Inside Storm's End.
Duke Mace looked around as he led the lords of The Reach into the hall.
Though he hadn't conquered it himself, he had at least contributed effort.
Thinking this, Duke Mace raised his chin and walked at the very front with a grand, swaggering air.
Paxton: ----
Mathis: ----
They were truly fed up with this liege lord.
Second floor, warm hall.
Daeron stood by the fireplace, adding some firewood.
Everyone in the hall was one of their own, so there were no taboos.
"The news of the pacification of Stormlands has spread through the Seven Kingdoms. We depart for King's Landing tomorrow to implement the rewards and planning as soon as possible."
He knew his father Aerys's temperament too well; this matter could not be delayed.
Davos, Randyll, and the others nodded one after another, all eager to receive their rewards and honors.
Daeron shifted his gaze, landing on the doorway.
Stannis kept his head low, his eyes fixed on the cracks in the floorboards.
"Stannis!"
Daeron called out.
Stannis was startled and hesitantly raised his head, looking somewhat at a loss.
He had failed to hold Storm's End and chose to kneel and confess his guilt.
But what truly left him dazed was still the terrifying aura emitted by that Red Dragon.
Daeron said no more, sizing up the younger version of Stannis, considering how to deal with him.
Stannis was both brave and resourceful, the first and only king in the War of the Five Kings to march north to provide aid.
Given the current situation, he should exile Stannis to the Wall to join the Night's Watch.
In a dozen years, perhaps the Night's Watch could elect an excellent commander.
But that would be a bit of a waste.
"Prince Daeron Targaryen, I, Stannis Baratheon, confess my guilt to you and beg for your forgiveness."
Stannis was stubborn but not inflexible; he walked to Daeron and knelt on one knee, seeking a reward for being the first to surrender.
Daeron asked, "What can you do for me?"
"If you need, I can pacify the nobles of Stormlands for you. If you trust me, I can don armor and take up arms to slay enemies on the battlefield."
Stannis fundamentally did not want to rebel and recognized the legitimacy of the Iron Throne, so he felt no psychological burden in swearing fealty. He continued, "I only ask that you forgive my crimes, spare my brother Renly Baratheon, and let the soldiers who defended the castle go."
He chose to sell himself directly.
Only by obtaining forgiveness and being re-employed could he save his life and preserve a trace of the Baratheon bloodline.
Renly, Maester Cressen, and those soldiers who followed him in defending the castle could then be safe.
Daeron pondered for a moment and said, "I thought you were a tough nut to crack."
He didn't have the habit of humiliating his opponents, but the speed of Stannis's change in stance surprised him.
"The one who rebelled was Robert. I am merely his younger brother, fulfilling the obligations of a brother and a vassal."
Stannis spoke his true feelings.
Daeron smiled faintly. "You're right. The ones at fault are Rhaegar and Robert. We Second Sons are just constantly cleaning up after them."
Stannis lowered his head, hoping for a response to his offer of fealty.
Before seeing Daeron and his dragon, he had thought of a thousand ways in his mind to avoid the dragon's divine power and win this war.
After actually seeing Daeron, he realized he was dead wrong.
Dragons are invincible.
Daeron drew Dark Sister, placed it flat on Stannis's shoulder, and said calmly, "I accept your fealty and give you a chance to atone for your crimes, but only to you, and only to the innocent."
"I am deeply grateful, Prince."
Stannis was sincerely convinced.
Daeron sheathed his sword, personally helped the man up, and said, "Do not show your face for the time being. Send Renly to the Essos, and do not let my father find out."
"Storm's End will change hands, and all the power of House Baratheon will be stripped away. If you want honor, earn it with your own abilities."
He fulfilled his promise and spared the young Renly.
---Well, it's just Renly.
Among the Baratheon brothers, if it were Robert or Stannis, he would have strangled them on the spot.
As for Renly, let him go.
Regardless of whether he became king in the original story or how high-spirited he was when winning over the entire Reach, it couldn't change the fact that he was essentially a piece of scrap metal.
King's Landing.
The weather was clear, with not a cloud for ten thousand miles.
Aerys got up early. Upon receiving the news of Stormlands' pacification, he was so excited he almost jumped on the spot.
With Stormlands pacified, one of the four rebellions was gone.
"White Bull, I want to convene a Small Council!"
Aerys laughed loudly, quickly putting on his robes, eager to show off.
After a flurry of activity, the Small Council was convened.
There were three main points.
The ownership and distribution of Storm's End, Daeron's rewards, and listening to the King brag—
Lord Qarlton was full of energy and said happily, "Prince Daeron's success in pacifying Stormlands is great. I believe the rewards should not be stingy."
"I agree,"
Lord Lucerys expressed his support.
According to their thoughts, Daeron had pacified a whole region and held the greatest merit in this war. He should be granted the title of Protector of the Realm.
They wanted to pile on enough weight to eventually supplant Prince Rhaegar's title of prince of dragonstone.
Aerys immediately interrupted and urged, "Let's not talk about that for now. I want to incorporate Stormlands into the Crownlands. You all formulate a plan."
"Your Majesty, with all due respect, there is no such precedent in the Seven Kingdoms."
Tywin rejected it without giving any face.
Since ancient times, the continent of Westeros had been governed by the Seven Kingdoms. It was only after the Conqueror landed that pieces were carved from Stormlands and the Riverlands to be designated as the Crownlands.
But there had never been a direct annexation of an entire region.
Aerys's eyes turned red, and he said irritably, "House Baratheon rebelled; the whole family are traitors. Storm's End already belongs to the royal family, and Stormlands should also belong to the Crownlands."
