An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2524

“Oh? I didn’t expect to see both of you here,” Nathaniel remarked.

He had just been about to pay his respects when he spotted Tristan and Matthias already inside the mourning hall. Offering a respectful nod, he greeted them, “Tristan. Matthias.”

In truth, he wasn’t surprised—they were his main rivals, after all. He had anticipated their presence.

The four ancient houses and eight great families were all key factions in the political game. With the Ballard family still uncommitted, Nathaniel wasn’t about to miss the opportunity to make a strong impression.

“I heard you were away from Oakvale on official business,” Tristan said, his voice laced with subtle insinuation. “Funny how quickly you made it back.”

“It wasn’t anything pressing,” Nathaniel replied smoothly. “When I heard of Mr. Jovian’s passing, I returned at once. I wanted to pay my respects in person.”

He dismissed Tristan’s veiled jab with ease and used the moment to underscore his sincerity before the Ballard family.

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

“Of course.” Nathaniel nodded.

He stepped forward, placed a small bouquet beneath the portrait, and bowed his head in silence. His eyes reddened, and a deep sorrow spread across his face.

“Mr. Jovian, your passing is a profound loss—not only to us but to the entire nation. I remember how you always led from the front, never hesitating to charge into danger. You didn’t win battles with strategy alone, but with courage and determination.

“The peace we enjoy in Oakvale, the safety of our people—your legacy lives on in every corner of this land. Your bravery inspired countless patriots to rise and serve.

“Standing here today, I am filled with sorrow and admiration. May you rest in peace. Your legacy will not fade—it will be remembered for generations and etched into the history of this nation.”

Nathaniel placed a hand gently on the casket, bowing his head in a long, solemn silence.

His speech touched many in attendance. No one had expected him to be so openly emotional. He appeared like a man mourning a beloved comrade, and his grief seemed genuine—almost contagious.

Even the Ballard family, fully aware of the underlying political motive, couldn’t help but be moved. Whatever his intent, Nathaniel had made his stance unmistakably clear.

“Nathaniel really knows how to put on a show. That performance made us look indifferent by comparison,” Tristan muttered with a frown.

It was a textbook example of political one-upmanship. Tristan had already shown up, paid his respects, and said all the right things—as the eldest prince, it was more than what was expected.

But Nathaniel had taken it a step further—and stolen the spotlight.
The grief in his voice and the way he appeared on the verge of tears—anyone watching would’ve thought he had just lost his own parents.

Even if Tristan wanted to match that display, he doubted he could make it look that convincing.

“Hmph. All smoke and mirrors,” Matthias scoffed. “Anyone with half a brain could see he was putting on a show. The Ballards aren’t fools—they know when someone’s feeding them lines.”

“Matthias, there’s a reason people say flattery works even when it’s obvious,” Tristan replied thoughtfully. “Sure, everyone knows the sweet talk and theatrics are just for show, but it still gets to them. That’s what makes Nathaniel so damn good at it.”

Flattery might not change the world, but at the right moment, it could tip the scales.

When two contenders were neck and neck—one using charm and the other dismissing it—the one who played to the crowd usually pulled ahead.

As Tristan and Matthias murmured to each other, Simon entered the mourning hall, dressed in black and leaning on Natasha for support.

The moment he appeared, every head turned.

“Greetings, Duke of Lachshire.”

Everyone bowed respectfully.

Even the three princes followed suit, offering the proper gesture due from juniors to a senior. In the realm of politics, they were royalty. But here, they were simply guests offering condolences.

“Thank you all for coming to honor my son,” Simon said hoarsely, nodding to the gathered mourners. “I truly appreciate it.”

“You honor us, Duke of Lachshire,” Nathaniel said.

He was the first to step forward, his voice low and marked with sorrow. “Mr. Jovian gave his all for this nation. It is only right that we come to honor his memory. If your family ever needs anything, I will do everything in my power to assist.”

Tristan and Matthias exchanged glances before stepping forward to offer their condolences as well. Their words were different in tone but similar in content.

They could maintain appearances with most, but not with Simon. As a high-ranking duke and a senior statesman, his influence far surpassed that of Jonathan and the rest.

Whichever prince had a chance at the throne would depend, in large part, on where Simon cast his support.

“Your Royal Highnesses, it means a great deal that you came to pay your respects,” Simon said with a weary sigh. “But as you can see, my household is in disarray. We may not be the best hosts today, and I ask for your understanding.”

Polite as it was, the message was clear: his family was in mourning and had no intention of being drawn into political matters—for now. Any discussions could wait.