Chapter 2541
"In response to Your Lordship's question, this marriage alliance between our two families isn't my decision alone- it's also my godfather's and the entire Mosey family's," Anders said with a smile.
"According to the established rules, marriages between royal bloodlines are forbidden. Have you forgotten?" Simon replied coolly.
"Sticking to outdated rules only holds us back," Anders said, shaking his head with a smile.
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He continued, "Right now, Dragonmarsh is going through a turbulent time-internally and externally. I've also heard the king's health is deteriorating. There are rumors he plans to na successor and step down soon.
"With that, Oakvale will likely be in turmoil. When that happens, all the powerful families-the four ancient houses, the eight great families, and other factions-will be dragged into the chaos.
"That's why I'm hoping our families can form a marriage alliance to navigate the coming crisis together." Simon remained calm and said, "It's natural for the king to na successor. Why would there be turmoil? As officials, we just need to do our jobs and not worry about the rest." "Your Lordship, I think you're missing the point." Before Anders could say more, Zack, who had been quietly watching, couldn't hold back. He frowned and said, "Every tthere's a struggle for the throne, it ends in bloodshed. You've been in government long enough to understand this. Or are you just pretending not to?" "Since we're being direct, letcut to the chase," Simon said, unfazed. "The Ballard family doesn't have the power to get involved in this conflict, and we have no intention of taking sides in the struggle for the throne. My family has always remained neutral, and we won't favor anyone. This is our stance." He naturally understood the Mosey family's intentions. First, they aimed to form a marriage alliance, thereby uniting the major factions.
Then, they would support a specific prince to ascend the throne. Once the new king was crowned, the Mosey family's status would rise to even greater heights. Ultimately, it was all driven by the pursuit of power.
"Your Lordship, I hope you don't mind my bluntness. If your family were merely a third-rate power, no one would pay any attention to you." Anders's expression turned serious.
He continued, “The problem is, your family is one of the four ancient houses, and as Duke, you hold a position of great power. In times like these, remaining neutral in this conflict is practically impossible.
"At this point, you only have two options. The first is to take a side now and back the rise of the next king. If you do that, you'll be counted among those who helped secure his throne, and the Ballard family will thrive for generations to come.
"The second is to try to stay neutral, but that won't satisfy anyone. In the end, you'll lose both your standing and your influence.
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“I trust a smart man like you can see the truth in what I'm saying. Surely, you understand that no new king would tolerate a powerful vassal who refuses to take a side."
Simon fell silent at those words. He couldn't deny that Anders made a m compelling argument. it were only him, the decision would be straightforward, but Simon represented the entire Ballard family.
With their family's influence and power, they had beca prized ally coveted by every prince vying for the throne. Staying neutral seemed nearly impossible. He knew refusing to choose a side would likely turn them into a sacrificial pawn.
Once a new ruler cto power, the Ballards would be replaced, and their fluence would be stripped away away.
And when that happened, their enemies would be quick to seize the opportunity.
Chapter 2542
Even without the king's involvement, the ambitious individuals would tear the Ballard family apart and leave nothing behind.
If Simon chose the right side and it prevailed, his family could enjoy a century of stability and prosperity. But if he backed the wrong prince, everything could fall apart in a single night.
At that moment, he didn't know what to choose. This was a critical decision-one mistake and the entire family could be ruined.
"Regarding this matter, I need to think it over carefully. I can't give you an answer just yet," Simon said. He knew the stakes were too high. A single misstep could lead to disaster, so he had to be cautious.
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"I understand," Anders replied with a faint smile. "This isn't an easy decision. Still, I hope Your Lordship can decide soon." "Your Lordship, the forces seeking a marriage alliance with the Mosey family aren't limited to your family alone," Zack added coolly. "Don't think you can afford to wait for the highest bidder. Tis running out, and your family's options are limited." "Take your tto consider it. We won't keep you any longer. Farewell." Anders rose to his feet. After giving a polite nod, he left with his group.
As soon as the Moseys left, the three Ballard brothers could no longer hold back.
"Dad, the Moseys are so arrogant! How dare they threaten us like that? They've gone too far!" Jovian's face darkened, clearly upset.
His military background made him quick-tempered. If he hadn't been holding back, he would've lashed out earlier.
"The Moseys might be unbearable, but they weren't entirely wrong. The fight for the throne has always been a national issue. Given our family's current status, staying out of it would be nearly impossible." Jensen shook his head.
Though he was a businessman, he knew enough about court politics to understand they had no choice but to get involved.
"Dad, what do you think?" Jonathan asked tentatively.
Simon rubbed his temples and sighed deeply. "This is givinga headache." The fate of the Ballard family was at stake. Even someone as decisive as him couldn't make a rash decision.
"Since we can't avoid it, we might as well throw our support behind the prince most likely to win," Jensen suggested.
"Out of all the princes, Prince Tristan, Prince Matthias, and Prince Nathaniel are the strongest contenders," Jonathan explained.
