An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2550

Chapter 2550

At dusk, in Prince Mosey’s palace.

Matthias Linsor and Seamus Mosey were engrossed in a heated game of chess on the sand table. The battle between the two sides was intense, neither willing to concede defeat.

Frost stood silently nearby, observing the match without uttering a word.

After a long while, the outcome was finally decided. Seamus planted a white flag on the sand table, signaling his surrender.

“Your Highness is truly a military genius. Your tactics are unpredictable and impossible to guard against. I pride myself on being a decent strategist, but I am still far from your level,” Seamus remarked with a smile, shaking his head. He then took the white towel handed to him by a maid and meticulously wiped his fingers.

“Uncle, you flatter me. I only won by luck today,” Matthias replied modestly.

Though he was a prince, he dared not act arrogantly in front of Seamus.

After all, the man before him was his most significant financial backer in his bid for the throne. Not only did Seamus provide him with substantial resources, but he also helped him win over influential factions and eliminate obstacles. It was precisely because of Seamus’s support that Matthias had the confidence to outmaneuver Tristan and Nathaniel.

“Your Highness is gifted in both civil and military affairs. Given time, you will undoubtedly become a renowned emperor!” Seamus praised without reservation.

“Uncle, it’s too early to say that. The position of crown prince remains undecided, and no one can guarantee who will ultimately claim it,” Matthias replied cautiously.

Though confident in his ability to compete with his brothers, he remained prepared for the worst. Until the throne was firmly within his grasp, he could not afford to let his guard down.

“With the support of the noble families and various influential factions, Your Highness’s ascension to the crown prince is assured,” Frost chimed in with a smile.

“That may be so, but everyone knows how deeply the Emperor dotes on Nathaniel. What if His Majesty insists on placing Nathaniel on the throne?” Matthias narrowed his eyes slightly.

Seamus reclined leisurely in his chair, sipping tea calmly without a word.

Frost glanced at his lord before lowering his voice. “If it truly comes to that, Your Highness may have to take decisive action—a Boulderthorn Guild Incident might be necessary.”

At this, Matthias’s smile froze. He first looked at Seamus, then turned his gaze to Frost. “Brother Frost, choose your words carefully! Do I seem like the kind of man who would kill his own brothers for power?”

“Your Highness may be kind and righteous, but your brothers may not share the same sentiments. While you hesitate out of brotherly love, they may already be plotting your downfall,” Frost advised.

“This matter requires further consideration. What do you think, Uncle?” Matthias redirected the conversation to Seamus.

Frost did not yet represent the Mosey family’s stance. Even if Matthias were to orchestrate a Boulderthorn Guild Incident, he would need Seamus’s approval.

“I will follow Your Highness’s lead. Whatever decision you make, the Mosey family will fully support you,” Seamus declared.

“Thank you, Uncle.” Matthias smiled faintly. Then, as if recalling something, he asked, “By the way, has there been any movement from the West Lucozia Palace?”

In the entire kingdom, the only force capable of directly influencing the crown prince’s position was the distant West Lucozia Palace. Thirty thousand Black Dragon Army soldiers were enough to sweep away all opposition.

“I’ve already looked into it. West Lucozia is currently dealing with internal issues—they’re undergoing a full-scale purge and have no time to meddle in Oakvale’s affairs. Besides, Rufus Rhys doesn’t have long to live. If West Lucozia wants to avoid further chaos, their best option is to lay low and pretend nothing is happening,” Frost explained.

“Good. Then we can proceed without worry.” Matthias relaxed slightly.

As long as West Lucozia Palace remained inactive, everything would remain under his control.

Boom!

Just as the group was conversing, Matthias’s personal general, Kyle, rushed in, his expression frantic.

“Your Highness! A disaster has struck the mansion!”

“Why are you so flustered? Can’t you see I’m in the middle of a discussion with Uncle Mosey?” Matthias frowned, displeased.

Kyle was a seasoned general who had seen countless battles. How could he lose his composure over something trivial?

“Your Highness! I’ve just received word that Zeus, the King of Gods, stormed into the mansion and began slaughtering indiscriminately! He’s even taken your wife hostage! The entire estate is in chaos!” Kyle reported urgently.

What?!

Matthias shot to his feet, his face darkening. “Zeus, the King of Gods?! How could this happen? I’ve never had any conflict with the Pantheon! Why would he attack my mansion and kill my people?!”

Not only had he never clashed with the Pantheon, but he had also frequently engaged in trade with them. He couldn’t fathom why the Pantheon would suddenly turn against him.

“I don’t know the details, but the guards have suffered heavy casualties. We must send reinforcements immediately! Your Highness, please issue your orders at once!” Kyle pleaded, clasping his fists.

“Damn the Pantheon! To slaughter my men without provocation—this is unforgivable!” Matthias gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing with fury. “Kyle, listen well! Mobilize the troops immediately! Surround the Pantheon’s forces and make them pay!”

“As you command!” Kyle acknowledged before swiftly departing.

In Oakvale, only a select few had the authority to deploy the army—and Matthias was one of them.