Chapter 151: Unrest in the Seven Kingdoms

"Imagination is beautiful, but reality often falls short of expectations."

Just as Lyonel finished speaking, the Master of Laws Jasper stood up with a grave expression.

Viserys cast a glance at him and asked, "Why do you say that, Lord Jasper?"

Though not as dignified and forceful as hisgrandfather Jaehaerys, Viserys had no problem gathering his bannermen to defend the kingdom.

"Your Grace, war is a terrible machine that affects the entire body, and the kingdom's enemies are not only the pirates of the Triarchy."

Jasper said solemnly, "According to intelligence, Prince Martell of Dorne is likely to renew his alliance with the Three Daughters and lead his army to join the front battlefield."

"The Ironborn of the Iron Islands are also eager to take part, moving frequently around Lannisport in an attempt to disembark and pillage."

"How can this be?"

Viserys was taken aback and looked to Lyonel and Tyland.

"Yes, Your Grace." Lyonel replied.

"My brother even wrote to me recently that some Ironborn tried to infiltrate Lannisport. He caught and executed them."

Tyland showed a troubled expression and spoke the truth.

The Ironborn have always been a thorn in Lannister's side.

"So, it is difficult for the West to provide help?"

Viserys grimaced, somewhat displeased.

"Rest your anger, Your Grace," Tyland said nervously, "The situation in the Vale is not good. The mountain clans led by the Stone Crows tribe are causing turmoil everywhere. Lady Jeyne is overwhelmed."

Lyonel immediately followed, "In the Riverlands, the Bracken and Blackwood Houses are in conflict over boundary stones. They have been killing each other's people, with tensions escalating towards war."

Viserys froze at the words.

"Damn it, the kingdom was peaceful all day long, but now that a war is looming, turmoil erupts everywhere!"

Bad news after bad news left Viserys so angry he leaned back in his chair, panting.

First, there was Dorne, a constant thorn in the kingdom's side. Then the Ironborn, who only knew how to burn and pillage. Now, even the Vale and Riverlands were in trouble.

At this rate, rebels would be at the gates of the Red Keep by the time he woke up tomorrow morning!

"Father, don't worry. It's not as serious as you think."

Rhaenyra hurriedly walked behind Viserys and patted his back.

Her father had been born in a time of peace, and the sudden war was putting him under great stress.

Rhaenyra was afraid he wouldn't be able to cope.

The advisers looked at each other in disbelief, all worried about the coming war.

Rhaegar looked around the room, frowning as he saw the anxiety in their faces.

"My lords, the war has yet to come. Do not be overly pessimistic."

He knocked on the tabletop to draw attention to himself.

"Prince, what is your advice?"

The Master of Coin, Lyman Beesbury, who had been silent all this time, spoke slowly and with great solemnity.

Beesbury, an old man loyal to the royal family all his life, was one of the people who wanted peace in the kingdom the most.

Rhaegar put down the stone ball and sat upright. Cowardice before battle was a taboo. As the heir, he had to say something insightful to boost morale.

Rhaegar took a moment to contemplate, then spoke with a steady and confident voice, "My lords, Westeros has a long history of conflicts. During my great-grandfather Jaehaerys' reign, the kingdom enjoyed a period of peace."

"And it has remained so for decades now," he continued. "During these peaceful decades, the people of the kingdom have thrived, but many issues, large and small, have been hidden beneath the surface."

"It is not necessarily a bad thing that these issues reappear with the threat of war," he asserted. "Only when the hidden tumors of the kingdom are revealed can we cut them out!"

His voice was strong and assured, and his words resonated with reason.

The advisers were silent and lowered their heads, understanding the truth in his words.

In their high positions, they knew well that peace had dulled their vigilance, making them fearful at the prospect of war.

"Rhaegar, what you say is very reasonable. In the face of war, how should the kingdom respond?" Viserys, looking haggard, asked, his eyes full of expectation and gratitude for his eldest son.

As a king who had only known peace, Viserys felt ill-equipped to organize a war. Fortunately, his son possessed a temperament akin to his grandfather's and great-grandfather's, capable of handling the pressure.

Rhaegar's gaze fell on Tyland and Jasper as he said, "The last time there was a conflict in the Stepstones, Dorne allied with the Triarchy, clearly revealing their rebellious intentions."

"Now that the Triarchy is back, the Dornish will certainly not stand by without meddling in the war."

"Should we send a messenger to negotiate with Prince Martell of Dorne?" Tyland hesitated.

"Send a messenger, but do not count on it too much," Rhaegar replied. "The Triarchy is fighting a foreign war far overseas, while Dorne is on the continent of Westeros."

"If war breaks out in the Stepstones and the Prince of Dorne leads his army to the border, the kingdom must be prepared in advance."

Rhaegar signaled Cole to fetch a map of the continent and began analyzing it step by step.

"There are three paths for Dorne to invade the kingdom: the Prince's Pass, the Boneway, and the sea."

Pointing to a spot on the map, Rhaegar said seriously, "The Boneway has rugged terrain, making it difficult to advance a large number of troops. The Dondarrion House in Blackhaven should send troops to guard this road."

"The Prince's Pass has always been Dorne's first choice for invading the kingdom. House Tyrell in Highgarden should send heavy troops to set up a defensive line there."

"And as for the sea, we can basically rule it out. Communicate with the Stormlands and ask Lord Boremund to set up a naval defense, supported by Velaryon's patrol fleet. That way the Prince of Dorne won't make any rash moves."

"Dorne is like a pack of hungry wolves, always trying to take a bite out of the kingdom," Viserys spat, visibly calming as he listened to his son's organized analysis.

Hand of the King Lyonel spoke up, "Your Grace, the Prince's defense is thorough. With his bannermen's support, Dorne won't be able to cause much trouble."

Rhaegar's statement was logical and based on the defense and attack strategy dating back to Aegon the Conqueror's time. More importantly, his words boosted the advisers' morale.

Tyland quickly found Lannisport on the map and said, "The Ironborn have been plundering us for years. My brother can cope if we send heavy troops to guard the harbor."

The Ironborn believed in taking by force rather than hard labor. Lannisport had been looted before, and the Lannisters were always wary of the Ironborn.

"Your Grace, the Blackwood and Bracken clans in the Riverlands have not yet come to blows. Perhaps we can send someone to mediate," Lyman Beesbury suggested, aiming to resolve the Riverlands' issue.

Viserys looked at the map and frowned, "What about Lord Grover Tully of Riverrun? He is the Lord Paramount of the Trident and should manage these troubles."

"Lord Tully is old, and the actual ruler of Riverrun is his son," Lyonel explained, helplessly adding, "Unfortunately, Lord Tully's son is mediocre, and the lords of the Riverlands do not follow his orders."

(Word count: 1,242)