The Gilded Chamber stood in the heart of the inner city. It sold valuable items such as panaceas, artifact weapons, and rare martial arts manuscripts.
Only dignitaries and martial arts experts ever stepped through its doors. Ordinary people couldn’t afford to glance at the price tags, let alone buy anything.
Inside, Cassius Hawke, an elderly man with gray hair, lounged comfortably in a reclining chair as he listened to music. He held a small metal flask in one hand and occasionally took a sip.
At that moment, a luxury car screeched to a stop at the entrance, leaving long black streaks across the stone pavement.
Before the vehicle had even stopped, Matthias opened the door and jumped out. The second he walked into the Gilded Chamber, he started issuing commands.
“Get your chief out here! I have something important to discuss,” he barked.
“Looks like no one told you how things work around here,” Cassius said coolly, not even looking at him.
He stayed reclined in the chair with his eyes half-closed.
“If you want to buy something, you need to make an appointment,” he added. “We don’t take walk-ins.”
“I’m Prince Matthias Linsor. I need to see your chief now. Delay me, and you’ll answer for it,” Matthias snapped, flashing his gold badge to verify his identity.
“Oh, it’s Prince Matthias. Please forgive my disrespect,” Cassius said.
He gave a mock bow but stayed comfortably lying down. It was obvious he didn’t plan to get up.
He continued, “Still, rules are rules. No appointment, no service.”
“What kind of attitude is that? You think I don’t dare to tear down your chamber?” Matthias growled.
Anxiety gnawed at him, but Cassius was unfazed, showing him no sign of respect. With his temper, Matthias would have made a move long ago if he hadn’t come for help.
“Tear the place down if you want. My answer won’t change,” Cassius replied without batting an eye.
“You…”
Matthias was so furious his scalp tingled, and he almost snapped. Then, he suddenly remembered the pendant Seamus had given him. He took it out and held it in front of Cassius.
“Look closely, old geezer,” he said. “This is a pendant from your chief, and it guarantees me a favor at no cost.”
“Hm?”
When Cassius saw the pendant, his expression finally changed. He quickly stood up and leaned in to examine it carefully. After confirming it was authentic, he frowned.
“Where did you get this?” he asked. ”
Wasn’t this supposed to be in Sir Mosey’s possession?”
At the mention of Seamus’ name, Matthias realized something. “So, you recognize it? Then, you must be the chief of the Gilded Chamber.”
Few knew about this pendant. If Cassius knew Seamus’ name immediately, his background clearly wasn’t simple.
“That’s right. I’m the chief of the Gilded Chamber,” Cassius said. Then, his expression turned serious. “Tell me, Your Highness-did Sir Mosey give the pendant to you?”
“He did.” Matthias nodded. “I’m in trouble, and my uncle told me to come here with the pendant. He said you were the only one who could help me.”
“Sir Mosey once saved my life, so I owe him. But Your Highness, you’re skilled in strategy and strong in your own right. You also have powerful allies at your back. If someone like you can’t sort out this trouble, I doubt someone like me can do much,” Cassius replied with a shake of his head.
Whatever was troubling Matthias had to be a major problem.
“Others can’t help me, but you can,”
Matthias said urgently. “I need Mr. Hawke to step in, and you’re the only one who can convince him.”
He didn’t hold anything back and briefly explained the situation.
Cassius frowned. “I didn’t expect the royal gods of the Hall of Gods to act with such blatant disregard for order. Do they really think Dragonmarsh has no one who can stand against them?”
“Sir, I was desperate earlier and might have been out of line. Please don’t take it personally,” Matthias said respectfully.” But now I must ask-would you be willing to go in person and ask Mr. Hawke to intervene? Only he has the power to protect Dragonmarsh from this evil threat.
11
Cassius sighed. “My father has been in seclusion for years. He no longer concerns himself with worldly affairs. Convincing him to get involved would be next to impossible.”
“Even so, please give it a try. Right now, he’s our only hope,” Matthias said earnestly.
“Fine. I’ll give it a try, but don’t expect too much.”
“Thank you.”
“Please wait here, Your Highness. I’ll be back shortly.”
With that, Cassius turned and disappeared into the back.
Matthias paced restlessly outside the door. He had no idea what was happening back at the estate. If Zeus had already killed everyone and left, convincing Ezekiel out of seclusion might be pointless.
After nearly half an hour, Cassius finally returned.
Matthias quickly stepped forward and asked, “Well? Did Mr. Hawke agree to help?
“My father said he doesn’t interfere in mortal disputes,” Cassius replied. “But in honor of the pendant, he’s willing to offer you a sachet. He says it will be enough to get you through this danger.”
He took out a white sachet and handed it over.
“A sachet?”
Matthias frowned and looked disappointed. What kind of trick could a sachet hold that would scare off the royal god, Zeus? Was this some kind of joke?
