An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2442

Chapter 2442

Nathaniel’s words weighed heavily on Tristan. His furrowed brows betrayed deep contemplation, as if he were grappling with an uncomfortable realization.

It seemed he had underestimated the situation.

What he thought was merely a power struggle among brothers had unexpectedly given Seamus an opportunity to exploit.

Seamus’s influence was already formidable.

Under the pretense of supporting Matthias’s claim to the throne, Seamus had formed alliances, recruited talents, and expanded his network to rival the royal family itself. If Matthias ascended with Seamus’s backing, their combined power would overshadow even the monarch’s authority, leaving no one to rein them in.

The worst-case scenario? The emperor would be reduced to a puppet, with Seamus commanding the princes and toppling the Linsor Dynasty altogether.

“Nathaniel, are you certain about this?” Tristan asked, his tone laced with urgency.

“I swear it’s the truth,” Nathaniel replied solemnly. “Of course, if you have doubts, you’re welcome to investigate it yourself.”

“I believe you,” Tristan admitted, though his concern deepened. “Still, countering Seamus won’t be easy. Do you have any strategies?”

“I’ve tried warning Matthias, but it’s been futile. He sees me as a rival with ulterior motives and refuses to listen. The only solution now is for us to unite and stop him from ascending to the throne, thwarting Seamus’s conspiracy,” Nathaniel suggested.

Though his words sounded righteous, they carried a hidden agenda. Nathaniel’s position was weaker than Matthias’s, and an alliance with Tristan would greatly improve his chances. If Matthias were defeated, the crown prince’s title would undoubtedly fall to him, as Tristan was no match for his ambitions.

This was Nathaniel’s plan.

“It appears there’s no other choice,” Tristan said thoughtfully. For both the dynasty’s stability and his own interests, he had to prevent Matthias from claiming the throne.

“So, Eldest Brother, do we have your agreement?” Nathaniel asked, raising his eyebrows expectantly.

“For both personal and national reasons, I can’t allow Seamus to succeed. But even combined, our forces may not be enough to challenge him. We’ll need to secure more powerful allies,” Tristan analyzed.

“Four of the eight great families have already pledged loyalty to the Mosey faction. That leaves the other four. Winning them over will depend on your connections, Eldest Brother,” Nathaniel suggested.

“I have old ties with several influential families, so it shouldn’t be too difficult. But more critically, we need to focus on the royal families,” Tristan said, his tone sharpening. “Excluding the Mosey family, that leaves the Spanner, Fallon, and Ballard families.”

“The Fallon family is closely allied with the Moseys and has likely joined Matthias’s camp. Winning them over is improbable. Our efforts should focus on the Spanner and Ballard families,” Nathaniel advised. “I have a good relationship with the Spanners and can work to persuade them. As for the Ballards, that task falls to you.”

“Understood. I’ll visit the Duke of Lachshire in the morning to gauge his stance,” Tristan agreed, knowing the Ballard family’s support would be crucial.

“Brother, I have another request,” Nathaniel said suddenly.

“Speak freely. We’re in this together now,” Tristan replied, his voice firm.

“To gain the upper hand, we need superior intelligence, and Grace is unparalleled in this field. Her expertise in information gathering is among the best in all of Dragonmarsh. If she supports us, our plans will proceed far more smoothly,” Nathaniel explained.

Grace’s reputation was undeniable. While others built military or political clout, she had spent years developing an extensive intelligence network that spanned the entire Dragonmarsh. Her resources were invaluable.

“You’re suggesting I bring Grace into this?” Tristan asked, narrowing his eyes.

“You and Grace have a good personal relationship. If you ask her, I’m confident she won’t refuse,” Nathaniel said with a calculated smile.

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Tristan countered. “I know Grace’s principles well—she refuses to involve herself in royal disputes. She won’t agree to help us undermine Matthias.”

Grace’s neutrality was ironclad. Despite the advantages her intelligence network offered, she consistently avoided entanglement in the power struggles of the royal family.

“We’re not asking her to pick sides, only to provide information. That doesn’t violate her principles. If needed, we can compensate her generously for her assistance,” Nathaniel argued.

Tristan hesitated, his brows furrowing again. “This… feels like a gray area.”

“Brother, think of the greater good,” Nathaniel urged, his tone earnest.

After a long pause, Tristan nodded reluctantly. “Fine. I’ll try, but I can’t promise she’ll agree.”

Though Tristan disliked involving Grace, the turbulent political climate left him no choice. As a royal heir, he couldn’t stand idly by.

Sometimes, even the unwilling must act.