An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2439

Chapter 2439

“The real question isn’t who is best suited to be emperor, but who is most likely to become the emperor?”

At that moment, Jayceon, the second son, broke the silence.

A shrewd businessman, Jayceon only cared about backing the most promising candidate. For him, it wasn’t about loyalty or merit—it was about aligning with the winning side to secure the greatest benefits.

“Whoever has the most hope depends on who has the strongest support,” Kairo mused aloud, his expression thoughtful.

“Speaking of that, I forgot to ask—who does the Mosey family support?” Tobias asked, slapping his forehead as if the thought had just struck him.

After all their discussion, no one had brought up the stance of the Mosey family, a critical player in the unfolding power struggle.

“My guess? The third prince,” Jayceon said, narrowing his eyes as he analyzed the situation. “Nathaniel, the third prince, has a close personal relationship with Frost Bane and impressive potential. He’s well-liked by officials. If I were the Mosey family, I’d place my bet on him.”

But Tobias shook his head. “Frost Bane alone doesn’t define the Mosey family’s decisions. Family interests always outweigh personal connections.”

“Dad, what do you think?” Kairo turned to Simon, seeking his father’s insight.

Simon’s face grew serious. “If my instincts are right, the Mosey family isn’t backing Nathaniel. Their choice is Matthias, the second prince.”

“Matthias?” Kairo frowned, clearly puzzled. “Why would they pick him?”

Simon leaned forward, his voice steady but tinged with gravity. “The Mosey family is one of the most powerful in Oakvale—second only to the imperial family itself. Seamus Mosey, the head of the family, has already reached the highest ranks of the court. If he wants to rise further, there’s only one goal left: control over the throne itself.”

The room fell silent. The weight of Simon’s words hit the three brothers hard.

“You mean… Seamus wants to usurp the throne?” Kairo asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

“That’s impossible!” Tobias exclaimed. “I’ve heard Seamus is kind, generous, and stays out of court politics. How could he harbor such ambition?”

Simon shook his head. “You can’t judge a man by his reputation alone. The kindest faces often hide the sharpest minds. Seamus has bided his time for decades. Now, with the imperial family weakened, he may see his chance.”

Jayceon nodded slowly. Years of business had taught him the truth behind masks. “It wouldn’t surprise me. Many people act generous and friendly until an opportunity presents itself. That’s when their true nature comes out.”

Simon continued, “Still, a direct grab for the throne is too risky, even for Seamus. What he likely wants is to control the emperor through a puppet.”

“A puppet emperor?” Kairo, Tobias, and Jayceon exchanged uneasy glances.

The idea brought to mind the notorious Dragon Guarding Pavilion—a shadowy force that had once held terrifying control over Oakvale’s court.

“Tristan, the first prince, is weak and sickly. The Mosey family won’t waste their resources on him. Nathaniel is strong, intelligent, and ambitious—but that makes him difficult to control and even dangerous to ally with.

“Matthias, on the other hand, is courageous but lacks wisdom. He’s malleable—a perfect puppet. That makes him the ideal choice for the Mosey family,” Simon explained.

He paused, his expression darkening. “Seamus has hidden his intentions well, but the destruction of the Dragon Guarding Pavilion and the weakening of the imperial family have emboldened him. This may be his moment to act.”

Jayceon nodded thoughtfully. “By supporting Matthias, the Mosey family stands to gain the most. It’s a logical move.”

“Dad, if the Mosey family is backing Matthias, what should we do?” Kairo asked.

Simon sighed, the weight of the decision apparent on his face. “The choices of the four royal families and the eight wealthy families will shape the future. But the two most decisive forces are the Mosey family and the Spanner family.

“Before we act, I need to know where the Spanner family stands.” He turned to Kairo. “You have a good relationship with the fourth son of the Spanner family. Go and sound him out.”

“Understood.” Kairo nodded and left immediately.

“Jayceon,” Simon continued, “reach out to the Fallon family. They’re not as powerful as the Mosey or Spanner families, but their stance still matters.”

“On it,” Jayceon replied, hurrying out the door.

Tobias, the youngest, looked eager. “Dad, what about me? What do you need me to do?”

Simon’s face turned grim. “Your task is the most critical. I need you to go to West Lucozia.”

“West Lucozia?” Tobias blinked in surprise. “What’s there?”

Simon’s voice dropped to a near whisper. “The real power isn’t in Oakvale—it’s in West Lucozia. The Iron Cavalry of West Lucozia is unmatched. No force in Dragonmarsh, not even the Mosey or Spanner families, can rival them.

“If the King of West Lucozia decides to intervene, no one can stop him. Whoever he supports will become the next emperor.”

Tobias’s eyes widened in understanding. “I see. I’ll leave for West Lucozia immediately!”

After a brief bow, he rushed out, determination in his stride.

Simon watched his sons leave, his gaze turning toward the darkening sky. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as a deep worry clouded his brow.

“The winds of change are stirring in Oakvale,” he murmured to himself. “If we’re not careful, we’ll be swept away in the storm.”