The provisional governor of Volantis and Sothoryos, Charlie Lonmouth, rushed over without pause after receiving the news.
This provisional governor was currently seeking every opportunity to prove himself so that he could make his temporary position permanent.
After all, everyone knew his seat was unstable; without background or backing, many eyes were already fixed on his position. Thus, the Empire's military campaign against Westeros was a prime opportunity for him to show his worth.
Even the governor of Qarth, the most distant official, Ser Castor Stone, attended the assembly. Qarth was now a vital location for Viserys, serving as the chokepoint connecting the eastern and western halves of the continent of Essos.
Previously, Qarth was supported by the Thirteen Hierophants and the House of the Undying. Although nearby envious powers had long harbored designs on it, they were simply unable to take the city.
However, since Viserys dealt with these rulers of Qarth and left no dragons to deter the surroundings, nearby forces had recently begun to stir again. During this time, Viserys had been constantly arranging personnel to bolster the defenses there.
Representatives from Westeros arrived as well. The various families of the Vale sent a group, led by Andar Royce, who stood tall and straight—clearly a product of strict family discipline.
Dorne showed even more respect; not only did Prince Oberyn lead the delegation, but every major house sent a representative. Meeting an old friend, Oberyn gave Viserys a wink, still maintaining that same cynical and roguish demeanor.
The Reach was much quieter, with only Margaery and Garlan Tyrell, who had been here for nearly a year. Although he had been sidelined for so long, no resentment showed on his face. Furthermore, at least a dozen knights from The Reach stood behind him, barely managing to maintain appearances.
It looked better than Arya standing there all alone. Arya still intended to participate as a member of House Stark of the North; she now viewed herself as Viserys's fiancée. The young girl wasn't stage-frightened by herself, but she did look a bit bored.
Naturally, several Free Cities in the north of the Empire also sent delegations, particularly the Magister of Pentos, Illyrio. Not only did he come in person, but he also brought five whole ships of gifts, claiming they were to congratulate the inauguration of the new capital.
The relocation ceremony was held in the plaza in front of the Freehold.
Tens of thousands gathered in the plaza, including imperial soldiers, officials, merchants, and the workers who had built the city. Along with envoys from various regions and a diverse crowd, it was a bustling scene.
A high platform was erected in the center of the plaza, upon which sat the Imperial Throne—a three-headed dragon chair carved from massive black stone, symbolizing the emblem of the Targaryen family.
Phalanxes of Unsullied surrounded the platform on high alert; they were strictly disciplined, well-equipped, and high-spirited.
Viserys stood on the high platform, with Daenerys and Rhaenys behind him. All three wore black and red formal attire, their silver hair fluttering in the wind.
Below the platform, Ashara stood beside Duke Arthur, while Kinvara presided over the blessing ceremony. Sacred fire burned on a temporary altar as she chanted ancient prayers, beseeching the lord of light to bless the nascent empire.
Finally, the dragons.
Ghidorah dove from the sky. Her growth was astonishing, with a wingspan of roughly one hundred and eighty meters, blotting out the sun. Her three heads simultaneously unleashed their breath—gold, blue, and red. The three distinct breaths intertwined in the air, forming a dangerous web of death and showcasing the unmatched power of a dragon.
The crowd below erupted in earth-shattering cheers upon witnessing this staggering sight.
Black Flame followed closely behind, the pitch-black dragon circling Ghidorah. Its dark red eyes scanned the crowd below as it also spat out dark red Dragonfire.
Then came Rhaenys's Melyas, Ashara's Tessarion, and Daenerys's three dragons, as well as the dragons under Viserys's control: Balerion, Vhagar, Meraxes, Syrax, Caraxes, Vermithor, and Meleys.
A total of fourteen dragons circled, soared, and breathed fire in the sky, enveloping the entire plaza under the glow of Dragonfire. The cheers of the crowd rose in wave after wave.
Some of the attendees below who had harbored different thoughts finally faced reality: the Age of Dragons had truly and completely arrived.
Standing on the high platform and watching all this, Viserys couldn't help but feel his blood boil with excitement. After all, this was the empire he had built with his own hands; after fifteen years of trials and tribulations since his transmigration, he had finally reached this day.
After the ceremony, a grand banquet was held.
The hall of the Freehold was filled with long tables, easily accommodating over a thousand diners. Viserys also hosted grand feasts throughout the city, inviting all commoners to enjoy the food together.
Guests from all regions toasted and conversed in the hall. Representatives from Dorne sat with envoys from the Vale, the Magister of Pentos spoke with the delegation from Braavos, and the representatives of Highgarden moved about, talking to various people.
Viserys sat at the head of the table, with Ashara on his right and Rhaenys and Daenerys on his left.
Prince Oberyn walked to the head of the table with a wine glass, a characteristic smile on his face.
"Your Majesty, congratulations," he said. "The scale of today's event is even grander than the coronation in King's Landing."
Viserys raised his glass. "Prince Oberyn, thank you for coming in person today. Enjoy yourself."
Oberyn laughed. "I heard you plan to march on King's Landing after this. When exactly?"
"Soon. I will certainly be the first to notify Dorne when the time comes."
"Good." Oberyn drained his glass in one gulp. "We are ready and can mobilize at any moment."
After speaking, he turned and left to seek other pleasures. Earlier, his lover Ellaria had been seducing a handsome boy, and he wanted to see how that was going. He was a man of no inhibitions, swinging both ways and willing to share with others.
Back in Braavos, he had even had Ellaria try to entice Viserys into joining them. To be honest, Viserys's looks perfectly suited his aesthetic, but unfortunately, Viserys had never agreed.
After a while, Margaery also approached with a wine glass. She wore a green gown today, her brown hair elegantly pinned up, looking dignified and beautiful.
"Your Majesty." She gave a slight curtsy. "My grandmother asked me to inform you that Highgarden stands ready to answer your call at any time."
Viserys looked at her. "And what about your father's side?"
Margaery's expression stiffened for a moment but quickly recovered. "Father has his own ideas. But Grandmother said that Highgarden's future does not lie with Renly. Moreover, I personally have great faith in Your Majesty."
Having said that, she raised her glass and drained it. With a slight bow, she went off to win over friends for her family within the new kingdom.
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