At the same time, his relationship with Rhaenys deepened. The little girl treated him almost like her "older brother." One afternoon, Viserys held Rhaenys while they watched the sea from a window in Maegor's Holdfast. Rhaenys hugged him and said dreamily, "Big Brother Viserys, don't leave Rhaenys."
Looking at her young and innocent face, Viserys felt a surge of guilt. He thought of the seven dragon eggs under his bed, the coming turbulent era, and the tragic fate originally destined for the girl before him. He gently squeezed Rhaenys's small hand and replied, "I won't leave you, I promise."
This promise was made both to Rhaenys and to himself.
One day, while Viserys was accompanying Rhaenys to play in the garden, he unexpectedly found Ashara sitting and talking with Princess Elia Martell. Seeing Viserys, Ashara smiled and waved at him.
"Princess Elia told me that you are very fond of Rhaenys," Ashara said, looking at the little girl being led by Viserys.
Elia Martell, the Dornish Princess, was physically weak because she had just given birth to Aegon, but her eyes shone with warmth.
"Does Miss Dayne like children?" he couldn't help but ask.
Ashara was slightly startled, then offered a gentle smile: "Yes, Your Highness. I like them very much."
Night fell, and Viserys stood alone by his bedroom window, gazing at the scattered fishing lights of Blackwater Bay. His mind was racing. He knew the gears of fate had begun to turn and danger was quietly approaching. All he could do was prepare as much as possible to protect those he cared about.
The next morning, Viserys appeared at the training grounds as usual. But today, Ser Barristan had an extra visitor: Ser Arthur Dayne, also a member of the Kingsguard.
"Your Highness, His Majesty the King summoned me for a discussion today," Barristan said, bowing to the approaching Viserys. "Ser Arthur will substitute for me and instruct you in today's sword lesson."
"I understand, Ser. Please go attend to your duties." After Barristan left, Viserys turned his attention to the man who had been standing next to him.
The legendary "Sword of the Morning" was clad in white armor, emblazoned with the House Dayne sigil of a white falling sword and a star. He wore a white cloak. Hanging at his waist was the ancestral sword, "Dawn." His face was handsome and resolute, and his eyes emitted a faint purple glow.
"Prince Viserys," Ser Arthur Dayne said with a slight bow, "Ser Barristan told me you have great talent in swordsmanship and are improving rapidly."
Viserys returned the slight bow and replied, "Thank you for the compliment, Ser Arthur. Your reputation is known throughout the Seven Kingdoms, and I feel deeply honored to receive instruction from you."
He could feel the powerful aura emanating from Arthur, which was not just a sign of superior martial arts, but also an unshakable belief in victory.
"Could I spar with you? It would help me gauge your skill level. Moreover, actual combat is the fastest way for anyone to improve."
Viserys agreed to Arthur's request, eager to experience the strength of the world's top master. In the ensuing spar, Viserys gave it his all.
The wooden swords clashed, emitting dull thuds.
Viserys attacked with full force, using the moves Ser Barristan had personally taught him. But Arthur always anticipated his moves, blocking the attacks with minimal movement. After several rounds, Viserys felt frustrated. Arthur's sword seemed to read minds, constantly interrupting his offense at the most crucial moments.
"Your Highness's strength is quite remarkable," Arthur said, pressing his wooden sword against Viserys's wrist, "but your movements are too rigid. You need to forget those fixed forms."
He withdrew his wooden sword and gestured for Viserys to assume his stance again.
"Just remember how to hold the sword correctly, and then focus all your attention on the tip of your opponent's blade." Arthur's voice was steady and clear. "Anticipation is more important than reaction. You must see through your opponent's intentions before they strike, and attack proactively instead of reacting passively."
Viserys nodded, adjusting his stance. This time, his gaze was fixed intently on Arthur's wooden sword, trying to catch every subtle movement.
Arthur's lips curved slightly upwards. With a gentle flick of his wrist, the wooden sword traced an arc. Viserys, fully focused on the sword tip, reacted the instant it moved.
"Very good." Arthur's sword stopped mid-air. "But not enough."
His sword momentum suddenly accelerated, and Viserys hastily adjusted his own sword. The two wooden swords crossed in the air, making a crisp clashing sound.
"Now, don't just stare at the sword," Arthur said, changing his footwork. "Pay attention to my shoulder, my hips. The true intention is hidden in those places."
Viserys tried to broaden his focus, and indeed caught more details. When Arthur attacked again, he blocked it preemptively.
"That's it." Arthur nodded approvingly. "Now, try to anticipate my next move."
The two exchanged blows on the training ground, the sound of wooden swords clashing incessant. Viserys gradually forgot the rigid forms and began instinctively responding to Arthur's every attack. His movements also became increasingly graceful.
"Stop." Arthur suddenly withdrew his sword. "That's enough for today."
When Viserys stopped, he realized a long time had passed. Only when he relaxed did the fatigue in his body register in his mind.
"Remember how you felt today," Arthur's earnest words came. "Combat isn't about memorizing formulas; it's about learning to read your opponent."
After the training session, Viserys proactively invited Arthur to dine with him—a good opportunity to interact with Arthur.
"Thank you for your instruction," Viserys said while slicing his bread. "Your understanding of swordsmanship has benefited me greatly."
Arthur nodded slightly: "Your Highness is very talented. But remember, continuous improvement in swordsmanship requires persistence."
"I understand." Viserys spoke carefully: "Ser Arthur, your skill with the Two-handed Sword is renowned throughout the Seven Kingdoms. May I learn how to use the Two-handed Sword from you next?"
Arthur looked slightly surprised at first, but offered no objection. "Of course. I will explain it to Ser Barristan later."
In the days that followed, besides learning swordsmanship basics from Barristan, Viserys also added lessons on Two-handed Sword techniques from Arthur. His days were very fulfilling.
At the same time, he used his Skinchanger ability to closely monitor the movements of all parties in King's Landing, especially Varys and Pycelle. Although he hadn't changed anything yet, he might inadvertently be flapping the wings of the butterfly. Therefore, he needed to keep track of information from all sides to prepare in advance for any unexpected events..
Time was steadily advancing toward the Tourney at Harrenhal. Only one unusual event occurred during this period: Lord Commander Gerold Hightower of the Kingsguard died of old age. After his funeral, "The White Bull" Ser Gerold Hightower was appointed the new Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
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