Chapter 663: Determination to Rebuild

Viserys' coronation as Emperor was a momentous event, but an even greater matter was his declaration of claim over Valyria.

In truth, the actual policy decision had been made earlier during a Privy Council meeting. The public court session in the throne room was merely an opportunity to broadcast a message.

The Iron Throne's claim over Valyria was bound to provoke backlash from the merchant city-states because, although each proclaimed themselves successors of the great empire, none possessed the strength to restore the Freehold of Valyria. However, Viserys did.

This was the crux of the conflict.

While everyone admired the great empire of a thousand years past and indulged in imagining the opulence of the imperial capital Valyria, the might of its army, and the spectacle of hundreds of dragons soaring, no one besides themselves likely wished to see this great empire return to the world.

Because, beyond the praises and aspirations for Valyria, there were tears of blood shed by numerous city-states and nations enslaved by it.

"Make way!"

"Clear the path!"

The trotting of horses resonated. The next morning, numerous cavalrymen, bearing official documents, hurriedly rode out of King's Landing.

Flap, flap — dozens of ravens, raised within the Red Keep and bearing messages, were released all at once, disseminating communications across every inch of the realm, from Westeros to Pentos and Andalos.

Meanwhile, in King's Landing, soldiers from the City Watch, with proclamations in hand, posted them in every street and alley, quickly attracting crowds of citizens and merchants.

"What does it say?"

"Can anyone read it?"

Although King's Landing was the capital of Westeros, literacy among the populace remained quite low. Most were illiterate, thus relying on those who could read.

"The year 295 AC, the third year of the New Calendar."

Among the crowd in Cobbler's Square, a literate young man with light golden hair, dressed in light brown leather armor and cloaked in Targaryen garb, sword hanging by his side, read aloud. His name was Kem, from Flea Bottom, once a mercenary who participated in the Golden Company's siege of King's Landing. Later, he joined the Second Legion and, after displaying valor in the conquest of the Stormlands, was knighted by Viserys himself.

Kem was one of the few non-noble knights directly knighted by the king, and he revered Viserys immensely, even regarding him as a deity. After all, how many could claim such an honor?

Kem, having been ennobled and granted a village in the Riverlands as his fief, rose from a child of Flea Bottom to the lowest rank of nobility — something he had never dared dream of as a child.

However, the times had changed. Viserys, since becoming king, had provided many opportunities for commoners, breaking the monopoly of the old nobility.

In this new era, opportunities existed every moment, even pouring down like rain, and Kem certainly did not let them pass. After a brief stint as a 'village head', he repelled several attacks from the Brotherhood without Banners, earning the approval of Lord Brecken, Master of Ships and Governor of the Riverlands. Lord Brecken summoned him to Riverrun, offering him a precious recommendation to study at the military academy in King's Landing.

Jeffrey Brecken, as one of the king's most trusted ministers, naturally knew how important Viserys considered the reform of the academies, and the military academy was of utmost concern to Viserys.

Therefore, the first batch of recommended admissions to the academy was extremely precious. If one seized this opportunity, their destiny might skyrocket, but missing it could lead to a lifetime of regret.

So, the initial batch of students who didn't take this learning opportunity seriously would not be punished, as it was their own irresponsibility toward their fate.

However, the young and capable Kem heeded Lord Brecken's advice, seized the opportunity, and studied diligently at the academy.

Starting from learning to read, the young man from Flea Bottom not only became literate but also repeatedly secured the first place in monthly exams.

"According to the Determination to Rebuild Valyria, House Targaryen declares its claim to the ancient empire, and the country's name will be changed to Valyria."

"I shall ascend as the first Emperor of Valyria, starting from this moment, until the sun rises in the west and sets in the east, until the rivers run dry, and the mountains blow in the wind like leaves."

Kem, an officer of the Second Legion, cloaked in Targaryen colors, hand on his sword hilt, read the imperial edict word by word. This was written by Viserys himself and copied by court scholars, thus it was all in Viserys's first person.

The citizens of King's Landing surrounding him listened attentively. At first, they didn't understand, but eventually, they couldn't help but stir.

"Has His Majesty been crowned Emperor?"

"Is His Majesty going to rebuild Valyria?"

While the citizens of King's Landing didn't comprehend the political implications of the Iron Throne's actions, they still felt invigorated from the bottom of their hearts and couldn't help but shout Viserys's name.

Because this symbolized the prosperity of the nation. And a prosperous nation naturally avoided external invasions, allowing the citizens to live in peace and security. When facing merchants from across the Narrow Sea, they could hold their heads high and be proud.

"King Viserys!"

"His Royal Majesty!"

"No! We should now call him His Imperial Majesty!"

"The glorious and supreme Emperor of the Andals, Rhoynar, and Valyrians has ascended to the throne. Long live His Imperial Majesty!"

Proclamations were posted throughout the streets and alleys of King's Landing, and the joyous citizens flocked to the square below the Red Keep, shouting the Emperor's name towards the palace above.

However, the merchant traders traveling between Westeros and Essos, upon seeing these proclamations, couldn't help but change their expressions.

Instinctively feeling that something big was about to happen, they hurriedly returned to their lodgings to write letters to their homelands, informing them of the developments in King's Landing.