The embassy from the city-states had arrived in King's Landing, partly on a fact-finding mission.
They sought to understand how this emerging Dragonlord empire compared to the Valyrian Freehold of old—what differences existed, and how large the gap truly was. If the Targaryen dynasty was merely another ordinary kingdom, they would never acknowledge it as their suzerain.
Only the smaller nations of West Essos were genuinely loyal to the Targaryens, simply because they were often bullied by the Nine Free Cities. With a powerful "big brother" stepping in to maintain justice, their lives could finally improve.
At its core, the vassal system Aegon had built was one of strategic division and co-optation. Those who refused to join the Targaryen-led vassal network would face ostracization by the alliance, putting the Five Great Cities in a difficult position. If those cities rejected Targaryen authority, the dynasty could easily back rival nations to replace them. Given the Targaryens' military and economic might, accomplishing such a feat would be effortless.
Thus, the vassal system flourished across the continent of West Essos, and dozens of nations arrived to pay tribute for the first time.
Their logic was simple: there was no downside to joining—and the added protection of the Targaryen kingdom was a welcome benefit. One after another, they followed the large delegation of envoys to King's Landing. The weaker the nation, the more eager it was to join the tribute system.
When they reached King's Landing, the envoys were awestruck by the city's prosperity. The streets, laid out in neat squares, bustled with endless crowds. The scene held echoes of the splendor once seen in the Valyrian Freehold.
The foreign envoys were accommodated in the Outer Quarters beyond the city walls—a district specifically built to host foreign delegations, situated conveniently near the Red Keep for the king's ministers to conduct diplomatic receptions.
Among these envoys were scholars well-versed in Valyrian history. When they laid eyes on the towering, majestic walls of the Red Keep, they could barely contain their excitement. Aegon had modeled the outer fortifications after the famed Shield of Valyria, making the Red Keep's walls eerily reminiscent of those in ancient Valyria.
The scholars were stunned, gasping in astonishment, and their reverence for the Targaryen overlordship only deepened.
Just then, a tremendous roar echoed from the distance, growing louder.
The envoys all looked up—only to see an enormous adult dragon sweeping over the Red Keep, dark as a thundercloud blotting out the sky.
"The Cannibal! That's the Cannibal who destroyed Tyrosh!" one envoy cried out, his finger trembling as he pointed skyward.
"I heard that dreadful dragon feeds on human flesh."
"They say Prince Maegor wiped out more than two hundred warships in the Myrth Strait. It's terrifying. The dragons of House Targaryen are nothing like those of the Valyrian Dragon Party—full-grown beasts like this one can't even be brought down!"
The envoys erupted into nervous chatter, while their master of ceremonies covered his mouth and chuckled to himself, thinking, "Another pack of backwater bumpkins."
High atop the red ramparts, Aegon and his second son, Maegor, watched the delegation from afar, observing their panic as the dragon passed overhead.
Aegon asked, "Why do you think they revere House Targaryen as their overlord?"
Maegor understood his father was testing him. After a moment's thought, he replied, "Because of our dragons—because House Targaryen is invincible, flawless!"
Aegon gave a slight shake of his head, clearly unsatisfied with the answer.
Seeing his father's expression, Maegor realized his response was lacking. He humbly asked, "I've spoken foolishly. Please enlighten me, Father."
Aegon said, "We are not flawless. In the end, we're still mortal. The Faceless Men of Braavos pose a deadly threat to us. And yet, why did Braavos still submit to us?"
Maegor listened intently, then responded at the right moment, "Because our kingdom is strong and prosperous?"
Aegon nodded faintly. He pointed toward the outer city of King's Landing and said slowly,
"Do you see that? This is the foundation I've laid for House Targaryen: prosperity—prosperity at its peak.
Today, the goods of the Targaryen Crownlands are the most sought after in the world.
We hold patents that protect the core technologies of our manufacturing.
We have the world's largest number of full-time artisans, effectively becoming the factory of the world.
We also possess the most powerful treasury—the Dragonlord's Vault—whose overseas holdings are vast enough to buy out several small nations.
To others, this is like the blow of a dragon upon helpless lambs.
As long as the Anxi Protectorate maintains its foothold on the continent of West Essos, the Five Free Cities will not dare defy us. If any do, we'll support their enemies. If they have none, we'll create one.
That is what it means to be a hegemon. That is the nature of true dominance."
Maegor listened quietly to his father's teachings—truths Aegon had never shared before. When he was younger, Aegon had only spoken of family, love, and harmony. It was only after Maegor became Crown Prince that his father began instructing him in the ruthless arts of rule and power.
Aegon looked at Maegor and spoke solemnly.
"Our new Citadel controls the world's economic lifeline. It's like a monster, more terrifying than any dragon—a double-edged sword. When you inherit the throne, you must hold its chains with care. If you ever let it loose, it could turn on you."
"Do you understand?"
Maegor scratched his head, clearly puzzled.
"I understand some… but not all."
Aegon tilted his head with a gentle smile.
