Days and months passed, and apart from the discordant voices of those who lost the Westerlands, everyone was immersed in peaceful times.
But there are only two types of people in the world who are the most aloof: soldiers and politicians. They are the calmest and most indifferent. They must possess superhuman will and detachment.
King Jaehaerys and Duke Mond continued to send out frequent scouts, primarily stationed in the Westerlands and the Reach, observing the development of the situation.
Jaehaerys, Duke Mond, and Ser Gerold sat in the conference room, but an attendant announced something unexpected. Rhaegar, as a young politician specifically groomed by King Jaehaerys II, was also present.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, Ser Corlys of Driftmark has specially sent gifts to celebrate the kingdom's victory."
Everyone exchanged glances. House Velaryon, once glorious with three marriages to Dragonlord family, had now fallen into decline. Since the departure of two legendary generations, the Sea Snake and Oakfist, House Velaryon had been declining day by day. In the future, they would fare even worse, with only two or three large and small ships remaining.
House Rogare, the bankers of Lys, and House Velaryon of Driftmark, could be said to be the great Lords who declined the fastest.
"Your Majesty is busy discussing state affairs. Should Ser Corlys leave the gifts, and another attendant express our gratitude?" Duke Mond asked. He had heard of this young Ser Velaryon, who was rumored to be a fickle character. He was too young and too eager to restore House Velaryon's glory, and such a person was undoubtedly dangerous.
"If it were anyone else, I would naturally not see them. But the Velaryons of Driftmark have a deep connection with the royal family, so let us receive him," King Jaehaerys II said, despite his frail health, still cherishing old sentiments.
Rhaegar looked at everyone; their expressions varied. The decline of House Velaryon was already a historical fact. Their former wealth and power had long since vanished with the demise of the dragons and the burning of Driftmark.
One still needed land and rich strategic depth to be the foundation for a noble family's survival. Westeros, after all, was still a land power.
The visitor also had distinct silver hair and purple eyes, a remnant of Valyrian blood. It was indeed Larys Velaryon from Driftmark.
Corlys wore flamboyant blue clothes, trying his best to appear youthful. But Rhaegar felt his clothes were somewhat outdated.
And Corlys did not adorn himself with lavish gold or gems, indicating he was truly impoverished.
Rhaegar knew this person, this fallen Corlys. In the future, he would even ascend to the position of Master of Ships and was a great sycophant in front of Aerys, delighting in chaos and instigating the father-son relationship between Aerys and Rhaegar. These lackeys of Aerys were mostly like Julien Sorel, willing to climb up at all costs.
Rhaegar disliked this person in his heart, perhaps due to preconceived notions.
King Jaehaerys had prepared a seat for the guest, along with delightful drinks and small pastries.
"Esteemed Majesty, hearing of the kingdom's great victory in the Stepstones, I, as a descendant of the great Sea Snake, present gifts to the Dragon King." Corlys had a handsome face, but it was dominated by flattery.
"You and I share a common origin, descendants of ancient Valyria. You need not be so formal," Jaehaerys said.
Rhaegar noticed the king's gaze, which was more pity and lament than disgust. After losing their dragons, the Dragonlords could still maintain their facade by relying on the Crownlands and King's Landing. But House Velaryon, with its small territory, was truly in decline now.
Corlys had the gifts brought in.
His first generous gift was a beautiful harp. The second gift was a double-curved black dragonglass longbow, about the height of a young man, exquisitely crafted.
Rhaegar's eyes lit up. This Corlys had truly gone all out. The harp was somewhat ordinary, but the dragonglass longbow was a treasure.
Dragonglass has a high iron content, making it as hard as iron, yet it is light and flexible. Archery enthusiasts would consider this item priceless. With Bloodraven's archery skills, this longbow would be excellent.
Corlys looked at the joy on Rhaegar's face, feeling extremely delighted in his heart; this matter was now half-accomplished.
Giving gifts directly to the king would not be very effective. However, King Jaehaerys greatly doted on his grandson Rhaegar and kept the prince by his side. And this lucky one, Rhaegar, was multi-talented and unusually energetic. It was said that he had great talent in martial arts and music, and would certainly be very interested in these things. This was the so-called 'spoiled by love'.
"Ser, your gifts are truly too valuable," King Jaehaerys said, also surprised.
"And finally, one last gift, for the lovely young prince." Corlys pulled out a small jewel box from his embrace, determined to see his performance through. This was Corlys's most prized possession, something House Velaryon had cherished for years and passed down to its heirs. However, after so many years of study, it was merely a beautiful ring.
Inside the exquisite box lay a small, bronze-colored ring. The ring appeared to be made of valyrian steel, delicate and beautiful. It was engraved with flame-like patterns, sparks intertwining, making it elegant and ancient, as if one could see fire burning.
"This ring was obtained by my ancestor, Lord Sea Snake, during his adventures. It is said to be a lost treasure ring, and I now present it to Prince Rhaegar," Corlys said respectfully.
Rhaegar looked at the ring, feeling a surge of excitement in his heart.
He walked over, looking at the ring, and his own Life Tree Template flickered again.
"May I touch it, Ser?" Rhaegar asked.
"Of course, esteemed Prince." Rhaegar walked over and gently stroked the ring.
The ring seemed to emit a watery luster, making one feel comfortable.
Collection: Lost Dragon King's Ring. This ring originates from the great Baelarys Family. Within the ring, there might be the great wealth with which the Dragonlords summoned wind and rain, but little dragon, your spark is still young, and you can only unlock a portion.
Rhaegar was overjoyed; this collection system had finally activated.
This ring was a greater treasure than the dragonglass longbow. All the other treasures he had encountered before had not triggered a reaction from the collection system. It seemed only unparalleled treasures could awaken it.
The Baelarys Family was one of the top-ranking great families among the Forty Dragonlords, far superior to middle-to-lower tier families like the Targaryens. Who knows what good things this Dragon King's Ring might hide.
Rhaegar wore this ring, which was his first pot of gold, and his goodwill towards Corlys, the sycophant, soared.
Although this person was disgusting, he could also be developed into one of his subordinates.