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"I understand," Anders replied with a faint smile. "This isn't an easy decision. Still, I hope Your Lordship can decide soon." "Your Lordship, the forces seeking a marriage alliance with the Mosey family aren't limited to your family alone," Zack added coolly. "Don't think you can afford to wait for the highest bidder. Tis running out, and your family's options are limited." "Take your tto consider it. We won't keep you any longer. Farewell." Anders rose to his feet. After giving a polite nod, he left with his group.
As soon as the Moseys left, the three Ballard brothers could no longer hold back.
"Dad, the Moseys are so arrogant! How dare they threaten us like that? They've gone too far!" Jovian's face darkened, clearly upset.
His military background made him quick-tempered. If he hadn't been holding back, he would've lashed out earlier.
"The Moseys might be unbearable, but they weren't entirely wrong. The fight for the throne has always been a national issue. Given our family's current status, staying out of it would be nearly impossible." Jensen shook his head.
Though he was a businessman, he knew enough about court politics to understand they had no choice but to get involved.
"Dad, what do you think?" Jonathan asked tentatively.
Simon rubbed his temples and sighed deeply. "This is givinga headache." The fate of the Ballard family was at stake. Even someone as decisive as him couldn't make a rash decision.
"Since we can't avoid it, we might as well throw our support behind the prince most likely to win," Jensen suggested.
"Out of all the princes, Prince Tristan, Prince Matthias, and Prince Nathaniel are the strongest contenders," Jonathan explained.
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Chapter 2543
"Honestly, we shouldn't waste tdebating 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.
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"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.
"That's hard to believe. I've heard that he is charitable, well-liked, and stays out of government affairs. How could he possibly have such grand ambitions?" Jovian asked skeptically.
"You can't judge a book 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 for just this opportunity?" Years in business had taught him plenty about people. He had seen men who acted like brothers, showering others with gifts and favors, only to seize the first chance to strike and take everything.
"As unbelievable as it sounds, it's not impossible," Simon said. "That said, outright rebellion is too risky. What Sir Mosey really wants is to control the king and use him as a puppet to rule the kingdom." "A puppet?" The three Ballards brothers exchanged uneasy looks and frowned deeply.
It reminded them of the infamous Dragon Guard. They worked in the shadows and never flaunted their power, but their nalone struck fear into the entire court. It seemed the Moseys were planning to follow the spath.
Simon explained, "Prince Tristan is too weak and sickly to shoulder the responsibility of the throne, so the Mosey family won't support him.
"Prince Nathaniel, on the other hand, is skilled in war and diplomacy. While intelligent, he would be challenging to control once in power. His talents are so great they could even threaten the authority of the person who supports him.
"The only viable candidate for the Mosey family to support is Prince Matthias- brave but lacking strategy. He's easy to manipulate, has potential, and would fit perfectly as a puppet. His rise aligns with Seamus' expectations. That's why I believe the Mosey family will back Prince Matthias for the throne." Simon shared his reasoning. He had always suspected Seamus was hiding something and played the role of a master strategist so convincingly that no one suspected him.
But now, with the fall of the Dragon Guard and the weakening of the monarchy, the thad cfor Seamus to rise. He was finally revealing his true colors.
"Given your analysis, supporting Prince Matthias would best serve the Mosey family's interests." Jensen nodded in agreement.
"Dad, since the Mosey family is backing Prince Matthias, who should we support?" Jonathan asked.
“I'm in a dilemma, too." Simon shook his head and said helplessly, “The four ancient houses and Oakvale's eight great families all play a role, but the decisive factor will cfrom the Mosey family and the Spanner family. Before we make a decision, I need to know where the Spanner family stands." At that moment, he turned to Jonathan." You're on good terms with the fourth son of the Spanner family. Go and see what you can find out." "Got it. I'll take care of it right away." Jonathan nodded before leaving.
The situation was urgent, and there wasn't much tleft for them to make a decision. So, they needed to act fast and gather information.
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"Jensen, go check in with the Fallon family as well," Simon said, turning to his second son.
Though the Fallon family wasn't as influential as the Spanner family or the Moseys, they were still one of the four ancient houses, on par with the Ballard family.
"Got it!" Jensen replied and quickly left.
"Dad, what about me? What do you needto do?” Jovian asked eagerly. He couldn't just sit idly by while something this big was going on.
"Your task is the most important." Simon's expression turned serious. "I need you to go to West Lucozia." "What do I need to go to West Lucozia for? "Jovian was momentarily confused.
"The real factor in the royal succession isn't the Mosey or Spanner families, but the West Lucozian monarchy, whose influence is unmatched." Simon made a shocking statement.
He continued, "The West Lucozia iron cavalry is unrivaled. No force in Dragonmarsh can challenge o m them not the eight great families of Oakvale or the four ancient houses. None cclose to the power of the West Lucozian monarchy. 11
He added, "To put it bluntly, if the Prince of West Lucozia wanted to declare himself king, no one could stop him! When it comes to Oakvale's struggle for the throne, the opinion of the West Lucozian monarchy is key. Once they pick a side, whoever they back will be the next king." "Now I get it." Jovian nodded. "Dad, I know what I need to do. I'll head to West Lucozia right away." 5 With a quick bow, he hurried off.
