Chapter 71: Hidden Intentions

The binding power of this "pact" was essentially worthless, serving only as an endorsement for the future. However, if anything went wrong, apart from Viserys, the other two could make up other reasons to cover themselves.

As long as Oberyn wasn't directly captured by the Iron Throne, House Martell could shield his "willfulness." As for the Sea Lord of Braavos, he used his own seal, so Braavos could claim that the seal was lost, and the whole thing was a setup.

Only Viserys had truly signed his name on the document, leaving no room for alterations or excuses. But he was the only one without an escape route; besides toppling Baratheon rule and reclaiming the Iron Throne, Viserys had no other options.

Even if Robert were to die at the tusks of a boar, Viserys would still need to find a temporary base where he could develop and stay out of sight, without constantly dancing before the enemy.

As a result, his gaze was bound to look beyond Westeros. He had discussed this with his "Hand of the King," Ser Joffrey, before leaving Dragonstone.

Fortunately, the Targaryen fleet could cross the seas. Viserys decided to tactically abandon Dragonstone, seeking a foothold on the continent of Essos, across the Narrow Sea. Strategically, Dragonstone would still serve as a stepping stone, with Westeros being the ultimate target of his future plans.

For the young king, this "relocation" decision was nothing short of bold, as it meant breaking the Targaryen foundation and leading his family back to their now entirely unfamiliar "homeland." Viserys' mother, Queen Rhaella, hesitated to make such a decision during her lifetime, unwilling to give up Dragonstone, the "place of dragon rise," which held great significance for House Targaryen.

However, Viserys was more level-headed, lacking his mother's deeply rooted obsession with their family legacy. From a different perspective, the scenery he saw was vastly different.

Thus, during the confidential meeting, he boldly expressed his stance, hoping to gain Braavos' public support, even if it meant sacrificing some interests. As expected, Viserys' request failed. Braavos couldn't openly support the Targaryen restoration, as that would mean the huge loans they had extended would become bad debts and be uncollectible.

Yet, after the Sea Lord of Braavos refused his request, Viserys was not discouraged. He quickly proposed another, more modest request.

He would not seek Braavos' public support; he only needed Braavos to tacitly allow House Targaryen to return to their homeland without interference.

This demand wasn't excessive, as it didn't require Braavos to sacrifice any interests – just to turn a blind eye and provide an explanation to the Iron Throne.

After much deliberation, the Sea Lord of Braavos agreed to Viserys' request and included it in the terms. For Braavos, their bottom line was that they would never openly support the Targaryens. However, they could still secretly support the Targaryens in disrupting Westeros' peace through low-interest or interest-free loans.

In truth, for Braavos, their love for peace and respect for bloodlines were mere hypocritical excuses. A civil war in the Seven Kingdoms better served their interests, leading to Westeros' fragmentation and a return to the state before Aegon's Conquest.

They would even prefer that each region emulate their system and values, becoming a series of free-trade city-states.

In this way, the Iron Bank could amass vast sums of gold, draining the continent of its last copper under the guise of assistance.

Thus, in the end, the Sea Lord of Braavos, Ferrego, agreed to Viserys' request. Braavos could "tacitly permit" House Targaryen to return to their homeland, and with a broad stroke, marked a territory on the map.

...

At dusk.

The Sea Lord's banquet still needed some time to prepare, and the sky had not yet darkened.

After the secret meeting, Viserys and Prince Oberyn of Dorne left the Sea Lord's bedroom, walking side by side in the corridor. Their footsteps echoed clearly, and the passing servants stopped to pay their respects when they saw the two of them.

At that moment.

"Your Grace?"

Oberyn walked beside the young king and glanced at him before speaking abruptly.

"Please speak, Prince."

Compared to Oberyn's frivolity, Viserys had always been polite, addressing the other as a prince or by his name. In contrast, Oberyn had been calling Viserys "little fellow" all along.

This was the first time Oberyn had addressed Viserys as 'Your Grace,' which felt a bit strange to him.

"No, it was just a casual remark. I think calling you by your name is just fine."

However, Oberyn shrugged nonchalantly.

"I'm just curious what it feels like to be called 'king' at such a young age."

"A king who can't even kill a chicken?"

Oberyn stroked his chin beard slightly.

Viserys tilted his head when he heard Oberyn's words, his pale purple eyes reflecting the tall, lean figure. But he wasn't angry, he just nodded and calmly replied.

"Actually, I can kill a chicken, Prince Oberyn."

In fact, at the age of eight, Viserys had already killed four people, including the brother of one Tywin Lannister, and even participated in a war.

"As for the feeling of being called 'king'..."

Viserys pondered for a moment.

"I think it's not too different from the feeling you get in a brothel when women call you 'brave.'"

Oberyn's face clearly showed a touch of astonishment upon hearing Viserys' words.

"This..."

He didn't expect the good-tempered young king to have such a sharp retort.

But rather than getting angry, Oberyn chuckled and patted Viserys on the shoulder.

"An interesting lad."

...

Viserys and Oberyn walked and talked together.

From behind, the pair did resemble a pair of real brothers, with an older brother accompanying his younger sibling.

However, as a member of the salty Dornish people, Oberyn's skin was slightly darker, while Viserys was much fairer, with dazzling silver-gold hair. The two had quite a significant difference in appearance.

"Actually, you did quite well at the negotiation table, Viserys."

"If my daughter were of suitable status, I would genuinely want her to marry you."

Afterward, Oberyn glanced at the young king and started another conversation.

...