The entire audience cheered continuously and the crowd surged.
Aemon rode a fiery red warhorse around the arena. He enjoyed the cheers and the wreaths thrown by the noble daughters.
The Rune Knight did not dodge or evade; a wreath fell onto his shoulder. The noble lady who received the wreath screamed in surprise and grabbed the railing tightly. It was like winning a prize.
In the Seven Kingdoms, the gold content of the tournament championship is very high. You can gain fame, wealth, and status. This is especially true for the Rune Knight, who has a tall figure and super physical strength. If you bring him home as your husband, he will be great in bed.
"Despicable!"
Looking at the cheering noble ladies, Rhaenyra said with cold contempt.
Laena raised her eyebrows and asked with a smile: "Aren't you greedy?"
"I can eat it." Rhaenyra replied frankly.
Laena's smile disappeared. It's a trick! When I saw Aemon in the Dragonpit that night, I smelled a faint fragrance. The two of them must have had more than one affair.
Rhaenyra regretted it as soon as she finished speaking and looked away silently. Although she came first, Laena had to eat first. For some reason, I lacked confidence facing her.
Viserys walked to the front of the VIP seats and raised his hand to quiet the shouts around him. The noble lords gradually became quiet and looked at the king. According to the rules, the tournament champion should be awarded. As a sign of respect, the mysterious knight should also take off his helmet to reveal his identity.
"I can't wait." Many were eager to see the face beneath the helmet.
Aemon knew the procedure and rode to the bottom of the VIP seats.
"Rune Knight, are you willing to let the king see your true face?"
Viserys smiled as if summoning a past champion of the tournament. The man in the Tin Can raised his head and knocked his chest with his right arm in armor.
The noble lords stood up one by one and leaned on the railing to get a better view. Viserys's smile remained unchanged, but he couldn't help but glance sideways.
Click!
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, The Rune Knight held the helmet with both hands and slowly took it off. Many people held their breath and stared at it intently.
First came the smooth chin, then the slightly pursed lips, and finally, the high nose bridge. Just as he was about to reveal his eyes, he paused.
Viserys watched carefully and was stunned. The others were even more uncomfortable and almost threw their wine glasses. You can just stop like that after taking off your pants?
"Your Majesty, I'm back again."
The Rune Knight abruptly took off his helmet, revealing his young, handsome face.
Wow!
The entire audience was in an uproar, looking at him in surprise. Aemon's eyes were bright, and he casually shook his tightly bound silver-gold hair, which scattered across his shoulders. Under his scratched, silver-gray armor, the noble dragon removed his disguise.
"Prince Aemon?"
"It's Aemon the Dragon Slayer..."
The noble lords were stunned and immediately recognized the handsome boy below. The Targaryen characteristics of silver hair and purple eyes should not be too obvious. But isn't Aemon Targaryen still underage as a new generation?
Viserys looked at his nephew and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "You won the championship. You are very capable. It's okay. If you don't run away. He knows to go home when it rains. He is a smart child."
Aemon smiled faintly, looked up, and responded, "Your Majesty, are you satisfied to see my true face?"
The rune giant sword was still in his hand, flashing emerald in the sunlight. Viserys wanted to say no, but his words turned into: "You concealed your identity and participated in the competition, which surprised everyone."
Aemon smiled but said nothing. There was still more to come.
Viserys didn't understand, but suddenly he saw the emerald giant sword pointing to the sky. Many people saw it. They all looked up at the same time, staring at the blue sky.
Boom!
The thin mist-covered clouds were torn apart, and a huge monster, like a mountain, rushed out. A large shadow covered the earth.
Hiss!
A bronze dragon with copper-colored pupils raised its head and roared. Following closely behind were two more dragons. A silver-gray dragon and a light gray dragonfly flew out one after another, leaving two misty dragon shadows in the sky.
Hiss!
Syrax, flying in the air, was frightened and flapped his wings to avoid them.
Boom!
The bronze dragon swooped down, its huge body approaching the arena.
"Dragon!"
The noble lords exclaimed and fell into chaos. Compared to the princess's young dragon, the bronze dragon above them was comparable to an ancient beast, its body as big as the sky and the sun.
"Your Majesty!" Harold immediately stepped forward to protect the king.
Viserys frowned and waved his hand to refuse. "It's okay," he said.
As soon as he finished speaking, the bronze dragon raised its head and rushed up. Its huge body crossed the arena, and its thick, long tail raised a gust of wind. The noble lords panicked and mustered the courage to poke their heads out.
Hiss!
Silverwing neighed and soared past after his partner. The noble lords lowered their heads again to avoid the strong wind from the silver dragon's wings.
Hiss!
The gray dragon chirped excitedly, flapping its wings to stay in the air, like a child eager to play. It was the smallest dragon, barely crossing the ten-meter threshold. It was not particularly big or small. It could barely carry a person.
"Beep!"