Simon looked at the darkening sky outside and sighed softly. "Things in Oakvale are about to get messy."
There was an undeniable sorrow in his expression, as if the weight of his position was pressing on him. In a situation like this, he would have to ON go with the flow if he couldn't protect himself.
Chapter 2544
Chapter 2444 That night, two young men sat playing chess inside a secluded mansion in the Inner City.
On the left was Anders, who had visited the Ballard estate earlier. Across from him sat Matthias, a broad- shouldered man dressed in richly adorned robes.
The gwas intense, with fast moves followed by moments of deep thought. About ten minutes later, Anders finally conceded defeat.
"Anders, you've really improved since we last played. You almost hadthere,” Matthias said, stroking his beard in mild surprise.
"You flatter me, Your Highness. My chess skills are nothing compared to yours. If you hadn't gone easy on me, I wouldn't have lasted half as long," Anders replied with a modest smile.
"You're as smooth with words as ever." Matthias let out a hearty laugh with a look of smug satisfaction. Winning was in his nature-whether in war or on the chessboard, defeat was not an option.
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"Well, we've eaten, and we've played. Let's get to business." With a wave of his hand, he signaled his men to clear away the chessboard.
He wiped his hands before continuing, " Anders, the situation in Oakvale is growing more volatile by the day. The question of who will beccrown prince remains unresolved, and it's wearingdown. I can't eat, I can't sleep-it's maddening.
"You've pledged your support to me, so I need you to go all in. We must secure my claim before it's too late. Only then will I finally have speace of mind.” "Your Highness, we're already giving it everything we've got. Of the eight great families, half are now on our side. We've also won over many key figures in the government. Simply put, Your Highness has the greatest influence among the princes," Anders said, bowing his head slightly.
"This won't cut it." Matthias shook his head. "The old foxes in the government are nothing more than opportunistic turncoats. They sway with the wind and can't be trusted.
"The so-called eight great families are just for show. They won't influence the outcome. The only ones who hold the power to sway my father's decisions and the entire government are the four ancient houses." He shot Anders a pointed look and added, 11 Your family has pledged support to me, but what about the others?" To secure the title of crown prince, Matthias needed the support of at least two, if not three, of the four ancient houses. If he could rally all four, the title would be as good as his.
"I've already reached out to the Fallon and Ballard families," Anders replied. "The Fallons have made their stance clear. They're ready to seal a marriage alliance with my family, and the union will happen soon. As for the Ballards, they need a few more days to think it over." "And the Spanners?" Matthias asked.
The Fallon and Ballard families weren't nearly as influential as the Spanner family. Hence, gaining the support of the Spanner family was paramount.
"It seems the Spanner family has becquite close to Prince Nathaniel. I've tried visiting several times, but they keep turningaway. It's hard to win them over," Anders said, shaking his head.
The Spanner family was influential and well-established. They didn't need to rely on the Mosey family and were immune to threats and bribes.
"It looks like Nathaniel still has a few tricks up his sleeve to win over the Spanners," Matthias said thoughtfully. After a pause, he asked, "Any news from Tristan's side?" "Prince Tristan's been keeping to himself and rarely interacts with anyone. Among the eight great families, only one or two are aligned with him. The rest are just opportunistic smaller factions trying to play both sides. They won't amount to much," Anders reported.
"He lacks both brains and brawn, and his health is failing. How does someone like him think he's fit to be the crown prince?" Matthias scoffed.
A sickly weakling like Tristan-who knew how much longer he would survive? The thought of him fighting for power was laughable.
"Prince Tristan might not pose much of a threat, but Prince Nathaniel has strong connections and considerable influence, especially from the Spanner family. He's a tough opponent," Anders analyzed.
"Now, your top priority is to win over the Ballard family. We cannot let them side with Nathaniel, or we'll be at a disadvantage," Matthias warned.
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With the Moseys and Fallons already on his side, securing the Ballards' support would significantly increase his chances of becoming the crown prince.
However, if the Ballards sided with Nathaniel, it would create a deadlock-two against two-with neither side gaining a clear advantage. In that case, a fierce power struggle would be inevitable.
"Don't worry, Your Highness. I'll make sure the Ballard family is on your side, no matter what it takes," Anders promised.
"Good." Matthias nodded in satisfaction." Once it's credit v nce it's done, allithe be yours, and I'll make sure you're well rewarded." "Thank you, Your Highness," Anders said respectfully.
"There's one more thing I need you to keep an eye on." "Anything, Your Highness." Anders lowered his head slightly.
"You've probably heard about what's happening in West Lucozia. Rufus doesn't have much tleft, left, and the title will likely pass to Logan. I've already reached out to him-he's shrewd but hasn't made his position clear. Find his weaknesses and see if we can turn them to our advantage." Matthias narrowed his eyes. "Logan Rhys?" Anders' eyes widened in surprise before he nodded firmly. "I understand. I'll take care of it." "Go, and don't disappoint me." Matthias waved him off.
