Chapter 109 - Conditions.

"So, where did we leave off?"

"On your assistance to Queen Daenerys in reclaiming the throne."

"Ah, yes. Well, I'm not opposed to helping you seize the throne, under certain conditions, of course. But there's one problem for which I don't yet have a solution."

"What problem!?"

"You. Or rather, your character, shaped by years of battles in pursuit of the throne. Because of how you were raised, because of the constant tales from servants and subordinates about you being the rightful heir to the throne, you'll be willing to do anything just to rule. Furthermore, your lineage, which gives you special powers, also brings its own flaws. From what I understand, you're inclined towards paranormal thinking, unwarranted aggression, and other unpleasant character traits."

Daenerys stood up abruptly, wanting to say something.

Tyrion, on the other hand, remained calm and with his gaze tried to show Daenerys that she shouldn't get angry right now.

Daenerys understood his hints. Yet, when she spoke, there was a hint of displeasure in her voice.

"Lord Morningstar, it seemed like you wanted to propose terms of cooperation, not insult me."

"Oh, don't misunderstand me. I didn't mean to offend you. People aren't perfect, especially those who achieve greatness. In my experience, even the gods aren't perfect, and they make more mistakes than we do. Well, as I've said, my assessment of you is not meant as an insult, but for you to understand why my demands will be what they will be."

Tyrion asked Asmodeus, "Then, Lord Morningstar, could you finally reveal what conditions you are proposing?"

"Well, firstly, Daenerys will sign a magical contract. Your seven kingdoms will be obliged to adhere to certain norms, which we will discuss beforehand. Examples of such norms... Complete prohibition of slavery, prohibition of any persecution based on racial discrimination, and this applies not only to skin color, but giants and similar races should have the right to live just like humans.

Secondly, all nobles in your kingdom will be required to undergo training provided by our politicians. They will teach you to respect people and how to prevent us from having to separate you from the human race due to differences in approach to life. As I've said, even the most educated king in your world is dumber than the dumbest wizard in my world.

Thirdly, it's control over the education system. We will provide resources for educating commoners with basic knowledge. Based on the results of this education, a person can take an exam to determine their suitability for living in our society of wizards. Only when the majority of the population passes the exam will we allow your people to trade with us, move to our half of the world, etc.

Fourthly, the Elysium Academy of Magic will recruit children with talents for magic, if there are any. They must study at the academy for a minimum of five years before they are allowed to return to Essos or Westeros. Of course, if they wish to do so after experiencing life in Aedestra... Oh, their families will naturally also be granted permission to enter England if they so desire.

Fifthly, although you remain queen, we will draft a code of laws to limit your power in case of your irrational decisions.

Sixthly, a council will determine candidates for the position of the queen's consort, meaning the king, from which she can choose anyone who reciprocates.

Seventhly, children of the ruling dynasty must study for at least 5 years at the Academy of Magic, particularly in courses related to state governance.

Eighthly, all religions must be strictly controlled by the state to prevent the emergence of fanatical extremists.

Well, that's probably it. Additional points can be discussed after Queen Daenerys regains the throne."

*Clap!*

A deafening sound echoed as a hand struck the table. Everyone, including Tyrion, stood up from their seats, glaring disapprovingly at Asmodeus.

Daenerys spoke first. "Lord Morningstar, I regret that I've wasted your time. I will never agree to such conditions! I was sold into slavery once, my lands were taken from me, but I've never seen anyone so audacious! You said you wouldn't enslave us or take our territories, but now you propose something worse! You're turning our world into a colony!"

At that moment, Tyrion joined in. "Your proposal is tantamount to turning Queen Daenerys into a puppet sitting on a throne! Such an offer directly implies to us and the people of our world that you consider us second-rate! The ability to recruit people from our lands without our prior consent is equivalent to undermining the foundations of the state! Your idea of free education for the people is commendable, but how do we know what the common folk will think of us after your indoctrination! Moreover, the prohibition on trade until more than half of the population passes an exam!? You're cutting us off from your world, spitting in our faces, and lowering the status of our people to that of animals!"

The Grey Worm also found words to say, "The prohibition of slavery is good. But it's not for you to decide the fate of our people, it's for the queen!"

Only Missandei remained silent... She didn't know what to say. Any other person, Daenerys would have fed to her dragons long ago. But with Asmodeus, they dared not move.