"That's fine. You still have plenty of time to learn. Even if you never fully grasp how to control the Citadel, you still have the Dragonlord's Vault. Before I pass, I'll help you destroy these sources of unrest if necessary."
Maegor frowned slightly and replied with a hint of disapproval.
"Father, you're still in your prime. Please don't speak like that."
"Haha! Still the most endearing of my children. Not like your brother, always splitting dragon hairs," Aegon said with a laugh.
Maegor's brows furrowed. Concern clouded his face.
"Father, about my brother... something seems off lately. I heard Lady Sharra mention…"
Aegon remained calm as he spoke.
"Aenys has been in contact with envoys from Braavos. I'm placing the palace guard under your command. Handle your brother carefully. This is your first trial as Crown Prince. Do not disappoint me."
Maegor froze for a moment, then responded firmly.
"Yes. I won't let him go astray."
...
After the envoys from West Essos were properly settled, they weren't granted an immediate audience with the Targaryen king.
Instead, a procession of etiquette officials and attendants visited the foreign quarters to instruct them on the proper protocols for meeting the king.
This was part of the third official discipline introduced by Aegon from the Citadel—Etiquette Studies.
The school of etiquette had been founded with the goal of reclaiming the authority to interpret ethics and morality from the hands of the Church. Under Aegon's guidance, scholars compiled a series of etiquette manuals regulating social behavior, emphasizing clear hierarchies and promoting mutual respect.
Most crucial of all was court etiquette, which detailed everything from proper posture and speech when appearing before the king, to the requirement that ministers kneel and bow.
These symbolic gestures of submission created a visible and unambiguous hierarchy between Aegon and his subjects, reinforcing his authority not only in spirit, but in the physical realm as well.
As the school of etiquette gained prominence, the new court position of Master of Ceremonies was established.
These officials diligently trained foreign envoys on the legal codes and rules they were expected to follow during their stay in King's Landing—what was allowed, what was forbidden, where they could go, where they could not, and the punishments for any violations.
During their two-week stay in the foreign quarters, the envoys spent their time studying Targaryen customs, laws, and etiquette, grooming their appearances and adjusting their attire to meet court standards.
They were worn out by the ordeal. Even the Bloodriders from the Horselords found it unbearable and returned home early.
Only then did the envoys begin to grasp that becoming a vassal was no simple matter.
This, of course, had been Aegon's intention all along.
To forge a mighty empire, cultural unification and ethnic integration were unavoidable goals.
Although he had conquered the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and claimed four powerful Free Cities of West Essos, each retained its own distinct culture. In truth, the lands remained divided.
Aegon was determined not to let his future empire follow the path of the Yuan Dynasty, which fell into civil strife after its founding monarch's death, breaking apart in chaos.
Instead, he looked to China's Qin Dynasty. Though the Qin collapsed after only two emperors, it had unified the Seven Warring States, and from its foundations emerged the mighty Han Dynasty.
Why? Because the First Emperor of Qin had accomplished something vital: standardizing written language, wheel gauge, measurement systems, moral norms, and administrative divisions.
For Aegon to achieve the same, the first and most critical step was unifying laws and cultural etiquette.
And so, what once seemed like an insignificant branch of philosophy—Etiquette Studies—emerged from dozens of competing schools of thought to become the Targaryen dynasty's third official discipline.
Aegon harbored grand ambitions, but he knew many conservatives still clung to outdated ideals within his realm. These traditionalist nobles were the prime targets of his future purges.
Although the conservative Crownlands nobility had not lost many heirs during the campaign in West Essos, Aegon still planned to use strategies like land redistribution to remove them from the royal domain and exile them to West Essos.
...
In the twentieth year of the Conquest, the New Year quietly approached, and autumn arrived as always.
Within Aegon Hall, Aegon received the envoys from West Essos.
The audience ceremony, designed by the newly appointed Master of Ceremonies, unfolded according to protocol. First came the pounding of cowhide drums—short, sharp, and forceful beats. Then, the deep wail of dragonhorns echoed solemnly, blending with the rhythm of the drums.
Supported by his ceremonial attendants, Aegon stepped forward onto the platform.
Aegon wore his black and red royal robes and the Valyrian steel crown. In addition to being adorned with dazzling rubies, the crown was intricately forged with seven pointed peaks of Valyrian steel, each tipped with a brilliant diamond that shimmered under the light.
He sat tall and composed on the throne, his posture firm and dignified—radiating the presence of a true king.
Targaryen ministers and regional nobles entered the grand hall in orderly rows from both sides, forming ranks according to their status. They paid homage to the king, demonstrating their respect and loyalty.
"Long live the King! Long live the Targaryen dynasty!"
They performed the threefold bow of court ritual.
Aegon raised his hand slightly, prompting the gathered officials to step back from the center, creating an open aisle down the middle of the hall. All stood at attention, their eyes fixed straight ahead in solemn silence.
Then, under the guidance of the ceremonial officers, the envoys from the various nations of West Essos were brought into the hall.
Dressed in traditional Valyrian garments, the envoys carried themselves with caution and reverence. One by one, they entered the chamber beneath the watchful eyes of the Targaryen ministers.