Anders nodded again before leaving. He knew convincing Logan would be much more challenging than getting the Ballards on their side.
Chapter 2545
In another luxurious mansion in the Inner City, a female spy dressed in black, cloaked in a hood, was reporting the results of her investigation to Nathaniel.
"Your Highness, the Moseys have been particularly active recently and are rallying allies. Many of the eight great families and other influential factions have already allied with them. If left unchecked, they'll pose a serious threat to us," she said, kneeling with her head lowered slightly.
"So the Moseys are backing Matthias, huh? "Nathaniel sat quietly, his expression unreadable.
"The Moseys have grand ambitions. While they claim to support Prince Matthias, they're merely setting him up as a puppet to rise to power and expand their own influence," she revealed.
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She had been infiltrating the Moseys' mansion for years and had gained a deep understanding of their operations, from the smallest details to the key players.
Though Seamus appeared as a benevolent philanthropist, it was all a façade. Behind closed doors, he was ruthless and would kill without hesitation.
His adopted son once openly disagreed with him on certain matters. Shortly after, the son's entire family was slaughtered by supposed enemies. That was when Anders rose to power.
While it was claimed to be a revenge attack by enemies, her investigation revealed that Seamus secretly controlled a private army to eliminate anyone who opposed him.
"It seems Seamus' ambitions are as strong as ever-he's still scheming to use Matthias to rise to power," Nathaniel said with a sneer.
He continued, “Unfortunately, Matthias is all muscle, but no brain. He doesn't even realize how serious the situation is. He actually believes he's the chosen one and destined to sit on the throne. But in reality, he's nothing more than a pawn." "Your Highness, you've been preparing for this moment. Just say the word, and Seamus won't live to see another night," the female spy said in a low voice.
She had had multiple opportunities to get close to Seamus. With her skills and the help of other spies, assassinating him wouldn't be an issue.
"Assassination is a last resort. Unless we're at the point of mutual destruction, we can't resort to that." He shook his head.
A decapitation strike could seriously weaken the Moseys, it would also draw a savage retaliation from them. Oakvale would descend into chaos and becensnared in an endless cycle of bloodshed.
"Do you have another plan, Your Highness? "the female spy asked.
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Matthias is headstrong and unwilling to live in another's shadow. He may lack the wisdom of a ruler, but he has the capability of a general. How do you think he'd react if he discovered that he's just a pawn in Seamus's game?" Nathaniel smiled slyly.
"Do you mean to sow discord and make them distrust each other?" She quickly grasped his intent.
"Exactly!" Nathaniel smirked. "Their alliance is built on mutual interests, but they can never truly be united. Once suspicion takes root, dismantling their alliance will be straightforward." "That is a brilliant strategy, Your Highness.
"The female spy's eyes lit up.
HP to "Oh, and what has Tristan been lately?" Nathaniel asked suddenly.
"Prince Tristan is making every effort to rally support from various factions, but few w have pledged their allegiance. He doesn't pose much of a threat to us."
"Sure, he's got big plans, but he's running out of time." He stroked his chin as if deep in thought: Suddenly, NO agrin spread across his face.
"Arrange a meeting. I wish to pay him a visit." "Understood," the female spy answered before turning to leave.
Chapter 2546
An hour later, Nathaniel quietly entered a private mansion wearing a disguise. Inside the living room, Tristan had already prepared tea and refreshments. He looked as if he had been waiting for a long time.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting, Tristan." Nathaniel took off his coat and walked forward with a smile.
"No need to apologize. I'm happy that you made the effort to arrange this. A few extra minutes are nothing, especially since it's rare for us to meet." Tristan gestured for him to sit while he poured two cups of tea and handed one to his brother.
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Nathaniel accepted the cup and discreetly set it aside. Whenever he was out, he was always cautious about food and drink- this wariness had becsecond nature.
"You asked to meeton short notice. Is this about official matters or something personal?" Tristan took a sip from his cup and got straight to the point.
"Both," Nathaniel replied, still smiling.
"Oh?" Tristan raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear it, then." "Given how things have unfolded, there's no need forto hold back anymore." Nathaniel sat up straighter, and his smile faded into seriousness.
He continued, "Our father's health is deteriorating by the day, and the succession question remains unresolved. There are few viable contenders and even fewer with the real ability to claim it.
"As the eldest son and heir by birth, the throne should rightfully be yours. But there's a growing unrest in the government, particularly from Matthias' camp. He doesn't seem fully supportive of the idea." "The throne is within reach. Given his ambition, it's only natural for him to take a shot." Tristan's expression remained neutral.
If Matthias had ambition, so did Nathaniel.
"If this were a fair competition between the three of us, we'd each rely on our own abilities. But the problem now is, someone's trying to interfere and take what belongs to us." Nathaniel made a startling statement. "Huh?" Tristan frowned. "What do you mean?" "You probably haven't heard yet, but the Mosey family has allied with several factions to support Matthias for the throne. Right now, Matthias pretty much has everything under his control." Nathaniel explained.
