578 Chapter 578: The Plague

Two months after Viserys' northern tour and some time since the unification of the Seven Kingdoms, prominent nobles from across the realm, as well as newly appointed council ministers, gradually arrived in King's Landing. Besides Princess Daenerys, Prime Minister Jon Clinton, and Finance Minister Illyrio Mopatis, trade caravans and fleets were continuously arriving, making King's Landing busier than ever. Since the time of strife, the city had surpassed Oldtown, becoming Westeros' largest and most economically vibrant city. The nation was at peace, with no wars, a warm climate, and a steady increase in food production.

Thanks to Westeros' unique climate, a long summer followed the harsh winter. The land yielded three to four crops annually. The first major harvest after the unification of the Seven Kingdoms had arrived. This harvest significantly relieved the pressure of King's Landing's food crisis. Grain, escorted by the kingdom's army, was transported from the fertile Riverlands to the capital.

The Riverlands had borne the brunt of the war against the White Walkers, the final battleground. The vast hordes of the dead were a natural breeding ground for bacteria, potentially bringing terrible viruses with the snow and wind.

However, due to the intense warfare, the population density in the Riverlands had sharply decreased. Most people had fled to the major cities in the south, halting the virus's spread. When Geoffrey, Count of Brecken, who was poised to become the governor of the Riverlands, arrived in Twins, he discovered the outbreak through reports from local nobles.

They responded ruthlessly, encircling the affected areas with the Riverlands' army and killing all villagers using long-range bows. The areas were then burned to the ground, bodies included, purging the plague. Flames, in popular belief, were the most effective way to combat disease, and for the followers of the Red God, fire was also a method of purification.

Due to Viserys' balanced approach, the number of Red God followers in King's Landing had grown, challenging the faith of the Seven. In a bustling part of King's Landing, a red-robed monk performed, breathing fire, much to the delight of onlookers. Some even threw coins in appreciation.

"Miss Nastrica, reward him with a gold dragon for me," a noble young lady with curly brown hair, wearing a green floral dress resembling a budding flower, requested. Her chest bore the Tyrell sigil. Nastrica, a nun with a face marked by pimples, hesitated but eventually complied, handing over a gold coin to the ecstatic monk, who gave thanks to the generous "Lady Margaery Tyrell."

The fate of Westeros' elite was beyond the commoners' knowledge. They believed the Tyrells had fallen, but the family still seemed prosperous and influential. The House of Tyrell, once lords of Highgarden, now ruled from Starfall. Despite their recent losses, the respect and awe for the Tyrells remained.

Olenna Redwyne, the matriarch, had tried to get Margaery into the Red Keep to restore the Tyrells to power, but this plan had failed. Still, she found another way. Willas Tyrell had been appointed tax officer in King's Landing, and using this opportunity, Olenna had Margaery establish the Tyrell name in the city.

Although the Tyrells' wealth had diminished significantly, Olenna instructed her granddaughter to maintain their family's prestigious façade. The commoners of King's Landing, from the simplest folk to the affluent, soon recognized the name Margaery Tyrell. They realized the Tyrells were still affluent and respected, ensuring no one dared mock the newly appointed Willas.