An Understated Dominance
Chapter 1781 by Marina Vittori

Eloise executed a graceful bow and turned to depart when a sudden upheaval disrupted the calm.

A resounding crash echoed through the hall as the ceiling gave way, and a shadowy figure dressed in black descended dramatically. The assassin was wielding a sharp sword.

“Your Highness, look out!” Quick on her feet, she immediately raised her voice to warn Rufus of the imminent danger.

“Rufus! Your time has come! Die!” The assassin’s cry reverberated as he thrust the sword.

The motion was so swift, leaving only a momentary glint of light. As the radiance faded, the assassin’s sword had already punctured Rufus’s chest.

Rufus stood frozen, staring at the sword that had impaled him, seemingly unable to grasp the reality of the situation.

Eloise, positioned by the doorway, watched in disbelief, questioning how an assassin had managed to breach the heavily fortified castle.

The assault was meticulously timed, occurring during Albert and Jaxon’s absence, as if the assassin had orchestrated the plan with utmost precision.

“Rufus! This is the consequence of opposing the Dragon Guard!”

The assassin withdrew the sword, causing blood to spurt from Rufus’s chest wound. Rufus staggered backward, eventually collapsing to the ground, his complexion drained of color.

“Help! There’s an assassin!” Eloise screamed, and the entire castle was promptly alerted. Guards converged from all directions, but the assassin skillfully leaped out the window and made a swift escape.

Accomplished warriors from the castle pursued the assailant.

“Your Highness! Your Highness!” Eloise rushed to Rufus, who was coughing up blood. Each cough expelled more blood.

“Don’t speak, Your Highness! You’ll be fine! You’ll be okay!”

Eloise pressed her hand against Rufus’s wound while shouting urgently toward the door, “Doctor! Where is the doctor? Hurry, we need help!”

Struggling, Rufus seized Eloise’s arm and weakly uttered, “Eloise … I won’t be able to make it, so listen to me… after I’m gone, West Lucozia will be in chaos.

“As the princess consort, you must stabilize the situation. My trusted commanders will assist you. West Lucozia … relies on you.”

“Your Highness! Don’t speak nonsense! You’ll be fine. West Lucozia can’t be without you, and I can’t be without you. You must hold on!” Eloise sobbed uncontrollably and trembled.

“Eloise, I’m tired. I just want to sleep peacefully. The life of battles and wars it’s time to end.” Rufus managed a faint smile before closing his eyes, his arms lifelessly dropping.

He had breathed his last breath, leaving the world behind.