NOVEL NEXT Chapter 87: Storm
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Warfare: - Expert (1233/3000) +
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Viserys looked at the map of the Disputed Lands with a new understanding, his expertise growing. The Free Cities of Myr, Tyrosh, and Lys maintained a delicate balance, with significant conflict between Tyrosh and Lys, likely due to their demand for slaves.
As Viserys studied the terrain, a knock at the door interrupted him. "Who is it?" he called. There was no response. Normally, a visitor would be announced, and if not, they would at least respond. Could it be the Faceless Men? If so, why hadn't his Dragon Dreams warned him?
"Who is it?" he repeated, reaching for his dagger. Still no answer. 'I'll have to warg to more animals in the future,' he thought, cautiously approaching the door. He unlocked it and quickly stepped back. "The door is open. Come in yourself!"
The door slowly opened to reveal a familiar figure in a cloak and black hood. "Lady Moonshadow!" Viserys was surprised to see her at such a late hour.
Falia removed her hood, gathering her brown-blonde hair behind her head. Her eyes were slightly red, and her lips, moist and nervously bitten, exuded a seductive allure. With a trembling voice, she said, "Lord Viserys, I have come to thank you."
"Thank me? Why now?" Viserys asked, sensing something significant. He invited her inside.
"Lord Viserys, if it weren't for you, I might not have even passed the workshop..." Falia took out a small box and placed it on the table. "I have some savings in the Iron Bank. Please accept this as a token of my appreciation."
"No, you don't owe me anything. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have won the dragon egg," Viserys replied.
Falia insisted, "No, please accept it. Although it won't build an army, it's enough to buy some weapons. This is all the money I have. Please don't reject it."
Viserys was tempted. According to her, Falia must have saved at least a hundred thousand gold dragons over the years. But why give it all away? As a courtesan, she had many expenses. What would she do without the money?
"Is there something you need?" Viserys asked.
Falia paused, wringing her handkerchief. Finally, she gathered her courage. "Lord Viserys, do you remember when you asked me what I planned to do after becoming the winner courtesan?"
"Yes," Viserys nodded.
She explained the relationship between courtesans and the three houses. Viserys was not surprised. "So I thought..." Falia's usual act of shyness and innocence gave way to complete sincerity. "Oh, so you're paying me to have sex?" he asked bluntly.
Falia, believing she would give her body away anyway, preferred to choose someone she liked. Viserys felt conflicted. Was Falia beautiful? Absolutely. Her looks and figure were everything he desired. He liked her, but he couldn't afford an affair. He needed House Zalyne's support against Tormo's pursuit. Although Falia was very attractive, he had to prioritize his alliances.
But! One can only live once, and he was already living his second life! What was the point of being so indecisive? Not to mention that she was offering him hundreds of thousands of gold dragons for this. Still, he needed to confirm one more thing.
Taking a deep breath, Viserys said, "Lady Falia."
Falia's body trembled. It was the first time Viserys had called her by her name.
"Do you really like me, or are you just unwilling to give yourself to a stranger?" If it was the latter, he would discuss it with Roth and become her guarantor, as a favor to both her and himself for the time they had spent together.
"Like? That word is so blunt." Falia paused but then said firmly, "You are the light that pierces my dark life. I will never forget you!"
Her blue eyes sparkled, making Viserys' heart race. She had said it—what was there to hesitate about? If he hesitated now, he would be no different from a hypocrite. Viserys cupped Falia's face in his hands and kissed her deeply. She felt as if she had fallen into a cloud, floating away.
Her thoughts stopped, her legs went weak, and she almost clung to Viserys. He supported her with one hand around her waist, providing a great sense of security. One minute, two minutes, three minutes, five minutes passed. Falia felt like she was drowning in the passionate kiss. She could no longer stand, her body limp like a boneless snake, entirely supported by Viserys.
"You wait here. I have to tell Lord Roth about this," he said.
Falia didn't answer, too weak to make a sound. She merely let out a breath through her nose in response.
As Viserys left the room, he saw someone not far away holding a lantern, searching for something.
"Lord Viserys," the man said, bowing as soon as he saw him.
"Who are you looking for?" Viserys asked.
"No, no, just looking around."
"You're looking for Lady Moonshadow, aren't you?"
"Huh?" The man was taken aback. "You—you know where she is?"
"I need to see Lord Roth. Show me the way."
The servant seemed to have guessed something and agreed. Soon, the two of them arrived at Roth's study.
However, Roth seemed to know why Viserys had come and said, "Do you have Falia?"
"Yes," Viserys replied, initially surprised but quickly recovering. This was Roth's home, after all. How could a girl as delicate and weak as Falia escape unnoticed?
Roth smiled, a playful expression passing between them. "If that's the case, why not take advantage of the situation and enjoy the moment?"
"Because Falia came to see me in private, and I didn't want to hide it from you," Viserys explained.
Seeing his honesty, Roth's eyes flashed with admiration. He remembered his own youth, filled with indulgences that often earned his father's scorn. It was rare for someone to remain so clear-headed in the face of such beauty.
"It’s true that House Zalyne and Falia have a special relationship. If she can be a witness to the friendship between us, it would be a beautiful thing," Roth said, staring into Viserys' eyes, expecting to see joy.
Instead, Viserys' eyes first turned cold before a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. "Then I thank Lord Roth for his kindness."
"Hahaha, then I won't keep you any longer," Roth said, patting Viserys on the shoulder.
Viserys was relieved. He had considered offering up his share of the soap trade if Roth hadn't agreed. According to their agreement, he stood to gain a few hundred thousand gold dragons over the next few years. Besides, he had won the dragon egg thanks to Falia.
Returning to his room, Viserys found Asha and Falia sitting together on the bed. He smiled as he walked toward them. That night was a whirlwind of passion and intimacy, a night to remember.
Asha was passionate and unrestrained, while Falia was shy and reserved. The contrast made the experience all the more unforgettable. The storm in the room did not cease until dawn, leaving Viserys with memories of a night filled with devotion, beauty, and desire.
