[ GOT / ASOIAF : Magic Network ] Chapter 116 - 120

Chapter 116: Good Morning, Good Night

"Your Grace."

Daenerys struggled slightly, trying to escape Joffrey's embrace.

Joffrey nonchalantly released his arms, letting the shy girl retreat to the innermost part of the bed, while he leisurely occupied most of the space, closing his eyes to rest, as if planning to catch up on sleep here.

This was a first.

Listening to the man's breathing and smelling the faint scent of smoke, Daenerys was at a loss for a moment.

After all, she was a captive, the king's spoils of war.

During this month in the Red Keep, Daenerys was often dragged by the king to attend various banquets and meetings, meeting many people, including courtiers, lords of the Seven Kingdoms, noble ladies, and envoys from the Free Cities.

The king's intentions were never concealed in the slightest. He was announcing to the world that the Targaryen dynasty had completely become a thing of the past, and the Iron Throne was no longer in dispute.

In the past, Viserys firmly believed that the nobles and people of the Seven Kingdoms were missing the rule of the true dragon.

As long as the true king set foot on the land of Westeros, everyone would be overjoyed to replace the fire dragon banner and trample the usurper's stag banner under their feet, welcoming the return of the true dragon.

Daenerys used to be half-doubtful. But now, after personally meeting the lords of the Seven Kingdoms, she didn't believe it at all.

These lords were all respectful to King Joffrey, and two and a half of their three sentences were obviously or implicitly complimenting the king, praising the Baratheons and the gods, and had no good words for the Targaryens.

Among the many lords, Daenerys didn't see many sincere people.

Most of them were as cunning as the magisters and princes of the Free Cities, always with smiles on their faces, but they could turn their backs on you at any time for gold dragons and orders, or something else.

Occasionally, there were a few people who were not so insidious and whose words were trustworthy, such as Lord Eddard Stark, but they didn't have any awe or nostalgia for her bloodline.

Daenerys then knew that to restore rule, she could only use swords and dragonfire.

But she had nothing.

Swords were in the hands of the lords of the Seven Kingdoms and the Free Cities, and she couldn't get any support.

Dragonfire was reviving, but the master of the fire dragon was no longer a Targaryen, but King Joffrey. She was sure that the king must have a way to control the dragon, and if it really didn't work, he would kill it without mercy.

And the king even possessed a more powerful and more awe-inspiring power, divine grace.

How could it be such a coincidence.

She was brought into King's Landing just when King Joffrey was crowned.

Let her see the giants of light and fire with her own eyes, and see hundreds of thousands of people cheering and enthusiastically embracing the messengers of the gods at the same time, as if they had ascended to heaven.

Later, Daenerys herself was also bestowed divine grace by the king, sharing the glory of the gods.

She quickly noticed the difference in her divine grace aura.

First of all, she didn't need to go to the wishing stone often to ask for more divine grace; the aura could operate completely on its own. This was a special treatment only available to ministers, said to be created by more precious higher divine grace power.

In addition, the tasks arranged by her divine grace aura were also very strange.

Such as a good morning greeting to the king.

Every day when she got up, she had to run down the stairs full of energy, stand in front of the mirror with full of energy, and then put her left hand on her waist, her right palm on the side of her face, tilt her head, and have to smile very happily and energetically and say strange words, "Oni-chan, ohayo!"

After sending the image recorded by the aura to the king, he would also score each morning greeting, and those that failed had to be done again.

It didn't go well at first.

But after repeated repetitions, Daenerys felt that she had understood the emotions contained in it.

That must be a very beautiful wish. She seemed to see another girl who really lived so happily, carefree, living a simple and peaceful life.

Daenerys gradually accepted this morning greeting.

However, this was not all.

From time to time, the aura also asked her to prepare "gifts" for the king, hand-drawn portraits, carefully sung ballads, carefully woven embroidery, wood carvings carved one knife at a time, and so on.

She also had to think of an interesting story or experience to tell the king every night before going to bed as a good night blessing.

Daenerys put a lot of thought into this.

Even Viserys, or the kind Ser Willem Darry, had never occupied such a large proportion in her thoughts.

She had almost become his appendage, living only for him, thinking all day about pleasing him and giving her task a higher score, as if only in this way would a day's efforts be complete.

Pet.

Daenerys knew that Viserys and many people called her that, but the servants were more respectful to her.

How long did Viserys struggle with this title?

Was it a quarter of an hour?

Daenerys wanted to believe it, but she knew deep down that Viserys could never persist for a quarter of an hour in front of the king.

It started a month ago.

Viserys was not a sleeping dragon, not a true king, and no longer her brother.