Aemon stared at the little wild dragon, holding the dragon bone whistle in his mouth.
"Hiss?"
Gray Shadow was puzzled and understood that it meant to drive him away. He caught up with the two dragons flying high in the sky. For a moment, the three dragons of different sizes danced together. At first glance, they looked like a family of three.
"That's Vermithor, Prince Aemon's dragon!"
"And that's Silverwing, Queen Alysanne's former dragon."
"Are they all here to find Prince Aemon?"
Everyone in the Seven Kingdoms knew the name of Vermithor, "Bronze Fury." Its partner, Silverwing, was also famous. This was probably because the first owners of the two dragons, centenarian King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne, had ridden the dragons throughout the Seven Kingdoms, visiting many noble castles.
Six months ago, the new owner of "Bronze Fury" won the "Battle of Pentos" and defeated the returning pirates of the Three Women's Kingdom.
"Is that kid trying to show off his power to me?"
Viserys's face darkened, and he felt a sense of unease in his chest. Unfortunately, he is not a dragon rider, and his daughter's dragon is not big enough. Facing three dragons, there is no countermeasure.
Hiss—
Vermithor hovered in the air, replacing Syrax's position. Silverwing and Gray Shadow accompanied him and took Syrax, who wanted to escape with them.
The four dragons circled slowly, roaring from time to time. The scene was so immense that it could not be described in words. Everyone present was silent, staring at the dragons in horror and admiring their grandeur.
Aemon, the initiator, observed the changes in the arena. Was it accidental or intentional?
Deliberately careless. As I said, conspiracy and trickery are just techniques; crushing with integrity is the way. I am invincible in the arena, and my three dragons are always on standby. My strength is obvious. Do you have the guts to try it? If you don't, then adjust your attitude.
"I am Aemon Targaryen!" Aemon raised his chin proudly and shouted his name.
He inserted the rune giant sword into the ground and pulled off the black cloak behind him. Everyone was attracted by the shout just in time. The cloak blew up in the wind and turned over to reveal its edge. On one side were three red dragons on a black background, and on the other side was a pile of pebbles between two lines of runes on an orange background.
The background color was the same black as the cloak, and the two emblems faced each other. The three red dragons corresponded to the rectangular orange background representing bronze. The black background and black pebbles echoed each other. The two different emblems were inseparably harmonious.
Aemon clamped the horse's belly and put the cloak back over his head. In this moment, the black cloak was his personal flag. The fiery red warhorse trotted around the arena, carrying its master and displaying the two-part flag for all to see.
With this flag, Aemon represented that he was not a vassal of anyone. Aemon is a member of the royal family, but the royal family cannot control him. He obeys orders, but not declarations.
Viserys's eyelids twitched, and he clenched his fists tightly. How could his nephew not understand its deep meaning? The flag tells him not to be bound by family and kinship. Otherwise, the flag will leave.
"Aemon Targaryen!"
"Dragon Slayer Aemon..."
The noble lords didn't understand what was happening. They only thought His Royal Highness wanted to make a name for himself in the Seven Kingdoms. But that was also the case. Riverdale Town and the two-part flag were no longer limited to the Crownlands and the Vale; they were now in the view of the Seven Kingdoms' nobles.
Everyone understood one thing: The Riverdale Town–Runestone City branch of the Targaryen family was officially established.
Aemon smiled and flaunted himself. He suddenly understood why Daemon had such a striking style and insisted on living in the public eye. Being the center of attention was indeed dizzying.
After half a year of house arrest in the valley, he had spent just a few days in the king's presence. The invisible oppression wore away at his spirit, making him hesitate. However, In Westeros, he learned that whoever has the bigger fist has the right to speak.
"From today on, there is no Aemon Targaryen; only Aemon of Runestone City."
I am who I am, no longer bound by anything.
"Your Highness, your crown."
A thin servant ran over with a green wreath on a tray. The tender green vines used for the wreath produced pink and light blue flowers. The shape was reinforced with gold wire and embellished with beautiful jade. The referee, wearing a big red robe, was sensible and ordered someone to bring a brand new wooden lance.
Aemon took the lance, and its conical tip picked up the green wreath and placed it on his head. At the beginning of the competition, contestants have the right to customize the "Crown of Love and Beauty" at their own expense. Aemon's crown was called "Long Summer Buds."
Seeing the "Long Summer Buds" crown, everyone present was moved. Many noble ladies with burning eyes walked to the fence with a "fluke mentality." If the Rune Knight is a potential stock, then the prince who revealed his identity is the Iron Bank. Whoever receives this crown will become the mistress of Riverdale. Even if we take a step back, our status will increase exponentially.
"Who will he give it to?"
Viserys's eyes were deep. Harold looked embarrassed and did not dare assert himself.
Laena stood up leisurely from the seat behind him and said softly, "Come on."
Rhaenyra gritted her teeth and followed unyieldingly. After that incident, the crown of love and beauty would most likely not be hers. However, Laena had extended an invitation, and Rhaenyra couldn't back down.
