However, Rayder had no intention of continuing to argue with them. He interrupted mercilessly, "I've already laid out the conditions. Either accept them, or get out!"
These words infuriated everyone present. Rhaenyra was about to retort, but her mouth was quickly covered by Rhaenys, who was behind her.
Rhaenys was clearly worried that Rhaenyra might say something inappropriate in a moment of impulse, thereby completely igniting the already tense atmosphere.
Viserys knew very well that this conversation could no longer continue. He needed time to think carefully.
So, he decisively chose to leave with his entourage.
On the way back, the surroundings were silent, with no other people in sight.
Just then, Daemon suddenly spoke, "Perhaps we can make use of the Army of Ghouls hidden in the Ghost Shadow Forest. After all, the Others came to hunt Rayder back then."
Viserys abruptly turned his head, his gaze instantly turning fierce. He tightly grabbed Daemon's collar and warned him sternly, "Don't get such crooked ideas! If anything happens, even if you are my brother, I will show no mercy!"
Rhaenys, standing by, also warned Daemon, "Don't play such petty tricks; it will kill all of us!"
Daemon hadn't expected that his suggestion would not receive any support.
In his imagination, even without Rayder and his three dragons, with the four dragons they possessed, they should still be able to defend The Great Wall.
However, seeing his brother Viserys's fierce expression, Daemon ultimately did not dare to voice his true thoughts.
He quickly changed the subject and asked cautiously, "Are you going to agree to his demands?"
Viserys released his grip on Daemon's collar, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly said,
"Agreeing to him is fine. Dragonstone, apart from its symbolic meaning, is just an island."
A hint of helplessness was revealed in his words, as if he had made a concession after weighing the pros and cons.
Rhaenys, at the right moment, added, "Let's make Dragonstone Rhaenyra's dowry. Nominally, Dragonstone would still belong to the Targaryen Family."
Her voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable firmness.
Rhaenyra stood quietly by, her future life decided in such a way. Although she said nothing, the seed of rebellion in her heart quietly began to sprout.
Being intelligent, she remembered her mother Aemma's previous advice. She knew that she currently lacked the strength to resist and control her own destiny, so she decided to wait for the right moment.
Rayder was already in a bad mood. He glanced at the sky, intending to go back inside to rest for a while, when the old man, Erlad, came looking for him.
Upon meeting, he immediately stated his purpose: "I hope you can attend tonight's banquet."
Rayder, thinking of Viserys whom he had just met, subconsciously replied, "Quite a grand spectacle, holding a welcome party."
There was a hint of displeasure in his tone; he was clearly not interested in these elaborate formalities.
Erlad, however, smiled. He knew Rayder's personality and didn't mind his straightforwardness:
"This is not just a welcome party; it's also a good opportunity for mutual communication and exchange.
Moreover, I believe you will meet some interesting people there."
Rayder frowned. He didn't like such occasions, but Erlad's words made him a little curious.
He wanted to know who this "interesting person" would be, and if he would truly find them interesting.
He pondered for a moment, then finally nodded: "All right, I'll go."
Erlad nodded with satisfaction. He knew that although Rayder was arrogant, he was not unreasonable.
He believed that tonight's banquet would be a new beginning for Rayder.
Time slowly flowed until night fell, but the ballroom in Black Castle was brightly lit, as if it were daytime.
On the heavy walls, various family banners hung, gently fluttering in the warm light, like vivid paintings.
Each banner was embroidered with unique patterns: dragons with bared fangs and claws, fierce and cunning wolves, elegant and docile deer, galloping and nimble horses, lively and active fish, soaring eagles, and some patterns so peculiar that they were hard to identify—truly diverse and countless.
The food at the banquet was even more astonishingly abundant.
Strawberries were bright red and juicy, nuts were fragrant, autumn pears were crisp and sweet, and various fruits were dazzling, making one's eyes feast.
Roasted lamb was crispy outside and tender inside, roasted suckling pig had crispy skin and tender meat, venison was fresh and juicy, and various meats allowed people to feast.
There were also platters of seafood: lobsters, crabs, scallops, everything imaginable, making one's mouth water.
Around the hall, musicians were playing melodious and beautiful music, with the sounds of zithers, flutes, and drums intertwined,
creating an elegant and romantic atmosphere, making one feel as if they were in a dreamlike fairytale world.
Rayder found a place to sit, eagerly picked up a bear paw, and bit into it forcefully. Immediately, delicious meat juice filled his mouth, and he narrowed his eyes in satisfaction.
He ate the bear paw in large bites while drinking red wine. The wine was rich and sweet, complementing the deliciousness of the bear paw, making him eat with great relish and praise it repeatedly.
Erlad, having just finished dealing with the vassals below, walked towards Rayder, who was devouring food alone.
He held a glass of red wine in his hand, a gentle smile on his face, and gestured to Rayder.
Rayder looked up at him, raised his wine glass as a sign of respect, and then drained it.
Erlad also finished his red wine before saying, "Rayder, do you intend to keep enjoying this delicious food and wine alone, without making friends with some lords and vassals?"
Rayder laughed heartily upon hearing this, saying, "Erlad, you know I've never liked those hypocritical social engagements.
I prefer to be alone, enjoying good food and wine; it's much more comfortable that way."
Erlad looked at Rayder like this, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes.
He hesitated for a moment but decided to voice his thoughts:
"Rayder, dragons are indeed powerful; they can destroy everything, but they cannot rule.
Ruling requires the support of armies and vassals; this is something you, as a lord, must understand."
Rayder heard this, a disdainful smile appearing on his face.
He retorted, "Erlad, you are too naive.
The Targaryen Family conquered the Seven Kingdoms by relying on dragons.
With dragons, there will be armies; with armies, there will be territory.
As for vassals, that's just a matter of course.
As long as I give the order, they will all come to pledge their loyalty."
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