The voice was not loud, yet it reached everyone's ears.
Viserys' expression darkened instantly, but he had no way to refute it.
With a heavy "hmph," he changed the subject: "Lord Corlys, let's talk about reopening trade. You are an expert in this field."
"No problem."
Corlys agreed readily and spoke eloquently.
Rhaegar ignored the discussion, his gaze subtly sweeping over Alicent.
Alicent remained composed and silent once again, though a hint of dissatisfaction flickered in her eyes.
Otto lowered his eyelids, his peripheral vision catching a glimpse of Helena, who remained silent.
Following his gaze, Rhaegar's eyes landed on Helena's adorable, freckled face.
To be fair, Helena did not inherit Alicent's stunning beauty. Instead, she resembled her father's more ordinary features.
However, the young girl had a graceful figure. When quiet, she exuded the elegance of a delicate orchid, carrying an inexplicable intellectual charm.
Noticing someone looking at her, Helena quietly lifted her head and flashed a playful smile at him.
"Mischievous," Rhaegar chuckled involuntarily before shifting his focus back to the council table.
Since the discussion concerned the governance of Targaryen territories, he proposed that a few of his younger siblings participate as well.
Aegon remained stationed at the Stepstones, Aemond roamed the Stormlands, and little Daeron was still too young.
Ultimately, only Rhaenyra and Helena accompanied him.
"Your Grace, this is the general plan. How do you intend to set the port taxation rates?"
Corlys presented his report in a structured manner before beginning to reveal his true thoughts.
Viserys had yet to catch on, responding patiently, "Customs duties should naturally fall under the responsibility of the Master of Ships. Since both you and Lord Tyland have left the Small Council, this duty now falls to the Hand and the Master of Coin."
The responsibilities of the Master of Ships included overseeing port taxation and controlling the Gullet...
Since the time of Aegon the Conqueror, this position had almost always been held by a member of House Velaryon.
To some extent, the role had become a hereditary privilege of the Velaryon family.
With Corlys' departure from the Small Council, the Iron Throne had lost its grip on the Gullet.
Even with Tyland in the position, they had been unable to reclaim this authority.
His only contribution had been using his experience in handling Lannisport to collect customs duties.
This was precisely why Viserys had once feared a Velaryon rebellion.
Driftmark was dangerously close to King's Landing, and with the combined power of dragons and warships, they could breach the Mud Gate in a single day.
Corlys hesitated for a moment before tactfully suggesting, "Your Grace, the matter of customs taxation is of great importance. You should make an appointment sooner rather than later."
"Lord Corlys, I believe you are the best candidate for the position," Rhaegar said with a smile, voicing what was already in his father's mind.
Corlys furrowed his brow but did not immediately respond.
Viserys joined in persuading him, "Lord Corlys, your port management proposals were exceptionally thorough just now. You are the natural choice for this role."
After speaking, father and son exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting mutual understanding.
Rhaegar smiled slightly and sweetened the deal: "The High Tower system in Lys will soon be implemented. Your niece and nephew are both candidates for council positions, saving you the trouble of constant travel."
Corlys mulled it over briefly, glancing at his daughter seated across from him before agreeing, "Since Your Grace has such trust in me, House Velaryon will not disappoint the crown."
"Haha, welcome back to the Small Council."
Viserys laughed heartily and raised his cup in a toast.
Corlys gave a slight nod and downed his drink in one go.
From the words of the king and the prince, he had already discerned the key message.
House Velaryon would receive its share of the benefits, with a seat on the High Tower council being one such reward.
However, Corlys himself could not be the one to hold that council position.
His political acumen was too formidable—if any royal family member were to govern as a prince, Corlys could easily overshadow them.
Instead, he was granted the position of Master of Ships, while one of his children would be given a seat on the High Tower council.
With authority in both King's Landing and Lys, House Velaryon's influence would once again ascend.
Rhaegar also raised his cup, smiling without a word.
A smart man understands things quickly—knowing when to compromise and how to analyze gains and losses.
After the War of the Narrow Sea, House Targaryen's prestige had reached its peak, with no power left to challenge them.
House Velaryon, having suffered losses, had little choice but to realign with the crown.
Such was the power of authority.
Leonor asked in surprise, "Prince, what is the High Tower system?"
"What powers will the council members have?"
