An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2523

“Your Royal Highness, it’s an honor to have you here,” Jonathan said.

Upon seeing the distinguished guest arrive, he quickly composed himself and set aside his grief. Leading his family, he stepped forward to greet Tristan, and they bowed respectfully.

Before they could complete the gesture, Tristan raised a hand to stop them.

“There’s no need for such formalities,” he said. “The deceased deserves our respect.”

He turned to Jovian’s portrait displayed in the mourning hall and let out a heavy sigh.

“Mr. Jovian’s untimely death is a great loss to Dragonmarsh,” Tristan continued. “May his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to your family during this difficult time.”

Jonathan, eyes glistening with tears, bowed his head slightly. “Thank you, Your Highness, for your kind words. My family is devastated by my brother’s tragic passing.”

Tristan gave a solemn nod. His eyes briefly swept the hall before he asked, “I heard Duke Lachshire fainted from grief. How is he doing now?”

Jonathan sighed. “My father was overcome with sorrow, which put a strain on his health. He’s stable now, but he’ll need several days of rest.”

“He is a pillar of Dragonmarsh,” Tristan said seriously. “I sympathize deeply with his condition. If he needs anything during his recovery, don’t hesitate to let me know. I’ll offer my full support.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Jonathan replied.

He understood the deeper meaning behind Tristan’s words.

Though he was the eldest, Tristan held the weakest influence among the three royal brothers. To secure the throne, he needed powerful allies—and gaining the Ballard family’s support would greatly boost his standing in court.

Jonathan knew this well, but it wasn’t the time or place to speak openly.

“Announcing the arrival of His Royal Highness, Prince Matthias.”

The conversation was interrupted by an announcement from the doorway.

Everyone turned their eyes to the entrance, including Tristan. A tall, sharp-eyed young man entered, trailed by a group of officials.

With a commanding presence shaped by years of battle, the young man was unmistakably Matthias Linsor.

“Your Highness, it’s an honor to have you here,” Jonathan said. He quickly led his family to greet Matthias and bowed respectfully.

“There’s no need for such formalities,” Matthias replied.

He raised his hand to halt them. But just as he was about to speak, he noticed Tristan standing nearby. His brow furrowed for a moment before quickly smoothing out.

“I didn’t expect to see you here, Tristan. Quite the surprise,” Matthias said, his smile tinged with stiffness.

“Mr. Jovian died in service to the country, so of course I came to pay my respects,” Tristan replied evenly. “But I must say, Matthias, considering your demanding schedule, I’m impressed you managed to find the time to attend.”
“We all have our reasons.”

Matthias didn’t pursue the conversation any further. He walked into the mourning hall, lit a candle, and stood silently in a brief moment of respect. His actions were swift and precise, consistent with his straightforward nature.

After paying his respects, Matthias turned to Jonathan and asked, “How is the Duke of Lachshire?”

“My father’s doing fine. He just needs a few days of rest,” Jonathan replied with a nod.

“Death comes as surely as a flame burns out. I hope he takes good care of himself. If your family needs anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll make sure you’re well supported,” Matthias said with quiet confidence.

Tristan couldn’t help but frown at the familiar, almost scripted tone of Matthias’s words.

Jonathan bowed again. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Like Tristan, Matthias was eager to win the Ballard family’s support.

Renowned for his military prowess and respected throughout the armed forces, Matthias knew that securing the Ballards’ backing would significantly boost his claim to the throne.

“Announcing the arrival of His Royal Highness, Prince Nathaniel.”

Another announcement echoed from the doorway.

The mood in the hall instantly grew tense.

Tristan and Matthias exchanged glances before both turned toward the entrance. To them, it meant yet another contender had entered the arena.

All eyes followed Nathaniel as he walked in, flanked by several officials. He was tall and striking, exuding grace and intelligence, with sharp, discerning eyes.

“Your Highness, it’s an honor to have you here,” Jonathan said, quickly regaining his composure. He led his family once more to offer a respectful bow.

He hadn’t expected all three of Dragonmarsh’s most powerful princes to appear one after the other. Their presence guaranteed that today’s mourning ceremony would be anything but simple.

“Mr. Jonathan, please accept my condolences,” Nathaniel said sincerely as he stepped inside.

He added, “The Duke of Lachshire’s service to the country is well known, and now Mr. Jovian has given his life for the realm. Your family’s loyalty is unquestionable. I’ll personally speak to my father to ensure you receive the recognition you deserve.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Jonathan replied.

The three princes stood together in the mourning hall. Though they came under the pretense of offering condolences, each one had a clear agenda, subtly competing for influence.

Jonathan could only hope their rivalry wouldn’t turn the solemn ceremony into a political spectacle, overshadowing Jovian’s final farewell.

In a quiet corner of the hall, Dustin observed the scene and shook his head. He had no interest in government politics, but given the circumstances, it was impossible to remain detached.

Watching the three princes silently vie for the crown, a sense of unease crept into his heart. If the wrong man claimed the throne, Dragonmarsh could spiral into chaos.