An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“Honestly, we shouldn’t waste time debating who’s better suited to be king. We just need to figure out who’s most likely to take the throne,” Jensen said matter-of- factly.

As a businessman, he only cared about maximizing profit. To him, it didn’t matter who sat on the throne but who had the best odds. He felt that backing that person would be the wisest choice.

“Who’s most likely depends on who has the strongest backing,” Jonathan said thoughtfully.

“Oh, right! I forgot to ask-who are the Moseys supporting?” Jovian asked, smacking his forehead. They’d been discussing this for so long but still hadn’t figured out where the Moseys stood.

“My guess is Prince Nathaniel.” Jensen narrowed his eyes as he analyzed the situation. “He’s close to Anders. With his immense potential and the king’s favor, the Moseys might see him as their best bet.

“Anders’ personal ties can’t speak for the entire Mosey family,” Jovian countered, shaking his head. “Family interests outweigh personal relationships by far.”

“Dad, you’re experienced and knowledgeable. What’s your take on this?” Jonathan asked.

“If I’m not mistaken, the Moseys have likely placed their bet on Prince Matthias,” Simon said solemnly.

“Prince Matthias? What makes you say that?” Jonathan looked puzzled.

“The Moseys wield immense influence,” Simon explained. “In all of Oakvale, only the Spanner family even comes close under royal authority.”

He continued, “As for Sir Mosey, he’s already reached the pinnacle of what a vassal can achieve. There’s nowhere else for him to rise. If he wants more, his ambition must be aimed at absolute power.

The weight of his words made the three Ballards brothers’ faces darken.

“Are you saying… Sir Mosey wants to overthrow the throne?” Jonathan asked in disbelief.

is charitable, well-liked, and stays out of government affairs. How could he possibly have such

by its cover,” Jensen said, frowning. “Sometimes, the most amiable people are the most ruthless. Sir Mosey has been lying low for decades. Who’s to say he hasn’t been waiting

people. He had seen men who acted like brothers, showering others with gifts and favors, only to seize the

too risky. What Sir Mosey really wants is to

brothers exchanged uneasy

in the shadows and never flaunted their power, but their name alone struck fear into the entire court. It seemed the Moseys were planning to follow the same

is too weak and sickly to shoulder the responsibility of the throne, so the Mosey family won’t

diplomacy. While intelligent, he would be challenging to control once in power. His talents

would fit perfectly as a puppet. His

always suspected Seamus was hiding something and played

Guard and the weakening of the monarchy, the time had come for Seamus to rise. He was finally revealing his

serve the Mosey family’s interests.” Jensen nodded in

the Mosey family is backing Prince Matthias, who should we support?” Jonathan

four ancient houses and Oakvale’s eight great families all play a role, but the

the fourth son of the Spanner

it. I’ll take care of it

Jonathan nodded before leaving.

and there wasn’t much time left for them to make a decision. So,

check in with the Fallon family as

Fallon family wasn’t as influential as the Spanner family or the Moseys, they were

Jensen replied and quickly