After Rhaegar had plundered all the salvageable remains of the Golden Fleet, he returned to the city of Valyria. From the sky, Rhaegar looked back at the "Golden Fleet" floating on the sea of the Valyrian Peninsula, battered and broken, with only decaying skeletons and rotten armor remaining. King Tommen of Casterly Rock, along with his adventurous dreams, was buried in the ruins of Valyria, taking the family's Brightroar with him.
"Without magic, I, Rhaegar Targaryen, would share the same fate as these reckless fools!" Rhaegar and his dragon group swept over the Valyrian towns, the azure flames on his body surging even more fiercely. After plundering firewyrms' fire seeds, engaging in several major battles, and utilizing the Baelarys family's treasure, he felt his control over fire had become even more masterful. Magic and fire had brought Rhaegar great success, and he was now plundering the ruins of Valyria like a swarm of locusts, searching for treasures on the surface of the Valyrian ruins. The underground caves were temporarily inaccessible; another appearance of giant firewyrms would make underground combat extremely dangerous. But Rhaegar still explored the treasures of the ruined Valyrian capital to the best of his ability, accepting anything of value, such as relatively intact Valyrian obsidian streetlights, ancient sphinx statues, armor made of obsidian dragonglass, and he even found some Valyrian steel daggers. If possible, Rhaegar even wanted to move all these obsidian tower foundations, Valyrian Road, and so on. Although these treasures were like sand compared to the Baelarys family's wealth, they were better than nothing. Rhaegar adhered to the principle that a thief never leaves empty-handed.
"Valyria at its peak truly was a civilization forged by magic." Rhaegar couldn't help but recall Valyria's heyday, which could be inferred from the current ruins. Group after group of various magic dragons circled and danced between the Fourteen Flames and the towering spires. Black high walls, hundreds of feet tall, protected the Valyrian city. The Valyrian urban area was filled with the Dragonlords' black high towers, as well as palaces, Council Hall, public baths, grand theaters, plazas, and various temples for the common people. Public spaces often displayed statues of Dragonlords and sphinx statues, with wide black Valyrian Road running through them. One could also see streetlights that absorbed fire and sunlight to illuminate themselves at night, vehicles propelled by fire magic operating in the city, fountains gushing from magic dragon sculptures, and guards in black dragonglass armor looking spirited. This was the capital of a universal empire, a civilization forged by fire and magic. Perhaps only the Rhoynar people, equally romantic and devoted to Water Magic, could compare. But all of this was now in the past. The vast, endless river flows on!
"Is this the Curse of Valyria?" Rhaegar saw the majestic volcano at the edge suddenly erupting flames again, the smoke and ash soaring into the sky, making the clouds appear even more blood-red, full of the smell of sulfur. "The environment is harsh, resentment fills the air, and there are signs of magic runes being misused. According to Feng Shui, this is what's called a 'Dead Zone'!" Rhaegar thought. Harrenhal had only tens of thousands of deaths, yet resentment filled the sky. But Valyria City had millions of deaths all at once, coupled with volcanic radiation, the collapse of magic factories, and various foul auras mixed together, making it indeed very difficult for life to survive.
After leaving some firewyrms meat for the survivors of Tyria, Rhaegar left the Valyrian ruins. His endeavors were, after all, in Westeros, on the Rhoyne River; great deeds still awaited him, and he could not linger in the Valyrian ruins. When everything was stable, perhaps there would be time to explore here again... "Prince!" "the victorious!" "Lucky One!" The dragon group passed through the clouds, from the Valyrian ruins to Volantis, and then towards the northwest. Rhaegar returned to his loyal King's Landing, and the figures of three magic dragons streaked across the sky. The people of King's Landing scattered flowers into the sky, praying for good fortune. In the time of winter, they needed the warmth and fire brought by the Dragonrider and the magic dragons, especially against the wights from the North who sought to destroy human civilization. The population of King's Landing was around 500,000, and now it must be over 500,000. Because winter was coming, many people would also come to King's Landing.
Rhaegar could see delegations from the various lords coming and going in King's Landing. The battle of ice and fire was about to begin; this was currently the most important matter, and all the lords were waiting for the Iron Throne's command. In the past, when the northern barbarians sought help, everyone had provided small-scale relief, but they believed the Others and wights were just ancient legends. But with winter's arrival, the fate of humanity seemed to be at risk.
