Viserys Targaryen showed a satisfied expression and said, "This is my good sister."
"In a few days, I want you to meet someone. He is the Earl of Whispers, Greene Kleber."
The Earl of Whispers? Daenerys Targaryen's small face showed confusion.
"Brother, is he from Westeros?"
Viserys's smile deepened: "Daenerys, you guessed right. You must gain the loyalty of Earl Green on my behalf; you must do it, do you understand?"
After speaking, Viserys lightly patted Daenerys's tear-stained face.
Daenerys's eyes widened: "But... Brother, how can I do that?"
Make a Westerosi Earl pledge loyalty to her? Even in her dreams, Daenerys had never imagined such a thing.
How could she possibly do it?!
Seeing Daenerys hesitate, Viserys's smile faded, and he furrowed his brows.
Viserys's voice turned cold: "Daenerys, are you preparing to defy me? Do you want to awaken the sleeping dragon's rage?"
Daenerys immediately shuddered and quickly shook her head: "No, I don't! Brother, I... I'm worried I can't do it and will disappoint you."
Viserys's slender fingers slowly traced Daenerys's small shoulder.
Viserys's movements seemed gentle, but they filled Daenerys with terror, causing her body to tremble involuntarily.
Viserys smiled and said, "My good sister, why do you want to disappoint me?"
Viserys's smile sent shivers down Daenerys's spine.
Daenerys dared not move; she knew that if she made any unnecessary movements at this moment, Viserys's wrath would erupt.
Daenerys quickly denied: "No, Brother, I'm trying to find a way. I would never dare to disappoint you!"
Viserys's fingers pinched Daenerys: "My good sister, now tell me, have you thought of a way?"
Daenerys was actually very confused as to why her brother wouldn't appear in person, but she didn't dare to ask.
Daenerys could only nod; she didn't dare to say she hadn't thought of a way yet.
Fortunately, Viserys didn't press her on what method she would use. Viserys had once told Daenerys that a king only needs to focus on results... this was a king's magnanimity.
Viserys then released his fingers and looked up and down at the thin Daenerys: "Although he has some soldiers and horses, he is just a half-savage Earl. I allow you to use your body, but remember to guard your virginity. Targaryen never mix with inferiors."
Barbarians... half-savages... Daenerys felt despair in her heart. Viserys had clearly said they were descendants of true dragons, with true dragon blood flowing in their veins, but why was he making her face these people? Was she not a Targaryen?
Viserys's words were contradictory, but Daenerys dared not refute, nor was she able to. She could only obey her brother's arrangements.
What Daenerys feared most was being abandoned by her brother. As long as she could stay by Viserys's side, she might still have a glimmer of hope for the original brother to return.
Daenerys had always thought that the person she would marry after coming of age was Viserys.
Viserys had told her countless times that ever since Aegon the Conqueror married his sister, Targaryen royals had always practiced sibling marriage for centuries.
The Targaryen blood flowing in their veins was the blood of kings, the golden blood of the ancient Valyrian people, the proud blood of true dragons... Only in this way could Targaryen ensure the purity of their bloodline.
True dragons would never mate with ordinary beasts, and the Targaryen people would naturally never mix their blood with inferior races.
However, now, barbarians... half-savages... Daenerys felt that her title of Dragonstone Princess was a joke.
Daenerys lowered her small face, tearfully and timidly saying, "Brother, I will definitely remember."
Viserys's stiff, withered face showed a hint of disdain: "Don't always cry; lift your head and straighten your back. Gods above, you're flat enough as it is."
.....
.....
Dragonstone, Map Room.
Stannis Baratheon gritted his teeth, making a creaking sound as he stared at the brazier.
Davos Seaworth, standing beside him, looked up at Stannis and respectfully said, "Duke Stannis, there are more people interested in the King's Hand position than we imagined."
Stannis, with a taut face, snorted coldly and said, "Renly and Mace are both useless. If a foolish person sits in the position of Prime Minister, he will ruin the kingdom."
Davos, stroking his chest, said, "Duke Stannis, I suggest you quickly recommend yourself to Duke Jon as a candidate for King's Hand."
