Game of Thrones: Dance of the Dragons

For a moment, everyone was stunned.

Prime Minister Leonor spoke first, "Your Majesty, this is not in accordance with the laws established by the Kingdom."

"Moreover, a hasty investiture would bring unnecessary gossip to you and Prince Baylor."

Aside from the loyal subjects who pledged allegiance to the Targaryen family, which of the nobles of the Seven Kingdoms didn't aspire to the throne like Otto and his daughter?

To win them over, four generations of Targaryen kings have worked hard to maintain the current situation.

"Viserys, this is unprecedented in the history of the Seven Kingdoms."

Allison didn't want the laws established by the Seven Evils of Viserys, nor did she want Baylor to be appointed Crown Prince prematurely, which could be used to target her children.

"Your Majesty, what Lord Leonor and the Queen said makes sense. Please consider it carefully."

Justice Minister Jaspi is aligned with Queen Allison.

Apart from them, the other ministers and members of the royal family who participated maintained crucial neutrality.

Viserys ignored them and looked expectantly at his eldest son, hoping he would make the choice himself.

Renilla gently nudged the stunned Beller, gesturing for him to come to his father.

Whether it was due to alcohol or his father's deliberate actions, he shouldn't have let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip by.

Baylor nodded almost imperceptibly.

He then walked up to Viserys, put one hand behind him and the other in front, and knelt down on the left side of Blackfire with his head bowed.

Viserys was immensely pleased. He placed the black fire on Baelor's right shoulder and spoke, word by word:

"In the name of warriors, I demand courage from you."

"In the name of the Father, I ask you to be just."

"In the name of the Virgin Mary, I beg you to protect all the weak and innocent."

Having said that, Viserys lowered the Blackfire Sword from Baelor's shoulder.

Baelor raised his head, and Viserys continued, "Rise, Prince Baelor of House Targaryen, knight of the Seven Kingdoms, prince of Dragonstone."

Baylor lowered his head again, placed his right hand over his heart, and solemnly spoke:

"I, Baelor Targaryen, knight of the Seven Kingdoms, prince of Dragonstone, swear an oath to the Seven Gods!"

"I will dedicate my life to my family, fighting and sacrificing until my very last breath!"

Princess Rhaenyra raised her glass first, "A toast to Baelor Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone, Knight of the Seven Kingdoms!"

Larry and Linman followed closely behind, "Homage, Prince of Dragonstone, Knight of the Seven Kingdoms!"

With Renilla and the two ministers of the court leading the way, the others no longer hesitated and stood up to raise their glasses, offering their sincerest blessings and congratulations to the Prince.

Allison secretly picked at her nails. She hadn't expected her husband, Viserys, to disregard the kingdom's laws, and she certainly hadn't expected her son and daughter to be clapping and celebrating beside her.

Helena, in particular, clapped and shouted as loudly as the common children.

Viserys glanced around and then patted Baylor on the shoulder with satisfaction.

"My child, you must always remember this."

"You are my eldest son, the future king. Whatever you want to do, your father will support you."

"So you don't need to kneel before me, because I will always stand up for you!"

Viserys had wronged Baelor in his early years by sending him alone to Oldtown.

Now that his most prized child is behaving so respectfully, as king and father, he must stand up for his eldest son and make those unscrupulous nobles give up completely.

Even if it meant violating the laws of the Seven Kingdoms, and even if it meant being punished by the Seven Gods, Viserys was willing to give everything for his eldest son.

"Father." Baylor stood up and looked at his father, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

It is no exaggeration to say that it was only at this moment that Baylor realized his place in his father's heart.

That was definitely not guilt, but an unimaginable sense of importance and expectation.

Renilla once told him that she was the eldest son her father had been waiting for for ten whole years, and the significance of that time is self-evident.

"Father, I swear on my life that I will never betray your trust in me."

Although his eldest son was young, Viserys was overjoyed by every word he uttered, as if he had found a precious treasure.

He knew he was a weak king and understood the losses that excessive concessions would bring to the Targaryen family.

That won't be the case now. This Targaryen is about to welcome a king like Aegon the Conqueror, Jaehaerys the Elder King, or perhaps even greater than them.

Viserys believed he was the Dreamwalker and that his eldest son was the prince of the prophecy of ice and fire.

He will give to the Targaryen family, and bring true peace and prosperity to the continent of Westeros!

Even if some people are dissatisfied, so what? He will stand up for his eldest son!

The celebration banquet concluded amidst enthusiastic applause from the entire audience.

Viserys was so excited that he drank a few more glasses of wine, and his consciousness began to become hazy.

Viserys shrugged, and with Alison's help, smiled and said goodbye to everyone.

Baylor got up to escort his father back to his room, but Viserys pushed him back.

"Silly child, the Grand Master and the Valerian family are at the victory celebration. You have just been made Prince of Dragonstone, now is the perfect time to win them over."

After saying that, he patted his somewhat large belly and chest, "Your father is fine, I just drank a little too much and need to get a good night's sleep."

Baylor nodded, but still insisted on seeing his father off before returning to the victory banquet.

Viserys couldn't persuade him otherwise, so he had to speed up.

"Don't feel guilty. All you have to do is fulfill your oath and lead our Targaryen family to glory. That is the best way to repay your father."

Renilla walked over to Beller and affectionately kissed his forehead.

Baylor said, "Rest assured, I will never betray your trust."

"By the way, Sea Serpent and Aunt Renis would like to speak with you alone."

"I think it's not just about winning you over as the Crown Prince, but maybe we can also introduce you to a good marriage."

Renella carefully straightened Beller's clothes, and although they were getting neater, the pressure on his neck hadn't lessened at all.

"Sister, I'm only six years old. I've hardly ever seen a woman, let alone thought about marriage," Baylor quickly said.

Renilla released her grip with satisfaction and led Beller back to the victory banquet to see the sea serpent family.

"Congratulations, Baylor."

"If you count from the founding of our Targaryen family to the present day, there have been no shortage of princes and knights of Dragonstone, but you are the only one who has ever held both positions simultaneously."

"We must seize this opportunity to win over the nobles around us and gain a voice in the imperial council."

Far from being dissatisfied, Rhaenys, as if she had anticipated this, offered Baylor her long-prepared advice.

Baylor bowed slightly in thanks, "Thank you, Aunt. Your valuable advice will benefit me for the rest of my life."

"Did you two summon me here because of the trade issues at the Stone Steps Islands?"

Corliss made no attempt to deny it: "This is just one of them. We'd like to know more about Your Highness's thoughts on aristocratic marriage alliances."