NOVEL NEXT Chapter 86: Crown
Viserys wouldn’t take such a risk without assurance. He had already used the "Moon's Revelation" to divine the future. The moon in his mind was a bit cloudy, but the overall picture was still clear. In other words, the operation might be a little dangerous, but it was manageable. When the risk is estimated, the unknown becomes less frightening.
His plan far exceeded Roth's imagination. Reflecting on the priest's prophecy, Roth agreed with Viserys' approach. Methys wanted to object, but given the setting and her role, she remained silent.
Roth would not let Viserys take such a risk without proper compensation. The gifts initially prepared to "bestow favors" and "win over" Viserys now had to take on a new significance.
"Lord Viserys, we actually have two more gifts for you," Roth announced.
Two maidservants approached with trays in their hands. One tray was covered with a red cloth, and the other contained a small box. A faint salty smell emanated from under the red cloth.
Jalifah lifted the red cloth to reveal the severed head of Danglar. While they couldn’t kill Andersen, they managed to eliminate one of his henchmen. With Tormo now an old blind man and House Fregar struggling to survive, Roth was poised to become the next Sealord.
"The House Zalyne is truly remarkable, knowing so much about their own affairs," Viserys remarked, his estimation of Roth's strength increasing. He had never forgotten Roth, but he hadn’t expected him to act first.
The sight of a severed head didn’t faze the crowd, who were used to such displays. Jalifah then opened the small box, revealing a crown—the crown of Queen Rhaella, which Viserys had once sold. The crown was shaped like a three-headed dragon, with the body made of gold and the wings and claws carved from silver and agate.
Dany looked toward Viserys, her face filled with nostalgia.
"Lord Roth, please allow me to thank you again for your kindness," Viserys said, bowing deeply to express his gratitude for the relic of his mother.
"I hope it can also be a testament to our friendship," Roth smiled.
"Put it on, Viserys, and let us see what the king looks like," Jalifah called from the crowd.
"Put it on!" the crowd chanted in unison, eager to see the spectacle.
Viserys wasn’t there to entertain, but given the setting, it was inappropriate to show anger. He smiled and raised his hands to calm the crowd.
"Everyone, this is my mother's crown, Queen Rhaella's crown. She once taught me that the meaning of a crown is not to elevate oneself above others, but to vow to the ordinary people that in times of disaster, I should stand up and protect them from harm, so that they can see hope."
As Viserys finished speaking, a tingling sensation spread through the crowd, as if an electric current had shot up their spines. The hall fell into a deep silence, and they looked at Viserys with eager eyes, as if they were witnessing a true king.
Realizing he had become too emotional, Viserys continued, "If I wear this crown now, I dishonor it and forget my mother's teachings. So, I'm sorry, but I can't wear it."
'Did my mother say something like this to my brother?' Dany wondered, picturing Queen Rhaella for the first time with clarity—silver hair, fair skin, amethyst eyes, and a golden crown. 'Mother...' she muttered, feeling a lump in her throat. Methys, sensing her emotions, gently stroked her back.
Falia and Asha, standing with a group of noblewomen, also looked at Viserys in awe. To them, he seemed to glow with a golden light, shining like a god.
Under the gaze of everyone, Viserys placed the crown back into the box and bowed slightly in apology. Jalifa was tempted to persuade him further, but he realized he was fortunate just to witness Viserys' profound words.
Roth, moved by Viserys' sincerity, felt a spark of hope. Perhaps Viserys truly could reclaim the Iron Throne. Putting this thought aside for the moment, he addressed the crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen, the most precious part of this celebration is the three songs of Lord Viserys. Let's ask Lady Moonshadow to play them for us again!"
The crowd responded with enthusiasm:
"Moonshadow!"
"Wow! That's Moonshadow!"
"Hey, did you know her name is Falia?"
Falia stepped forward and began to play the harp. Her fair hands plucked the strings delicately, and her lips parted beneath her veil as she sang. She glanced at the crowd, noticing Jalifa and others toasting each other.
Inwardly, Falia sighed, wondering who Roth might send her to bed with as a reward. She suspected it would be Roth himself, given Methys' long pregnancy. But perhaps he might delegate the task to an old maid with some "little props." The more she thought about it, the more resentful she became, her gaze drifting towards Viserys. Finally, she seemed to make up her mind.
As the party wound down and guests dispersed, Methys suggested she and Dany chat, especially since they had an appointment to get their ears pierced. After asking Viserys for permission, they went to Methys' room together.
Viserys, meanwhile, requested a quiet study. There, he found a collection of information on the Disputed Lands from House Zalyne. The data was accurate and updated timely. With the celebration over and everyone else resting, Viserys focused on preparing as much as possible before officially becoming a mercenary.
