“In response to Your Lordship’s question, this marriage alliance between our two families isn’t my decision alone-it’s also my godfather’s and the entire Mosey family’s,” Anders said with a smile.
“According to the established rules, marriages between royal bloodlines are forbidden. Have you forgotten?” Simon replied coolly.
“Sticking to outdated rules only holds us back,” Anders said, shaking his head with a smile.
He continued, “Right now, Dragonmarsh is going through a turbulent time-internally and externally. I’ve also heard the king’s health is deteriorating. There are rumors he plans to name a successor and step down soon.
“With that, Oakvale will likely be in turmoil. When that happens, all the powerful families-the four ancient houses, the eight great families, and other factions-will be dragged into the chaos.
“That’s why I’m hoping our families can form a marriage alliance to navigate the coming crisis together.”
Simon remained calm and said, “It’s natural for the king to name a successor. Why would there be turmoil? As officials, we just need to do our jobs and not worry about the rest.”
“Your Lordship, I think you’re missing the point.”
Before Anders could say more, Zack, who had been quietly watching, couldn’t hold back. He frowned and said, “Every time there’s a struggle for the throne, it ends in bloodshed. You’ve been in government long enough to understand this. Or are you just pretending not to?”
“Since we’re being direct, let me cut to the chase,” Simon said, unfazed. “The Ballard family doesn’t have the power to get involved in this conflict, and we have no intention of taking sides in the struggle for the throne. My family has always remained neutral, and we won’t favor anyone. This is our stance.”
He naturally understood the Mosey family’s intentions. First, they aimed to form a marriage alliance, thereby uniting the major factions.
Then, they would support a specific prince to ascend the throne. Once the new king was crowned, the Mosey family’s status would rise to even greater heights. Ultimately, it was all driven by the pursuit of power.
“Your Lordship, I hope you don’t mind my bluntness. If your family were merely a third-rate power, no one would pay any attention to you.”
Anders’s expression turned serious.
He continued, “The problem is, your family is one of the four ancient houses, and as Duke, you hold a position of great power. In times like these, remaining neutral in this conflict is practically impossible.
“At this point, you only have two options. The first is to take a side now and back the rise of the next king. If you do that, you’ll be counted among those who helped secure his throne, and the Ballard family will thrive for generations to come.
“The second is to try to stay neutral, but that won’t satisfy anyone. In the end, you’ll lose both your standing and your influence.
“I trust a smart man like you can see the truth in what I’m saying. Surely, you understand that no new king would tolerate a powerful vassal who refuses to take a side.”
Simon fell silent at those words. He couldn’t deny that Anders made a compelling argument. If it were only him, the decision would be straightforward, but Simon represented the entire Ballard family.
With their family’s influence and power, they had become a prized ally coveted by every prince vying for the throne. Staying neutral seemed nearly impossible. He knew refusing to choose a side would likely turn them into a sacrificial pawn.
Once a new ruler came to power, the Ballards would be replaced, and their influence would be stripped away. And when that happened, their enemies would be quick to seize the opportunity.
