Inside the main hall of the Hall of the Sea King, magnificent ceiling frescoes depicted the various legends of the Secret City.
Viserys Targaryen looked up, intently studying the beautiful, exquisite murals.
Braavos operates under a rule of religious freedom, so these murals do not reflect the gifts of gods, but rather the struggles of the Braavosi people.
Braavos does not lack stone; it has about twenty grand buildings, with the Hall of the Sea King being one of them, while King's Landing only has three.
Architecture represents wealth and national power, and Braavos truly lives up to its reputation as the foremost of the Free Cities.
This was Viserys's first visit to the Hall of the Sea King, and he came through the Black Pearl's connections.
However, his name was slowly growing in renown, and this matter was at least tacitly approved by the Sea King.
The first painting on the ceiling depicted the dark, sunless volcanic mines of Valyria, where countless slaves toiled in unbearable misery.
The most important scene that followed showed the Moonsingers in their silver-white robes, praying sacredly, then leading the escaping slaves to discover the great reef island lake of the Secret City.
Later, a century on, Uthero unveiled himself, revealing his identity to the world.
Braavos's purple fleet sailed unimpeded through the Shivering Sea and the Summer Sea.
During the Century of Blood, the Sea King also opposed Volantis, and the flames of war ignited, ultimately leading to the grand alliance crushing Volantis.
These frescoes were lifelike, imbued with a sense of epic grandeur and romance.
The edges of the paintings also depicted images of Mermaids, krakens, Leviathan whales, and sea dragons.
"How do you like it here?" the newly dressed Black Pearl asked, as she appeared in the small private box.
The Black Pearl wore a dark yellow, low-cut silk gown, which beautifully complemented her lustrous brown skin, making her stunning.
Her black hair was tied up with a gold thread net, and a necklace made of black jade and gold hung above her ample bosom.
Even within the Sea King's palace, where there would be hundreds of Courtesans, her beauty was astonishing.
The Black Pearl could not be described as bewitching; rather, she possessed the youthful charm of a top-tier Courtesan, equally beautiful and graceful.
"Not bad, this dome is quite good, and your figure isn't bad either," Viserys commented, glancing at the Black Pearl's chest again.
Viserys wore a black top and held a silver half-face mask.
"You're truly rude," the Black Pearl feigned anger, scolding him, a faint, captivating, and expensive perfume scent wafting from her.
"You're not happy when I tell the truth, but this place is really good."
"More than good, successive Sea Kings have renovated the Hall of the Sea King; it's a place where every inch is precious," the Black Pearl said, covering her mouth with a laugh, holding a mask in her hand.
The Black Pearl's mask was even smaller than Viserys's half-face mask; it was purely an eye mask, feeling less like a mask and more like an intimate accessory.
The mask was made of black jade and gold, very luxurious.
Furthermore, a large Black Pearl was inlaid in the center of the mask, further indicating her identity.
"Come, have a drink," the Black Pearl said, raising the hot lemon drink in her hand.
On the table were some fruit platters: Dornish blood oranges, Reach honeydews, and peaches.
Viserys drank a cup of hot lemon drink; because Braavos is further north, melons, lemons, and oranges are quite expensive, so the Sea King must have spent a lot.
"Today I have a grand finale performance; the Black Pearl will showcase her singing, and I cannot be outdone, so I must not make a fool of myself," the Black Pearl explained. "Just a little lemon tea, not wine."
"I wish you every success," Viserys said.
"I'm definitely going to win, the Black Pearl never loses. But I hate you; you gave this glory to both the Nightingale and The Swordswoman. If I tied you to a ship, this glory would belong only to me, the Black Pearl," the Black Pearl said with a playful smile, expressing her dissatisfaction.
"Don't be too greedy, woman. Viserys still has stock, as long as your price is right. Recently, I need dragon bones, the more the better," Viserys said, looking at the Black Pearl.
Recently, Viserys had also been furiously spending, and although he hadn't run out yet, he was using it up quickly.
"That's not much of a problem. What do you need so many dragon bones for? Are you going to assemble a dragon bone bow? Never mind, let's wish for a pleasant cooperation," the Black Pearl placed her cup down and clinked it against Viserys's.
The Black Pearl was unconcerned; after all, everyone knew the Targaryen's obsession with dragons; there were even madmen who fantasized about using wildfire to transform into dragons.
"I'm leaving, handsome Silver Traveler. This masked ball is going to be exceptionally splendid. Tonight, everyone will hear the name of the Silver Traveler. Glory belongs to you, Viserys."
"Glory also belongs to you, Black Pearl," Viserys reciprocated with some commercial flattery.
Braavos's biggest carnival commemorates the Unveiling, an event celebrated annually for ten days.
During these days, people wear masks and feast.
At midnight on the tenth day, the titan will let out a roar, and then all attendees and revelers will uniformly remove their masks.
Although this masked banquet wasn't the grand carnival, it was organized by the Sea King and gathered many dignitaries, making it exceptionally splendid.
"There are many beautiful girls in this private room; don't make a fool of yourself if you drink too much."
"How could I?" Viserys said, displeased. "In front of you, I wouldn't make a fool of myself, let alone in front of them."
"Remember what I told you, Viserys. Braavos is a dangerous city, and you've been gaining too much prominence lately. The bloodthirsty Violet Swordsman has many ambitious swordsmen vying for attention. For the sake of the true dragon's blood, I don't want those madmen to harm your handsome face," the Black Pearl said seriously.
