Aegon's fingertips tapped lightly on the smooth ebony table, making a rhythmic clacking sound that broke the silence of the study, which had fallen still due to the bold plan.
"The plan is as follows." He looked up at Jon Clinton across the table, his purple eyes showing no ripples, as if he were stating an established fact.
"You will take me into the Golden Company's encampment and gather the officers, especially... those core members who remain steadfastly loyal to the Blackfyre bloodline."
"Then, the dragon will descend from the sky and deal with them cleanly. The remaining men will need a reason to lay down their arms, a reason to swear fealty to a new master."
"And you are that reason."
Jon Clinton's body tensed slightly, his hands resting on his knees tightening unconsciously.
The sunlight in the study fell on his graying temples, but it could not melt the deep contemplation etched between his brows.
He slowly spoke of his concerns, the complexities and potential risks of the Golden Company.
Aegon listened calmly without interrupting.
"You are right," Aegon said only after Jon had finished voicing all his concerns, his tone carrying a matter-of-fact certainty. "That is exactly why we need a direct path."
"The chips in our hands are enough to make this path viable." He cast his gaze toward the courtyard, where Ghidorah was resting.
"The dragon is the ultimate argument. It can dispel most 'uncertainties'."
Jon Clinton fell silent.
He scrutinized the young Highness before him, trying to find a hint of bluster or youthful recklessness in those purple eyes.
But all he saw was a profound calm and an absolute awareness of the power the dragon represented.
This was no longer an exile talking idly of restoration, but a player holding the ultimate trump card.
Recalling the fact that Lys had changed hands overnight, and thinking of the behemoth lurking in the courtyard at this very moment.
Perhaps twenty years of wandering and struggling were precisely because of the lack of this kind of decisiveness and power that could break any deadlock.
The old knight's tense shoulders slowly relaxed, a posture of letting go of a heavy burden and resolving to step onto a completely different path.
When he spoke again, the hesitation in his voice had been replaced by a quiet, do-or-die resolve.
"I understand, Your Highness." Jon Clinton nodded slowly, his gaze becoming sharp and focused.
"Then, we shall let the Golden Company see this reality clearly as well. I will arrange a meeting." He paused and looked up at Aegon; in those eyes that were once filled with struggle and pain, only a desperate determination remained.
"Your Highness, for this trip to the Golden Company, I, Jon Clinton, swear by my life and honor that I will do my utmost to ensure your safety."
This was no empty phrase; Aegon could hear the weight behind it.
The old knight had staked all his guilt toward Rhaegar, his remorse for nearly twenty years of mistakes, and his obsession with the Eagles Nest on this oath.
He might still disagree with the riskiness of the plan, but he was determined to use his life to fill any potential gaps.
"I believe you." Aegon nodded slightly, accepting the heavy promise.
"Go, send word. Say that Aegon Targaryen has been recognized by Lys and has obtained the title of Prince. Their fealty should be brought into the light. We will go there personally; have them prepare to receive us."
"Afterward, you can move about the Governors Mansion to understand the personnel and operations here. Once I have finished dealing with the affairs of Lys, we will set out in three days."
"Yes, Your Highness." Jon Clinton stood up, bowed again, and then left the study with slightly heavy steps.
The door was gently closed.
Aegon's gaze fell on the closed door, and he thought for a moment.
Jon Clinton... was indeed a rare talent.
Twenty years of exile, enduring and planning, raising 'Bale', dealing with various factions, and still maintaining contact and a certain level of influence with the Golden Company.
Such a mind, such resilience, and his understanding of the Westeros nobility and military were exactly what he needed urgently right now.
It might be too early for a Hand of the King, but it was just the right time for an important assistant who could help handle political and military affairs.
Once he became familiar with the situation in Lys, it would be time to put him in a suitable position and let him play his part.
Aegon withdrew his thoughts and looked again at the map of Lys and its surroundings spread out on the table.
