Chapter 491: Realization

As if beholding a fair maid by the roadside and thinking, 'Hmm? Why do I harbor such wicked thoughts?' Such is the case.

The spellbound may merely deem it a peculiar whim, for the mind spawns countless thoughts daily, never wandering to the possibility of one's spirit being manipulated.

As for Petyr Baelish,

His investments are indeed unique, imbued with a grand scheme. He has sided with Viserys for quite some time.

Once, Littlefinger was commissioned by Hand of the King Jon Arryn to seek Viserys in Pentos, imploring the young Dragonlord to ride his dragons to Westeros, aiding mankind against the White Walker invasion.

During this mission, Petyr Baelish had threefold responsibilities.

The first was the core objective: to summon aid.

The second was a commission by Queen Cersei, hoping to reconcile the hatred between the Targaryens and Lannisters, even offering herself to Viserys in marriage.

The third was Littlefinger's own matter, establishing a connection with Viserys through this mission.

During a midnight audience with Viserys to fulfill Cersei's task, he knelt, proclaiming the Baelish house should serve the 'true ruler of the Iron Throne'. Lysa Tully, his mistress, would be an inside aid to help Viserys gain the Vale.

Later, Jon Arryn's assassination, where Littlefinger was involved, had his shadow lurking behind.

His expertise lies in sowing discord, and human hearts are most easily swayed.

On the other side,

The only minister from Robert's council to remain in the new reign, 'The Spider' Varys, exited Viserys's chamber. The humble expression vanished as he closed the door.

"Chaos is not a pit, but a ladder."

The bald eunuch pondered this as he walked down the stairs to Maegor's Holdfast, his brow furrowed without eyebrows.

A sage?

Which one could utter such treasonous words?

Such a saying should be an aphorism for many plotters but has never been mentioned. Could it be the King's own words?

Varys was startled by this thought but remembered that Viserys was no simpleton.

A boy of eight, fled to the Eastern Continent, able to stir such turmoil, reclaiming the Iron Throne. Could he be a pure-hearted man?

But at this stage, the King indeed seems wise, intending to break the wheel of noble tyranny, providing hope to the destitute.

The bald eunuch found himself in the Red Keep's royal garden, lost in thought, bumping into Minister of the Navy, Joffrey Bracken, wearing the Bracken family crest.

The old earl was reinstated to the Seven Kingdoms at Viserys's insistence, resuming his former status.

He was the eldest son of the Brackens of Stone Hedge, his brother Jeynos executed in Riverrun.

He naturally became the new Earl of Stone Hedge, the future Governor of the Trident, leaving his brother's illegitimate child no courage to confront the new era's Minister of the Navy, considered by the King as his 'foster father.'

The sunlight in the royal garden was splendid, flowers blooming, the breeze gentle. The old earl, accustomed to his military attire studded with rivets, found no comfort in lavish robes.

"Lord Varys!"

The old man's white hair fluttered, his bald spot reflecting the sun. He spotted his preoccupied colleague and greeted him warmly. Varys was startled but soon recognized Lord Joffrey Bracken of Dragonstone, a faint smile on his face.

This old man, though of age, was still vibrant, his voice booming.

It was said that he was nearly killed by an arrow during Stannis's recapture of Dragonstone but survived, still sprightly.

"Good day, Lord Joffrey."

The bald eunuch gave a bitter smile and greeted back.

"Is something troubling you, Lord Varys?"

Varys intended to depart quickly, but the increasingly nosy Lord Joffrey Bracken stopped to chat.

"Merely trivial matters."

Joffrey stood still, chatting, and Varys reluctantly explained, then changed the subject.

"You're going to see His Grace?"

"Aye, indeed!"

The white-haired old earl nodded.

"A matter of naval supplies. Wanted to see the Treasurer Illyrio for funds, but he's not here, so I must see the King."

Then Joffrey remembered Illyrio mentioning a friend in Westeros, Varys. This made the bald eunuch seem more familiar, not the lonely figure in the corner of the council chamber.

"From now on, we serve together in the court. I hope Lord Varys will guide me."

"We are loyal, united in purpose, aiding His Grace, the King, in uniting the Seven Kingdoms swiftly."

Lord Joffrey always regarded Viserys as his own, watching him grow, reclaiming the Iron Throne. He naturally wanted to help Viserys govern the realm, avoiding the Mad King's fate.

The old earl shook Varys's hand warmly. The eunuch almost lost his forced smile until Joffrey left, exhaling deeply.

"Phew."

"This old man."

Born in the Free Cities, having seen lies and intrigue in King's Landing, Varys felt somewhat helpless before such hospitality.

"But."

Varys thought of a word Joffrey had used, feeling awkward.

"Loyalty?"