chapter 157 part 2
Ser Jorah's fists clenched. Princess Daenerys had conquered the city-state of Qantes with great difficulty, yet he was about to openly and unscrupulously usurp her power.
"Ser Jorah, please stand down."
Hearing Daenerys's clear voice, Ser Jorah instantly unclenched his fists, stepped aside, and stood to one side.
Ser Jorah glanced at Princess Daenerys, who was standing with her back straight, then quickly lowered his eyes.
On Ser Jorah's advice, Daenerys had decisively extended a helping hand to the Governor of Qantes, who had long been waiting in vain for reinforcements.
The result was that more than half of the new soldiers, former slaves, and the guards from Crackclaw Point were sacrificed. Daenerys's trusted Osha and Anguy were also gravely injured.
In the end, Daenerys and the Governor of Qantes joined forces from within and without to repel the invaders.
With the enemy driven back, the already severely wounded Governor of Qantes, on his deathbed, handed over the responsibility of protecting the city to the silver-haired princess.
And so, Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, Princess of Dragonstone, Breaker of Chains (a title gained when she liberated the slave merchant ships)... assumed the role of protector for this city-state of ten thousand people from the original Governor, legitimately, as a savior.
*Daenerys's overpowered life needs no further explanation; please imagine the finer details yourself.*
...
Daenerys stepped forward. Her gaze first met Dirk's.
Dirk gave a slight nod: *Rest assured, Your Highness.*
He was the clever Dirk. Back in King's Landing, he had slipped into the Red Keep with a crowd and had seen how the high and mighty Hand of the King handled one petition after another... Dirk felt that if it were him, he would absolutely be unable to handle those complex and headache-inducing problems, big and small.
Dirk was very familiar with Viserys... If he couldn't handle it, how could Viserys?
Lord Glyn had told Dirk that he was the bridge between House Crabbe and House Targaryen, and that House Crabbe was not betting on Viserys, but on Daenerys.
Dirk remembered his mission well... It looked like he was helping Viserys, but he was actually digging a pit. His true purpose was to wait for Viserys to incite the people's resentment, allowing Daenerys to step forward at the right time to win their hearts.
This was something Dirk had learned while scraping by in Flea Bottom. He had noticed some people used similar methods when doing certain things.
Although Qantes had repelled the invaders, no one dared to say the danger was over, because those invaders might return tomorrow. That was why the original Governor had so smoothly handed over the responsibility of protecting the city to Princess Daenerys.
Dirk couldn't guarantee whether the invaders would return, but he knew they were outsiders. He couldn't let this city become too comfortable.
Otherwise, after a period of peace, this city would quickly forget Princess Daenerys's kindness and instead see them, the outsiders, as invaders.
Therefore, this city needed a villain, and Dirk felt that the periodically insane Viserys was a perfect fit.
In a little while, Dirk would also have to ask Princess Daenerys to assign him a few thugs... He had to stay close to Viserys, in case he accidentally incited a riot and got himself killed here.
...
Daenerys looked at Viserys and said, "Brother, I will arrange for the announcement. Starting tomorrow, the main hall of the Governor's Manor will accept the people's petitions."
Daenerys couldn't guess what Dirk was planning, but she chose to trust him. Besides, she also needed some time to consolidate the defenses of Qantes.
During that time in Pentos, the man as warm as the summer sun had told her why the army was the foundation of power and the guarantee of security... Glyn's gentle voice and simple, easy-to-understand words still echoed in Daenerys's ears.
Viserys was all smiles. "Daenerys, my sweet sister, you truly are my good sister... I will not forget your contribution. When I take back the Iron Throne, I will surely reward you."
Daenerys nodded her farewell and was about to leave when Viserys called out to her again.
"Daenerys, don't forget about the renaming."
Daenerys looked confused... Facing the deaths of so many familiar people for the first time, Daenerys had been immersed in grief and had not heard Viserys's words.
Ser Jorah explained, "Princess Daenerys, His Grace wants to rename the city-state of Qantes to the city-state of Viserys."
Daenerys's brow furrowed slightly. She looked up at Viserys, who was leaning nonchalantly on the armrest with a smug expression.
Ser Jorah advised, "Your Highness, this move could easily provoke dissatisfaction and hostility from others. We are not capable of dealing with so many enemies right now."
Daenerys's violet eyes shifted slightly. She said, "Ser Jorah, thank you for your advice. Let's go. Take me to see the wounded."
Viserys watched Daenerys leave directly with her people, stunned. Just as he was about to fly into a rage, Dirk hurriedly approached.
"Your Grace, a small matter like this doesn't require the Princess's help at all. After a period of hearing petitions, everyone will know that you are the master of this city. At that time, you can just announce it directly."
That made sense. Viserys smiled.
...
A bedroom within the Governor's Manor.
Seeing Osha's colorless face, Daenerys walked over hastily.
Daenerys grasped one of Osha's hands with both of hers, her beautiful eyes growing moist. "Osha, I'm sorry. It's all my fault."
Osha parted her dry lips and said in a weak voice, "Your Highness... people die in war... I'm just injured... a few days of rest... Ouch... you should be dead!"
It turned out Borona, finding the atmosphere too somber, had reached out and poked Osha's wound.
Osha and Borona glared at each other. Seeing them, Daenerys couldn't help but let the corner of her lips curl into a slight smile.
...
...
Tower of the Hand, Hand's Chamber.
*Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock!* A series of urgent knocks startled Eddard Stark from his deep sleep, his heart pounding wildly.
Someone was shouting outside the door, "Lord Stark!"
Lord Eddard felt a deep, inexplicable sense of unease. He got out of bed, crossed the dark room, and threw open the door.
Outside was the guard Tomard, his fist raised to knock, as well as the guard Cayn holding a candlestick, and the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard standing behind them.
The Lord Commander of the Kingsguard spoke with a blank expression, "Lord Hand, His Grace the King summons you immediately."
*Robert has finally deigned to return?*
(end of chapter)