A few days later, Green, dressed in a blue robe, was invited by Illyrio to the Governor's Mansion.
The Governor's Mansion had twelve-foot high brick walls, topped with a row of iron spikes.
It was an ornately decorated house, overlooking the entire Pentos harbor.
At the main gate, Green saw the Unblemished guarding the mansion.
The Unblemished were widely used as guards in the Free Trade Cities; they were castrated slave warriors, trained from a young age in Astapor, characterized by absolute obedience to their masters and fearlessness in the face of war.
The Unblemished's most famous battle was the Battle of Qohor, where only three thousand Unblemished repelled an attack by over fifty thousand Dothraki led by a Temqaos.
Upon arriving at the mansion's main hall, Green saw the corpulent Illyrio Mopatis.
Jewels sparkled on every one of Illyrio's fingers, and his oiled yellow forked beard shone like pure gold.
Green proactively bowed with a hand over his chest: "Good day, Governor Illyrio, it is an honor to be received by you."
Though Illyrio, an assassin by origin, was corpulent and obese, his steps were unexpectedly light and elegant.
Illyrio's tone was cordial: "Good day, Count Green, welcome, may you be blessed by the Lord of Light."
As he got closer, Green smelled the heavy perfume on Illyrio.
Green's smile was the pure innocence typical of a youth: "Your Excellency, thank you again for your assistance, and also for Master Varys's introduction."
Illyrio smiled and said, "Varys and I are old friends, but unfortunately, after he went to Westeros, we haven't been able to contact each other for a long time. It brings me great joy to see his personal letter this time."
After a pause, Illyrio continued, "Count Green, I imagine Varys would only introduce you if you are a very outstanding young man. I trust my old friend's judgment. It's merely a small favor, no need to be overly polite."
Green smiled and nodded, following Illyrio into the inner hall.
After they were seated, servants brought exquisitely made cakes and white amber wine.
Green took a small sip of the amber wine, then put down the cup.
"Governor Illyrio, forgive my abruptness, but I would like to meet the Targaryen."
As Green's words fell, the hall suddenly fell silent.
Illyrio gazed at Green for a moment, then suddenly smiled and shook his head: "Indeed, I cannot underestimate my old friend; he truly values you."
Green was slightly stunned for a moment, a hint of embarrassment on his face.
Illyrio sighed softly and said, "Since Varys sent you to meet me, you must have learned quite a few things. In your king's eyes, they are Targaryen remnants, but to me, the war has already been decided, and they are just poor, homeless children."
After a moment of silence, Green spoke: "Master Varys also shares the same sentiment… Your Excellency, I agree with this point. Baratheon has already won the Iron Throne, and Targaryen has already left Westeros. I believe the matter has reached its conclusion and should end here."
Illyrio's face showed pity: "The pursuit from Westeros leaves them restless. The two young people are like wanderers, without a fixed abode. They are only temporarily staying with me, and all I can offer is brief shelter."
Green clenched his fist then released it, saying, "Governor Illyrio, I now understand Master Varys's good intentions. Hunting down Targaryen is not an honorable thing."
Green nodded: "Your benevolent heart is not only commendable but also admirable."
Illyrio watched the changes in Green's expression, and the corner of his mouth curved imperceptibly.
Green first honestly recounted the Kleber Family's past and their awkward position.
Seeing Illyrio listening intently, Green continued: "King Robert has always distrusted the Kleber Family, and after more than a decade of fruitless pursuit, he appointed me as the overall head of the Targaryen hunt to test the Kleber Family's loyalty."
"Then you?"
Illyrio showed an undisguised look of wariness.
Green shook his head slightly: "Your Excellency, please rest assured. You can convey to His and Her Royal Highnesses that as long as I am in charge, I will ensure they are not disturbed. Please ask them to rest easy."
Illyrio scrutinized the sincere-faced Green, finally sighing.
"Count Green, only today do I understand what true loyalty without fear means!"
Facing the flattery from Illyrio, Green merely sighed softly.
Illyrio's eyes flickered, and his tone was concerned: "Count Green, but if you do this, over time, will it not be difficult to account for it in Westeros?"
Green shrugged and said, "For now, no one will pursue it. I trust Master Varys."
Green's heart stirred, and he continued: "However, Master Varys is a rare kind person, and I don't want to push all the difficulties onto him."
