Chapter 66: The Essence of the World

"Is this your son?"

Viserys stood in place, reaching out to cradle the infant boy in his arms before looking up to ask the question.

"Yes, my esteemed young master."

As Mirri had received her due punishment and now served as Viserys' arcane advisor, her attitude had become much more sincere.

Without waiting for Viserys to ask, she took the initiative to explain.

"I just chanted a song of the Moon Singers; it can soothe children's emotions, calming them and stopping their crying."

"I've been to the Shadow Lands and Asshai to learn the art of healing, where I learned such knowledge from the Moon Singers of Jogos Nhai."

Mirri's identity was mysterious, and it seemed she had traveled to many places.

Viserys, holding the infant boy in his arms, paused for a moment.

...

Returning from Westeros to her homeland, Mirri experienced a significant, unexpected discovery, and due to a moment of wicked thoughts, she ultimately received her punishment.

Mirri's original plan was interrupted, and she could not return home for the time being.

Her mother had hoped that she could end her travels, return to her homeland, and inherit the position of priestess in the temple, continuing her mother's mission.

However, it was clear that Mirri preferred a life of freedom and travel.

She left her homeland to learn the art of healing in the Shadow Lands and Asshai, learning the birthing songs from the Moon Singers of Jogos Nhai, acquiring knowledge of herbal medicine from Dothraki women, and encountering Archmaester Marwyn, a learned and wise master who told her all the secrets hidden beneath the skin.

Now, she had met Viserys, the boy who reawakened magic.

So she was actually very willing to follow this boy, even if she bore shackles without any complaints.

Because she wanted to slowly uncover the secret of the resurgence of magic within Viserys.

However, due to various twists of fate, Mirri had already been shackled and punished, becoming Viserys' advisor, and it was certain that she would never be able to return to her homeland to become a priestess in her mother's stead.

But as the merchant ship had already left Pentos, she could not send a message to her mother in her homeland, informing her that her plans had changed.

So, she could only wait until they arrived in Braavos to do this.

And after the merchant ship left Pentos, its final destination was Braavos.

The great ship left port, riding the wind and breaking the waves, sailing along the western coast of the continent of Essos.

This was the coastline named the "Braavos Coast" after several city-state wars ended in victory for Braavos.

Viserys rarely left his cabin to stand on the deck, but his mood had lightened slightly, as this long journey was finally nearing its end.

...

Time at sea was dull, boring, and fleeting.

In the blink of an eye, another half a month had passed.

Viserys spent each day practicing swordsmanship with the First Sword , but not just the water dance; because Syrio Forel was proficient in more than one type of swordsmanship.

He was guiding Viserys on a path more suited to him.

The First Sword was indeed committed, earnestly teaching Viserys swordsmanship.

In addition to practicing swordsmanship, Viserys didn't forget the old maester's dying admonitions, spending fixed periods of time reading books and continuously enhancing his knowledge.

At the same time, he also asked Mirri for some knowledge about magic.

"When the glass candles burn once more, ghost grass grows anew, dragonfire scorches the earth, phantom turtles haunt the streets of the warlocks, the blind regain their sight, and those who have scorned the warlocks find curses upon them."

"These various signs all represent the return of magic, and the power of magic may very well be revived once again."

Mirri, wearing heavy shackles, spoke calmly as she explained to Viserys what the world would look like when magic returned. The days of wearing shackles were not easy, but the woman seemed to have grown accustomed to it over time, at least her wrists and ankles were no longer bleeding from the friction.

Viserys listened intently, even though he did not know what glass candles, ghost grass, or phantom turtles were. But that did not stop him from knowing that all of this would reappear in a decade or so.

For dragons would be hatched by then, and the traces of the White Walkers would begin to appear in the Haunted Forest beyond the Wall.

Did this symbolize that the moment of the return of the magical tide was approaching?

A shadow of gloom enveloped Viserys' heart. The beginning of it all had not yet arrived, or perhaps some early signs were already emerging.

However, when the time truly came, the world would unveil its most mysterious side.

Viserys might face even more unpredictable enemies, and his foresight advantage would gradually fade away.

"If magic exists, then what about the gods?"

"Mirri."

"The Seven, the Old Gods, the Drowned God, R'hllor, the Black Goat, and even the Great Shepherd, and so on..."

Though not famous, out of respect, Viserys included the Great Shepherd, the god of the Lhazareen people, and then could not help but ask.

"Do all these gods exist as well?"

The shackles clanked.

Mirri, facing the boy's question, fell silent for a long time. Perhaps this question was difficult for her too, but in the end, she spoke.

"Perhaps."

"Your Grace."

Over the past half month, Mirri had, of course, learned of Viserys' true Targaryen identity while accompanying him. In addition to being shocked, she also felt it was only natural. Perhaps it was in such noble blood that unfathomable secrets were hidden.

However, knowing this secret, she also understood that it would not be easy for her to escape.

Although she did not want to leave now, if one day she wanted to, there was a risk that this seemingly harmless boy would order her execution to keep her quiet.

"Though no one has ever seen their true form."

"Yet the gods' radiance is constantly influencing the world. Instead of dividing the world by nations, cities, and races, it's more fitting to divide it by the beliefs in various gods."

"I believe... this is the true nature of the world."

The people on the ship could already see the Titan of Braavos towering over the land from afar.

This statue, made of stone and bronze, stood with one foot on each of two separate islands, raising a broken sword in one hand, and flames burning in the hollows of its eyes.

From a great distance, they could only see a vague shadow.

The people on the ship felt as if they could faintly hear the Titan's roar and then began to cheer and celebrate.

They celebrated the end of this long journey and their survival through the voyage.

Meanwhile, in the cabin.

Viserys listened to the cheers outside, feeling slightly uneasy, then took a deep breath and spoke.

"So, what you mean is..."

"The essence of this world is a struggle among the gods?"