. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying. Their son and daughter, both in their early 20s, stood solemnly beside her.
As each guest entered the mourning hall to pay their respects, Jovian’s wife and children lowered their heads in acknowledgment.
“Announcing the arrival of His Royal Highness, Prince Tristan.”
As the mourners were immersed in their grief and the solemn atmosphere, a voice called out from outside the mourning hall.
A tall, distinguished young man entered, accompanied by several officials. It was the eldest prince, Tristan Linsor.
His appearance immediately caused everyone to stop their actions, and their eyes instinctively turned toward him. There was a mix of surprise, respect, and curiosity in their gazes.
It was rare for someone of Tristan’s stature to attend such an event. His presence at Jovian’s funeral was unexpected and left everyone stunned.
