Chapter 2557
An Understated Dominance
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 couldnât 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.
âGet your chief out here! I have something important to discuss,â he barked.
âLooks like no one told you how things work around here,â Cassius said coolly, not even looking at him.
He stayed reclined in the chair with his eyes half-closed.
âIf you want to buy something, you need to make an appointment,â he added. âWe donât take walk-ins.â
âIâm Prince Matthias Linsor. I need to see your chief now. Delay me, and youâll answer for it,â Matthias snapped, flashing his gold badge to verify his identity.
âOh, itâs Prince Matthias. Please forgive my disrespect,â Cassius said.
He gave a mock bow but stayed comfortably lying down. It was obvious he didnât plan to get up.
He continued, âStill, rules are rules. No appointment, no service.â
âWhat kind of attitude is that? You think I donât dare to tear down your chamber?â 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 hadnât come for help.
âTear the place down if you want. My answer wonât change,â Cassius replied without batting an eye.
âYouâ¦â
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.
âLook closely, old geezer,â he said. âThis is a pendant from your chief, and it guarantees me a favor at no cost.â
âHm?â
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.
âWhere did you get this?â he asked. â
Wasnât this supposed to be in Sir Moseyâs possession?â
At the mention of Seamusâ name, Matthias realized something. âSo, you recognize it? Then, you must be the chief of the Gilded Chamber.â
Few knew about this pendant. If Cassius knew Seamusâ name immediately, his background clearly wasnât simple.
âThatâs right. Iâm the chief of the Gilded Chamber,â Cassius said. Then, his expression turned serious. âTell me, Your Highness-did Sir Mosey give the pendant to you?â
âHe did.â Matthias nodded. âIâm in trouble, and my uncle told me to come here with the pendant. He said you were the only one who could help me.â
âSir Mosey once saved my life, so I owe him. But Your Highness, youâre skilled in strategy and strong in your own right. You also have powerful allies at your back. If someone like you canât sort out this trouble, I doubt someone like me can do much,â Cassius replied with a shake of his head.
Whatever was troubling Matthias had to be a major problem.
âOthers canât help me, but you can,â
Matthias said urgently. âI need Mr. Hawke to step in, and youâre the only one who can convince him.â
He didnât hold anything back and briefly explained the situation.
Cassius frowned. âI didnât 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?â
âSir, I was desperate earlier and might have been out of line. Please donât take it personally,â Matthias said respectfully.â 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.
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Cassius sighed. âMy 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.â
âEven so, please give it a try. Right now, heâs our only hope,â Matthias said earnestly.
âFine. Iâll give it a try, but donât expect too much.â
âThank you.â
âPlease wait here, Your Highness. Iâll be back shortly.â
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, âWell? Did Mr. Hawke agree to help?
âMy father said he doesnât interfere in mortal disputes,â Cassius replied. âBut in honor of the pendant, heâs willing to offer you a sachet. He says it will be enough to get you through this danger.â
He took out a white sachet and handed it over.
âA sachet?â
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?