Just as expected.
Before the sun dipped below the horizon, a town surrounded by low white walls appeared in front of the caravan.
Seagull Town was large, and the smoke curling into the sky and the lively sounds beneath the setting sun were proof of its prosperity.
As an ice-free port, maritime trade never ceased here.
"Whoa!"
Before they reached Seagull Town, an armored knight rode forward and blocked the road.
The man showed no hostility. Upon seeing dozens of well-equipped knights from the valley, he quickly dismounted and saluted.
"My lady, the Shet family of Seagull Tower has been expecting you."
The knight bowed politely, kneeling on one knee.
The commotion outside roused Aemon from his nap inside the carriage. The little boy pushed aside the curtain, peeking out with sleepy eyes.
The knight, clad in silver-gray plate armor, was strikingly handsome, with curly black-brown hair and a short beard on his chin. His upright posture radiated strength.
When he looked up, there was a glint of cleverness in his eyes.
Aemon tilted his head, observing this dashing uncle who seemed to be in his thirties.
Also middle-aged, yet far more charismatic than Gunthor.
"Rise, Ser Ryan."
Though clearly exhausted, Lady Rhea answered coldly, keeping the poise expected of a highborn lady.
"Yes, my lady."
Ser Ryan Shet stood up with a word of thanks.
Aemon leaned on the window ledge, resting his chin on his hands, thinking only of food and sleep.
Fortunately, the Royce family held ties to Seagull Town and had vassals stationed here.
Ser Ryan was clearly a capable and meticulous man. He sent his attendants ahead to prepare the household while he remained behind to guide the guests.
Seagull Town offered stunning views. The architecture leaned towards white and orange tones, with numerous towers dotting both the city center and coastal districts.
Compared to Runestone City, which was built primarily for defense, it was undeniably beautiful.
As night fell, the group arrived at a white tower within the town.
"My lady, please come in."
Ser Ryan bowed respectfully, while his wife and children presented a plate of broken bread and salt.
"Thank you for your hospitality."
Lady Rhea smiled and picked up a piece of bread, dipping it in the salt. She didn't forget to tear off a piece for Aemon and slip it into his hand.
Honoring the ancient rites of guesthood.
"Thank you."
Aemon accepted it graciously and munched with wide bites.
As he stepped into the hall, he noticed a banner hanging on the wall.
Three golden wings spread across a black checkered field.
Aemon dug through his memory, recalling what the old maester had taught him.
The Shet family of Seagull Tower was one of the Royce family's loyal bannermen.
But the web of relationships here was complicated.
Seagull Town was wealthy, home to several noble houses.
The oldest of these was the Shet family—long-time rivals of the Royces—also known as the "Shet family of Seagull Town."
After the last Bronze King conquered Seagull Town, defeating the Shets, the vanquished house hired the Andals from across the sea to reclaim their land.
Unexpectedly, the blond-haired, blue-eyed Andals cared little for honor or oaths.
After driving out the Bronze King, they turned on their employers, shattering the Shets. Another powerful noble house took the chance to rise and claim the town.
They became the ruling house of Seagull Town—the Grafson family.
Even so, the original Shet family was not completely destroyed. They swore fealty to the new rulers and remained in Seagull Town.
It echoed what the Royce family had done—surrendering to survive.
Over time, noble houses branch out.
Ser Ryan Shet, who welcomed them, was from a cadet branch of this wealthy knightly family, who had resided in Seagull Tower for generations.
Because both their castle and their fief shared the word "Seagull," they came to be praised as the Seagull Knights.
"Prince, if you're tired, you may rest upstairs," Ser Ryan offered gently, noticing the silver-haired boy's curious glances.
"No, I'm just a bit hungry."
Aemon waved cheerfully.
The prince had spoken—and no one in Seagull Tower dared ignore it.
A grand dinner was promptly arranged, featuring premium ingredients rarely seen in Runestone City, prepared with care and attention.
Aemon sampled each dish with delight.
He enjoyed the fine meal without losing the royal family's dignity.
Both host and guests were pleased.
The next day.
The port of Seagull Town bustled with life. Hundreds of ships, large and small, were docked offshore.
Hand in hand with his mother, Aemon walked along the docks under layers of protection.
The port area was akin to a marketplace, filled with vendors and sailors coming and going. The noise carried far.
"I've really learned a lot."
Standing by the water, Aemon gazed at the rolling waves.
After two lifetimes, this was the first time he'd seen the sea.
He stared, mouth slightly open, marveling at the sight of sailors unloading cargo.
"My lady, Your Highness, our ship is just over there."
Ser Ryan, dressed in the same armor as yesterday, pointed toward a three-masted vessel moored nearby.
Aemon followed the direction of his finger, spotting the pennant flapping in the wind atop the tall mast.
The flag bore a black triangle on a flame-red field, with a yellow burning tower at its center.
"That's the Grafson family's ship."
William had appeared beside them, showing off what little he knew.
"I know." Aemon nodded.
The Grafson family controlled Seagull Town, one of the realm's five great ports, and owned many merchant ships—amassing immense wealth.
It was only natural that they had received an invitation to the royal hunt.
Not only did they attend in person, but also transported goods to King's Landing—a profitable venture. Taking passengers along the way was no issue.
"Let's board."
Aemon was eager to experience sailing.
Lady Rhea didn't delay. She led the group aboard and, through Ser Ryan's introduction, greeted the ship's captain.
The captain was a chubby man with a smooth tongue and obsequious manners.
Upon learning that a Targaryen prince would be sailing with them, he exclaimed that it was his lucky day and declared his intent to rename the ship "Prince Aemon."
Aemon: …
Hearing the word lucky gave him an inexplicable sense of unease.
Before he could protest, the captain had already rushed off, having arranged two spacious, clean cabins for the esteemed guests.
The young prince!
Better to build favor early, fly the royal banner, and use it to gain prestige in trade.
Even without invoking the royal family, the Royce and Grafson families had long been "good neighbors."
And once the little prince inherited his maternal house's fief and castle, the bond would only grow stronger.
By the time Aemon realized all this, he could only sigh—businessmen are always crafty.
So many little schemes at work.
The ship soon set sail, waves splashing high around it.
Aemon stood at the bow, watching as the ship and port slowly receded behind them.
Many other ships sailed alongside them, like chess pieces moving outward in formation.
On both sides of the harbor rose steep cliff walls, hundreds of meters tall, forming an inverted triangle-like enclosure.
This natural barrier blocked the frigid winter currents—
Creating a warm, ice-free harbor in Seagull Town all year round.
Aemon stared in wonder, his fondness for the town growing even more. He couldn't help but envy such a blessed territory.
"If I lived in Seagull Town, I could collect so many magical items…"
Resting his chin in his palm, his large eyes sparkled with longing.
He quietly made a vow: one day, he would claim a territory as rich and blessed as Seagull Town.