Rhaegar strode into the Red Keep, where someone was waiting for him in the Council Hall, and he could also join in the excitement. The dragon group began to rest idly, flying directly into the Throne Room; no one dared to provoke the Prince's dragons, as these magic dragons were infamous, as magnificent and dangerous as their master. The crossbows Rhaegar had previously imported from Myr had already arrived. For this new batch of Myr equipment, Rhaegar specifically requested special crossbows that could fire three arrows at once, paired with obsidian arrows, which would be the nightmare of the Others. The Myr people initially refused to sell these, but they couldn't refuse the Dragonlord, so the Council of Governors half-sold and half-gifted a batch. Rhaegar also paid some gold for them; a fair trade was a matter of principle, and the current priority was not conquering the opposite shore.
The Small Council was in session: King Jaehaerys II, Hand of the King and Master of Whisperers Mond, master of ships, Master of Coin Tywin, the Master of Laws Colton, who had recently taken office and looked both invigorated and somewhat haggard, Grand Maester Pycelle, and the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, White Bull. Seven people, symbolizing the Seven Gods. Rhaegar was not often in King's Landing, so his appearance was like a guest. But no one could deny Rhaegar's authority; the Prince was the master of dragons, the strongest military force, and the Targaryen superstar who had defeated wildlings, pirate kings, the Triarchy, khals, and Others, playing a full role in every battle. No one present dared to claim to know more about combat and the Others than Rhaegar.
"Let's continue our discussion on the situation in the North! Prince Rhaegar has flown back from Essos and can join our discussion shortly," King Jaehaerys said, motioning for Rhaegar to sit beside him.
"Our current problem is the inability to transport large quantities of food and supplies to the North. The freezing cold, winter, and famine are the most vicious enemies. Transporting grain from King's Landing to Winterfell, or even further to the Wall, Winterfell. Whether by land or sea, the losses incurred from transporting food such a long distance are not to be underestimated. Especially since we've recruited a group of wildlings as vanguards to support the Night's Watch, which has greatly increased food consumption," Tywin said as Master of Coin.
"In the past, the Kingdom never did so on such a large scale," Pycelle added, stating the situation.
"This is indeed a problem. Beyond the Wall are all wights; we can't possibly get food from the enemy!" The Hand of the King agreed. "We need to leverage the initiative of several major towns. Harrenhal is a central hub, and I've also contacted Lord Jon; Seagull Town is also a maritime transport hub. We are currently relying on King's Landing, Seagull Town, and Harrenhal to transport food and people to the North."
"That's the general direction. Mond and I will manage the overall strategy, Tywin will handle the finances, Aerys will oversee the Royal Fleet and maritime defense and transport, Colton will manage King's Landing's security, and the Grand Maester is our strategist. We are now fighting for the fate of humanity." King Jaehaerys's overall plan was this: "Rhaegar is responsible for the front-line combat, the management of the Harrenhal base camp, and the expansion of the Kingsroad."
"Your Majesty is wise!" "Your Majesty is wise!"
"Rhaegar, tell us your thoughts on the battle in the North!" The King asked Rhaegar to speak. Some ministers were advocating for the Seven Kingdoms' armies to be sent out en masse for a decisive strike. Others suggested refined tactics, selecting elite forces. The King wanted to hear Rhaegar's opinion.
"I have many responsibilities, and I am currently focusing all my energy on military matters," Rhaegar thought, then voiced his opinion. "My opinion is to send small numbers multiple times; a large army should not be sent to the North unless absolutely necessary. The North is harsh and cold and cannot support too many people. Currently, the best approach is to utilize the open terrain around the Harrenhal hub, and after widening the Kingsroad to the north, both land and sea routes will be very convenient. The main concern is the fighting forces; the North is freezing cold, and we simply cannot mobilize a large army all at once. Soldiers cannot adapt to that cold, and forcing them there would lead to mutiny."
"I've thought of a better solution!" Rhaegar said.
"What solution?" A portion of those present had been on battlefields and wanted to hear Prince Rhaegar's insightful opinion.
"Farwinter was built by me, and the strength of the wildlings and the Night's Watch is enough to hold for a period. We cannot be greedy and transport tens of thousands of people at once. I think the best method is rotation. We first train soldiers at the Harrenhal base camp for a period, with returning front-line warriors providing education to help them adapt to winter and learn basic knowledge about the Others. Then, once fully prepared, they can head North again." This was Rhaegar's idea. The North's resources are not suitable for a flood of people; sending so many people there before the last moment would deplete the North.
