It was midday at the Mosey mansion, and Seamus was sipping tea and reading in the garden after lunch.
Just then, an aide approached him and reported, “Sir Mosey, Prince Matthias is here to see you.”
“Show him in,” Seamus replied with a nod.
He didn’t look surprised, as if he had been expecting his visit.
“Yes, sir,” the aide acknowledged, then left quickly.
Moments later, Matthias walked briskly into the back garden.
“Uncle Seamus! Something major happened in Oakvale last night,” he exclaimed before he’d even settled into a chair.
“What could prompt such concern from you, Your Highness?” Seamus asked as he set aside his book and smiled.
“Some underground forces led by the Hall of Gods were eliminated last night. Even my businesses were severely affected,” Matthias said with a grave expression.
He went on, “What’s most troubling is how suddenly it all happened. I didn’t receive any news in advance. Despite multiple investigations afterward, nothing turned up. I’m utterly baffled about who’s behind this, which is why I’ve come hoping you might shed some light on the matter.”
“I have also heard about last night’s upheaval,” Seamus replied calmly.
He nodded thoughtfully before adding, ” You’re right. Whoever eliminated the Hall of Gods is shrouded in mystery. Even with all my channels, I haven’t been able to uncover a single lead.”
“How can this be happening?” Matthias frowned. “At this pivotal moment in the succession struggle, this mysterious figure with terrifying capabilities has suddenly emerged. I can’t tell if this works in my favor or against me.”
He was competing with Nathaniel and Tristan through both open rivalry and covert scheming, as each prince built their network of influence and formed alliances. Though the outcome was far from certain, at least their methods were all within expected parameters.
However, the sudden appearance of that mysterious figure had increased the unpredictability. The fact that he could wipe out the Hall of Gods and multiple factions in a single night was beyond comprehension.
Even if Matthias went all in and threw caution to the wind, he doubted he could achieve that level of destruction.
“There are upsides and downsides to this,” Seamus said calmly.
He continued, “If this person has no interest in the power struggle, then his presence won’t affect us much. Conversely, should he choose to involve himself in the fight for power, whichever prince gains his support would possess an overwhelming advantage.”
“You mean we need to find out whether this person intends to join our side?”
Matthias caught on quickly.
“First, uncover his identity. Then, figure out his intentions, and finally adapt our strategy accordingly,” Seamus advised.
“You don’t seem nervous, Uncle Seamus.
Do you already have a plan in mind?”
Matthias looked bewildered.
After such a massive purge, Seamus was unnervingly calm. There wasn’t a trace of worry in his expression. Either his mental discipline was unmatched, or he had already devised a countermeasure.
“Does nervousness solve problems? Everything must be handled with a clear head. Sometimes we have to accept what fate puts in front of us.” Seamus smiled faintly.
He had weathered storms far greater than that. After surviving countless brushes with death, his will was unshakable. Even if the sky were falling, he wouldn’t so much as flinch. A little disruption like that hardly warranted concern.
“I don’t believe in fate. I only believe in myself,” Matthias said, clenching a fist. ” I’ll crush whoever stands in my way.”
Seamus replied calmly, “Ambition is a good thing, Your Highness. But when you’re up against a stronger enemy, sometimes the smart move is to back down.
“Remember the old tales about a king who endured hardship to achieve his revenge. It means a setback isn’t the end. As long as you’re alive, you still have a chance to turn things around.”
“Your principles don’t mean much to me. I only follow one creed-either I take the throne or I fall trying,” Matthias said.
He’d been practicing martial arts from a young age and excelled at combat. Anyone who stood in his way would be killed. To him, that was a straightforward, no-nonsense, and practical method.
“Very well. I have no right to dictate your choices, but I might have some insight to offer regarding the question you brought up earlier.” Seamus changed the subject.
“Oh? Let’s hear it.” Matthias perked up.
“Think about it. Across Dragonmarsh, who has enough power to wipe out the Hall of Gods’ entire forces in a single night, without leaking a single word?” Seamus asked.
“This…” Matthias frowned slightly.
After pondering for a while, he replied, ” Could Father be behind this?”
Seamus shook his head. “The King is on his deathbed and doesn’t have much time left. Where would he find the strength for such schemes?”
“If not him, then who else could it be?” Matthias grew even more puzzled. ”
Tristan and Nathaniel don’t have that kind of ability. If they did, I wouldn’t even stand a chance against them.”
He knew his two brothers well. Though each had backing from powerful factions, neither could possibly deceive every watchful eye in the nation.
Seamus said, “Let me give you another hint. What made last night’s purge successful wasn’t the strength of whoever was behind it, but rather the exceptional nature of their intelligence organization.
“They managed to hide from every faction’s surveillance throughout the entire operation. That’s what makes it truly terrifying.”
“Intelligence organization?” Matthias asked. He froze briefly before the realization suddenly hit him. “Uncle Seamus, are you suggesting… Grace was behind this?”
The largest intelligence organization in Dragonmarsh belonged to the royal family. It was initially under Valon’s control, but he later transferred it to Grace.
Since she wasn’t affiliated with any political faction and was a woman who posed no threat to the throne, her father placed absolute trust in her.
Over the years, the intelligence network under her command had grown far beyond what anyone could track, least of all Matthias.
But he was certain that if anyone could uncover the true mastermind behind the upheaval, it was Grace. Yet, he couldn’t dismiss the possibility that she might be the one behind it.