"Thank you for your kindness, Black Pearl, you are my friend. But a man can only choose one path, and I will tread upon blood and wails," Viserys said honestly, looking at the Black Pearl's beautiful face.
To cope with the cruel future, he too had become a dangerous assassin.
A Water Dancer is not a true Water Dancer without seeing blood.
"Alright," the Black Pearl stopped speaking. Mortals all die, but mortals always have desires.
Mad power, power more alluring than beauty.
"Then wait for it, I'm sure the people dining with you are trustworthy. This will be a sweet night," the Black Pearl said, turning to leave.
As a top-tier Courtesan, she and others were required to perform their talents at large events in Braavos.
Viserys stood up and put on his silver mask.
Looking down from the stairs on the second floor, the main hall on the first floor was packed with masked people.
Because the attendees were all dignitaries, their masks were even finer and more luxurious.
Various precious metals like gold, jade, and silver, shimmering gemstones, and strange decorations like weirwood, ebony, and luxurious animal feathers were seen.
Musicians and singers were already in position, eager to strike up a triumphant tune.
And heralds would loudly recite the ceremony's segments. Thanks to the Black Pearl's invitation, Viserys was able to access the VIP box on the second floor.
The Black Pearl moved through the crowd like a butterfly flitting through flowers, her pearl handmaidens following behind her.
In this setting, the Black Pearl seemed to exude a full aura, becoming the center of attention wherever she went, chatting and laughing with ease, captivating everyone.
Amidst the laughter and joy, the Black Pearl also made her way to the backstage of the ceremony.
Besides the Black Pearl, Viserys also saw others; Syrio, as the former First Sword, was also wandering on the first floor.
And Constable Syrio, though he was there to maintain order.
Viserys felt nothing for Braavos's upper class; no matter where the upper class was, in the end, it was all about feasting, entertainment, and vying for power.
At this event, the main course hadn't arrived yet, just some fruit platters and small appetizers, and Viserys was planning to eat a big meal.
"Silence!" All sounds subsided, and everyone's gaze converged on the man on the high platform.
A man in a dark brown suit and a purple mask, accompanied by a strutting swordsman.
"It seems to be the Sea King," Viserys thought.
The First Sword by the Sea King's side also looked tall and dangerous, currently considered the strongest in Braavos. Retired First Swords like Syrio would automatically drop in rank.
"Thank you all for coming. Although it is at my invitation, it is also to celebrate the prosperity of Braavos," the Sea King began, his voice clear and echoing through the hall. "Such a lavish banquet, may we wish for this good fortune to continue endlessly."
"The ancestors of Braavos endured countless hardships to escape the enslavement of the Dragonlords and came here. Freedom is the soul of the Secret City. Here, I thank the sacred Moonsingers, the successive Sea Kings who blazed trails, and the Braavosi subjects and merchants who strived with us..."
Viserys thought the Sea King's speech wasn't bad; it also showed the deep heritage of the Moonsingers and the old Sea King's family.
"Long live freedom! Long live Braavos!" The Sea King raised his hand.
"For freedom!"
"Long live freedom!" The guests cheered enthusiastically.
"May you all have a pleasant evening together." The Sea King's speech concluded, and the celebration began.
"Act One, 'Song of Braavos,' composer..., performed by the Blue Lantern Troupe."
To Viserys's surprise, the first act was a commemoration of Braavos's birth.
Braavos's dramatic arts were highly developed, and they kept up with trends.
Viserys had heard there were even plays dramatizing Rhaegar's love triangle.
Viserys wasn't very interested in the play, so he returned to the private box to eat some appetizers.
The play felt like chanted verses, followed by song performances.
"Song: 'Five Hundred Miles From Home,' by the Silver Traveler, sung by 'The Swordswoman.'"
Viserys heard his pseudonym called out and hurried back to the railing.
It seemed The Swordswoman had truly become a star; several beautiful Water Dancers performed on stage, and The Swordswoman, wearing a white jade eye mask, began to sing the song.
This song perfectly fit the atmosphere of Braavos, as the sea is very cruel, and those who make their living from it understand the weight of home even more.
"One hundred miles... two hundred miles..." Many people hummed along.
This song had been a sensation recently, but no one knew who the Silver Traveler truly was.
"How can such a talented lyricist have never been heard of before?"
"Indeed, this song is truly wonderful. I heard many merchant princes want to meet the author, but no one has ever met the real person..."
..."Reef Lake Lovers," by the Silver Traveler, sung by "Nightingale."
The name of the Silver Traveler was called out for the second time by the announcer, drawing even more interest in the author.
The Nightingale's clear and graceful voice rang out, singing the song with immense emotion... "When You Are Old," by the Silver Traveler, sung by "Black Pearl" and her handmaidens.
The appearance of the Black Pearl pushed the program to its peak; although the Black Pearl could sing, she rarely performed.
Clearly, this time was to give face to the Sea King.
However, seeing the Black Pearl, so young, feigning profoundness, made Viserys want to laugh a little.
But the Black Pearl's sycophants and fans were more excited than ever, as if listening to celestial music.
The name of the Silver Traveler resounded for the third time, with three different Courtesans singing his songs.
In the Hall of the Sea King, this time Viserys truly soared high, greatly enhancing his fame in the Secret City.
Even if no one knew this unknown singer before, after today, this pseudonym had ascended to the first rank.
Previously, Viserys's pseudonym, "Silver Traveler," was already famous, but today was an even grander stage; the entire elite class heard his name.
After the beautiful singing, all the guests were curious as to who the Silver Traveler truly was.
Viserys smiled slightly, thinking, *This is what you call an international superstar.*
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