Chapter 39 Conflict intensifies
Viserys spoke sincerely and spoke his mind to the end.
As he finished speaking, he stared at his daughter expectantly.
I hope the words can rub off on her.
Let her find her way back from her wayward ways.
Rhaenyra's eyes were red, and she looked back at her father with only sadness and determination.
Obviously, she didn't listen to her heart.
Tears welled up in her eyes, and Rhaenyra choked with sobs: "I don't want to marry Rhaegar. I hope my future partner will be a tall, handsome, mature man, not a young brother."
For the first time, she revealed her true thoughts, albeit a bit cryptically.
Since losing her mother, Rhaenyra's heart has been filled with emptiness and fear.
She didn't want to marry a man she didn't love and become a tool on the birth bed.
The father loved his mother enough that he still chose to keep his younger brother and cut open the mother's belly when the mother was in labor.
She would never forget the day she ordered Syrax to breathe dragon flames and cremate her mother's body.
Rhaenyra feared that this day would happen to her again.
The husband she expected would be a tall, handsome, gentle man who regarded her as her destiny.
Because of this, she has vague feelings for Cole, who has always been gentle.
Viserys didn't understand his daughter's heart, and he only responded with superficial words.
He thought he understood: "You can get engaged to Rhaegar first, and then get married when he comes of age. You are both still young and have plenty of time to fall in love with each other."
"Never! Rhaegar is my brother, we cannot decide his fate for him."
Rhaenyra shook her head repeatedly, mentioning Rhaegar's fate, but actually feeling sad for herself.
Viserys wanted to continue to persuade, but Rhaenyra covered her ears and ran out of the bedroom as if she was running away.
She didn't want to hear any more.
Because her father always had a way of forcing her to give in.
Looking at Rhaenyra's embarrassed back, Viserys slammed the cup and said angrily to himself that he was unfilial.
Everything he did was obviously for the future of his daughter.
…
Time flies, three days later.
The scene of the martial arts competition was bustling with people.
Viserys sat on the throne with a smile on his face, listening to Prime Minister Leonor's report.
"Your Majesty, the dragon's lair has been thoroughly investigated. Through the evidence of an old dragon man, it is confirmed that the chains of Dreamfire were replaced privately by Bachelor Bath in Old Town."
"The reason is that Menghuo has a bad temper and often shows an aggressive attitude when the dragon dragons send livestock."
"In order to protect the safety of the Huanlong people, we have replaced the chains with shorter ones to restrict the movement of Dream Fire."
Viserys turned his head when he heard this, raised his eyebrows and said, "Do you believe such sophistry?"
Leonor shook his head: "I don't believe it, the explanation is too far-fetched."
"Is the illegitimate child in the dungeon involved in this matter?"
Viserys suddenly remembered Menas, whom Rhaegar had begged to spare his life.
"Currently, this person has no motive for murdering Prince Rhaegar, and Bachelor Bath also expressed his contempt for his background."
Leonor told the truth.
Viserys thought for a moment, waved his hand and said: "Since it doesn't matter, let it go."
"It's thanks to that young man that Rhaegar's burns were repaired in time, otherwise he wouldn't have healed so quickly."
Leonor smiled softly: "The prince's self-healing ability is indeed amazing. I heard that he recovered from his injuries very quickly. He is really a Targaryen blessed by the Seven Gods."
After a pause, he whispered: "Bachelor Bath is very suspicious. I don't know how to make a decision?"
A cold light flashed in Viserys's eyes, and he said unkindly: "The maesters in Old Town are all servants of the people. If a servant tamperes with the master's things, how should we be judged?"
"Enough to cut off his hands?"
Leonor answered promptly.
"That's it. If he wants to go to the Great Wall to be a night watchman, don't stop him."
Viserys approved.
Leonor obeyed the order and bowed to leave.
He still has many government affairs to deal with, so it is inconvenient for him to stay longer.
With the Prime Minister gone, only Daemon and Rhaenyra were left with Viserys.
Today is the last day of the tourney, and most members of the royal family will be present.
Rhaenyra, who was eavesdropping next, turned around and said displeasedly: "That bullshit maester almost killed Rhaegar, and you plan to forgive it so easily?"
Viserys frowned and said: "Maesters belong to the Old Town. No one can judge them based on their own will. Cutting off their hands or sending them to the Great Wall to serve as the Night's Watch is no longer a light punishment."
"Rhaegar almost died because of him, so he should repay with his life."
Rhaenyra spoke her will.
"It can't be like this. Power is not a butcher's knife that can kill people. It's what a king should do."
Viserys didn't want to dwell on the issue and stopped Rhaenyra from retorting with his eyes.
"Hmph~"
Suggestions were always ignored. Rhaenyra snorted coldly and adjusted her sitting position.
Damon on the side watched the father-daughter argument silently, with a self-sarcastic smile on his face.
His brother had a weak character and he had a keen understanding of his indecisive way of doing things in his early years.
Viserys was not aware of his brother's contempt at all, and was enjoying the competition below.
He didn't think there was anything wrong with the way he handled it.
A king should restrain his desires.
You cannot take the lead in breaking the law for your own selfish desires.
…
The battle in the tourney was fierce.
Events such as charge, melee, and mounted shooting have already been decided.
Only the most important duel is left to compete for the championship.
Under the attention of thousands of spectators, the two players on the duel field launched the final showdown.
A tall warrior from Casterly Rock, wearing heavy armor and holding a broadsword.
One is the dark horse of this tournament.
Water Dancer - Shiliu Freer.
Shiliu's swordsmanship is as superb as ever, his body is as flexible as a snake, and he walks as nimble as a rabbit.
Every time he takes a shot, he will avoid the opponent's slashes and pierce the weak points of the opponent's armor.
Use the tip of the sword to bring out bright blood flowers.
In less than half a quarter of an hour, this duel ended.
As expected, Xiliu defeated her opponent and won the duel championship.
Amid the cheers of the nobles and commoners in the audience, it was time for the king to issue rewards.
The top winners of the previous projects received bonuses in turn and received praise from the king.
Soon it was Shiliu's turn.
Looking down at Shiliu who was kneeling on one knee, Viserys smiled sincerely: "I remember you. You once threatened to win the championship. It seems you didn't brag."
Xiliu said respectfully: "Your Majesty, Xiliu dare not boast to the kingdom."
"Very good, I promised you a request, you can say it now."
Viserys took his words seriously.
Shiliu was not polite and said bluntly: "I come from the distant Braavos. I have no relatives, no family, and no honor here..."
"I want to beg you to let me stay in the Red Fort, even as a dance teacher."
"Why would you want to stay in the Red Keep? I thought you wanted to become a knight?"
Viserys was greatly puzzled and secretly wary of this man.
A superb swordsman who is good at assassination must not stay where he lies without worry.
Shiliu said without hesitation: "Because of your eldest son, Prince Rhaegar!"
"Rhaegar?"
Viserys was confused.
Shiliu said: "As your eldest son, Prince Rhaegar, in terms of character and wisdom, is the only one I have seen in my life."
"A country is lucky to have such an excellent prince."
"I hope to stay in the Red Castle and teach the prince swordsmanship in my spare time to ensure that he will have good martial arts skills before he reaches adulthood and become a brave and capable knight."
