"There is no party in the world that lasts forever. No matter how grand, every celebration eventually ends. No matter how many people have gathered in joy, there will always come a time to wave goodbye." Watching the crowd disperse, William couldn't help but feel a tinge of melancholy.
Nymeria let out a soft laugh. "I didn't expect you to be so sentimental."
Suddenly, a voice came from behind them: "But isn't every farewell meant for the next reunion?"
They turned to see the Red Viper and Ellaria arriving at the gate tower.
Noticing William's slight surprise, Nymeria whispered an explanation, "Don't worry, my father asked me to invite you over."
William's expression cleared. He nodded and quickly stepped forward to bow. "Greetings, Prince Oberyn. Greetings, Lady Ellaria." Ellaria wasn't conventionally stunning, but she possessed a sensual charm that drew attention effortlessly.
Nymeria also bowed politely, greeting them with a demeanor that suggested she had a good relationship with Ellaria.
After some formalities, William took the initiative to speak. "Lady Nymeria mentioned that you asked me to meet. May I ask if there is any instruction for me?"
The Red Viper seemed casual. "I heard you forged a Link at the Citadel?"
In all of Westeros, very few nobles possessed an Academic Link. Yet William had managed to forge two chain links, while the Red Viper had completed six in a short time—a true prodigy. Whether for intelligence or martial prowess, the Red Viper was unmatched. The wisest in Westeros could rival his intellect, but none could defeat him; the strongest in combat could challenge him physically, but none had his culture.
Thus, when discussing Academic links before him, William could only reply humbly: "My skills are limited—I only forged two links. I cannot compare to you."
"One of them is Valyrian steel?" The Red Viper's voice was soft. "I also have a Valyrian steel link."
William thought that was predictable. "I would love to, but unfortunately, I haven't acquired a Valyrian steel link yet."
"Oh? Even you can't get a Valyrian steel link? And you're a magic knight." The Red Viper's expression was strange, half-joking, half-meaning something else.
Though no one had concrete evidence against the Darkstar, suspicions about his use of poison had circulated for years. The two bizarre reversals at the tournament's climax would naturally strike an observant person as strange—especially someone like the Red Viper, also an expert in poison.
William, however, wasn't worried that anyone would find real proof unless they were on his level. "Haha, Prince Oberyn, you jest. That title is just a joke."
"A joke?" The Red Viper smiled. "People call me the Red Viper. Sounds terrible, right? But it was my friends who gave me the name, and I think it fits. I've never opposed it."
The Red Viper was handsome, with a rare widow's peak for a man. Yet his face seemed brooding from melancholy, and his sharp gaze radiated danger. Compared to the usually warm Dornish, he truly had a serpentine aura.
William couldn't help but think of himself. The Citadel rejected magic, and most of its scholars held the same view. Many nobles had grown up studying under scholars, so the term "magic knight" carried a somewhat derogatory meaning among Westerosi nobility. Yet he never objected—partly to avoid drawing attention, partly because he secretly took pride in it.
"Perhaps Archmaester Marwyn thinks I need more learning. A mere title won't earn me the links," William said.
"Marwyn? Heh, that's the Citadel's watchdog. Sharp nose. You can't fool him, just as you can't fool me. I think we both know—you've learned very well."
William felt the Red Viper's gaze pierce him like arrows, difficult to withstand. He could only grit his teeth and deny, "You overpraise me. I still have much to learn…"
"The Darkstar—I know him better than anyone. I know what happened in the duel. And that moment when you suddenly struck with lethal speed—that's beyond human. Ordinary people cannot achieve this," the Red Viper interrupted, eyes turning dangerous. "Every action leaves a trace."
The atmosphere suddenly tightened. Nymeria instinctively moved closer to William, aware that her father could be hot-tempered and fearful he might act rashly. She didn't want William to be harmed.
Ellaria took the Red Viper's hand, seemingly to calm him, or perhaps to comfort him. Her voice was as sensual as her presence. "Darling, everyone has secrets. If someone forced you to reveal yours, what would you do?"
The Red Viper looked at his beloved tenderly and smiled. "Oh? I'd probably kill them." Then he glanced at William. "I suppose you think the same now?"
"Absolutely not!"
William respected the Red Viper too much to harbor any murderous intent. "Not at all, Prince Oberyn. I only hold admiration for you."
"Ha, this really moves me," the Red Viper said, tilting his head thoughtfully. "But I do want to know your little secret. How about we settle this the way men do? A duel—if I lose, you can make a request of me. If you lose, you satisfy my little curiosity. How does that sound?"
"That works!"
Before today, William might have hesitated at such a request. But now, having brushed against the edge of a new magic, his confidence soared. "Even a request that affects the fate of the Seven Kingdoms would be allowed, Prince Oberyn?" He emphasized "Prince Oberyn" to remind him of his status.
Ellaria and Nymeria both looked surprised—not only because it had been many years since anyone dared challenge the Red Viper, but also because William's request was almost unthinkable. Never mind that he was just an heir; even as Lord of Harrenhal, how could he influence the fate of the Seven Kingdoms?
The Red Viper's expression grew serious. After a moment of silence, he suddenly smiled. "You… are remarkable. I agree."
William couldn't hide his delight. Establishing contact with the highest echelons of Dorne added another powerful card to his hand.
Still, he needed time to familiarize himself with this new skill. Challenging now would be premature. What excuse could buy him that time? A multitude of ideas flashed through his mind, and he quickly spoke: "How about we wait for an opportunity to duel in a public setting, in front of witnesses? For example, at a tournament. Prince Oberyn, what do you think?"
"A tournament? Interesting," the Red Viper said, clearly intrigued. "Garlan Tyrell will hold his wedding at the beginning of next year, marrying the young lady of House Fossoway. There will certainly be a grand tournament at Highgarden then."
Ellaria's gaze showed concern. "Darling, although Willas invited you, didn't we agree not to attend?"
The Red Viper scoffed. "Don't worry, my dear. Those roses at Highgarden won't be able to ensnare this viper." Then he laughed. "Besides, it's been a long time since I've seen Willas."
He then looked at William. "You and Garlan are practically blood brothers. You'll attend his wedding, won't you?"
"Yes, Prince Oberyn."
"Very well, William. Then let's see who can claim the championship in the team tournament, shall we?"
"As you wish, Prince Oberyn." With over three months until the wedding, William felt confident he had more than enough time to master the new magic.
Ellaria sighed. "If neither of you wins, then just call it a tie."
"Hahaha, my dear, if we compete, who else could possibly take the championship besides us?" The Red Viper radiated dominance and confidence. "What do you say, Magic Knight?"
"As you wish, Prince Oberyn!" William smiled slightly.