With that, Green stood up and placed a hand over his chest: "Your Excellency, forgive my presumption, but at an appropriate time, I would like to arrange a 'hunt' in Pentos. This would serve as an explanation… This would require your approval."
Illyrio asked curiously, "A 'hunt'?"
Green nodded and replied, "It's meant to be a show for others. There are many people traveling between Pentos and Westeros, so this would make it easier to appease certain interested parties. I think Master Varys would also have an easier time over there."
After listening, Illyrio outwardly appeared to agree, but inwardly, a hint of wariness arose.
"Indeed, Pentos certainly hides many eyes and ears, and one should be more cautious."
Saying this, Illyrio asked with a natural expression: "How do the Prince and Princess need to cooperate with you?"
A fake act can be made real… Illyrio was testing him. Despite Varys's recommendation, he would never believe Green as easily as he appeared to; the human heart is the most unpredictable thing.
The two Targaryen in his hands would have different values depending on where they were placed.
For example, if brought before King Robert, Green would surely receive a great reward and could also solve the trust issue that had always plagued him.
… … … …
Regarding Illyrio's question, Green first shook his head in denial.
"Governor Illyrio, after all, they did not appoint me to this matter out of trust. We still need to guard against any assassins hidden in the shadows. This is what Master Varys and I are most concerned about.
My subordinates can create some commotion, but the Prince and Princess must not show themselves. This is also to ensure their safety. I believe they are safest here with you."
Illyrio agreed: "You make a good point. I was thinking too simply. It's not excessive to be more cautious for the safety of the Prince and Princess."
Illyrio continued: "Don't worry, I will arrange for people to cooperate with you then."
What an old fox… Green showed gratitude, nodding in thanks.
Illyrio spoke in a kind tone: "As for meeting the Prince and Princess, I will convey today's matters truthfully. I think they will be very happy to meet you."
Green silently thought: But.
After a moment of hesitation, Illyrio continued: "His Highness Viserys has vivid memories of the war from over a decade ago, coupled with the continuous pursuit… He is somewhat resistant to people from Westeros."
Green expressed understanding: "Anyone facing the same situation would have terrible memories. I greatly admire His Highness Targaryen's resilience."
Illyrio nodded slightly, also showing agreement: "I imagine Princess Daenerys would be very willing to receive you. Although she has no memory, she has always been very curious about Westeros. I have never seen a girl as pure as her; Princess Daenerys is like an elf in this world."
Green was not surprised by the temporary inability to meet Viserys.
Viserys was the mad dragon he and Varys had carefully cultivated. According to Varys and their plan, he was key to disrupting Westeros.
Currently, Daenerys was merely a tool to help Viserys acquire troops, and then a sacrifice to ignite the Khal's wrath.
Illyrio specifically arranged for a golden-haired handmaiden bought from a brothel to teach Daenerys various bedroom acts… His beloved Khaleesi assassinated by an assassin, with the target directly pointing to Westeros, the sleeping dragon and the Khal would immediately join forces… The mad dragon (Viserys) combined with the avenging Khal, Westeros would flow with blood.
Varys and Illyrio's schemes were intertwined, tsk, truly heartless.
… … … …
Green looked at Illyrio with a relieved expression: "Your Excellency, this is truly good news. Thank you again for your assistance. I await Her Royal Highness's reception."
… … … …
… … … …
King's Landing, a secret room in the Shataya Brothel.
Lysa Tully tightly gripped the bitter-faced Petyr Baelish.
Lysa's voice was sharp: "Why? This is impossible! Robert Arryn cannot leave me!"
Today, Petyr looked particularly weak.
"My Lysa, I am sorry, I just learned this news myself. Prime Minister Jon deliberately concealed it from everyone, including you and me!"
Lysa paused, her tone panicked: "Did he discover our affair?"
Petyr shook his head, and the tense Lysa finally let out a sigh of relief, her taut body almost collapsing.
Petyr reached out to support Lysa, comforting her with his magnetic voice: "Lysa, don't worry, you have done nothing wrong. It's all my fault for not being able to let go of you. Even if it means my death, I will protect you. You will not suffer a single harm."
"Littlefinger…" A tear rolled down Lysa's face, touched.
After embracing for a while, Lysa suddenly said, "Quickly tell me, how does he plan to arrange for my son?"
Petyr's grey-green eyes stared at the anxious Lysa, his gaze filled with reluctance.