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"Matthias gaining the Mosey family's support speaks to his own ability." Tristan kept his expression neutral. "Support?" Nathaniel shook his head. "If you think that's the case, you're sorely mistaken." "What do you mean?" Tristan asked, puzzled.
Nathaniel began explaining, "Based on my investigation, Seamus is a master schemer with an insatiable hunger for power. His support for Matthias isn't born from true loyalty-he's merely exploiting him for his own ambitions.
"We both know what Matthias is like.
He's exceptional when it comes to leading armies and fighting wars. But NO when it comes to playing dirty or scheming, he's no match for Seamus.
"Right now, Seamus is using Matthias' nto form alliances and further his own agenda If Matthias truly ascends to the throne, Seamus will pull the strings and becthe true ruler.
"At that point, not only will Matthias becSeamus's puppet, but the eptire Linsor dynasty will crumble." His face was grim as he spoke, and his voice rang out like thunder.
Chapter 2547
After hearing Nathaniel's words, Tristan's expression darkened. His brow furrowed as he sank into deep thought.
It seemed he had underestimated the situation. He had assumed it was just a simple rivalry between brothers; he hadn't anticipated Seamus seizing the chance to further his own agenda.
Seamus already wielded considerable influence. Under the guise of supporting Matthias' ascension to the throne, he had been forming alliances and recruiting talents. His influence had grown to rival the royal family's.
If Seamus really supported Matthias' ascension, he'd overshadow the king, and no one would be able to stop him. The worst-case scenawould be Seamus using Matthias as a puppet to overthrow the House of Linsor. "Nathaniel, is everything you said true?" Tristan frowned.
"Absolutely. Every word," Nathaniel replied solemnly. "Of course, if you don't believe me, you can send someone to investigate." "I believe you. But... taking down Seamus won't be easy. Do you have a plan?" Tristan asked.
"I've already sent someone to warn Matthias, but it hasn't done much good. He believes I have an agenda and doesn't trust me. Right now, the only option is for us to join forces and stop him from ascending to the throne. That's the only way we can crush Seamus's plot," Nathaniel said.
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His words contained a mix of truth and self-interest. While they seemed righteous, they also revealed his hidden agenda. At the moment, he couldn't match Matthias' influence.
But with Tristan's help, their chances of success would be much higher. And once Matthias was out of the way, the throne would be his. He knew Tristan was no match for him this was the real heart of his scheme.
"I guess that's our only choice." Tristan nodded thoughtfully. To protect both the House of Linsor and his own interests, he couldn't let Matthias ascend the throne.
"So, does this mean you agree?" Nathaniel raised an eyebrow.
"For both personal and political reasons, I can't let Seamus' plan succeed. But with just the two of us, we're not strong enough to take him on. We'll need to secure a few more powerful allies," Tristan explained.
"Of the eight great families, four have already sided with the Moseys. We can still try to get the other four, but we'll need your connections for that," Nathaniel said.
"I know a few friends in the great families.
It shouldn't be too difficult to persuade them," Tristan said and added, “But rather than focusing on the great families, our priority should be the four ancient houses. Aside from the Moseys, there are also the Spanners, the Fallons, and the Ballards.
"The Fallons are closely tied to the Moseys. They're likely already allied with Matthias, so winning them over will be difficult. For the tbeing, we'll need to focus on the Spanners and Ballards." Nathaniel said calmly, "I have good relations with the Spanners, so I'll talk to them. As for the Ballards, I'll leave that to you." "Okay. I'll visit the Ballards tomorrow morning and see where the Duke of Lachshire stands on this." Tristan nodded and didn't reject the idea.
If they could secure the Ballards' support, it would be a huge advantage for them.
"I have one more favor to ask," Nathaniel said after a moment.
"Just tell me. We're in this together, and we should help each other out," Tristan responded confidently.
"To stay ahead, we need a decisive advantage in intelligence, and that happens to be Grace's specialty. Her Serenity Hall is one of the top three intelligence networks in Dragonmarsh. If we can get her to help us, everything will go a lot smoother," Nathaniel explained.
Among the many royal siblings, Grace was undoubtedly the most outstanding. Unlike the rest of them, who focused on military or political matters, she had built an extensive intelligence network that spanned across the entire nation. She was certainly not someone to be underestimated.
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"You've always had a good relationship with her. If you ask, I doubt she'll turn you down," Nathaniel said with a smile.
"That's not necessarily the case." Tristan shook his head. "I know her om well. She never takes sides in royal rivalries. Asking her to side against Matthias isn't something she'd ever agree to." Grace's intelligence network was unparalleled, but she was a woman of principle. She had always maintained neutrality regarding the rivalry among the royal siblings.
"All we need is for Grace to provide think us with intelligence. We're not asking her to take direct action) I don't that would compromise her principles. If it comes to it, we can offer a higher fee for the information," Nathaniel reasoned. "But..." Tristan frowned and hesitated.
"Think about the bigger picture," Nathaniel said earnestly.
