As a former smuggler, Davos was all too familiar with such tricks.
Viserys agreed with his analysis. A colossal city like Braavos didn't rely on the profits or losses of individual transactions.
Buying warships from Viserys might win them ships, but if it led to a lack of orders for their shipyards, many workers could lose their jobs—a domino effect no wise ruler would ignore.
They clearly didn't need the warships for themselves. It was obvious they intended to resell them. But to whom?
Unless… even they weren't sure if their potential buyer truly needed warships.
"Warships… war… where else might a war break out in the near future?"
Viserys turned his head toward the map of the Free Cities on the wall. His gaze landed on a city across the sea from Sunspear—Tyrosh.
"That's right! Not long after the canon story begins, the Kingdom of the Three Daughters starts fighting again!"
Realizing where Braavos might be selling these ships filled Viserys with excitement.
But then Alerys, recently brought back from the Wall, spoke up.
"Your Grace, what if the Iron Bank buys our ships only to sell them to Robert?"
Her suggestion sent a cold shiver down everyone's spines.
It wasn't an impossible scenario.
"Your Grace, could it be that Robert already sent envoys to Braavos? What if they plan to strike Dragonstone together?" Ock added, deepening the unease in the room.
Led by Ser Gerold, the military officers immediately began discussing defensive strategies should Braavos and Robert form an alliance.
Davos stared at the map, thinking about where they could flee if things went south.
The maesters were visibly troubled by the possibility.
Rhaella looked anxiously at her son.
Viserys thought for a moment and concluded that the likelihood of such an alliance was very slim.
First of all, he was certain Braavos had no love for vast territories ruled under a single banner. They surely remembered what life was like when Valyria was still thriving.
Second, in the original timeline, the "Beggar King" would flee to Braavos under Willem's protection. The Sealord of Braavos even acted as a witness to his betrothal.
That alone was proof enough—they had no desire to see the Seven Kingdoms unified again.
"They won't. It's highly unlikely," Viserys reassured the others, explaining his reasoning and easing their fears for the moment.
Lately, Viserys had also been wondering whether the turmoil in the Gohor region was connected to Braavos—or perhaps both Braavos and Pentos. Both Free Cities were major trade hubs.
Gohor stood at the intersection of the Rhoyne River and the Valyrian Road—a critical junction for all of Essos. The rise of a strong power in such a place would have clear consequences.
Whether that was truly the case, however, would require Viserys to investigate personally.
Once the council was somewhat pacified, Viserys announced his intent to travel to Braavos himself.
As expected, he faced unanimous opposition.
"Your Grace, even if they don't plan to attack Dragonstone with Robert, you can't take such a risk. Let me go in your place!" Ser Gerold was the first to step forward.
Arthur and the others followed suit.
"Yes, Your Grace, we can't let you endanger yourself."
Davos, thinking of his family, also volunteered.
Naturally, Rhaella opposed it as well.
So did Alerys and the rest who had just returned from the Wall. Though they had assumed Rhaella held all the power, they quickly realized Viserys's authority on Dragonstone rivaled that of any adult king.
Which meant—if anything were to happen to Viserys—they'd all be in serious trouble.
But Viserys stood firm.
"My lords, I understand your concerns. Your loyalty burns hotter than the sun.
But if we cannot show enough resolve now, we'll pay a far higher price when we try to move east.
Braavos and Pentos will both make things difficult for us.
Don't worry. This journey to Braavos will not be more dangerous than the Battle of the Gullet or the fight at Shipbreaker Bay…"
Viserys had several reasons for going personally. One was to finalize the eastern relocation plans as soon as possible. Another was that the massive population of Dragonstone consumed vast resources each day—resources he couldn't afford to waste.
In the end, he chose Arthur and Davos to accompany him to Braavos.
Gerold would prepare three thousand soldiers and two thousand laborers to await word from Viserys, ready to begin the first wave of migration.
However, Viserys kept his travel plans a secret from the Iron Bank emissaries. He told them only that a member of the Kingsguard would be sent in his place.
…...
Nahor and the other Keyholders hadn't expected House Targaryen to agree to visit Braavos so directly.
"It seems House Targaryen still has some capable minds. That Queen Mother Rhaella is no ordinary woman," Nahor said as he looked out the window.
"Shall we return to Braavos with them, my lord?"
"Yes, we must. Who are they sending, by the way?"
"They said a Kingsguard knight."
"A Kingsguard?"
Nahor felt he might have overestimated the Targaryens. Perhaps there was someone clever among them—but clearly not bold enough.
He had expected Rhaella to come in person.
That would have shown true sincerity.
Now it seemed there was still room to push down the ship prices even further.
Viserys had deliberately released this false information to protect himself. Though Varys was dead, Robert still had money—and with money came the power to hire all manner of killers.
More importantly, Viserys wanted to give the Sealord a surprise.
If the man had been scheming from the start, Viserys felt it only fair to return the favor.
If the Sealord was only prepared to meet with Arthur, then Viserys's sudden appearance might disrupt his expectations and provide Viserys with a psychological edge—possibly shifting the negotiations in his favor.
Before departure, Viserys made sure to visit Elia and Lyanna.
The two women had grown closer over time.
Young Aegon and baby Rhaenys enjoyed standing at the side of Jon's cradle, waving toys and making him laugh.
Sometimes, Lyanna would take Elia out to practice archery.
Elia, once frail and sickly, now looked much healthier.
When Viserys arrived, the two women came to greet him at once. They both knew very well who was shielding them from the storm so they could enjoy this peaceful life.
"You're heading to Braavos?" Lyanna asked.
"Yes. I must."
"Be careful."
"I will."
"You might lose your appetite on the ship. I have some snacks Oberyn sent over. I'll pack them for you," Elia offered.
"Thank you, Elia."
Viserys didn't speak with them long. The real reason he visited from time to time was to ensure that, should anything happen to him, the two wouldn't fall into conflict over matters of succession.
After saying his goodbyes, Viserys slipped past the Iron Bank's eyes and boarded the ship.
With him were twenty handpicked boys from the Crab Claw Peninsula.
They were all around thirteen or fourteen.
Viserys planned to personally train and refine this elite group.
No one would suspect that a band of adolescents could rival grown men in combat prowess.
These twenty were the best of their peers—and nearly half of them were common-born.
Viserys intended to use this to redefine their social standings. In the future, what mattered wouldn't be noble bloodlines or a powerful father, but how many heads one could sever.
With twenty elite youths, three hundred guards, and five ships, Viserys departed Dragonstone for the richest and most powerful of the Free Cities—Braavos.
Hot on his heels, Nahor and the others released a raven.
Though ravens originated in Westeros, "technology leaks" were inevitable.
Even if using ravens outside Westeros was costly, the Iron Bank could afford it.
They needed to notify the Grand Banker and the Sealord of Braavos ahead of time that House Targaryen was sending someone.
The letter specifically noted that the envoy was merely a Kingsguard knight.
Nahor glanced again at the Targaryen fleet, now with a touch of contempt.
If Rhaella and Viserys didn't even have the courage to come to Braavos themselves, it meant two things.
First—and most likely—Rhaella was a woman good at scheming but lacking in decisive action. In that case, Dragonstone's recent victories were nothing to fear.
Second, it suggested a power imbalance—weak ruler, strong ministers.
If necessary, they could even employ the Faceless Men to eliminate this so-called "strong minister."
Let Braavos take control of House Targaryen.
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