An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“Oh? I didn’t expect both of you to be here, “Nathaniel said.

He was just about to pay his respects when he spotted Tristan and Matthias inside the mourning hall. He gave a respectful nod and said, “Hello, Tristan, Matthias.”

Truthfully, he wasn’t surprised. He had already guessed they would show up.

The four ancient houses and the eight great families were all key players he needed on his side. And with the Ballard family still undecided, he wasn’t about to miss the chance to make an impression.

“I heard you left Oakvale on official business. Funny how quickly you came back,” Tristan said, his tone laced with meaning.

“It wasn’t anything important. When I heard about Mr. Jovian’s passing, I returned immediately. I wanted to pay my respects in person,” Nathaniel answered smoothly, without missing a beat.

He brushed off Tristan’s subtle jab and used the moment to show the Ballard family he was genuinely there to pay his respects.

“Don’t just stand there, Nathaniel. Go pay your respects to Mr. Jovian,” Matthias said calmly.

“Sure.” Nathaniel nodded.

He stepped forward and set a small bouquet beneath the portrait, then lowered his head in silence. His eyes reddened, and his face was filled with sorrow.

“Mr. Jovian, your passing is a tremendous loss to us and to the entire nation. I remember how you always led from the front and never hesitated to throw yourself into the fire. You won battle after battle, not just with tactics, but with courage and sheer will.

of our people-your legacy is etched into every

peace. Your achievements will not be forgotten. They will be remembered for generations and forever

the casket’s edge and lowered his head

so openly heartfelt. He looked like a

Ballards, fully aware it was all for show, couldn’t help but be moved.

to put on.a show. That move made us look cold

condolences, and said all the right things. As the eldest

Nathaniel had taken it to another

the way he looked like he was on the verge

if Tristan wanted to, he wasn’t sure he

mirrors.” Matthias scoffed. “Anyone with half a brain could see he was putting on a show. The

reason people say flattery always lands even when it’s obvious. Sure, everyone knows it’s just for show with all the nice words and theatrics, but people still eat it up. That’s what makes Nathaniel so damn good at

change the world, but they could tip the scale at

were neck and neck-one with the gift of persuasion and the other dismissing it-the one

Matthias murmured to each other, Simon stepped into the mourning hall, dressed in black, and leaned on

he appeared, all

“Greetings, Duke of Lachshire.”

Everyone bowed respectfully.