Game of Thrones: Dance of the Dragons

On the last night of the Kingsguard hunt, Viserys himself raised a cup to announce to his courtiers that his eldest son, Baelor, had been healed by the blessing of the White Stag, King of the Kingsguard.

To dispel all doubts, Viserys summoned two of the most respected scholars to repeat the king's words.

This is not just a joyous occasion, but also a message to all the unscrupulous nobles that the position of crown prince will only belong to Baelor Targaryen!

During the banquet, Prince Beile sat in the first position to the right of the king, receiving congratulations and blessings from the courtiers.

After several rounds of drinks, Baylor could no longer bear the smell of perfume mixed with alcohol, so he chose to leave first and rest under a tree outside the camp.

"Your Highness, I congratulate you on your secure position as Crown Prince," Laris said, leaning on his cane, offering his sincere blessings to the prince.

Baylor took a sip of grape juice from his glass and said slowly, "I accept your blessing, Sir Larry."

"I remember you have exceptional interrogation skills. There have been quite a few criminals emerging from King's Landing's flea-infested area recently. I will suggest to Father that you be appointed as the interrogator."

"Thank you very much, Your Highness."

"I will send you intelligence on all sides of the Stone Steps Islands as a reward for your loyalty and trust!" Laris's voice trembled with excitement.

After saying that, he immediately threw himself into the work that followed.

Baylor leaned against the tree trunk, tapping his fingers lightly on the glass.

He knew in his heart that Larry was a very capable and ambitious person.

But so what?

A person without ambition or desire is like a hard, smelly rock, uninteresting to anyone.

Conversely, when Larry believes he has found a powerful patron and wants to climb the ladder, he will understand that personal loyalty must always take precedence over his ambition and desires.

……

After the Kingsguard hunt, Viserys returned to King's Landing with his family. The one who benefited the most was undoubtedly Prince Baelor, who had recovered his health.

In Westeros, a land where martial prowess reigns supreme, the king's eldest son and heir to the Iron Throne cannot be merely a learned scholar; he must possess both literary and martial skills!

Viserys took this very seriously and appointed Ser Harold, captain of the Kingsguard, and Ser Cole, a highly skilled warrior, to provide him with systematic training.

For the next month, aside from the most basic reading, eating, and sleeping, Baylor spent the rest of his time practicing martial arts.

Besides, Renilla, the older sister, wasn't much better off.

Although she went out to hunt wild boars on her own for her brother's sake, her actions were far too dangerous. Viserys punished her by making her work as a sommelier and also requiring her to seriously study the history of Westeros.

To this end, Viserys specially assigned two highly respected scholars to personally instruct him.

And so, the siblings were so busy day and night that they only had time to meet during mealtimes.

……

A month and a half later.

The Imperial Conference proceeded as scheduled.

The issue under discussion is whether to send troops to support the Stone Steps Islands and wage war against the Kingdom of the Three Daughters.

In addition to the king and his ministers, the eldest son and daughter of King Viserys were also present at the meeting.

Renilla goes without saying; she was originally a sommelier.

The prince, being the king's eldest son, was exceptionally allowed to enter as the second wine server.

Although it may seem somewhat improper in terms of etiquette, he is the eldest son and the future crown prince of the Targaryens, so it is reasonable for King Viserys to want him to participate in government affairs.

Therefore, it was unusual that the ministers at the Imperial Conference did not unanimously choose to oppose it.

"Gentlemen, let's begin," Viserys announced from his seat at the head of the table.

Lord Naval Commander Tyrann Lannister was the first to stand up. "Your Majesty," he said, "according to the latest battle report from the Steps Isles, there are currently eighteen or sixteen warships, seven hundred soldiers, and approximately sixteen knights ready to go to sea."

"Food is being consumed very quickly, and even if we can catch food from the sea, it won't solve the immediate crisis."

"The Valerian family has appealed to you for help, hoping that the kingdom will immediately send troops to resolve the battle of the Stone Steps Islands."

Viserys remained calm, turning to Otto, who was in charge of intelligence, and asked, "Besides requesting aid from the kingdom, what intelligence do you have regarding the Valerian family?"

Otto respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, Lord Corliss has requested assistance from his family, and their warships will not arrive at the Steps Islands for at least two weeks."

"But the combined forces of Prince Damon and Lord Corliss are already like leaves swaying in the wind, and could collapse at any moment."

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Leonor immediately stood up and offered his suggestion: "Your Majesty, the war has dragged on for far too long; it's time to send troops to resolve the issue of the Steppes Islands!"

Finance Minister Lin Man also stood up. "Your Majesty, I agree with the Prime Minister's opinion."

"Now that the Valerian family has decided to send a fleet to provide support, the royal family naturally cannot lag behind!"

Both were nobles loyal to the Targaryen family, especially the treasurer Linman, who had been loyal since the time of King Renji.

Otto placed his hands on the table and earnestly refuted the two men, "If the kingdom commits its troops to the battle, the Kingdom of the Third Daughter and the border town of Dorne will definitely fight the kingdom to the death."

"Why not seek peace with the Kingdom of the Third Daughter and temporarily abandon the Stone Steps Islands?"

Minister of Justice Japis sided with Otto, saying, "Your Majesty, I agree with Lord Otto's idea."

"Once the Kingdom of the Three Daughters and Dorne join the battle, our situation will be dire!"

A simple discussion before the emperor was enough to cause both the pro-war and pro-peace factions to lose control, and the meeting instantly turned into a battlefield.

Viserys frowned, as if he was pondering how to make a decision.

Renilla obediently poured wine for the ministers, having long been accustomed to it, or rather, to it being the same every day.

Arguments and differing opinions seem to have become the norm at the Imperial Council meetings.

Beller sat obediently to the side, silently taking in both sides' thoughts and opinions.

Half an hour later, the royal council ended, and King Viserys, following the advice of his prime minister Leonor, decided to send troops to support the Steppe Islands.

Prime Minister Leonor personally wrote to Prince Damon informing him that ten ships and seven hundred soldiers from the Kingdom would be heading to the Steppes Islands as quickly as possible.

The meeting concluded, and the ministers left the council chamber.

The weary King Viserys was left behind, drinking wine to soothe his agitated emotions.

"Father, you should drink less alcohol; it's not good for your health." Baylor stepped forward and gently patted Viserys's back like an adult.

Viserys smiled and set down his wine glass, placing a hand on Baelor's shoulder. "My child, after listening to today's royal council, what are your thoughts and feelings?"

Baylor did not rush to speak, but after careful consideration, he gave an extremely sharp answer.

"I believe that even if you send troops to support the Stone Steps Islands, the war will not end."

Viserys was quite surprised, and his expression towards his eldest son was clearly agitated. He continued, "Why?"

Baylor pointed to the map on the table and analyzed, "The geographical location of the Steps Islands is very important."

"Whoever occupies this place can not only collect countless port fees, but also effectively restrain the Three Kingdoms and Dorne."

"Therefore, even if the war ends, their attacks and harassment of the kingdom will not stop."