Small numbers, multiple times, and rotation for deploying troops—everyone felt this was feasible and would cause the least harm to the Kingdom.
"The Prince's opinion coincides with mine!" Tywin breathed a sigh of relief. Tywin was afraid that Prince Rhaegar might also get carried away and insist on a human wave tactic. Because the Westerlands, the Reach, and the Dornish might not endure the harsh cold, and they also had to prepare for a sudden attack from the Kraken. Now, it seemed that although Prince Rhaegar was young, his military strategy had always been to be orthodox yet surprising, paying attention to logistics and equipment, being honorable yet not abandoning unexpected maneuvers.
"Lord Tywin is afraid of the Old Kraken's attack?" King Jaehaerys asked.
"Indeed, during the Dance of the Dragons and the Blackfyre Rebellions, the Krakens were fanatical raiders," Tywin said, referring to history. Bullying the weak, fearing the strong, and taking advantage of others' misfortune—these were the old ways of the Krakens.
"If the Old Kraken truly comes, our Royal Fleet is strong and well-equipped; we can crush them as easily as turning over our hands!" Aerys said. The Crown Prince had gained some weight and lacked grand ambitions. However, 'my son winning means I also win.' The people of King's Landing now called him the Joyful King; everyone felt that the Crown Prince might have learned to coast, and even the sycophants felt they wouldn't gain much from him!
"This is also a tricky matter!" King Jaehaerys thought for a moment. "Mond, write a letter to the Old Kraken in my name, be humble, and express the Crown's gratitude for his help during the War of the Ninepenny King. Send some gifts as a token of goodwill. With the severe cold in the North, can the Kraken do me the favor of sending ships?"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Mond hesitated. "What if he refuses to send troops and still plunders us?"
"Then he cannot blame me!" King Jaehaerys's words were chilling. "I have advised this old brother kindly. If he wishes to die, it is not our fault! Now, with the Narrow Sea Fleet and the Redwyne Fleet attacking, we can take the Old Kraken's life!"
Everyone fell silent. Though the King was sickly, he was still a dragon. His will was stronger than ordinary people, and his thoughts were deep; a sick dragon was still a dragon.
"There's also an interesting matter, Rhaegar! It concerns you!"
"Me?" Rhaegar paused slightly.
"The Qarth delegation wants to see you, and that bare-chested princess!" Crown Prince Aerys laughed. "They want to meet a True Dragon! That tall girl's chest is truly impressive, and she's of royal descent."
"Yes, child, a delegation from Qarth has arrived, with a princess and merchants. They've already arrived and want to meet you. However, about that barbarian girl, I think you shouldn't get involved! I always feel she's too revealing!" King Jaehaerys said with a smile. Due to the House Targaryen's marriage alliances mostly being confined to dragons blood, they already had pre-determined choices. Such foreign women were merely a sweet diversion, not someone to marry.
Prime Minister Mond's expression eased somewhat. Coming directly with an exposed chest—which official could withstand such a test? Everyone in King's Landing wanted to see that beautiful foreign woman. However, Rhaegar might not be impressed; the maidens Rhaegar had encountered were all exceptionally beautiful.
Rhaegar... Tywin couldn't help but frown. "With all due respect, they are simply a bunch of clowns and exhibitionists. We are noble people; dealing with a group of cheese vendors is beneath the dignity of the kingdom!"
Rhaegar knew what he meant. The Warlocks of Qarth, and the traditional attire of Qarth women, would be quite something in the depths of winter. The typical Qarth woman's attire exposes half of her bosom, wearing a flowing green silk gown, green sandals, and a black and white pearl belt around her waist. This is because Qarth is a passionate, prosperous, and hot place. But when the Qarth women arrived dressed like this, it emptied the streets and alleys of King's Landing; the sight of beautiful foreign women with exposed chests truly made the people of King's Landing unforgettable.
"But Qarth is the center of the world, an extremely wealthy city," King Jaehaerys said. "It's a small request from distant guests, to meet a True Dragon and dragons."
Rhaegar understood what that meant: the Qartheen had offered too much. Qarth was a city of immense wealth, and the massive riches they brought opened the eyes of King's Landing.
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