Chapter 123: A New Atmosphere in Tyrosh
The Stepstones, Tyrosh, Purple Palace
Today, Tyrosh presented a scene of prosperity, with the entire city bathed in a festive and enthusiastic atmosphere.
On both sides of the streets, people's faces were brimming with smiles; the sounds of conversation and laughter intertwined, forming a cheerful urban symphony.
At the heart of the city, a purple carpet symbolizing honor and nobility, like a magnificent ribbon, wound its way from Dionysus Fountain Square all the way to the distant harbor.
Starting from Dionysus Fountain Square, Tyrosh was already a scene of surging crowds. Around the splashing fountain, commoners and outsiders gathered, enjoying the performances in the square and the joy of the "Dragon Festival."
According to Jeyne Belaerys, in Valyria during the hottest season of every year, the Archons of the Dragonlord Council would let their dragons fly freely over Valyria to flaunt their power and prestige, thereby intimidating slaves and dissenters.
Jon, naturally, would not refuse something that could flaunt power and unite hearts. Thus, after consulting with the maesters of Tyrosh, Jon decided to set the middle five days of the Fire Moon in Tyrosh as the "Dragon Festival."
During this time, every freeman in Tyrosh would have a five-day holiday, and Jon would also introduce novel items for the commoners to try, thereby promoting new products and policies.
Tyrosh had now begun to gradually replace traditional slave labor with more efficient zombies and Skeleton Soldiers; various high-risk jobs were now handled by these magical constructs.
The commoners and lower classes of Essos seemed to have a stronger tolerance for such dark creations. Most religions in this region were steeped in sacrifice and blood rituals.
When the people of Tyrosh discovered that these undead workers were even more efficient than slaves, many came to regard them as blessings from the gods.
Furthermore, Jon's creations did not originate from visible corpses but appeared directly from thin air, which further enhanced their perceived divinity.
The road from Dionysus Fountain Square to the Purple Palace was also carpeted, with flower-lined stands on both sides.
Today was not only Tyrosh's first "Dragon Festival," but also the day Jon had invited envoys from the other two Free Cities. Although Tyrion Lannister's actions in the Disputed Lands had caused dissatisfaction in Myr, the city was not ruled by a single authority.
Beyond the influence of Byron Jonnel, there was also the hidden hand of Trang Taip, as well as Omar Pahmari, who maintained a neutral stance.
Myr and Lys formed a political bloc, and dealing with them was always complicated. The more factions involved, the more tangled their interests became.
Jon's key to breaking this deadlock was the dragon-kin creatures he had recently developed. Few nobles in this world could resist the temptation of anything related to dragons.
Although Jon had not yet revived a true dragon, displaying these dragon-kin creatures would convince others that he possessed the capability to do so.
Even if people believed that only those with dragonlord blood could control dragons, the temptation alone would push many to try.
Thus, when Jon's invitations were sent alongside dragon scales, the rulers of Myr and Lys were tempted—especially those in Myr.
In recent years, Braavos had begun expanding its influence outward, even forcing Pentos to reform its political system. This was a dangerous sign for slave-dependent cities like Myr.
Myr's economy relied heavily on handicrafts and workshops, which required massive labor. Slaves, though difficult to control, could still perform repetitive tasks.
This reliance was why Myr valued slavery so highly—and why it had previously interfered in Tyrosh's political upheaval.
During the War of the Ninepenny Kings, it was through the covert efforts of Myr and Lys that Tyrosh had been restored, even if they had also hindered it behind the scenes.
"Yo, yo... isn't this Governor Trig Omorren? What's the matter? Are you also interested in coming here? I heard those Lysene families are preparing for war with Tyrosh. Aren't you afraid of being accused of treason for showing up?"
As the Magister of Lys, Trig Omorren was strolling through Dionysus Fountain Square with his concubine, Lynesse Hightower, when a flippant voice sounded beside him.
Turning, he saw the pot-bellied Tansan Domerang.
Today, Tansan wore a luxurious purple robe, and his once brightly dyed hair had been changed to black.
Since Jon took power, many Tyroshi nobles had abandoned their traditional dyed hairstyles in favor of natural black hair, following Jon's preferences.
"Tansan Domerang!? You're still alive? I thought you'd be the first governor executed."
"What nonsense! Which damned fool is spreading rumors about me? Was it that old man Malta? I only asked him to prepare medicine for me! Your Alchemists' Guild clearly overestimates him!"
Tansan flushed red with anger.
"Hehe..."
Beside Trig, Lynesse Hightower let out a soft laugh.
She was breathtakingly beautiful. Clad in fine Lysene gauze, her figure subtly accentuated, making Tansan momentarily forget his anger.
"Oh my... this must be Lady Hightower?"
He quickly composed himself, offering what he believed was a refined smile.
"Hehe, a pleasure to meet you, Governor Domerang."
Lynesse had long shed the rigid pride of a Westerosi noble. Life in Lys had made her adaptable and calculating.
Her purpose here was simple—she wanted to see Jon, the rumored Dragonlord.
Rumors of Aegon Targaryen seizing Tyrosh and preparing to reclaim the Iron Throne had spread widely. Some even claimed he could transform into a dragon—though many dismissed such stories.
"So, what brings you here?"
"I'm off duty today!"
"Off duty?"
Trig frowned slightly.
"Tyrosh has a new system now. Work is scheduled, and during festivals, we rotate rest periods..."
Tansan spoke proudly.
Trig couldn't quite understand it—but he sensed something had changed.
"Since you're here, let me show you around!"
With that, Tansan led them toward a western district.
"Isn't this the Pleasure Gardens?" Trig asked.
"We abolished those. This is now a service district. Unlike Lys, we don't force girls into slavery—everyone here works voluntarily."
"...Are you serious? You're not a Faceless Man from Braavos, are you?"
Tansan smirked.
"Hehe… have you ever tried a foot massage? Or a rose oil body treatment?"
As he listed unfamiliar services, curiosity flickered in Trig's eyes.
For the first time…
He began to realize—
Tyrosh had truly changed.
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