Although he was still called Viserys Targaryen, he was just a humble servant, not even as good as a pet. At least no one dared to bully her.

Except for the king.

Daenerys quietly glanced at Joffrey beside her, who seemed to have fallen asleep.

Pet. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Should I resist desperately? Daenerys stared blankly at Joffrey's face.

She didn't like her previous life.

The magisters and princes of the Free Cities did not sincerely accept her and Viserys, but were conducting a profitable "investment."

She and Viserys were just an asset of the magisters. For greater profits or smaller losses, those people would throw out the "asset" at any time, without a trace of hesitation or any concern.

After all, it was just an asset, not a friend or ally, nor a living person.

In comparison, the current life is much more stable and peaceful. A pet is at least a life, warmer and more cared for than an asset.

Princess Daenerys Targaryen of Dragonstone, "Stormborn", she used to be called that.

But she neither remembered Dragonstone, nor the swift and rare storm, and never received the treatment of a royal princess.

Only Viserys's stories and promises. But he himself destroyed everything he had said.

The "pet" spoken from Viserys's mouth was undoubtedly the most ear-piercing.

Like steel needles, piercing the last remaining fantasies in her heart;

Like drops of ice water, extinguishing the fire of her hope;

Like boulders, breaking the shackles on her body, allowing her to shake off all the burdens of the past and welcome a new life.

"Dany, I almost forgot, what about today's good morning greeting?"

Daenerys came back to her senses. The king in front of her had already opened his eyes, with a faint smile on the corner of his mouth, his expression seemed very expectant.

Good morning greeting.

Daenerys subconsciously made that gesture, "Oni-chan, ohayo!"

Kawaii. Joffrey couldn't help but pinch the girl's cheek. "Thank you for your hard work. After thinking about it, I can't be too selfish."

He rubbed her ear. "Starting tomorrow, change it to a good morning kiss."

Chapter 117: Sansa's Worries

That night, Daenerys moved into the King's chambers.

The King didn't intend to hide it, so the news quickly spread throughout the Red Keep, and by the next morning, it had reached the ears of the King's betrothed, Sansa Stark.

The elegant bedchamber was quiet.

Sansa lowered her head, continuing to work on the embroidery in her lap, but the needle in her hand trembled uncontrollably, revealing the turmoil in her heart.

The maid who brought the news waited to the side.

Jeyne Poole quickly signaled the maid to leave, leaving only her and Sansa in the room.

Jeyne gently sat down beside Sansa.

"She is a sinner of Targaryen blood, and now she is just a servant attending to His Grace. It doesn't mean anything, it doesn't decide anything."

Sansa stopped her handiwork, staring blankly at the pattern on the embroidery.

She was embroidering her direwolf "Lady" and Joffrey's mount, a white stag.

They were playing in a lush green forest, next to a lake of blue water, a hint of an iceberg, and a scarlet castle.

Only half of the ancient poem in the blank space had been embroidered.

The second half was a beautiful love story, a sincere and passionate confession.

This embroidery was a gift she was going to give to her betrothed, so that every time he saw this picture, he would know her heart.

It wasn't finished yet.

She wanted to continue, but her hands were too weak to exert any strength.

Jeyne Poole gently took her hand and removed the trembling needle to avoid piercing her delicate skin and causing unnecessary pain.

"Sansa, are you alright?" Jeyne's voice was full of concern.

Sansa nodded, then shook her head.

She only felt a chaos in her brain, as if she had thought of many, many things, yet it seemed like she hadn't thought of anything, just blankly dazed.

Daenerys.

Sansa managed to focus her thoughts on this name.

Daenerys.

Sansa thought mournfully of that delicate and beautiful face.

It is indeed true, this woman has indeed brought disaster, bewitching my prince. Is this the curse and revenge of the Targaryen family?

It's been a whole night. What did she and my prince do?

I am supposed to be the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.

Sansa also thought of that Hanna. This woman also often entered the King's chambers, and there were vague rumors in the Red Keep about Hanna and the King. Could this also be true?

A strange pang and sorrow swept in from the depths of her heart, and Sansa felt something breaking.

That was the pure illusion, wasn't it.

Sansa recalled the Winterfell banquet, that cold night.

Ice and snow covered the earth, like glittering petals, like a white carpet, celebrating the birth of a beautiful love.

The prince kissed her lips passionately.

He used fierce fire to dispel the chill of the night, used flesh and blood to bring intense joy, and used his arms and chest to declare her belonging.

At that time, Sansa's past dreams and prayers all came true.

She would marry a handsome prince, live in a magnificent court, become the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, be supported by thousands of people, and become the idol and desire of countless young girls.

