Chapter 67: Arrival

Viserys' profound conversation with the priestess Mirri deepened the boy's understanding of the world. Before this, his perception was shrouded in fog, which now began to dissipate, revealing a faint outline.

Yet, the truth hidden within the fog might still be far away.

In the outside world,

The merchant ship that had crossed the vast ocean finally passed beneath the most famous landmark in Braavos, the Titan of Braavos. A distant roar seemed to echo through the sky as if the Titan itself were bellowing in anger.

And so, the merchant ship officially entered the territory of the colossal city-state of Braavos.

Splish-splash—

The ship cleaved through the waves, sails billowing, and oarsmen rowing. Standing on the deck, one could behold a breathtakingly bustling scene.

Countless ships navigated the city, which was made up of hundreds of islands. Stone arch bridges connected these islands, and the sea of sails seemed endless. The vast bay appeared slightly crowded, filled with the clamor of surging crowds, various ship flags, and people from different races. They were all merchant ships from around the world.

Some originated from as far away as the Summer Isles in the Summer Sea, Ibben in the Shivering Sea, Qarth near the Jade Sea, and even from Asshai.

Braavos had become the true center of world trade, with an astonishing number of ships entering and leaving the port daily.

Upon reaching Braavos, the large ship Viserys was aboard suddenly seemed rather ordinary, as several larger vessels calmly passed by, unceremoniously shoving them aside.

"Braavos, we've arrived!"

Boom—

The merchant ship docked at a pier, and Braavosi customs officers boarded to conduct inspections. After passing the inspection, the ship continued inward, eventually anchoring at a large port. An inexplicable massive sound ensued.

One by one, the people on the ship disembarked, officially arriving in the city that was the foremost of the nine Free Cities. Viserys mingled with the crowd, disembarking as well. During this time, a minor incident occurred.

In the bustling port, a thief seemed to have set his sights on a gemstone worn by Viserys, attempting to stealthily snatch it away.

However, before the thief could even reach out, he was caught red-handed, and several wallets fell from his person.

But once they were in Braavos, there was no need for Viserys to personally deal with the thief. Braavosi soldiers promptly arrived to apprehend the offender.

"It was just an accident."

"In fact, such scum exist everywhere."

The magistrate, clad in a grayish-brown robe, appeared somewhat embarrassed. Throughout their journey, Viserys had encountered various types of people, expanding his horizons.

Originally, the magistrate had been praising Braavos for its civilization, prosperity, and excellent public order. However, he hadn't expected Viserys to be targeted by a thief immediately upon disembarking.

Moreover, it seemed the thief hadn't solely focused on Viserys, as he had several wallets in his possession. It was unclear whether the victims had realized their belongings were missing.

"Yes, I understand."

"In King's Landing, there are many such people as well."

Viserys couldn't help but feel slightly amused as he nodded in agreement. Although it was just a small, seemingly insignificant incident, it left him with a first impression of Braavos.

The faint admiration and fear he had felt initially for the city vanished. Braavos, with its wealth, trade, and civilization, built collectively by slaves, had long been a source of aspiration and awe for countless people.

Viserys' previous impressions, as well as the descriptions he had read in books during this time, had only deepened this awe.

However, upon his arrival in the legendary city, he didn't feel the sweet air he had expected, but instead encountered a thief secretly reaching out to him.

Soon after, Viserys and his party didn't linger at the harbor for long. Two carriages, heavily draped with curtains, were already waiting for them. Viserys stepped into one, and they headed straight for the Sea Lord's palace, the Sea Lord's Hall.

The sound of carriage wheels filled the air.

Sitting in the carriage, Viserys felt a rare sense of stability as his feet rested upon a silver carpet sewn by Myrish craftsmen. His gaze shifted to the unfamiliar city outside.

To Viserys, Braavos appeared as a city of stone, riddled with canals and docks.

From his vantage point in the carriage, he could see many gray, gold, or red stone arch bridges. The city streets were lined with closely-packed gray stone houses, some even built over the canals. Most of the buildings were narrow, four or five-story structures with pointed rooftops covered in tiles. There were also towering domes and high towers in the distance. Overall, the opulence and bustling activity of Braavos seemed to far surpass that of King's Landing.

"Welcome to Braavos, Your Grace."

The city official, no longer needing to conceal Viserys' identity, addressed him as a king rather than as a young lord. He sat in the same carriage, proudly introducing the city to the young king as they traveled.

The Isle of the Gods, the Purple Harbor, the Moon Pool, and more – each place had its own legendary tale. The middle-aged man then pointed into the distance.

There stood a colossal domed tower, overlooking the Purple Harbor below.

"That is our destination. The Sea Lord awaits you there."

...

The carriage entered the Sea Lord's Hall and came to a halt after passing through a garden.

Not far away, a few young girls seemed to be playing, their attention drawn by the approaching carriage.

Viserys then leaped from the carriage.

"This is the Sea Lord's Hall."

"After more than a month of traveling, we've finally reached our destination."

Despite his composed demeanor, Viserys couldn't help but let out a small sigh of relief. He jumped down from the carriage, straightened his clothes, and brushed off any dust that had settled on them.

The journey hadn't been entirely smooth. Only after leaving the protection of his army did he truly come face-to-face with the harsh realities of the world.

There were no nobles, no scheming, no wars, just countless living beings struggling to survive, committing both good and bad deeds.

Mercenaries, thieves, merchants, farmers, and more... people of all kinds who, while not significant enough to be recorded in history, formed the most important part of this world.

...