After a moment, Tristan nodded. "Fine. I'll give it a try, but I can't make any promises.
Though reluctant to drag Grace into this, the current political instability and the growing tensions in them government left him with no other choice. As a royal heir, he couldn't afford to stand idly by. He had no choice but to face sthings head-on, even if he didn't want to do them.
Chapter 2548
At the Ballard estate, Dustin was warmly welcomed to stay after dinner. This was the first tNatasha had brought her boyfriend home, so the Ballards made a big deal of it.
Simon personally accompanied the young couple and invited them to the study to chat over tea. With his sharp eye, Simon could tell Dustin was no ordinary martial artist. His manners, speech, and broad knowledge set him apart from most people.
"Dustin, I fully support your relationship with Natasha. Your background or status doesn't matter. What matters most is that you two are happy together." Simon paused and said earnestly, "I want you to understand that she's been pampered all her life and hasn't faced much hardship. Now that she's with you, I hope you'll take good care of her." "Don't worry, Mr. Ballard. I would never let her down," Dustin replied sincerely.
Though they had known each other for stand hadn't yet taken their relationship to the next level, they had already made their feelings clear. Natasha had shown him unwavering devotion, and he had no intention of letting her down.
"Grandfather, you don't have to worry about that. I have a sharp eye for people and would never pick the wrong one." She smiled proudly.
"You rascal, I'm not worried about you being mistreated. But what I'm concerned about is Dustin-what if he starts picking up your bad habits?" Simon teased.
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"Grandfather, why are you so negative? Aren't you worried I won't find someone to marry?" Natasha pouted, clearly displeased.
He laughed heartily. “A Ballard daughter never has trouble finding a good match. Worst case, we can skip the wedding gifts and just give the groom a little extra from the family's wealth.” "Now, that's too generous for him." She shot Dustin a playful glance.
"Speaking of marriage, Dustin, what do you think? If it works for you, we should arrange a tfor the families to meet and start making plans. It would be best to move forward with things," Simon said, changing the subject.
Oakvale would soon becunstable, and he couldn't predict what would happen to the Ballard family in the future. While things were still relatively calm, marrying off Natasha would be one less thing for him to worry about.
"Mr. Ballard, I have sthings I need to take care of at the moment, so I can't commit to anything right now. But I promise, within three months, I'll give you a definite answer," Dustin replied.
He hadn't yet gathered all the Dracan essence, and with the nation's fate on his shoulders, he couldn't afford to be careless. Plus, he still had matters to discuss with West Lucozia. Since it was a meeting between both families, he would also need to inform Rufus.
"Your words are enough to putat ease. "Simon nodded.
Three months wasn't long. If all went well, Dustin and Natasha would be able to marry by the end of the year.
"By the way, Grandpa, has something happened at home? I haven't seen Uncle Jonathan or the others," Natasha suddenly asked.
Earlier, while they were dining, people from the Mosey family had unexpectedly shown up. After which, Jonathan, Jensen, and Jovian left and never returned. This had naturally piqued her curiosity.
"There's been a bit of trouble, but it's nothing serious. Don't worry about it," Simon said with a reassuring smile. "Grandfather, you've looked troubled since we sat down for dinner. That doesn't seem like a small issue. If something's bothering you, why not tell us? Maybe we can cup with a solution,” she suggested.
"We can't hide anything from you, huh?" Simon grinned and shook his head. He had hoped to keep the family out of this, but now it was clear he couldn't hide them anymore. Natasha was sharp and full of ideas, so he figured she might just have a solution.
"The issue I'm dealing with is serious. It affects not only the future of our family but also the future of Dragonmarsh.” His expression grew serious as he spoke.
"What is it?" Natasha asked curiously.
"There's a rumor that the King is terminally ill and doesn't have much tleft. However, the selection of the heir has yet to be decided. All capable contenders start making moves-forming alliances and gathering supporters. I believe Oakvale is about to be torn apart in a bloody struggle." Simon sighed.
"So, Anders' visit today was about using the marriage alliance to pull our family into their camp?" Natasha quickly grasped the heart of the matter.
Anders had hinted at the idea of an alliance before. He even tried to pursue her, but she had always brushed him off. Now, it seemed the Mosey family had been scheming this from the start.
"You're right. The Moseys are looking to ally with us to strengthen their own power. "Simon nodded.
"So the problem you're facing is whether to join their side?" Natasha asked. "If we turn them down it's like making enemies of them, and if they rise to power, things could get really tough for our family. But if we join and lose in the power struggle, the fallout could be disastrous."
She frowned and finally understood Simon's dilemma-this was a tough ΟΠΙ call. The real kicker was that, with the Ballard family's influence, they were trapped and unable to sidestep the mess entirely. "Yes. We're in a tough spot right now, so we need to tread carefully with our decision. That's why your uncles have all gone off," Simon said.
"Where did they go?" Natasha asked.
"Jonathan went to the Spanner family to inquire about the situation, m while Jensen went to the Fallon family to gather information. As for Jovian, I asked him to go to West Lucozia last night," Simon replied without holding anything back. "West Lucozia?" Dustin raised an eyebrow. Had Simon sent Jovian to consult with the Rhys family?
