Viserys's words were like a spark, igniting a flame in the hearts of everyone present. Ser Arthur, Alliser, and even the recently pledged Nahalo family members, all had eyes burning with anticipation for the future.
"New Valyrian Empire," Ser Arthur whispered, his voice filled with even greater reverence for Viserys. "This will be the Targaryen Family's greatest feat since the Doom, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to help you achieve your decision."
Ser Alliser was even more excited. "Your Majesty, we will follow you to our deaths to rebuild the glory of the Dragonlord Family."
"Very good." Viserys raised a hand, signaling for silence, then began to issue specific instructions. "But we cannot be too hasty. Nation-building is not achieved overnight. We currently have fewer than a hundred people in this castle. We need manpower, resources, and time..." He glanced at Ghidorah, who was sprawled out after eating her fill.
"Although we have an adult dragon, our strength is not enough. Ghidorah is still in her infancy and needs time to grow to form a true deterrent. Moreover, the outside world, whether it's the Usurper Dynasty in Westeros or the Free Cities in Essos, who both fear and covet Valyria, will not sit idly by and watch a new Dragon Empire rise. We must be cautious. Before we have enough strength, we must remain as low-key as possible to avoid alerting our enemies too early."
In fact, the most important thing was to avoid being targeted by those "gods" and "false gods," but he did not speak these words aloud. After all, this aspect could only be dealt with by himself and Ghidorah; no one else could help much.
He turned to Alliser. "Ser Alliser, I am giving you a task now. You are to select thirty of the most elite warriors, board the 'shadow hunter' and head west to Astapor in Slavers Bay. As for Volantis, do not contact them for now. Our cooperation with Nahalo has ended, and we cannot let him or the Tiger Party know our true intentions and gains. It is best for them to believe we have vanished into the Smoking Sea until our foundation is stable."
"Astapor?" Ser Alliser asked, somewhat puzzled. "Your Majesty, the Good Masters there are infamous, and due to the massive slave trade, it is very chaotic and dangerous."
"Precisely because it is chaotic, with various forces intertwined, it is easier to hide our tracks and conduct transactions," Viserys explained. "You need to purchase supplies there, including food, tools, seeds, livestock, and slaves. We need labor for clearing and construction. Use the Braavosi gold coins we brought, plus some less conspicuous jewels we found this time. Remember, do not reveal the true situation of Valyria. Say you are a merchant guild from a Free City looking to establish a new outpost. Remember to act discreetly and purchase in batches."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Ser Alliser replied, accepting the order. "We will proceed with caution."
"As for here," Viserys said to the others who were staying behind, "begin preliminary clearing and reinforcement, centered around Satheryn Castle. Maelyon the Scholar, you need to organize the ancient texts and documents we found earlier, especially those related to Valyrian architecture and agriculture. We will need to plan accordingly."
"Yes, Your Majesty," everyone responded in unison.
Viserys paused, then looked towards Braavos. "And I will return directly to Braavos, and then bring a batch of trustworthy people here. And transfer the core personnel here as well."
"Ser Arthur, after I leave, this place will be under your charge."
"Your Majesty, do you not need me to accompany you back?" Ser Arthur asked, somewhat puzzled.
"I will fly directly on Blackflame. I'll land on the coast far from Braavos, then secretly enter the city," Viserys said. "There will be no danger, and you, Ser, are more needed here where manpower is insufficient."
"Moreover, after I return to Braavos, I will not appear publicly," Viserys continued to plan. "Some personnel still need to remain in Braavos to maintain the illusion of 'exiled Targaryens,' continuing normal trade and activities to lull outsiders. Ser Willem will be fully responsible until we officially announce the establishment of our nation."
He estimated, "The first wave of migrants will be over five hundred people. As for supplies, Braavos will prepare some, and the rest you will need to supplement from Astapor. There should be no problems initially."
The plan was quite clear. Everyone had no further objections and accepted their orders.
Over the next few days, Satheryn Castle was bustling. Ser Arthur and Ser Alliser selected personnel, organized equipment, and divided the less conspicuous and easily portable jewels from the treasure as procurement funds. The "shadow hunter" was re-inspected and its exterior painted black.
Viserys spent time deepening his connection with Blackflame, familiarizing himself with long-distance flight coordination through mental communication and actual riding. He also prepared a dragon saddle for her, which he had found in a Dragon King's treasury. Ghidorah often curiously observed the two of them; her growth rate was visibly rapid, and after just a few days, she had grown noticeably larger.
On the eve of his departure, Viserys stood on the castle's highest tower, gazing at the thin haze that had not yet completely dispersed in the east. Ghidorah lay quietly by his bed, her three pairs of molten-gold eyes half-closed.
"Until I return, I entrust this place to your protection," Viserys conveyed telepathically.
Ghidorah seemed too lazy to bother with him, merely nodding her middle head a few times and letting out a low grunt as a response.
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Ser Alliser led thirty chosen warriors aboard the "shadow hunter," hoisted the sails, and set off towards Slavers Bay in the southwest.
Viserys, watched by everyone, swung himself onto the saddle fixed at the base of Blackflame's neck.
The black dragon spread its enormous wings, its shadow almost covering the entire platform in front of the castle. It let out an earth-shattering roar. Then, pushing off with its hind legs, its powerful muscles propelled its massive body forward. After a few steps, its huge wings flapped violently, stirring up a gale, and its colossal form soared into the air, flying towards the northern sky, quickly becoming a black dot against the grey-yellow firmament.
Riding a dragon was a unique experience. The Valyrian Peninsula below rapidly shrank, and powerful air currents rushed at him, but Viserys's Unburnt trait only made him feel warm. Blackflame's flight was steady and powerful, its wings beating rhythmically, riding the air currents at a very high speed.
He chose a straight route, and to avoid being discovered, Viserys guided Blackflame to maintain an extremely high altitude. At night, they would rest in forests or deserts. Blackflame would sometimes hunt, while Viserys simply ate dry rations.
Ãdvåñçé çhàptêr àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn luffy1898