Chapter 173: King's Landing Royal Army Academy
", !" The name of House Hightower resounds throughout Westeros, the guardians of , and the protectors of Oldtown.
House Hightower has a long history and immense wealth, and they know how to keep up with the times, which is why their strength has not suffered too many setbacks. After the Spring of Lys ended, , the son of the late magister Lysandro Rogare, found a way out under the protection of Lady , the wife and stepmother of Lord . In return, Rogare came to Oldtown and helped found the Bank of Oldtown, making House Hightower even wealthier.
In contrast, , the other main force of the Blacks during the , quickly declined after , falling to the diminished status of being governed by the castellan of . If Rhaegar hadn't promoted Lucerys, the knight might still be working in the shipyard.
House Hightower's greatest source of pride is its wealth and knowledge, yet Rhaegar now intends to carve flesh from Hightower.
This is a mad idea, but has never lacked mad dragonlords. After all, dared to defy the ; they are all fearless rulers.
remained silent. After the dragonlords acquired dragons, their confidence and ambition were revived. , even without a dragon, dared to mobilize forces to suppress and other rebellious lords. Now Prince is more valorous and skilled in combat than King Maekar, and he possesses three dragons. With military might as his backing, House Hightower would not dare harbor any ill intentions.
Rhaegar also felt that his plan was an open conspiracy. The is in ; establishing a bank and a university in King's Landing benefits all of Westeros. What reason would House Hightower have to be dissatisfied? If House Hightower could rally a group of loyal subjects to resist, that would be even better; Rhaegar wanted to see what other secrets House Hightower was hiding. If the High Septon hadn't been moved to King's Landing back then, the threat from Oldtown would be far greater now.
Regarding the future, Rhaegar believed that a true king should unify multiple authorities: academic, military, financial, judicial, and religious. Currently, King's Landing is lacking in banking, academia, and even judicial authority. In the future, even death sentences must be centralized.
Rhaegar thought, "An innocent man is guilty only because he possesses something precious." Oldtown is the second-largest city, and House Hightower possesses a bank and the Citadel. House Hightower has people, money, and knowledge. Especially the academic high ground controlled by House Hightower, which holds vast knowledge—whether it is righteous or dangerous is hard to say. Great power, wielded by a group of mysterious scholars, is itself a threat.
"The matter of the King's Landing Bank is too sensitive! We should postpone discussion. Furthermore, establishing a bank requires skilled bankers. As for founding schools, we don't have the resources for multiple disciplines, but given the continuous warfare in recent years, a military academy is something we can try! Prince Rhaegar will take the lead in organizing this new venture!" said .
Even if House Hightower is not a royal house, its influence is conservatively among the greatest in Westeros. When cutting into House Hightower's power and dealing with such an ancient and powerful family, one must plan slowly and carefully.
"I will do my utmost, Your Majesty! With your support, the King's Landing Royal Army Academy is bound to flourish." Rhaegar was already satisfied with the king's support.
"King's Landing Royal Army Academy! That is a majestic and powerful name!" said .
"The name is indeed excellent! Everyone who studies here will feel the glory of the Iron Throne!" King Jaehaerys was also very pleased.
"I think the military academy can temporarily be set up in the ; that place is spacious. If it's a naval academy, we can establish it on Dragonstone." Rhaegar specified two locations.
"Regarding the relevant matters, write a detailed report and coordinate funds, manpower, and materials with Lord Tywin." King Jaehaerys looked at the map. "Now, let us hear from our Guardian of the Narrow Sea!"
Rhaegar looked at the map of the known world. He had already controlled the and the waterway from the Stepstones to . As long as this new defensive line could be fully established—running from the Rhoyne region to , crossing the Narrow Sea, and reaching King's Landing—it could deter , , and .
"The current situation on the eastern continent is like a complex puzzle, favorable to us! Tyrosh leans toward us. Myr and Lys are allied, but divided. The only unknown is Braavos, but given our debts, the will keep the Sealord cautious."
"It's always the same—those who owe the most hold the power," said Tywin.
"My lords, we must think of the future!" Rhaegar said. "Now is the perfect time to advance."
"Prince Rhaegar is truly persuasive," said Tywin.
"We must make Lys and Myr—and even Braavos—bow!" declared enthusiastically.
"The tide favors us," said King Jaehaerys II. "We must seize this moment."
"Prince Rhaegar's ideas are bold, but risks remain," Ormund Baratheon reminded.
"Opportunities are rare," the king replied firmly. "The Iron Throne will reward loyalty—and ignore those who refuse."
When it comes to great matters, decisions are made by a few. As long as the great houses support it, the plan can succeed.
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