His finger traced over Lys and slowly moved toward the neighboring Free Cities: Tyrosh, Myr, and even further to Volantis.
So many days had passed; even if he had intentionally released a lot of confusing and contradictory news, the smoke should have cleared by now.
Those greedy vultures, the rulers of the neighboring cities, unless they were too stupid, should have pieced together the one closest to the truth from the pile of rumors:
Lys has a new master.
A conqueror from nowhere had taken this wealthy Free City with startling speed.
What would they think? Doubt? Wait and see? Or... were they already impatient to take a fierce bite out of this piece of fat meat that had just undergone turmoil and looked a bit weak?
Guessing alone was useless; it was time to take the initiative and reach out.
Send someone out to test the waters and see the reactions, so he could have an idea and make plans early.
As for whom to send... the corner of Aegon's mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.
That woman, Sa Melis, had already proven her value through her actions.
She was smart, knew what to do and what not to do, understood how to read the situation, and was familiar with the social interactions and power games of the upper class in Lys and even the surrounding cities.
More importantly, she yearned to be accepted, to find her place in the new power structure.
This was exactly the chance to test her abilities and give her an opportunity to show her loyalty.
"Someone, come in."
A Bloodsworn soldier pushed the door open at the summons and stood straight to listen for orders.
"Go, call Sa Melis here."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
The soldier took the order and left.
Before long, footsteps sounded outside again, carrying a hint of deliberate lightness, yet one could still hear a slightly nervous breath.
"Your Highness, Miss Sa Melis has arrived."
"Enter."
The door was pushed open again.
Sa Melis walked in. She had clearly taken care to dress up again, changing into a deep blue gown that was more solemn yet still feminine, with her hair neatly pinned up.
With an expression that was a perfect blend of respect and anticipation, she walked lightly to a spot a few paces from the desk and performed an elegant curtsy.
"Your Highness, you wished to see me?"
Aegon did not speak immediately, but simply looked at her with those calm purple eyes, his gaze like a cold probe, as if checking if a tool was fit for use.
Sa Melis maintained her curtsy, her back tensing slightly; she could feel the weight of that gaze.
After a moment, Aegon spoke slowly: "There is a task that needs to be done."
Sa Melis's heart skipped several beats.
A task! This meant she was needed, that she was being considered! She suppressed the sudden surge of excitement and tried to keep her voice steady: "Please give your command, Your Highness. Sa Melis will do her utmost."
"The news of Lys changing hands cannot be hidden for long."
"Tyrosh, Myr, and even Volantis—those rulers and nobles are probably like sharks smelling blood right now, pondering how to get a piece of this new meat." Aegon's tone was flat, as if he were talking about something that had nothing to do with him.
"I need to know exactly what they are thinking. Is it hostility? Is it waiting to see? Or is there a possibility... of cooperation?"
He looked up, his gaze falling on Sa Melis's face: "You will represent me, represent the new Prince of Lys, to visit them, test their stance, and deliver a message..."
Aegon leaned forward slightly, a hint of cold majesty in his voice: "Lys has a new master. Whether they choose to oppose me or try to be my friend, let them choose for themselves."
Sa Melis's eyes lit up instantly, like a fire being kindled in the dark.
An envoy! Representing the newborn Prince of Lys to visit the surrounding cities!
This was not just a task; it was a signal, a form of recognition!
It meant she could finally step out of that room which felt like a cage and truly begin to become a member of the Dragon Lord's circle!
A huge surprise and a strong desire to perform surged in her heart, causing a flush of excitement to rise to her cheeks.
She performed a deep, almost waist-bending bow, her voice trembling slightly with excitement, yet filled with unprecedented fervor and determination:
"As you command, Your Highness the Prince! Sa Melis will not fail your trust. I will deliver your words and find out the true thoughts of those people for you!"
"There is no need to hide my news. Having a dragon is a deterrent in itself. If they still dare to act recklessly after knowing..."
A flash of cold light crossed Aegon's purple eyes.
"Then let them try."
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