An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

The Gilded Chamber stood in the heart of the inner city. It sold valuable items such as panaceas, artifact weapons, and rare martial arts manuscripts.

Only dignitaries and martial arts experts ever stepped through its doors. Ordinary people couldn’t afford to glance at the price tags, let alone buy anything.

Inside, Cassius Hawke, an elderly man with gray hair, lounged comfortably in a reclining chair as he listened to music. He held a small metal flask in one hand and occasionally took a sip.

At that moment, a luxury car screeched to a stop at the entrance, leaving long black streaks across the stone pavement.

Before the vehicle had even stopped, Matthias opened the door and jumped out. The second he walked into the Gilded Chamber, he started issuing commands.

“Get your chief out here! I have something important to discuss,” he barked.

“Looks like no one told you how things work around here,” Cassius said coolly, not even looking at him.

He stayed reclined in the chair with his eyes half-closed.

“If you want to buy something, you need to make an appointment,” he added. “We don’t take walk-ins.”

“I’m Prince Matthias Linsor. I need to see your chief now. Delay me, and you’ll answer for it,” Matthias snapped, flashing his gold badge to verify his identity.

“Oh, it’s Prince Matthias. Please forgive my disrespect,” Cassius said.

He gave a mock bow but stayed comfortably lying down. It was obvious he didn’t plan to get up.

He continued, “Still, rules are rules. No appointment, no service.”

of attitude is that? You think I don’t dare to tear down your chamber?”

at him, but Cassius was unfazed, showing him no sign of respect. With his temper, Matthias would have made a move long ago if he

My answer

“You…”

his scalp tingled, and he almost snapped. Then, he suddenly remembered the pendant Seamus had given

a pendant from your chief, and it guarantees

“Hm?”

He quickly stood up and leaned in to

did you get this?” he asked.

to be

Seamus’ name, Matthias realized something. “So, you recognize it? Then, you must be the chief

knew about this pendant. If Cassius knew Seamus’ name immediately,

right. I’m the chief of the Gilded Chamber,” Cassius said. Then, his expression turned serious. “Tell me, Your Highness-did Sir Mosey give

told me to come here with the pendant. He said you were the only one who could help

Your Highness, you’re skilled in strategy and strong in your own right. You also have powerful allies at your back. If someone like you can’t sort out this trouble, I doubt someone like me can do much,” Cassius replied with a shake

was troubling Matthias had to

me, but you

Hawke to step in, and

anything back and briefly

frowned. “I didn’t expect the royal gods of the Hall of Gods to act with such blatant disregard for

now I must ask-would

11

longer concerns himself