Asmodeus listened with a smile to their dissatisfaction and statements for five minutes.

"So, have you all finished speaking?"

"..."

"Firstly, you are not in a position to dictate terms to me. We are not on the same level, and I thought you already understood that. Furthermore, I possess certain insights into prophecy, and I can assure you that without my intervention, Queen Daenerys will only be ruling over ruins within two years. The threat in the North is real, and the so-called White Walkers will soon break through the Wall. Although without my intervention, you might be able to defeat them. But at what cost...

Secondly, yes, at the moment, I do regard your lands as second-rate territory. Your behavioral norms are far from what the inhabitants of my lands would accept. But that's precisely why I offered you the opportunity to change your people through the process of education. What you call brainwashing by us... Do you really think we need that? You lag behind us in population numbers by hundreds of times. In terms of military might, by thousands. You are regularly on the brink of famine, while we produce four times more food than we can consume! Your lands are mired in a war that has destroyed most of the capable thinkers in your world. You consider dragons to be invincible weapons of war, while for us, they are cattle or pets!

Thirdly, these conditions are created to ensure that our investments pay off. If we decide to take these territories as our own, the council will do everything possible to improve the quality of life for the inhabitants. From food supplies to education, from protection against external enemies to prevention of internal ones, we will even teach you magic when you are ready! At one point, a member of the royal family, provided they are worthy, can obtain a seat in the lower chamber of the Supreme Council of Wizards, and if any of the future Targaryens can reach the level of Archmage, he or she can take a seat in the upper chamber of the council.

You must understand that if it's not Queen Daenerys, it will be someone else from the locals. I don't care, all I care about is the stability, preservation, and development of my lands! What I am offering you is merely a gesture of goodwill. Even if you still consider it colonization and land grab, please forgive me. I can approach any of the great houses of Westeros, someone who understands your world enough."

Asmodeus spoke everything he thought in one breath. His response, sometimes bordering on a growl, slightly scared those present, especially when Asmodeus's eyes lit up red in the midst of his speech. But such fear made them listen to what he was saying...

"I disagree that some council should be responsible for choosing candidates for me to marry."

"I've already said, you're not obligated to marry the person we recommend, and we will support with all our might those who sincerely love you. But we must be sure that the person who starts a family with you can suppress your negative emotions and preserve your sanity. You don't want to become like your father, do you?"

"...I can't have a family... it seems you're not as good at prophecies as you claim."

At that moment, Tyrion and Daenerys's subordinates looked at her.

"???!"

"My queen, you..."

"She's cursed, she can't have children. I believe I am quite proficient in prophecies, Lady Daenerys."

"Hah..." Daenerys chuckled bitterly. "Since you know about this, why did you mention members of the royal family in the future?" Daenerys gathered her strength and asked with hope in her eyes.

"Your thoughts are correct. Such a low-level curse is easily cured by a healer in my world. Unfortunately, I myself do not possess special knowledge in medical magic, otherwise I would have made you a gift as a sign of goodwill."

"Are you serious?" Daenerys pondered for the first time the possibility of accepting Asmodeus's offered conditions.

"Your Majesty, although Rowena and I are not planning children at the moment, I understand a woman's desire to have children, and even if you were not to agree to the conditions I proposed, I would find out from the medics how to help you, simply out of pity for you."

"Drip, drip, drip."

Daenerys quietly cried as tears streamed down her cheeks and fell onto the tiles.

Tyrion looked deeply at Asmodeus and said, "I thank you on behalf of the queen. Even if we do not accept your conditions, I hope we can remain friends."

"Oh, Lord Tyrion, I initially thought of taking you with me if Daenerys did not accept my conditions. You are very smart and adapt well to the situation. Besides, you are quite loyal. Most importantly, you are a good person."

"Hah, a good person who killed his father and mistress..."

"Sometimes circumstances force us to act on impulse. But the fact that you consider your actions unworthy allows me to see your essence. You are not a bad person. None of those who have achieved greatness will remain with clean hands."

Daenerys interrupted Asmodeus as she calmed down. "Ahem, ahem. It's not nice to poach my advisor right in front of me. But I am willing to consider the possibility of accepting your conditions. But I also have a condition of my own."

"What is it?"

"I want to see the world you live in. I want to understand if it's worth it for Westeros and Essos to become the same. Moreover, this is not a demand but a request - I ask you to take me to your so-called hospital, where they can cure my ailment."

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