Two silver-haired, purple-eyed Valyrian beauties approached him, immediately attracting countless gazes. No one mentioned Daemon's departure. The game between the king and the Sea Snake, Corlys, was the most frequently discussed topic among the princes and ministers. The topic was nothing more than the marriage of the two daughters. Everyone knew the young prince was a juicy piece of meat that everyone wanted.
Corlys looked at his tall, beautiful daughter and pondered, "If that boy isn't blind, he'll make the right choice."
"But what if he is blind?" Rhaenys was full of distrust.
Corlys looked confident. "Today's move shows that the boy deliberately separated himself from the royal family. Laena has a good chance." It's reasonable to give it to his daughter.
Rhaenys shook her head. "Wait and see."
Aemon rode back to the VIP seats and looked up at the young, beautiful girls. They were all from noble families and were all reserved and polite. Some sat upright in their seats while others stood together. They didn't openly express their intention to claim the crown of love and beauty, but they always exuded charm.
Aemon glanced at them one by one. Finally, his gaze settled on the two silver-haired beauties by the fence.
Laena had a charming face and slightly curved lips. She was confident that the crown belonged to her, just as she was confident in her loyalty. Aemon couldn't help but smile.
Some people stand there and, even if they don't say a word, you know what they mean.
Rhaenyra stood nearby with a cold, noble demeanor, like a queen high above. The young talents of the Black Party gathered behind her, including Mediric of White Harbor.
Aemon took a look. From those beautiful purple eyes, it was clear that there was a touch of weakness and pity. The self-confidence he had accumulated from touring the continent for a year and a half seemed wiped out overnight.
Neither of the two silver-haired beauties spoke, as if they were secretly competing.
Who is it for?
Viserys and everyone present wanted to know. The situation had become more than a normal gift and courtship; it was a contest between the Targaryen and Velaryon families.
"Go!"
Aemon pulled the reins, having already decided who to give it to. The fiery red warhorse retreated a distance.
The fiery red warhorse shook its head and walked to a corner of the VIP seats. Facing it was Alicent, sitting in the main seat. She was wearing a gorgeous light green dress and had a beautiful face, though she looked a bit bitter. Her carefully prepared appearance was overshadowed by Rhaenyra's. Without the support of her uncle, Hobert, she would have been sitting on pins and needles.
Alicent was lost in thought, with a touch of green swaying in front of her eyes. Confused, she looked up to see what it was.
Aemon's lance was sheathed with the "Long Summer Bud," and he said in a pretentious tone, "Your Highness, please stand up."
Alicent was stunned and hurried forward. She was confused. What did it mean to give her the crown of love and beauty? Her guess was confirmed.
"Miss Alicent, you are the queen of love and beauty in my mind!"
Aemon smiled slightly and saluted her politely. With his arm raised high, he sent the wooden lance to the edge of the fence.
Alicent was flattered and felt her heart stop beating. He really gave it to her!
And Aemon's address to her just now. He called her "Miss Alicent" instead of "Alicent" or "the queen." That was her name before she got married.
Seeing her hesitate, Aemon looked at her sincerely and said in a voice the two of them could hear: "Take it, Alicent."
Neither Laena nor Rhaenyra were good choices.
It was a false proposition that would get her killed.
However, no one said he couldn't give it to someone else—someone who was truly kind to him.
"Thank you, Aemon."
Alicent's eyes were red as she bent down to remove the green wreath from her lance and replace the golden crown on her head.
Aemon smiled and said, "It's beautiful."
"Does it have a name?" Alicent held back her sobs and fondled the green wreath. She never expected to receive the crown of love and beauty from Aemon himself one day.
"It's called the Long Summer Bud, taken from the most beautiful season of ancient Valyria."
Aemon said the name of the crown and then said seriously, "Its beauty is not even a fraction of yours."
Alicent's mouth flattened, and tears burst out. Looking into Aemon's eyes, she wanted to hug him immediately.
The noble girls almost melted when they saw this scene. His Royal Highness is such a good flirt.
On the other hand, the men present looked weird. Is this right? Many pretended to be indifferent while secretly observing the king's expression.
Viserys's face turned black, and his eyes seemed ready to spit fire. He understood his nephew's self-protective behavior in giving the crown to Alicent. But if you want to give it, just give it. Why are you talking so much nonsense?
And Alicent?
Damn Daemon! Both father and son are bastards.
Laena's mouth twitched slightly, and she clenched her fists tightly.
Good job; you didn't lose face!
Rhaenyra's face was cold as she stared at Alicent, who was so excited that she cried. She was not satisfied with robbing her father. What is she going to do?
Aemon:
He quietly pulled the reins and the fiery red warhorse retreated a distance.
It seems the teasing was too much.
Alicent's eyes filled with tears, and the look in her eyes when she looked at him was almost stinging.
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