An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2525

Tristan, Matthias, and Nathaniel weren’t fools—they understood the unspoken message loud and clear.

Their visit was meant to serve a dual purpose: to offer condolences and to gain the Ballard family’s support. If they succeeded, all the better. If not, at least they’d leave a good impression.

The key was that as long as the Ballards didn’t pick a side—or worse, turn against them—there was still room to maneuver. There was no need to rush.

Tristan spoke first. “You’re too gracious, Duke of Lachshire. We’ve always admired Mr. Jovian’s loyalty and bravery. We’re only here to pay our respects—nothing more.”

Matthias added, “Exactly. Your family has enough to deal with right now. And you’re not as young as you used to be, so don’t wear yourself out. We won’t take up any more of your time today.”

He gave a respectful nod, then turned to leave.

“Duke—”

Nathaniel began to speak, but Tristan cut him off. “That’s enough, Nathaniel. The Duke is tired. Let’s not overstay our welcome. Come on.”

He had no intention of letting Nathaniel say more. His brother was smooth-tongued—so good with words he could probably charm the dead into supporting him. Give him another minute, and he might actually win the Ballards over.

If Tristan couldn’t secure their support, he certainly wasn’t going to let Nathaniel steal it.

“Come on. I’ve got something to tell you. Let’s talk outside,” Matthias said.

Not bothering with subtlety, he slapped a hand on Nathaniel’s shoulder and pulled him along. Whatever Nathaniel had planned to say died on his lips.

“Duke of Lachshire, please accept our condolences. We’ll take our leave now,” Tristan said with a final nod, then followed them out of the mourning hall.

Tristan and Matthias were clearly on the same page: Nathaniel needed to shut up before he stirred up more trouble.

Still gripping Nathaniel’s shoulder, Matthias guided him out of the Ballard estate.

Matthias wore his usual easy grin, while Nathaniel’s face was twisted with frustration.

“Matthias, that’s enough.”

The moment they stepped outside, Nathaniel shook off his hand. He snapped, “You’re the one who wanted to leave. Why drag me with you?”

“Nathaniel, the Ballards are mourning. This isn’t the time to push your agenda. People are already giving you side-eyes. I’m just trying to help you save face,” Matthias said calmly.

“Hmph! Who knows what you’re really planning?” Nathaniel muttered.“You heard what the Duke of Lachshire said earlier. He just lost his son—he’s in no condition to deal with politics. Why push him?” Tristan said evenly.

Nathaniel shot back, “Fair. But tell me—how is what you’re doing any different from what I want to do?”

They were all just playing the game of politeness. None of them had pure motives, and none had the right to call the others out.

Tristan remained calm. “I just don’t want to see you head down the wrong path.”

Nathaniel didn’t bother hiding his irritation. “Whether I do or not isn’t your concern. Goodbye.”

With a flick of his sleeve, he turned and walked off without another word.

Valon’s health was worsening by the day. It wouldn’t be long before he named a successor. The power struggle among the three princes was no longer hidden.

One path led to power; the other to ruin. If one prince succeeded, he would rule the nation. But failure meant total defeat—there would be no second chances.

None of them could afford restraint. They had to give everything and play as dirty as needed.

As Nathaniel’s figure faded into the distance, Tristan muttered, “Out of the three of us, Father’s always favored him.”

Matthias nodded. “Yeah. Father’s had his eye on him since we were kids.”

Tristan’s tone grew sharper. “If—and I mean if—he takes the throne, what do you think happens to us?”

Matthias narrowed his eyes. “Nathaniel’s not the forgiving type. He holds grudges. If he becomes king, we’re finished.”

Tristan let out a knowing sigh. “Yeah. With his temperament, he won’t tolerate us.”

As brothers and rivals, they knew Nathaniel well. He wore a friendly face, but beneath it was a petty, vengeful man who never forgot a slight. Those who crossed him rarely fared well.

“You know me, Tristan. I’m loyal to a fault. Anyone who helps me, I’ll repay them a hundredfold,” Matthias said.

Without skipping a beat, he added, “If Nathaniel takes the crown, we’re both done. You should back me instead. I won’t forget it when I’m king.”

Tristan’s eye twitched, but then he smiled. “You’ve already got the Moseys behind you. Do you really think you still need me?”

Between his two brothers, Matthias might’ve been the lesser evil—but only slightly.

Matthias and Nathaniel were cut from the same cloth: ruthless, calculating, and always ready to exploit others for their gain.

Tristan wasn’t falling for that sugar-coated offer. And honestly—who didn’t want the throne?

He’d spent half his life waiting in the wings. Now that it was finally within reach, there was no way he’d let it slip away.