Stannis's brow furrowed into a knot. He had been waiting for Jon Arryn's investigation results.
The royal bloodline could not be compromised. If the investigation results matched the speculation, Stannis would become the first heir to the Iron Throne.
Because of Stannis's special status, and for the sake of impartiality, he could not personally handle this matter and had to entrust it to others for investigation.
If Stannis revealed the truth of the royal bloodline, foolish people might mistakenly think he was slandering for the sake of inheriting the Iron Throne, and even those involved would have an excuse to refute, and the authenticity of the evidence he investigated would be doubted.
Duke Jon still retained a degree of impartiality, and as the King's Hand, he was duty-bound regarding the royal bloodline issue.
Now, the issue of the royal bloodline and the issue of the King's Hand successor have suddenly intertwined, complicating the situation.
.....
The hall was silent for a while, and then Stannis nodded slightly.
Seeing Stannis's solemn expression, Davos said, "Duke Stannis, many Crownlands nobles directly support you, as do the Stormlands nobles."
Stannis's eyes moved slightly, glancing at Davos, who was clumsily trying to comfort him: "What is the attitude of the Stormlands nobles?"
Davos nodded and said, "At least one-third of them will directly support you."
Stannis said coldly, "They still prefer Renly's fine wine, not my pure water."
Davos explained, "The rest are not all supporting Duke Renly; many choose... to wait and see."
Stannis narrowed his eyes slightly: "Loyal Davos, I am not surprised by this. Cunning people naturally like to wait and see, but they only deserve scraps."
Davos echoed: "Duke Stannis, that is only right. The brave enjoy delicious feasts."
Stannis nodded slightly and said, "Davos, go to the Red Keep for me and meet Jon. Inform him that I wish to recommend myself as the new Prime Minister."
Davos nodded in assent, then hesitated and said, "Duke Stannis, should I also pay my respects to King Robert?"
Stannis snorted and said, "No need! My brother is not foolish. He knows very well that now, besides me, no one can allow him to continue indulging in wine and women."
.....
.....
Pentos is one of the nine Free Trade Cities, located in the western part of the continent of Essos, bordering the Narrow Sea. It is the Free Trade City closest to King's Landing.
On a fair and sunny day, five ships (2+3) flying the swamp marigold flag slowly docked at a harbor in Pentos.
Greene disembarked and looked around. He now felt as if he had traveled from a backward civilization to an advanced one.
Most cities in Westeros were dirty, but Pentos was clean and tidy.
Not only the city, but the residents too.
This was Greene's first impression of Pentos.
Upon seeing Greene's figure appear at the dock, Rowsell, who had been waiting early, immediately came forward.
"Good day, my lord, Roselle greets you."
Under Greene's arrangement, Rowsell had set off for Pentos in advance, carrying a personal letter from Varys to Illyrio.
Greene naturally wouldn't use Varys's letter of introduction just to foster a relationship with Illyrio.
Greene now had capital, and with ships, he began to open up trade between Mermaid Port and Pentos.
Varys had been so kind to Greene, so Greene couldn't be too cold.
Others might not know the relationship between Varys and Illyrio, but Greene knew very well.
Greene was merely borrowing Varys's facade, utilizing Governor Illyrio's influence, and incidentally establishing a 'Kleber Pentos Trading Company' for both settlement and trade.
.....
Greene showed a faint smile and said, "Roselle, thank you for your trouble."
At this moment, Reik Snow walked over and said, "Lord Green, all our ships need repairs."
When they set off, Greene had two ships, plus three captured from pirates, making a total of five ships.
What about the captured pirates?
Lord Green always judged by actions, not intentions. He would not allow evil people to join his Cleber Legion.
"Reik, inspect them thoroughly before repairs. Don't leave any hidden dangers. You can get the money from Roselle then."
After saying this, Greene, now wealthy, glanced at Monton Wei Shui nearby.
Monton noticed Greene's gaze and immediately showed a simple and honest smile.
Greene nodded slightly, then withdrew his gaze and spoke to Roselle: "You lead the way, and tell me what's been happening here."
