Hearing these words, the atmosphere in the council hall became noticeably solemn.
Viserys spoke bluntly, "The people outside will soon swarm around us like vultures smelling carrion. Sooner or later, they will see this place. They will see us, see this city being reborn, and see the dragons circling above us."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink into everyone's heart.
"How will the world react? The Usurpers of Westeros will never stand by while the Targaryens establish a secure base, let alone possess dragons. The Free Cities—Braavos, Pentos, Lys, Volantis, and others—they will also try every means to strangle us in the cradle. They fear the return of dragon rule too much. Passive defense, waiting for others to attack, is the path to ruin."
Ser Arthur raised his head, "Does Your Majesty have a plan?"
This was the moment Viserys was waiting for. "We must take the initiative and strike before they can react. We must display our power as quickly as possible so they dare not underestimate us, while simultaneously strengthening our own capabilities."
His fingertip moved eastward across the map, passing over the blue area representing the Summer Sea, eventually landing on the markers for the three cities in Slavers Bay.
"Therefore, our first target is here: Slavers Bay."
Although they had anticipated it, hearing the King say it himself still sent a chill down everyone's spine.
"There are four reasons why I chose Slavers Bay." Viserys then analyzed his perspective point by point.
"First, resources. We need population, food, craftsmen, and trade. The three cities of Slavers Bay are extremely wealthy, possessing a vast slave population and mature agriculture and handicraft industries. Occupying this place can immediately solve everything we need for our current development."
"Second, military strength. The Unsullied of Astapor are the most elite and disciplined soldiers in the world. If we can control them, we will immediately have an army ready for use."
"Third, geography and timing. Slavers Bay is located east of Valyria, with no other powers between them, making it convenient for us to rule. Furthermore, Valyria has not yet been exposed, so striking now allows us to catch them off guard."
"Fourth, morality and banner. Slavery is a festering sore; the Targaryens abolished slavery during their rule over Westeros. Moreover, by liberating the slaves, we can gain a massive popular base. This will allow us to win the support of the common people in Essos and raise the banner of 'Liberation.' This banner will be very useful when confronting the other city-states in the future."
Ser Willem Darry nodded in agreement, "We need an army, and the Unsullied are the best choice. But how do we seize them? Astapor's walls are high, the Good Masters have Mercenaries for guards, and they are defended by the Unsullied. Even with dragons, the losses from a direct assault would be too great, and we cannot afford that."
Ser Willem had only arrived in Valyria three days ago, bringing the last group of people evacuated from Braavos. Therefore, time was now pressing; they needed to hurry before they were discovered.
"We don't need a direct assault." A slight curve appeared at Viserys's lips. "We will 'buy' them."
"Buy?" Ser Willem looked confused. "Your Majesty, although we have some savings, and the Treasures of Valyria are priceless, buying an entire army, especially the Unsullied, would cost an absurd amount."
"You don't need to worry about that. I already have a detailed plan," Viserys replied with a smile.
The meeting lasted several hours, with every detail being scrutinized. Troop deployment, personnel assignments, material preparation, and contingency plans—Viserys displayed astonishing meticulousness and foresight in these areas.
Finally, the plan was finalized. Viserys would lead a small, capable team aboard a fast ship, carrying treasures as bait, and head to Astapor.
Ser Arthur and Ser Elissar would accompany him to provide protection. Ser Jon and Ser Willem would remain in Valyria, responsible for daily management and preparing for war.
Simultaneously, Ghidorah and "Blackflame" would be guided by Viserys's remote will to Astapor. This move was intended to show the world their strong muscles.
Five days later, Astapor.
The city was permeated by the pungent smell of spices mixed with excrement. The Pyramids reflected dazzling light under the scorching sun, and statues of Harpies overlooked the streets below.
The streets were crowded with various people: arrogant Good Masters and rich merchants, slaves with dull or fearful eyes, and fully armed, cold-eyed Unsullied and Mercenaries.
Viserys and his party entered the city discreetly and stayed at an inn opened by a merchant with a Braavosi background, a connection Ser Willem had established through trade over the years.
Soon, Viserys used a middleman to send a request for a meeting to the highest-ranking Good Masters of Astapor. He claimed to represent "a certain dignitary from the West" who was interested in making an "unprecedented purchase."
On the third day, the invitation arrived. A Good Master's steward, wearing a magnificent Tokar, came to the inn with four Unsullied guards, inviting the "honored guest" to the Good Master's Pyramid for discussion.
Initially, the Good Masters did not pay much attention. After all, fanciful buyers came to Astapor every day.
But when Viserys removed his hood in the reception room, revealing his silver hair and purple eyes, and announced the long string of titles: "Viserys Targaryen III, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm," the casual demeanor vanished from the faces of the two Good Masters responsible for the reception.
It was replaced by confusion.
A Targaryen? The homeless dog rumored to be barely surviving in Braavos? How dare he come here to trade?
However, when Viserys placed a pigeon-egg-sized ruby and a valyrian steel breastplate covered with a Triple Spiral Sigil before them, the Good Masters' expressions changed.
Their eyes were filled with greed, shock, and suspicion.
"This is the deposit." Viserys's voice carried a deliberate urgency. "These come from the Ruins of Valyria. The Smoking Sea has cleared, and these things have seen the light of day again, falling into my possession. I want an army, Unsullied, the more the better. I have many items like this, enough to pay any price."
The two Good Masters exchanged a look.
The Treasures of Valyria! This lucky Targaryen boy actually found it. But now he was desperate for an army to reclaim the iron throne—he was practically a fat sheep delivering himself to the slaughter.
"Your Majesty Targaryen," asked Grazdan, one of the Good Masters, who was fat and wore rings on every finger, forcing out a hideous smile. "The price of the Unsullied is extremely high. How many do you wish to purchase?"
"All of them," Viserys replied without hesitation.
"I want all the Unsullied, even the reserves who haven't yet earned their helmets. I need more troops to reclaim the iron throne."
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