Chapter 624: Leaving the Red Keep

The scuffle among a few children within the Red Keep was initially insignificant; however, Daenerys's intervention escalated the matter.

It all began when Joffrey suddenly attacked three Naathi children - Missandei and her two brothers. Single-handedly, Joffrey managed to overpower the two boys.

But as he prepared to pounce on Missandei, Daenerys, who happened to be passing by the garden balcony above, witnessed the act. Beside her was Viserys's attendant, Jandry.

Consequently, Daenerys commanded Jandry to attack Joffrey and rescue the dark-skinned foreign girl.

What followed was a skirmish between Jandry and Joffrey, the true and false sons of Robert, engaging in a fierce brawl that alerted the court guards, eventually reaching the ears of King Viserys.

Inside the council hall of the Red Keep, the Kraken's Daughter, Asha Greyjoy, remained. Intrigued by the amusing incident, she insisted on staying, and Viserys paid her no mind. Before him stood a line of children, their heights varying like waves from left to right.

The smallest were the three Naathi children, followed by Joffrey. Jandry, two years older than Joffrey, bore a striking resemblance to Robert with his black short hair, towering height, and well-built physique, standing a head taller than Joffrey.

At the end of the line was Viserys's sister, Daenerys. The silver-haired young princess, the same age as Jandry and standing about the same height as Joffrey, was at the far right, holding the hem of her skirt, looking pitifully remorseful.

But Viserys knew better. This little girl, full of mischief, was perhaps even more difficult to manage than Rhaenys was at her age. The innocent demeanor she currently displayed could very well be a facade.

I admit my mistake.

But it's all an act.

"Speak,"

"What exactly happened?"

Viserys's gaze swept across the young boys and girls present. The two dark-skinned boys appeared to be the most injured, having failed to even land a hit on Joffrey. Following closely was Joffrey himself, who bore the marks of the fight.

Just by looking at them, it was hard for Viserys to deduce what exactly had transpired. Why would these children, who under normal circumstances wouldn't congregate, end up brawling?

It was quite interesting. The relationships among the children present were intricately intertwined. In the original trajectory of events, they all played significant roles. Yet now, they stood in a line before Viserys, heads bowed in admission of guilt.

"It was them."

Under Viserys's scrutinizing gaze, the youngsters remained silent with their heads down. However, Joffrey, looking somewhat battered by Jandry, clenched his teeth and played the victim.

"I was just passing through the garden when these foreigners suddenly charged at me and attacked!"

"I-I was merely defending myself."

"Liar!"

Before Joffrey could finish, the two girls standing at either end of the line raised their heads and simultaneously retorted.

Both girls momentarily paused, then exchanged glances. They spoke in Valyrian. Missandei, being a few years younger than Daenerys.

The two girls felt a fleeting sense of camaraderie, despite being strangers to each other. At this moment, they were allies standing up against a common adversary.

"He's lying!"

"Your Grace!"

The dark-skinned girl boldly stepped forward, now speaking in the Common Tongue.

"My brothers and I were playing in the garden when he charged at us like a mad bull, knocking down Missandeh, then beating up Missandlo."

The girl loudly accused Joffrey of his actions, exposing his lies.

Standing next to her, her brother Missandlo, who was beaten to a pulp by Joffrey, was in a state of fear, tugging at his sister's sleeve, pleading her to stop speaking.

"Missandei!"

His nose was still bleeding, but he lowered his voice, fearfully whispering.

They were strangers here, in the Valyrian's palace. What stature could a boy living in the palace have? They didn't know, but certainly, it was higher than theirs.

Missandlo and Missandeh, despite being severely beaten, looked fearful, while on the other side, Jandry, who had suffered some minor injuries with a bit of bruising around his mouth, held a remorseful demeanor, keeping his silence.

Jandry was unaware of his own status. All he knew was that he was a cursed bastard, and so was Prince Joffrey. But being a bastard of either Baratheon or Lannister surely held a higher status than his own.

He was merely following the princess's command to attack. Now, Jandry somewhat regretted his actions. He should have restrained Joffrey, not punched him in the face.

"Among the six children present, there's one liar, two boys, and three girls."

On the other side, leaning against a stone pillar, Asha Greyjoy, having enjoyed the spectacle for a while, couldn't help but chuckle, commenting on the situation.

The six youngsters present were momentarily stunned by her words, but soon realized her implication.

Asha's words weren't hard to decipher. Joffrey's face turned even more fearful, instinctively wanting to lie but got caught immediately. Missandlo, Missandeh, and the tallest among them, Jandry, all blushed in shame.

The rest of the matter simplified. Missandei and Daenerys took turns explaining the entire course of events.

Essentially, Joffrey, in a fit of rage, assaulted the guests from Naath, with Daenerys intervening in their defense. However, technically, Joffrey could be accused of attacking a princess.

"Your name is Missandei?"

Upon hearing the dark-skinned girl introduce herself, a strange expression crossed Viserys's face. Fate was indeed unpredictable; Daenerys had met her little handmaiden and confidante sooner than expected.

Subsequently, the parents of both sides, the envoy from Naath, Miraz, and Cersei, who was working in the laundry room, were summoned.

With an anxious expression, Cersei, heartbroken at Joffrey's injuries, cast a hateful gaze towards Jandry on the other side.

Technically, assaulting a prince or princess should warrant death or, at the very least, the amputation of a hand. However, Viserys wasn't that vindictive, especially since Daenerys was unharmed, and it was the assailant who got a beating instead.

At this moment, Viserys pondered a matter.

Joffrey was growing up, and it seemed increasingly inappropriate for him to reside in the Red Keep. Should he be sent away from the Red Keep?