An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

It was midday at the Mosey mansion, and Seamus was sipping tea and reading in the garden after lunch.

Just then, an aide approached him and reported, “Sir Mosey, Prince Matthias is here to see you.”

“Show him in,” Seamus replied with a nod.

He didn’t look surprised, as if he had been expecting his visit.

“Yes, sir,” the aide acknowledged, then left quickly.

Moments later, Matthias walked briskly into the back garden.

“Uncle Seamus! Something major happened in Oakvale last night,” he exclaimed before he’d even settled into a chair.

“What could prompt such concern from you, Your Highness?” Seamus asked as he set aside his book and smiled.

“Some underground forces led by the Hall of Gods were eliminated last night. Even my businesses were severely affected,” Matthias said with a grave expression.

He went on, “What’s most troubling is how suddenly it all happened. I didn’t receive any news in advance. Despite multiple investigations afterward, nothing turned up. I’m utterly baffled about who’s behind this, which is why I’ve come hoping you might shed some light on the matter.”

“I have also heard about last night’s upheaval,” Seamus replied calmly.

He nodded thoughtfully before adding, ” You’re right. Whoever eliminated the Hall of Gods is shrouded in mystery. Even with all my channels, I haven’t been able to uncover a single lead.”

“How can this be happening?” Matthias frowned. “At this pivotal moment in the succession struggle, this mysterious figure with terrifying capabilities has suddenly emerged. I can’t tell if this works in my favor or against me.”

both open rivalry and covert scheming, as each prince built their network of influence and formed alliances. Though the outcome was far from certain, at least their methods were

unpredictability. The fact that he could wipe out the Hall of Gods and multiple factions in a

and threw caution to the wind, he doubted he could

upsides and downsides to this,” Seamus said

won’t affect us much. Conversely, should he choose to involve himself in the fight for power, whichever prince gains his support would possess an overwhelming

need to find out whether this person intends to

Matthias caught on quickly.

identity. Then, figure out his intentions,

seem

have a plan in

Matthias looked bewildered.

purge, Seamus was unnervingly calm. There wasn’t a trace of worry in his expression.

we have to accept what fate puts in front of us.” Seamus

was unshakable. Even if the sky were falling, he wouldn’t so much

believe in fate. I only believe in myself,” Matthias said, clenching a

But when you’re up against

means a setback isn’t the end. As long as you’re alive, you

I only follow one creed-either I take the throne

and excelled at combat. Anyone who stood in

but I might have some insight to offer regarding the question you brought up earlier.” Seamus

it.” Matthias perked

Dragonmarsh, who has enough power to wipe out the Hall of Gods’ entire forces in a single night, without

“This…” Matthias frowned slightly.