“Honestly, we shouldn’t waste time debating who’s better suited to be king. We just need to figure out who’s most likely to take the throne,” Jensen said matter-of- factly.
As a businessman, he only cared about maximizing profit. To him, it didn’t matter who sat on the throne but who had the best odds. He felt that backing that person would be the wisest choice.
“Who’s most likely depends on who has the strongest backing,” Jonathan said thoughtfully.
“Oh, right! I forgot to ask-who are the Moseys supporting?” Jovian asked, smacking his forehead. They’d been discussing this for so long but still hadn’t figured out where the Moseys stood.
“My guess is Prince Nathaniel.” Jensen narrowed his eyes as he analyzed the situation. “He’s close to Anders. With his immense potential and the king’s favor, the Moseys might see him as their best bet.
“Anders’ personal ties can’t speak for the entire Mosey family,” Jovian countered, shaking his head. “Family interests outweigh personal relationships by far.”
“Dad, you’re experienced and knowledgeable. What’s your take on this?” Jonathan asked.
“If I’m not mistaken, the Moseys have likely placed their bet on Prince Matthias,” Simon said solemnly.
“Prince Matthias? What makes you say that?” Jonathan looked puzzled.
“The Moseys wield immense influence,” Simon explained. “In all of Oakvale, only the Spanner family even comes close under royal authority.”
He continued, “As for Sir Mosey, he’s already reached the pinnacle of what a vassal can achieve. There’s nowhere else for him to rise. If he wants more, his ambition must be aimed at absolute power.
The weight of his words made the three Ballards brothers’ faces darken.
“Are you saying… Sir Mosey wants to overthrow the throne?” Jonathan asked in disbelief.
“That’s hard to believe. I’ve heard that he is charitable, well-liked, and stays out of government affairs. How could he possibly have such grand ambitions?” Jovian asked skeptically.
“You can’t judge a book by its cover,” Jensen said, frowning. “Sometimes, the most amiable people are the most ruthless. Sir Mosey has been lying low for decades. Who’s to say he hasn’t been waiting for just this opportunity?”
Years in business had taught him plenty about people. He had seen men who acted like brothers, showering others with gifts and favors, only to seize the first chance to strike and take everything.
“As unbelievable as it sounds, it’s not impossible,” Simon said. “That said, outright rebellion is too risky. What Sir Mosey really wants is to control the king and use him as a puppet to rule the kingdom.”
“A puppet?” The three Ballards brothers exchanged uneasy looks and frowned deeply.
It reminded them of the infamous Dragon Guard. They worked in the shadows and never flaunted their power, but their name alone struck fear into the entire court. It seemed the Moseys were planning to follow the same path.
Simon explained, “Prince Tristan is too weak and sickly to shoulder the responsibility of the throne, so the Mosey family won’t support him.
“Prince Nathaniel, on the other hand, is skilled in war and diplomacy. While intelligent, he would be challenging to control once in power. His talents are so great they could even threaten the authority of the person who supports him.
“The only viable candidate for the Mosey family to support is Prince Matthias- brave but lacking strategy. He’s easy to manipulate, has potential, and would fit perfectly as a puppet. His rise aligns with Seamus’ expectations. That’s why I believe the Mosey family will back Prince Matthias for the throne.”
Simon shared his reasoning. He had always suspected Seamus was hiding something and played the role of a master strategist so convincingly that no one suspected him.
But now, with the fall of the Dragon Guard and the weakening of the monarchy, the time had come for Seamus to rise. He was finally revealing his true colors.
“Given your analysis, supporting Prince Matthias would best serve the Mosey family’s interests.” Jensen nodded in agreement.
“Dad, since the Mosey family is backing Prince Matthias, who should we support?” Jonathan asked.
“I’m in a dilemma, too.” Simon shook his head and said helplessly, “The four ancient houses and Oakvale’s eight great families all play a role, but the decisive factor will come from the Mosey family and the Spanner family. Before we make a decision, I need to know where the Spanner family stands.”
At that moment, he turned to Jonathan. ” You’re on good terms with the fourth son of the Spanner family. Go and see what you can find out.”
“Got it. I’ll take care of it right away.”
Jonathan nodded before leaving.
The situation was urgent, and there wasn’t much time left for them to make a decision. So, they needed to act fast and gather information.
“Jensen, go check in with the Fallon family as well,” Simon said, turning to his second son.
Though the Fallon family wasn’t as influential as the Spanner family or the Moseys, they were still one of the four ancient houses, on par with the Ballard family.
“Got it!” Jensen replied and quickly left.
“Dad, what about me? What do you need me to do?” Jovian asked eagerly. He couldn’t just sit idly by while something this big was going on.
“Your task is the most important.”
Simon’s expression turned serious. “I need you to go to West Lucozia.”
“What do I need to go to West Lucozia for?
“Jovian was momentarily confused.
“The real factor in the royal succession isn’t the Mosey or Spanner families, but the West Lucozian monarchy, whose influence is unmatched.” Simon made a shocking statement.
He continued, “The West Lucozia iron cavalry is unrivaled. No force in Dragonmarsh can challenge them-not the eight great families of Oakvale or the four ancient houses. None come close to the power of the West Lucozian monarchy. 11
He added, “To put it bluntly, if the Prince of West Lucozia wanted to declare himself king, no one could stop him. When it comes to Oakvale’s struggle for the throne, the opinion of the West Lucozian monarchy is key. Once they pick a side, whoever they back will be the next king.”
“Now I get it.” Jovian nodded. “Dad, I know what I need to do. I’ll head to West Lucozia right away.” 5
With a quick bow, he hurried off.
Simon looked at the darkening sky outside and sighed softly. “Things in Oakvale are about to get messy.”
There was an undeniable sorrow in his expression, as if the weight of his position was pressing on him. In a situation like this, he would have to go with the flow if he couldn’t protect himself.