Petyr sighed helplessly and said, "Duke Jon believes that given his health, he probably cannot educate Robert Arryn. He wants to send your son to Dragonstone to become Duke Stannis's foster son."
Lysa shrieked: "What about me? That's my son! Why can't I educate Robert Arryn myself? Why do they have to take my son away from me?!"
Petyr gently patted Lysa's back, saying, "After falling gravely ill, we all feel Duke Jon has become increasingly stubborn. He would rather trust Duke Stannis, who is far away on Dragonstone, than those close to him."
After speaking, he gazed at Lysa for a moment, then Petyr continued: "My Lysa, you should know that I love Robert Arryn very much. I have no children, I even treat him as my own son. In this, I am just like you. I do not wish for Robert Arryn to leave his birth mother."
Lysa's plump, soft hand caressed Petyr's gaunt cheek, and she said emotionally: "Littlefinger, my biggest regret is not being able to bear you a child… You can treat Robert Arryn as your own son. I know you love him more than Jon does. Don't worry, I'll go see Jon in a moment. He won't take Robert Arryn away from me without my permission!"
Petyr shook his head, his voice tinged with weariness: "It's no use. I have already argued with Duke Jon. He said… it is precisely because he doesn't trust you that he wants Robert Arryn to leave."
Lysa shrieked: "Old fool, old fool, why, why?!"
Watching Lysa, who had lost her reason and seemed to have gone mad, Petyr secretly curved the corner of his lips.
Jon was already an old man when he married Lysa.
Due to Lysa's infidelity before marriage, coupled with the significant age difference between them, there was no love in their marriage.
After marriage, Lysa had five miscarriages, two in the Eyrie and three in King's Landing, and two stillbirths, before finally giving birth to Robert Arryn.
[The Eyrie is located in the Vale of Arryn and is the ancestral castle of the Arryn Family.]
Robert Arryn had always been sickly, so Lysa doted on this son to an extreme.
After the last stillbirth, Lysa had fallen into paranoia, always feeling that enemies were everywhere, except for Petyr Baelish, whom she had always "mutually" deeply loved.
… … … …
Lysa suddenly gripped Petyr tightly: "Petyr, think of something, you must have a way, right? I cannot lose my son. Stannis will surely kill Robert Arryn!"
Petyr looked at Lysa, whose voice was tearful and face full of pleading, and his expression showed reluctance.
Finally, Petyr, under Lysa's expectant gaze, nodded as if making a difficult decision.
… … … …
… … … …
Three days later, Illyrio's mansion.
Daenerys, her silver hair wrapped in a coarse cloth, stepped into the hot bath.
The bathwater was incredibly hot, but Daenerys didn't utter a sound, because she loved the heat; it made her feel very clean.
Moreover, Viserys often told her: people of House Targaryen are not afraid of heat, we are the descendants of true dragons, with raging flames burning in our blood.
After bathing and cleansing, Daenerys combed her hair until it shone like molten silver, and lightly dabbed herbal essences all over her body.
Then Daenerys put on a purple silk robe, the color of which complemented her purple eyes well. Daenerys slipped on gold-trimmed sandals and put on gold bracelets inlaid with amethysts.
After dressing, Daenerys looked at her reflection in the full-length mirror.
The silver-haired girl in the mirror was small, timid, and lacked confidence.
Daenerys's small face showed sadness; recently, her brother had been busy trying to give her away to savages in exchange for troops to claim the Iron Throne.
Today, her brother wanted her to gain the allegiance of a half-savage noble.
Daenerys felt like a commodity, and she resisted it deeply, but she was also afraid of awakening her brother's sleeping dragon's wrath.
The servant had already conveyed Illyrio's words: the half-savage was waiting in the courtyard, and she was to come out a little later.
According to Illyrio, this would subtly elevate the Princess's dignity.
Daenerys didn't understand what Illyrio meant by "Princess's dignity," but she knew that today had to be a success. Only then would Viserys not abandon her.
What if he was a half-savage? There was nothing in this world that could frighten her more than being abandoned by her brother.
Daenerys took a breath, stood up, and surveyed her attire again in the mirror.
Daenerys turned towards the door, straightened her small waist, placed her hands folded over her lower abdomen, and slowly exhaled.
A hint of determination appeared on Daenerys's usually timid small face.
The sunlight streamed in, lengthening Daenerys's slender silhouette.
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