Viserys's question went straight to the heart of the matter, and the atmosphere in the room instantly became heavy. The smile on Varys's face finally faded slightly, and he fell silent for a moment, as if weighing something in his mind.
"Your Majesty." Finally, he spoke slowly, his voice a few shades deeper than before, "My loyalty always belongs to those rulers who can bring peace and justice to Westeros. During Aerys's time, I saw only fear and destruction. During Robert's time, I saw indulgence and decay. In Joffrey and Cersei, I saw cruelty and oppression. But in you, Your Majesty, I see wisdom and strength, as well as a long-lost regal bearing."
He looked up, a glimmer of sincerity flashing in his eyes, and said, "I wish to assist you because I believe you can end this era of chaos and bring true peace and stability to the people of the Seven Kingdoms. This is the only 'benefit' I desire."
Viserys watched him quietly for a long time before slowly nodding. "I hope those are your true words, Lord Varys. The dragons of Targaryen can bring fire and salvation, but they can also bring destruction and punishment. If you choose to betray me later..."
He did not finish his sentence, but the chill that flashed through his deep purple eyes was enough for Varys to understand the meaning he intended to convey.
Varys's body stiffened slightly before returning to normal. He spoke, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. From this day forward, my life belongs to Targaryen. I will use my information network, those little birds of mine, to clear all obstacles for Your Majesty until the Seven Kingdoms are completely reunited and the threat of the White Walkers is thoroughly eliminated."
As he spoke the final sentence, his eyes remained fixed on Viserys, wanting to see his reaction to the knowledge of the White Walkers' existence.
However, Viserys showed no other reaction upon hearing this, nor did he respond immediately. In this complex game of thrones, a man like Varys was, at least for the time being, somewhat useful.
"Very well." Viserys changed the subject directly, saying, "Lord Varys, now is the time to show your worth. How many Lannister remnants are left in King's Landing? What is the attitude of those nobles who once clung to the Lannisters and Baratheons? Also, regarding Petyr, do you have any news of him?"
After taking King's Landing, Viserys had not found Petyr at all and had no idea where he had fled. Had he known, he should have kept him under constant surveillance. For a man like him, it was safest if he were dead.
Upon hearing Viserys mention Petyr, a strange emotion flashed through Varys's eyes, but it was quickly masked. He said, "Your Majesty, the core strength of the Lannisters in King's Landing has been destroyed; the remaining few are nothing to fear. I will help you clear them out as quickly as possible. As for those nobles, most of them have no minds of their own. Now that Your Majesty has taken King's Landing, they will naturally choose to pledge their fealty."
He paused and continued, "As for Petyr, he disappeared after Tyrion left the city last night. Perhaps he is still in King's Landing, or perhaps he had some channel to escape. My people have been tracking his whereabouts, but there is no definitive news yet. However, I suspect he might go to the Free Cities across the Narrow Sea. He mentioned to me before that he had his own way out."
"The Free Cities..." A cold light flashed in Viserys's eyes.
In fact, he thought so too. After all, Petyr had dealt with the Iron Bank of Braavos for many years, and those Free Cities had always been a bit restless behind the scenes. It seemed he would have to find an opportunity to take them all down in the future.
"Continue to send people to investigate," Viserys ordered. "I can guarantee you that as long as you don't make any little moves behind my back, your position as Master of Whispers will remain unchanged."
"As you command, Your Majesty," Varys replied with a bow, feeling a sense of relief in his heart. Viserys's willingness to give him this guarantee and entrust these matters to him indicated that, at least for now, he had gained the trust of the young Dragon King.
Viserys nodded and said, "Very well, you may go and attend to your duties. Report any important news to me immediately."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Varys bowed once more and then withdrew silently.
Only Viserys and Rhaenys were left in the room.
"Brother, do you really believe that eunuch's words? I always feel he's unreliable." Rhaenys walked to Viserys's side and took his arm, her tone filled with doubt.
Viserys looked toward the direction where Varys had disappeared and said calmly, "Whether we believe him or not is unimportant. What matters is that he is still useful to us for now. And..." A cold smile curved his lips, "I will ensure he remains useful to us."
Rhaenys gave a soft hum of agreement and then said, "I hope so. I wouldn't want to sleep with a poisonous spider nearby all the time." She paused and shifted the conversation, "By the way, brother, do you remember what you promised me? When do you plan to fulfill it?"
Viserys looked down at his valiant little niece and smiled helplessly, his tone teasing, "You lustful little dragon girl, always thinking about that matter. Don't worry, once King's Landing is stabilized, I will naturally give you an account."
"But I'm a bit impatient. Could it be tonight?" After saying this, Rhaenys's face turned bright red. She didn't dare look at Viserys, her gaze drifting unconsciously toward the window as if something outside had caught her eye.
Viserys was caught between laughter and tears by Rhaenys's blunt words. He reached out and gently pinched her pert nose, his tone full of doting affection, "You're becoming bolder and bolder. Fine, I'll hurry and handle the government affairs now, and we'll try tonight. Go back and prepare yourself; you smell like a dragon's sulfur right now."
Rhaenys's cheeks burned even hotter at Viserys's words. She gave him a reproachful glare but didn't argue, only muttering softly, "Fine, then remember to come find me early tonight."
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