Chapter 2549
"Grandfather, I understand why you sent Uncle Jonathan and Uncle Jensen to the Spanner and Fallon families to gather information," Natasha began. "But West Lucozia is thousands of miles away." She shook her head slightly. "They've always stayed out of the government's political matters. Sending Uncle Jovian there wouldn't achieve anything. He'd likely just be turned away." Oakvale and West Lucozia were worlds apart. The fight for the Oakvale throne didn't really affect the West Lucozian monarchy. Both sides had long adhered to an unspoken agreement to avoid meddling in each other's affairs.
"I know, but it'll be different this time. The royal throne is at stake, and every faction will do whatever it takes to secure West Lucozia's support. If the West Lucozian monarchy picks a side, the balance we've maintained for years will collapse. That's why I need to be ready for whatever happens," Simon replied.
It would be best if the West Lucozian monarchy stayed out of the political struggle, but if they ever stepped in, Oakvale would be thrown into chaos. With hundreds of thousands of cavalry under their command, even the slightest movement on their part could send shockwaves through the region.
"Grandfather, what if... I mean, what if they do decide to interfere in the battle for succession? What happens then?" Natasha asked hesitantly.
"If the West Lucozian monarchy truly intends to intervene, then that's actually good news for us," Simon replied. "At least we won't have to keep second-guessing. Whoever they support, we will as well. That way, we can be sure we're on the right side." The four ancient houses and the eight great families paled in comparison to the West Lucozian monarchy. If the Prince of West Lucozia decided to act, he could install a puppet ruler and control the outcome.
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Natasha quickly understood. "So, you're sending Uncle Jovian to see if the West Lucozian monarchy plans to interfere with the royal family?" "My main concern is whether he'll even be able to get into the castle. Our family's influence doesn't carry much weight there.
"Simon sighed.
The Ballard family, one of the four ancient houses, had a commanding presence in Oakvale. Their influence was so strong that everyone followed their orders-even the royal family had to show them respect.
But in West Lucozia, it was an entirely different matter. It was a place where not even the royal family could interfere. All the connections, power, and prestige the Ballard family held in Oakvale meant nothing in West Lucozia. Simply put, in that land, the Prince's word was law.
"Mr. Ballard, if you're interested in visiting the West Lucozian monarchy, I can help with that," Dustin said suddenly.
Typically, he wouldn't have spoken up, but given Natasha and her family's future, he knew he had to step in. "Oh?" Simon raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Do you have connections in the West Lucozian monarchy?" "Sort of." Dustin nodded. "I can arrange for someone to meet Mr. Jovian in West Lucozia. That should make things a lot easier." He didn't reveal his identity because he didn't want to get caught in political struggles, nor did he want special treatment.
"That sounds great! If we have a connection to help us, everything will go much more smoothly." Simon smiled and nodded. "I'll leave this to you, then." "No problem. It's a small favor. I'll make the call now," Dustin replied with a faint smile. He pulled out his phone and dialed Austin's number.
As soon as the call connected, an excited voice cthrough. "Logan! You finally called me.” "Do you know how miserable I've been these past days? You've got to cback and help me. Without you standing up for me, that old man is drivingcrazy." Austin started venting right away. He complained so much that one would think he had been through skind of unimaginable torture.
"Okay, stop playing the victim. He's just been a bit strict with you. It's all for your own good," Dustin said before going straight to the point. "I'm calling because I need you to take care of something. You can't mess it up." "No problem. Just say the word, and I'll handle it, no matter the cost-even if it means facing danger head-on," Austin declared confidently.
"There's this man, an uncle of sorts, Jovian Ballard, from the Ballard family in Oakvale. He'll be going to West Lucozia soon to handle smatters. Make sure to take care of him," Dustin instructed.
"Oh! I thought it was something big, and it gotall fired up. Turns out it's just this? "Austin sounded a bit disappointed.
In his mind, Dustin was always involved in monumental affairs, so he figured any task given to him would be something major.
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But in the end, it was just to welcsomeone, which was disappointing.
"Just do what I said. No need for all this chatter," Dustin grumbled.
"Okay. I'll take care of it. What else can I do? You're my brother," Austin replied with a resigned tone.
"Oh, by the way, how's the old man doing? "Dustin asked out of nowhere.
"Not great. He may look fine, but he's been coughing blood every night He's relying on pahacea to hold on, but I don't know how long he can last." Austin sighed.
Dustin fell silent. Though he had resented Rufus in the past, everything he had been through had vel given him a new understanding of his father's struggles. But hearing that his father might not have much tleft left him feeling heavy-hearted.
"Take care of him. Don't let him worry about anything else. That's all Gallif anything comes up," Dustin said after a long pause. Then, he ended the call.
Chapter 2550
The following morning, Jovian stood at the entrance of West Lucozia Airport, wearing a sharp suit.
