Chapter 154: A Late-Night Visit
"I wish to see Lord Illyrio. Please take me to him," Ian said to the servant as he stepped out of his room.
"Yes, my lord," the servant nodded obediently, then turned and walked deeper into the courtyard.
Ian followed him, passing through pavilions, covered walkways, and small gardens, until they arrived at a tall white building. Four Unsullied blocked their way before the massive red-lacquered wooden door.
"Lord Darryl, please allow me to go in and announce your arrival," the Unsullied squad leader said to Ian in broken Common Tongue after learning of his purpose from the servant.
Ian naturally had no objection and nodded in agreement.
The Unsullied turned and went through the door, emerging a minute later to open it for Ian. "Please come in, my lord. Lord Illyrio is waiting for you."
Ian nodded and entered Illyrio's bedchamber.
Passing through a brightly lit corridor lined with flickering candles, Ian arrived at the reception room outside Illyrio's bedchamber.
At that moment, Illyrio was sitting in a cushioned chair in the drawing room. He looked at Ian as he entered and gestured for him to sit.
"Magister Illyrio," Ian said with a slight bow.
"Lord Darryl," Illyrio nodded in return. "What brings you here so late?"
"Your Grace, there's something I've been hesitating about all night, but I've decided I need to report it to you."
"What is it?" Seeing Ian's serious expression, Illyrio sat up straight.
"Prince Hazan seems to want to curry favor with you through me. He's proposed a marriage between me and his sister," Ian said with a troubled expression.
"You agreed?"
"Of course not," Ian quickly waved his hand. "I told him I needed to consider it. After all, your true stance is different from his, and we'll eventually break with Hazan and his people. I can't possibly agree to this marriage." Ian added awkwardly, "But it's not easy to refuse. I'm worried Hazan will take it as an insult, so I came to you hoping you could give me some counsel."
"I've never heard of Hazan having a sister before. However," Illyrio pondered for a moment, then nodded, "I think you can agree to his proposal if you have the stomach for it."
"What?"
"At least in the short term, it won't be a bad thing. Maintaining ambiguity is exactly what we need. When things really come to a head, you've only fallen out with your wife's family—this kind of thing happens every time there's a blood feud in Westeros."
"Aren't you worried that I'll be won over by Hazan and his people in the process?" Ian asked curiously.
"The fact that you've come to tell me this already proves your loyalty, and," Illyrio looked into Ian's eyes, "I believe in you, Ian. We are undertaking one of the greatest endeavors in history, and you will be remembered as Hand of the King to Aegon Targaryen, the Sixth of His Name. I believe a mere woman cannot sway your will."
"Lord Illyrio," Ian said, appearing deeply moved, "I will never betray your trust."
"Then," Ian continued, "Hazan's sister has invited me to the Red Temple tomorrow. Should I go as well?"
"You can decide those minor matters yourself. In short, your goal is to make Hazan believe he is close to gaining my support, and I can cooperate with you if necessary."
"I understand," Ian nodded, then, as if suddenly remembering something, "Oh, and there's something else I need your help with. The princess and Khal Drogo's wedding is coming up soon, but I find I don't have any suitable gifts to present."
"That's understandable," Illyrio nodded, unsurprised. "You're not exactly wealthy right now. How about this—I'll prepare your gift for you, and my servants will announce your name directly at the wedding."
"Wouldn't that make me seem insincere?"
"Sincerity? An interesting way to put it."
"Actually, I'd prefer to choose the gift myself. If it leaves a good impression on Khal Drogo, it will help my future relationship with him." Ian put on a casual expression, treating Illyrio like family. "As for the gift itself, you'll have to sponsor it."
"Haha, you rascal." Illyrio chuckled and shrugged. "Alright, what do you want to give?"
"I don't have any good ideas yet. What do you plan to give?"
"Three dragon egg fossils." Illyrio had nothing to hide—Ian would find out in a few days anyway.
"Dragon eggs?!" Ian exclaimed in surprise. "Are there still dragon eggs in the world?"
"If they're dragon egg fossils, there are many in the world."
"May I see them?" Ian seemed suddenly interested. "I really want to know what's so magical about the things that allowed the Targaryen family to conquer all of Westeros."
"Dragons conquered Westeros, and these are just eggs. Besides, it's so late," Illyrio had initially been reluctant, but the occasion didn't seem suitable for refusing.
"Alright," Illyrio finally agreed. "Come with me. I'll take you to my treasure vault, where you can choose one item from my collection as a gift for the Khal's wedding. I'll also show you the dragon eggs."
With that, Illyrio rose from his chair and left the drawing room, Ian following behind.
Led by four Unsullied, they arrived at the back of Illyrio's bedroom, where a small chapel dedicated to R'hllor stood.
"Does Your Grace worship the Red God?" Ian asked casually.
"Almost all the magisters of Pentos are followers of the Lord of Light, but," Illyrio unlocked the chapel door with a key, "this chapel was here long before I was born."
Ian chuckled dryly at this.
Indeed, such a massive manse in the most luxurious part of Pentos couldn't have been built by Illyrio himself—it must have belonged to some other important figure before.
Now, however, the noble and great owners of this manse have long since vanished into the dust of history, and it has become Illyrio's possession.
Following Illyrio into the sanctuary, and then watching him push open a bronze door to a basement vault, Ian felt a chill run down his spine.
Illyrio lit the oil lamps hanging on the walls of the small treasure room with a torch, instantly illuminating the entire basement and revealing Illyrio's collection before Ian's eyes.
The warm, golden-orange light lessened the chill on Ian's body.
"Please feel free to look around, and then choose one item as your gift for the Horse King's wedding," Illyrio said generously.
Ian nodded without replying, his gaze already drawn to the treasures before him.
Ian carefully picked up a mechanical clock, made of gilded brass, its crystal base inlaid with agate, jade, and tourmaline.
"This is a marvelous timepiece. It's said that a craftsman from Braavos was inspired by an ancient instrument from the days of Old Valyria. It can tell you precisely what hour of the day it is using the hands upon its face." Illyrio was quite pleased with the astonished expression on Ian's face.
(End of Chapter)
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