So, these days, he also arranged for Black Flame to hunt some magical creatures like Fire Lizards to supplement the Young Dragons' meals.
Viserys observed that after eating these magical creatures, the Young Dragons grew even faster than before. The growth rate of the five Young Dragons hatched later showed this. After a period of research, his hypothesis was confirmed: the flesh and blood of magical creatures could accelerate the growth of dragons.
Therefore, Viserys decided that once the Young Dragons grew to the size of horses, he would let them live in the volcano and forage for themselves. This would not only train the dragons' survival skills but also enhance their combat experience.
As the Young Dragons of Valyria thrived, the outside world's reactions to the nascent empire were also unfolding.
In a secret chamber in The Sealords Manse in Braavos, representatives from the nine Free Cities sat around a round table, their faces etched with solemnity.
Sealord Ferrego Antaryon sat at the head of the table, his finger gently tapping on a map of Essos, which marked the areas controlled by the Valyrian Empire in red.
"I believe we are all gathered here for the same reason," the Sealord began. "This New Valyrian Empire has, in less than a year, taken control of all of Slavers Bay, tamed the Dothraki Khalasar, and, even more frighteningly, possesses dragons. I think we should decide as soon as possible how to respond."
The representative of Volantis's Tiger Party spoke, his tone fierce, "Respond? Of course, we eliminate them. If they can occupy Slavers Bay and establish New Valyria today, tomorrow they can turn their spearhead towards Volantis, towards Qohor, towards all the former Valyrian city-states. We should unite all our forces, by land and sea, and strangle them."
The representative from Myr, a textile magnate, added, "I have received intelligence that Viserys is building a large fleet. Once his navy is formed, the Summer Sea will no longer be safe. We must act before his wings are fully grown."
The representative from Norvos, a stern-faced elder, shook his head. "Military action carries immense risks. We have seen the power of Dragonfire. A combined fleet? Before dragons, wooden warships are nothing but floating torches. I believe we should try to contact him, understand his true intentions and bottom line. Perhaps a coexistence agreement can be reached."
The representative from Lorath agreed. "That's right. The Valyrian Peninsula's resurgence might also mean new trade opportunities. Blind confrontation could drag all of us into a devastating war."
The representative from Lys, a Grand Duke, chuckled, "Indeed, fighting and killing are so inelegant. We Lysene have always been good at befriending the strong. The Targaryen Family used to be frequent guests in our 'Gardens.' Perhaps we can establish a connection through more intimate means, such as marriage alliance?"
Illyrio, the representative of the Archon of Pentos, said, "We should test his conditions. After all, a vast empire always needs trade, doesn't it?" He had previously received a secret letter from Varys and agreed to his plan, preparing to contact Viserys.
Ferrego listened quietly to the arguments, his own calculations in mind. Braavos possessed the strongest navy and the greatest wealth; its true bottom line was to maintain the balance of Narrow Sea and the entire western Essos, ensuring its financial and maritime hegemony remained unchallenged.
Viserys had not yet directly challenged Braavos's core interests; in some ways, he could even check rivals like Volantis.
The meeting ultimately ended in discord, without a unified military action. However, under pressure from hardliners like Volantis, Tyrosh, and Myr, everyone agreed to first strengthen their respective armaments, especially their navies and anti-dragon weapons, such as Scorpion Crossbows.
The "contact faction" decided to form a joint delegation to Valyria to "question" and pressure Viserys, testing his bottom line.
Furthermore, everyone was separately contacting more external allies, such as other powerful Khalasars of the Dothraki, and even Westeros.
Varys stood in the spiderweb-like secret passages, listening to the latest news brought back by his last "little bird" from across Narrow Sea: information about "Young Griff's accidental death" and Jonothor Darry's return to the Golden Company and apparent assumption of leadership. His smooth face, uncharacteristically devoid of its usual smile, was slightly furrowed.
He realized that his meticulously planned, multi-layered scheme—using Viserys or Daenerys as obvious pawns to draw fire while secretly supporting Aegon—had been completely disrupted.
Viserys was not only powerful but also displayed keen political acumen and ruthless methods. He suspected that Aegon had likely died at Viserys's hands, and that Jonothor Darry had already pledged allegiance to him.
"I must establish contact with Viserys, or at least resolve the animosity between them," Varys decided. He could not lose control of the situation in the East, nor could he allow his years of planning to be completely undone by one variable.
Viserys's momentum was strong, but not without weaknesses; his empire was newly established, with enemies both internal and external eyeing it greedily. He needed intelligence, he needed allies, and at the very least, he needed to avoid fighting on multiple fronts.
Varys activated several covert communication channels. On one hand, he used Illyrio's influence in Pentos to have him adopt a wait-and-see attitude in the meeting on behalf of Pentos and try to convey "goodwill" to Viserys. This was one reason why Illyrio did not agree to military action.
On the other hand, he deployed the "little birds" he had planted in Essos years ago, who had infiltrated among the Free Folk, ordering them to be more active. They were not only to gather Valyrian military intelligence but also to pay close attention to the personalities and preferences of Viserys and his inner circle, looking for possible breakthroughs.
At the same time, he prepared a secret letter, phrased with extreme deference, intending to deliver it directly into Viserys's hands through absolutely reliable channels, expressing "years of silent observation and support" and "willingness to provide all possible assistance for the true dragon's return," with the caveat, of course, of a future "place" and understanding for "certain individuals."
Deep within The Citadel, in a room filled with ancient texts and strange instruments, Maester Marwyn, Ph.D. was packing the last batch of scrolls into his satchel.
The Maester, whose neck bore a valyrian steel chain, now had a look of determination on his face.
"Are you really leaving, Maester?" his assistant, a young apprentice, asked worriedly.
"I must go," Maester Marwyn said without looking up. "Dragons are not just beasts; they are living nodes of magic, proving that magic is returning. Yet The Citadel pretends all of this doesn't exist. I cannot stand by and watch those old fuddy-duddies miss a historical moment."
After all, they scoffed at magic, but he did not.
"But the Conclave has explicitly forbidden anyone from contacting the Valyrian Empire."
"Then let them forbid it. I want to see those dragons with my own eyes, study them, understand them. If Viserys Targaryen is willing, I would even serve him."
He slung his satchel over his shoulder and pushed open the door. At the end of the corridor, several gray-robed Maesters were rushing over, clearly having received news of his impending departure.
"Marwyn!" the leading Maester shouted. "Stop, you cannot..."
Maester Marwyn did not look back; he merely raised the gem in his hand, which suddenly emitted a dazzling light. The pursuing Maesters cried out, covering their eyes, and when the light dissipated, the corridor was empty.
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