"I propose that from among those who have performed meritorious service, we elect a new Lord of Storm's End to govern Stormlands on our behalf."
Tywin would never agree.
Aerys slapped the table and stood up, shouting, "Tywin, do you intend to oppose your King?"
With a bang, the wine cups on the table rattled, and wine spilled out.
Tywin's expression turned cold, and he said undaunted, "It is not I who am opposing you, but your flights of fancy that will force the nobles of the entire continent to oppose the Iron Throne."
King and minister stared at each other, neither yielding an inch.
Aerys's gaze was fierce, wishing he could kill him on the spot.
Tywin was calm and composed, a faint disdain showing in his eyes.
The other ministers kept their eyes downcast, fearing they would be caught in the crossfire.
To be fair, the King's idea was indeed too fantastical.
For the Crownlands to annex Stormlands—not to mention whether Stormlands nobles would agree—the other nobles of the Seven Kingdoms alone would not allow it.
No one wanted to see an expanded Crownlands, nor did they want to see a royal family with more manpower, financial income, and land.
If force were used, it would likely trigger another rebellion in Stormlands and lead to a series of chain reactions.
"None of you support me?"
Aerys swept his gaze over the ministers one by one, his chest heaving violently, clearly incensed.
The ministers did not dare to make a sound.
"Bastards!"
Aerys flew into a rage, knocking over the wine jug and cups, roaring continuously, "Rebellion! You've all rebelled!"
His shouts echoed through the Red Keep, frightening passing maids into shrinking back and lowering their heads.
Half a month later.
---
King's Landing, Kings Gate.
Under Tywin's leadership, the court nobles and lords arrived as scheduled to welcome the returning royal army.
Commoners came of their own accord, gathering on both sides of the road.
They welcomed Daeron and supported him.
In the original story, the unruly people of King's Landing were endless, even throwing excrement at King Joffrey, and riots attacked the Baratheon royal family.
The reason was simple: the people of King's Landing had their food supply cut off.
King's Landing's food sources came through Harrenhal from the Riverlands and via the Rose Road from The Reach.
During the War of the Five Kings, Tywin wreaked havoc in the Riverlands, resulting in no harvest there.
Renly won over The Reach, and House Tyrell of Highgarden cut off the food supply to King's Landing.
The situation now was quite different.
Daeron had secured the support of The Reach, ensuring the food supply for King's Landing and preventing the commoners from starving.
On the other hand, Daeron exempted Tumbleton from a year's taxes, winning a great reputation among the commoners.
Although when settling the violated women, some farmers stuffed their extra daughters into the group, Lord Manley, under Daeron's instructions, basically refused no one.
The Prince's Domain needed population, and the farmers screening out women of suitable age for him was actually a good thing.
"Look, what a popular Targaryen prince."
Lady Olenna appeared before the Kings Gate, standing right beside Tywin, striking up a conversation with the Old Lion.
The pacification of Stormlands meant the scales of war had tipped.
She had come to King's Landing to fight for her family's interests.
That's right, she was good at bargaining.
"An invincible prince will be sought after wherever he goes."
Tywin glanced at her and replied indifferently.
Lady Olenna shook her head slightly and smiled. "No, the nobles love him because he can bring them honor; the commoners love him because he cares for them."
This was interesting, as if she were subtly mocking someone.
Tywin's expression changed slightly, losing his patience for chatting with the old woman.
"Don't you think what I said makes sense, Lord Tywin?"
Lady Olenna had a sharp tongue, specifically choosing to say things others didn't want to hear.
Tywin realized the other party wasn't speaking unintentionally but was deliberately provoking him.
"What are you trying to say? Are you trying to curry favor for that useless son of yours to steal the credit of his vassals?"
He was no longer polite either, showing a sharp aura.
Lady Olenna didn't show the slightest dissatisfaction and admitted it openly: "Of course. My son gathered the army of The Reach; his contribution is simply indispensable."
No matter how unsatisfactory Mace was, he had at least put in the effort.
Unlike some people, who, under the banner of the Hand of the King, put in effort without results, yet still insisted on bickering over trifles, being penny-wise and pound-foolish.
Tywin heard the sarcasm in her voice. Suppressing the frustration in his chest, he questioned, "Did you travel all this way to King's Landing just to trade barbs with me?"
"No, of course not."
Lady Olenna's smile faded, and she said seriously, "I just heard that Prince Daeron is not yet married, and while some people are taking advantage of their proximity, I—intend to take a stake."
"Take a stake?"
Tywin was startled. He hadn't heard such a phrasing before and didn't know whether to be angry or laugh for a moment.
Lady Olenna was a straightforward person and said bluntly, "I have two daughters and plan to give one or both to Daeron. Some people's daughters are getting in my way."
Tywin's face darkened, his gaze fixed intently on the old woman.
This was no longer a provocation; it was an outright declaration of war.
Olenna was not afraid at all. Ignoring the angry Old Lion, she beckoned to her daughter-in-law behind her: "Alerie, give me my wine. Can't you see I'm in a war of words? My throat is about to start smoking."
Alerie, with a dark face, handed the wine cup to her mother-in-law.
Olenna took a large gulp, rinsed her mouth, and complained, "If they're not your own, they're just no good. I have to speak up for this old woman to get even a sip of a drink."
"Truly unfilial."
Alerie was so angry she almost fainted.
Just as the Old Lion and the Old Rose were at each other's throats, the thunderous sound of hooves came from afar, and a three-headed red dragon banner appeared on the horizon. "Look, Prince Daeron is back."
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