They turned to face the throne under the officials' direction. Hundreds of high-ranking officials lined the sides of the hall, their intense gazes creating an oppressive atmosphere. The foreign envoys felt the weight of the moment bearing down on them.
Under such pressure, the envoys followed every step of the ceremonial rites with precision.
They then presented their nations' desire to become vassals of the Targaryen dynasty and handed over lists of tribute. These were read aloud in Valyrian by their deputies.
As Aegon listened, his brows furrowed slightly.
One of the key flaws of the tribute system was how smaller nations often played the weakling, offering paltry gifts to their overlord.
Just like the envoy speaking now—their tribute consisted only of basic local goods like flour and peanuts…
Annoyance welled up in Aegon. He wanted nothing more than to hurl a handful of peanuts at the envoy's face and roar, "You dare test the Dragonlord with such trinkets?!"
But he held himself back. Losing composure during a tribute ceremony would be disgraceful.
Still, he ordered a record to be kept of all nations offering meager tributes. The Western Protectorate would ensure these tactless countries learned the cost of disrespect.
Once the ceremony concluded, Aegon bestowed royal seals upon the envoys—symbols of formal recognition. Their nations were now legitimate kingdoms under the Targaryen suzerainty. These seals conferred not just legitimacy, but obligation: when Aegon gave a command, they would be bound to obey.
Though this authority had yet to be truly tested, Aegon intended to see that the nations of West Essos followed his will over the next fifty years.
Through these seals, Aegon aimed to erode their sovereign authority and control their royal succession. His ultimate goal: ensure that no king could ascend the throne without his approval. Any unrecognized claimant would lack legitimacy, would be seen as a usurper, and would fail to rally public support.
This legitimacy granted by Aegon would allow him to manipulate foreign politics, destabilize regimes, weaken rival claims, and aggressively spread Targaryen culture—laying the groundwork for unification.
The Targaryen dynasty was flush with wealth—gold in the Dragonlord's Vault was measured by the ton. But even gold had limits; it couldn't establish rightful claims. That power lay in the royal seal.
The envoys of the minor nations, elated at receiving the seal, could hardly contain their joy. Aegon, meanwhile, privately scoffed at their shortsightedness. One day, they would regret this decision.
After expressing their gratitude and paying final respects according to Targaryen custom, the envoys withdrew from the hall.
Later, Maester Gawen approached them and informed them they could establish permanent missions at the foreign quarters and appoint officers to remain in King's Landing. From now on, any disputes between nations in West Essos could be brought before the Targaryen court for mediation.
The envoys were delighted. Already dazzled by the splendor of King's Landing, now they could stay on the Crown's coin and enjoy the pleasures of this vibrant capital—what reason could they have to refuse?
...
After the New Year's court, Aegon dined with his royal family in the inner chambers.
Turning to Maegor, now Crown Prince, he said, "From its inception, the Dragonlord's Vault has been eroding the economy and livelihood of the nations of West Essos.
Now that we've formalized tribute relations, it's as if their gates have been thrown wide open.
Through their markets, our goods will flood in, letting us dominate their commerce and shape the lives of their citizens. It's no different than Aenys' tactic of subverting them through faith."
"I understand, Father," Maegor replied earnestly.
Aegon was briefly startled by his son's shift in tone. He sighed quietly to himself. Since entering politics, Maegor had begun observing hierarchy and formality.
Aegon then turned to Aenys, seated silently at the far end of the table, and said, "Aenys, let this be a lesson to you. That Maegor didn't strike you down on the spot for colluding with foreign envoys is a mercy.
Don't write the second volume of your New Covenant of the Seven Gods.
I'll help you finish it myself."
Rhaenys' eyes welled with tears at Aegon's words. Overcome with emotion, she rose, covered her face, and left the room.
Aenys' hand froze above his plate. He lowered his head and murmured, "I wish to go study at the new Citadel in Harrenhal. I beg your permission, Father."
Aegon stared at Rhaenys' departing figure, a strange ache rising in his chest. After a long pause, he finally said to Aenys, "Granted."
...
Time passed. Westeros once again entered the grip of winter.
At the end of the twentieth year of the Conquest, the Targaryen royal family welcomed a new member. Alyssa, wife of Prince Aenys, gave birth to a daughter—whom he named Rhaena.
Like her father, Rhaena was small at birth. But unlike Aenys, she was a healthy, cheerful child, with sparkling lavender eyes and hair like gleaming silver foil.
...
Within the royal household, the bitter struggle over the succession had created a rift between Queen Rhaenys and King Aegon—their once-close bond now cold and distant.
Yet the birth of Rhaena brought a new light into House Targaryen, a breath of fresh air.
Because the child resembled Queen Rhaenys so closely, every time Aegon saw her, memories of happier days with Rhaenys surged forth like a tide.
Because of this, Aegon doted on Rhaena immensely, hoping his love for his granddaughter might mend the fractured ties between himself, Rhaenys, and his eldest son—restoring warmth and harmony to their family.
...
[Upto 20 chapters ahead for now]
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