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Chapter 505: The Secret of the Three-Eyed Raven

In response to the Three-Eyed Raven's gesture, the Children of the Forest maiden, Leaf, went outside to fetch what appeared to be a 'stool.'

However, it was actually the stump of a long-dead tree.

The Children of the Forest are the finest of conservationists. They never lightly harm the trees of the primeval forests; instead, they zealously protect them, for these woods are their very homes.

"Please, sit."

Leaf brought a stool over for Viserys, who, out of habit, politely uttered his thanks. This surprised the maiden, causing her to blink in astonishment.

"I had heard that human kings never give thanks."

"Who told you that?"

"While I journeyed through Westeros, a human farmer."

Hearing this, Viserys couldn't help but shake his head.

"That farmer also believes kings plow their fields with golden hoes and can consume three pies a day."

"And what's the truth of it?"

With pure, innocent eyes, the maiden from the Forest sat cross-legged beside Viserys, her curiosity evident.

The innocence radiating from Leaf was unlike anything Viserys, accustomed to the deceptions of King's Landing, Braavos, and Pentos, had ever seen. He was taken aback, a sentiment arose in him, a reluctance to deceive her.

"In truth, human kings don't plow their own fields, especially not with golden hoes."

"Perhaps to a farmer, being able to eat three pies a day is a great delight."

"But for a king, there are many foods far more luxurious and nutritious than pies. And even when a king eats a pie, it differs greatly from that of a farmer's."

Viserys patiently explained to the maiden.

"So, what do kings eat?"

"Well, there's so much: roasted lamb? Honeyed chicken? Mint stewed snake? Cheese-baked snails?"

After some thought, the silver-haired youth listed a few examples.

"As for pies, kings might choose pigeon pie or lamprey pie."

"Pork pie?"

"Ah, uncastrated pork can be a bit gamey. To be honest, I used to love pork, but not so much now."

Viserys and Leaf, one tall and one small, sat beside each other, chatting.

Nearby, another maiden with snow-white hair of the Children of the Forest brought a cup made from leaves, filled with spring water, and offered it to Viserys.

Knowing she didn't speak the Common Tongue, Viserys asked Leaf her name. However, Leaf replied that in the Common Tongue, her name would be long.

After a quick glance at her companion with the distinct snow-white hair, Leaf suggested Viserys call her 'Snow-Hair.'

The Children of the Forest are inherently 'shy'. They fear humans, but for some reason, the silver-haired youth seemed to emit a unique aura that temporarily dissolved Leaf and Snow-Hair's apprehensions.

The Three-Eyed Raven, bound to the weirwood roots, observing the lively conversation below, especially noting Viserys's shimmering pale purple eyes, finally cleared his throat.

"Ahem."

Yet, his initial attempt to garner attention failed. He had to cough more forcefully to get the trio's notice.

"Are you alright?"

Leaf hurriedly rose, fearing the Last Greenseer had taken ill.

Human bodies are indeed frail, living such short spans. A simple ailment might claim their lives.

"I'm fine."

Brynden Rivers, with his voice bearing the weight of time, masked his own frustration. His sole eye settled on Viserys.

"Let's discuss serious matters, Viserys."

Brynden then began to narrate his past.

Known to many as Brynden Rivers, with Targaryen blood flowing in him, he had a life of tumultuous ups and downs. He vied for a woman's affections with 'Bittersteel' Aegor Rivers, later joining the Night's Watch and becoming its Lord Commander before vanishing.

This much was known by all about Brynden Rivers.

However, what Brynden now shared with Viserys were the events that transpired after his mysterious disappearance beyond the Wall.

Details known to none.

Once, as Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, during an expedition with his rangers, a mutiny erupted. He managed to break free, killing many, but eventually succumbed to his injuries, passing out.

When he next woke, he found himself saved by the Child of the Forest, Leaf.

As their conversation reached this point, Brynden turned to gaze at Leaf, who nodded in confirmation.

Indeed, she was the one who had rescued him.

Yet, the Children of the Forest, in general, held no fondness for humans. Without the hidden power in Viserys's gaze, Brynden would not have made the same impact.

However, the reason Leaf chose to save him was at the behest of the previous Greenseer.

The previous Greenseer, also a Child of the Forest with green eyes, saw through the weirwood's magic the future. Knowing his end was near and that the weirwood had chosen its next successor.

Thus, on the Greenseer's instructions, Leaf saved Brynden.

He was the chosen successor due to his extraordinary talent. Even during his time as the Hand of the King, he had dabbled in dark sorceries, a testament to his innate abilities.

For these unique talents, he was chosen.

The Greenseer then asked Brynden about his own wishes, whether he desired to become the next Greenseer.

Brynden agreed, and Snow-Hair brought forth a bowl of weirwood seed paste.

This paste, crafted from weirwood seeds, its sap, and even the blood of the Children of the Forest, possessed magical properties, designed to awaken Brynden's dormant gifts.

From then on, Brynden Rivers became the next Greenseer.

"The Others are on the verge of destroying the weirwoods. My life nears its end."

The elder's voice, filled with eons of wisdom, spoke as Brynden Rivers, born in 175 AC, now 118 years old, acknowledged his impending end.

"Viserys."

"You are the chosen successor. Are you ready to become the next Three-Eyed Raven?"

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