Otto crossed his hands and looked thoughtful.
From Rhaegar's words, the ministers picked up on something special—he did not seem intent on applying Westerosi or local governance structures in the three city-states.
Rhaegar had come prepared. Unhurriedly, he explained everything clearly.
The ministers were quick-witted and soon grasped the deeper implications.
"Prince, who will be appointed as the ruling prince?"
Leonor furrowed his brows slightly, voicing his doubts.
Otto seized the moment and stated as if it were obvious, "Naturally, the royal heirs will hold the position of prince."
Immediately, the gathered ministers reacted with varied expressions, their thoughts diverging.
Alicent's breath quickened. As she poured wine for her husband, she carefully observed his demeanor.
A princely title—this was an honor even Daemon had never received.
Myr and Lys—her children had a real chance.
Scanning the room, Rhaegar took Rhaenyra's hand and declared openly, "A prince can also be a queen. I plan to support Rhaenyra in ruling over Lys."
He had promised that he would make Rhaenyra a queen.
Conquering the Kingdom of Three Daughters: This Legacy Must Be Fulfilled
"Rhaegar."
Even though she was mentally prepared, Rhaenyra still felt deeply moved.
"Great! That's an excellent proposal."
Viserys smiled broadly, clapping his hands in approval.
Noticing his eldest daughter's growing belly, his smile became even more sincere.
His eldest son would inherit the Iron Throne, while his eldest daughter would govern newly conquered Lys.
According to Grand Maester Orwyle's assessment, Rhaenyra was highly likely carrying twins.
Twins—just perfect. One brother could inherit the Iron Throne, and the other could rule Lys.
Alicent's expression changed subtly, but she quietly poured herself a drink and sat down, showing no emotion.
Viserys remained completely unaware, still grinning as he glanced at his wife.
Otto's eyes narrowed, and he spoke in a deep voice, "According to the will left by King Jaehaerys, the male heirs hold succession precedence over female heirs."
Before either of the siblings could respond, Viserys frowned and said with displeasure, "Rhaenyra was once the heir to the Iron Throne. I believe she is more than capable."
"Your Grace, you still have many children," Otto insisted reluctantly.
Clack!
A stone sphere was forcefully dropped into the groove. Rhaegar's gaze turned sharp, his tone unyielding. "Lord Otto, I conquered these three cities. Their distribution is not for you to question."
"As Hand of the King, it is my duty to offer bold and honest counsel," Otto argued.
Rhaegar grinned, but a dangerous glint flickered in his eyes.
"Relax, I'll handle this."
Feeling her brother's protectiveness, Rhaenyra gently patted his hand before rising to her feet, supporting her round belly.
With a warm smile, she swept her gaze over the gathered lords and pursed her lips. "My lords, some of you once swore fealty to me when I was just a naïve girl."
Lyonel and Lyman exchanged subtle nods, not denying her words.
Even Corlys straightened his posture, his usually stern expression turning more solemn.
Except for the newly appointed Orwyle and Tormund, the present council members vividly remembered the oath-taking ceremony from years past.
Cradling her belly with both hands, Rhaenyra smiled shyly. "Years have passed. I am now a wife, soon to be a mother, and these shoulders—though not the strongest—must bear a new responsibility."
"Princess, we have all witnessed your growth," Corlys said, his sharp gaze settling into his role as a member of the Small Council.
Lyonel and the others nodded in agreement.
Ensuring the continuation of Targaryen blood and producing a rightful heir was no less significant than conquering disputed lands.
Buoyed by their approval, Rhaenyra's confidence grew as she declared, "The Iron Throne already has an heir. Lys needs a queen."
"For my father and my husband, and for the child I have yet to meet, I will rule with unwavering dedication."
After speaking, she cast a gentle glance at Rhaegar, meeting his eyes for a lingering moment.
Rhaegar smiled faintly and tightened his grip on her hand.
Rhaenyra blushed slightly, her gaze shifting to her father.
Viserys watched his children with deep affection, momentarily lost in memories of his late wife, Aemma Arryn.
If he could secure Rhaenyra's position as the ruling Princess—or Queen—of Lys, perhaps he could finally ease the guilt of having once displaced her as heir.
His gaze met Rhaenyra's, and for a brief second, he hesitated before his eyes softened with encouragement.
(End of Chapter)