Chapter 16 plans for the future
"House Targaryen stands here, this is our land, the city reflects our father's rule. Do you desire the world to perceive us as such a failure? Do you wish for them to mock us? No, father, we must take action. We must act promptly, before it becomes too late. King's Landing has the potential to be magnificent. It can embody hope and prosperity, a guiding light. However, we must take initiative, we must lead. I am not requesting you to forsake your responsibilities as king, but to embrace it and assist me in this endeavor. Together, we can revive the splendor of House Targaryen and transform King's Landing into the city that it was destined to be."
"If you are solely doing this for our house, then what is your motivation for aspiring to become the captain of the city watch?"
Valarissa glanced at her father and stated to her thoughts truthfully" waht ever you may think about the current city watch I can't help but say that uncle have done an exceptional job with the City watch. Although their methods may have been extreme in execution, they have successfully brought order and justice to the city. Under his leadership, the city watch has transformed from mere puppies to fierce and loyal wolves. He have instilled a sense of pride and loyalty within the members of the city watch. Now, the city watch is like a sharp sword, possessing proper control and skill. This transformation could be the initial step towards establishing a truly excellent law enforcement system"
"I understand... I understand your point. I am in favor of your decision, my daughter. You are authorized to undertake the first two tasks, but as for the matter concerning the City watch, I would need to contemplate it, you will get your answers after your sister names heir." Veserys expressed, a smile gradually appearing on his face.
"Thank you, father, for understanding" Valarissa rose from her seat and disposed of the first two bundles by tossing them into the fire pit.
"Why did you choose to burn them?" Veserys inquired.
Father, you are a wise and noble king, but at times, you can be quite indecisive. This is perhaps your greatest weakness, as it causes you to overlook certain individuals' ambitions. She paused, gazing at her father with a serious expression.
"And I am happy for you and Alicent, she is good person , and would be good wife but I can't say the same about Otto Hightower your hand" Valarissa said seriously as she went towards the door.
"Daughter it's not.." cutting off her father's word's she replied " Don't mistake my words father i truly hope and believe Alicent would be good wife for you and I will openly support you if you choose to marry her, but... Otto, Mark my word father Otto is no longer the trusted and honorable hand he used be.
Ambition and greed can blind even the wisest men" Valarissa warned as she excited the chamber while Veserys sat thier in thought he already understood her daughter's words.
Her word's brought back memories of what his brother Deamon had said about Otto Hightower over the years. Now even he was doubtful whether the once a trusted advisor and loyal servant to House Targaryen, had become ambitious and power-hungry.
Has he had begun to scheme and plot behind the scenes, using his position to further his own interests and those of his family. It was a dangerous game, and Veserys knew that if he were to marry Alicent, he would have to keep a closer eye on Otto.
Valarissa expressed her anticipation for the official edict and funds to be delivered promptly by her father. She eagerly awaited their arrival so that she could commence her endeavors.
A certain amount of time had elapsed.
Over the past few days, while her father informed the council about his decision on naming Rhaenyra as heir and about Alicent, Valarissa had already begun recruiting the refugees for employment. She had assigned Elena to handle the recruitment process and Grace to handle the recording of their details.
In the meantime, she had sent Cerdic to search for and purchase suitable buildings to serve as an orphanage. Cerdic proved to be quite efficient in his task, as he managed to find a large mansion located in the southwest of the city. Without hesitation, Valarissa bought the mansion from its noble owner and also acquired the surrounding area for future expansion.
Her father had not yet delivered the official decree and formally announced her appointment as the captain of the city watch. This delay was most likely due to her uncle, who had yet to depart from Kingslanding and Rhaenyra not being official named heir.
But Valarissa was aware that today marked the departure of Deamon from king's landing, as it was also the day when Rhaenyra was officially declared the heir and all the lords would gather for the ceremony to pledge their loyalty to her.
Over the past few days, she had meticulously refined her strategies. As for the city watch, she intended to transform it into a system resembling the police force of the 21st century from her previous life.
She decided that the city was to divided into various sectors, each led by a captain and their deputy. In addition, she dedicated her efforts to enhancing the justice system, aiming to make it more equitable and less corrupt. To achieve this, she decided to introduced a court system with a single High Court at the apex and district courts for each sector. However, despite the implementation of these reforms, the nobles could only be judged by the king, however, the noble lord's influence was rendered useless, if thier subordinates were to be apprehended by the city watch.
Regarding the laws, they were straightforward. For the majority of crimes, the punishment entailed forced labor, with the nature and intensity of the work varying based on the severity of the offense. The only exceptions to this rule were murder, rape, and espionage.
The punishment for murder and rape would involve a public execution, carried out in the most horrifying and agonizing manner imaginable. Similarly, if spies were apprehended, they would undergo torture to extract information before being put to death without mercy.