Roselle followed beside Greene, deliberating for a moment, then said, "My lord, because of the letter you had me deliver, Roselle was honored to be personally received by His Excellency the Governor. Governor Illyrio expressed his anticipation and welcome for your visit."
After a pause, Roselle lowered his voice a little and continued, "As soon as I started inquiring about the price of a house, His Excellency the Governor's steward found me and recommended a mansion to me, and the price was very reasonable."
Greene raised his eyebrows and said, "I understand. You did very well. Be more careful when choosing the Queen's gift."
The dock was bustling with people, hiding too many ears and eyes. A brief conversation was enough.
Your every move is within my grasp... Illyrio's actions seemed enthusiastic, but he also subtly showed them his strength.
Greene had memories from before his transmigration, plus the supplementary details he learned after coming to Westeros, and Varys's and their schemes, he had guessed it almost perfectly.
Greene chuckled softly. He was hesitating between Varys and Illyrio... which one to eliminate first.
Around the Iron Throne of Westeros, Greene would not allow any bigger puppet masters than himself. He would eliminate one at a suitable opportunity. Greene had no interest in playing friendly moves on the chessboard that Varys and they had already meticulously planned.
Lord Green sets up a new card table; everyone come into the bowl.
.....
Riding horses was not very friendly in Pentos city, so Greene, following local custom, sat in a sedan chair.
Greene frowned slightly. Pentos was indeed cleaner and tidier than most cities in Westeros, but there was a strange smell lingering in the air.
After leaving the dock, Greene's ears were filled with unfamiliar chants, prayers, and the joyful noise of children playing.
Greene suddenly felt something and looked towards a certain spot, but found nothing unusual.
Greene thoughtfully withdrew his gaze.
At this moment, only Petyr was in the Throne Room.
Petyr curled his lips as he looked at Pycelle's chair. Although there was no direct evidence yet, he had pretty much guessed Grand Maester Pycelle's hidden identity; he had likely already pledged allegiance to Lannister.
As for Varys... he needed to continue watching closely. He was definitely plotting something in secret. Petyr trusted his intuition.
The Small Council itself represented the highest stage for power players. The Hands of the King all harbored unspeakable ambitions within their hearts, including himself.
Petyr's grey-green eyes gazed at the Iron Throne on the high platform.
The time was ripe... Petyr Baelish's eyes flickered.
As if the gods were protecting him, with Lysa Tully's help, Petyr had already figured out the content of Prime Minister Jon's secret investigation.
Those so-called noble bloodlines really knew how to play... A hint of mockery spilled from Petyr's lips.
It was time for Prime Minister Jon to permanently exit the stage of power players. This was his last remaining value.
Petyr seemed to have already foreseen the chaos he would personally create, where an ascending ladder for him would appear.
Petyr's smile deepened.
Tap, tap... Light footsteps sounded, interrupting Petyr's thoughts.
Petyr merely cleared the expression from his face, pretending not to hear the commotion behind him.
He didn't need to turn around to know that the owner of such eerie footsteps could only be the Spider.
Varys stood beside Petyr, also looking at the Iron Throne above: "Lord Petyr, sometimes I wonder what you think about when you look at it."
Petyr glanced at Varys, his voice hoarse: "Perhaps we are thinking the same thing, Lord Varys."
Petyr's answer contained a hint of probing.
"Oh?"
Varys said with interest, "I am truly delighted. Are you also thinking of King Robert's heroic posture sitting upon it?"
Petyr's eye twitched, and he said coldly, "Lord Varys, are you implying something?"
Varys clasped his hands and smiled: "Lord Petyr, I am rather timid, but King Robert can bestow immense courage. In sensitive situations, I always long to see the King's figure. Are you not the same?"
Petyr curled his lips, his tone mocking: "Lord Varys, His Majesty is not here today. It is truly regrettable that he cannot hear your sweet words in person."
Varys nodded slightly, humbly saying, "These are merely my heartfelt words. The Red Keep is full of unseen ears, but I always trust His Majesty's wisdom."
Varys's words caused Petyr's eyes to tremble imperceptibly.
Petyr's smile was elegant: "Lord Varys, your tongue is the sweetest."
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