Before the trip, he had contacted his comrade with whom he had fought side by side in the military. After earning military merit and with the Ballard family's influence, he was fortunate enough to stay in Oakvale and secure a decent position.
His comrade, on the other hand, had moved to West Lucozia to carve out a life for himself. Years of hard work had paid off - he was now a third-rank general with considerable power, influence, and a strong network of connections.
Jovian's meeting with the Prince of West Lucozia would depend entirely on his comrade's connections.
Just then, the roar of an engine cut through the air as a military jeep pulled up beside him. The window rolled down, and the first thing that cinto view was a bald head gleaming in the sunlight like a lightbulb. The glare nearly blinded him.
Under that shiny dwas a face that looked ordinary at first glance. But what stood out was the man's thick neck-wider than his head-and his massive frame, built like a bear. This was Jovian's comrade, Boston Graham. "Boston?" Jovian squinted as he studied the figure before him with a hint of doubt. He wasn't sure if he had the right person.
He recalled Boston had a full head of hair and a lean frseveral years ago. But now, he was bulked up and completely bald. Without that familiar face, Jovian might not have recognized him.
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"Jovian! Long tno see. I've missed you! "Boston jumped out of the car and immediately pulled him into a bear hug. He squeezed so tightly that Jovian gasped for air and nearly choked.
"Take it easy. You're going to break my ribs," Jovian gritted out as he struggled to break free.
"After all this time, you haven't put on a single pound? You're so scrawny!" Boston finally loosened his grip and gave him a once-over with mock disdain.
"I haven't changed a bit. But you... How did you turn into a tank?” Jovian's expression was a mix of confusion and awkwardness.
He wasn't sure what to say.
"What do you know? This is a well-toned physique. I'm the center of attention wherever I go, especially with the ladies.
They just love it," Boston said, flexing his biceps and striking a few poses.
"Alright. Enough showing off. What about the favor I asked you? Any updates?" Jovian got straight to the point. "We hardly ever get to meet. Get in the car and grab a bite to eat first. We'll talk while we're at it," Boston said, throwing his arm around Jovian's shoulder. Without giving him a chance to object, he shoved him into the car.
After an hour's drive, the jeep arrived at a high-end restaurant in the city center. The place was so popular that patrons had to make reservations beforehand.
But Boston wasn't just anyone. As soon as he walked through the door, the manager greeted him with a broad grin and personally escorted them to a VIP room on the second floor. He even arranged for two women to keep them company.
Jovian had cwith a mission, so he wasn't interested in distractions like food, drink, or entertainment. He politely declined the women's company.
Boston, however, didn't hesitate. With a woman on each arm, he made the most of it as he enjoyed their company. It wasn't until three rounds of drinks and several dishes later that he finally sent the two women away.
"Alright, Boston. You've eaten, drank, and had your fun. Isn't it twe talk business? “Jovian finally couldn't hold back.
"You know how it is the prince doesn't just meet with anyone. Even I have to submit a formal request, explain what it's about, and then wait to see if he's available. For outsiders, it's even harder," Boston explained as he sipped his drink. He shook his head to emphasize how difficult the matter was.
"I understand your position, but I'm out of options. That's why I need your help. I hope you'll go the extra mile for me," Jovian said as he pulled out an intricately crafted box and slid it toward Boston.
Though he cfrom a military background, Jovian understood the importance of playing by the rules of human connections. While they shared scamaraderie, that was years ago.
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Sharing a meal or drinks was one thing, but if he wanted Boston to take action, he would need to offer a bit more of an incentive.
"Jovian, what's this? Do we really need to go through all this formality between us?" Boston feigned a look of dissatisfaction.
"You'll have to pull sstrings to make this happen, and I can't let you shoulder the costs. If word got out, people would talk behind my back." Jovian slid the box closer and opened it.
Inside were two pendants, identical in shape but different in color-one black and one white. Both were shaped like puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together but could also be worn separately.
"This pendant is called the Harmony Charms. It was a treasure gifted by the king to hen over 2000 years ago. Not only does wearing it enhance physical strength, but it also offers protection from harm and misfortune, with several other benefits," Jovian said with a smile. He continued, "I heard your wife recently gave birth to twins. These charms are perfect for them. Consider it a gift from me.
Boston's eyes lit up when he saw the pendants. They were priceless treasures and couldn't be bought with money. Most importantly, they were perfect for his children. He could tell Jovian had put a lot of thought into the gift. "You... you're being too generous," Boston said, holding the box, reluctant to put it down. "Alright. Since you're my friend, I'll accept the gift, and I'll make sure your matter gets handled perfectly." "Thanks, I appreciate it." Jovian breathed a sigh of relief.
Now that Boston had accepted the gift, everything was set. With decades of experience in West Lucozia, Boston had the connections to get things done.
"Con. We're friends. No need for all the formalities. Stay here for a couple of days, and as soon as I get news, I'll let you know." Boston laughed.
With the Ballard family's influence and his connections, getting an audience with the prince wouldn't be difficult Not only had he done Jovian e a favor, but he was also getting something valuable in return-a win-win situation.
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