She would give birth to lovely little princes and princesses and raise them to adulthood.

They would rule the realm, lead troops in battle, govern their fiefdoms, save the people, drive out evil, and promote justice.

They would learn all her skills, even surpassing her, their mother, marry their beloved, and live a carefree life with the most beautiful family.

Sansa looked towards the dressing table.

Jeyne Poole followed her gaze and immediately understood Sansa's meaning.

Jeyne walked over and brought out the crown made of winter roses from the cabinet. It was still in full bloom, as bright as ever, with clusters of flowers.

Looking at the azure and translucent crown, Sansa couldn't help but immerse herself in the memories of her farewell to Winterfell.

In the white light of the morning, Jeyne and Beth chirped about the preparations for the trip, like two happy little birds.

Sansa felt a little reluctant.

Little Beth stayed in Winterfell and couldn't go south with everyone. This meant that she and Beth wouldn't see each other for a long time.

And Winterfell.

The Red Keep and Winterfell were too far apart, the journey was difficult, and after marrying Prince Joffrey, she would probably only be able to return to Winterfell once every few years, and even longer after a few more years.

Jeyne and Beth reached a consensus and chose a silver leather robe for Sansa, embroidered with dense, restrained patterns.

Sansa accepted the advice of her two good friends.

After changing her clothes, they walked out of the room and headed towards Winterfell's east gate.

The reluctance and sadness in Sansa's heart gradually faded, replaced by curiosity and anticipation for the prince's gift.

What would the gift be?

Sansa guessed many things. A dress, a bouquet of flowers, a love poem, a ring.

She looked forward to surprises, but didn't have too many expectations.

And the gift she finally received completely exceeded her expectations, a crown, a wreath made of winter roses. What a romantic gift.

The prince even called her the Queen of Love and Beauty, and confessed his love to her passionately.

It was simply a dream.

Amidst the praise of the crowd and the envy of her female companions, Sansa fell into intoxication.

Afterwards, the crown showed no signs of withering at all. Throughout the journey south, it was as delicate and vibrant as it had been at the beginning.

Sansa seemed to see a legend a hundred years later.

The prince made a crown of winter roses that would never fade, and dedicated it to the Queen of Love and Beauty in his heart. Throughout their lives, their marriage was like the crown, never fading, as beautiful as ever.

But now, had the happy marriage ended before it even began?

Would Daenerys steal her future?

Sansa stood up.

Her body was still a little weak and powerless, and she called out to her best friend, "Jeyne, help me over there, I really can't pretend nothing happened."

She murmured softly, "Could it be that everything in the past was just a lie? I don't believe it. I don't believe it..."

Jeyne Poole could only hold her arm.

Inside the bedchamber.

Joffrey was reviewing the reports, with Daenerys and Viserys and others attending.

Sansa came in from outside the door, looking mournful.

Joffrey dismissed the others, looked at Jeyne Poole, and together they helped Sansa onto his couch.

"What's wrong? Your face is so pale. Have you seen the maester?" Joffrey asked with concern, as if he really didn't know the reason.

Looking at the prince's calm and natural eyes, Sansa almost thought she was worrying for no reason.

But the Daenerys she had just seen couldn't be fake, could she?

Sansa poured out the worries in her heart, expressing her fears, her resentment towards Daenerys, and her longing and doubts about love and marriage.

Joffrey sighed, "Sansa, how could you doubt the sincere love between us? Even doubt the sacred marriage contract?"

Jeyne also comforted, "His Grace must have serious considerations."

Joffrey said seriously, "For the sake of realm's peace, for the sake of human harmony, I have to put aside personal preferences and honor and endure Daenerys, and even more others."

Sansa was confused.

Chapter 118: Visenya

"Sansa, you will be the queen of the world."

Joffrey's expression was firm and calm, as if stating an undeniable fact.

"The gods have bestowed grace and divine will. I must share the glory of the gods with all ignorant souls, cleanse the turbid world, establish a kingdom of heaven on earth, and bestow grace upon all people."

"The day of universal light is not far away."

"Humanity will become one. One nation, one true God, one king."

The voice echoed powerfully in the wide hall.

He wants to conquer the world.

What a magnificent declaration. Sansa had to recognize reality. Her prince was already a king, a king and messenger chosen by God.

Kings and princes are different. Even Sansa understood this.

"Sansa, people all over the world are our subjects. We have a heavy responsibility to maintain peace and eliminate unnecessary disasters."

Joffrey looked at the sky outside the window.

The sky outside the window was very clear, with a few white clouds dotting the azure curtain, and faint flocks of birds flying from a distance, nothing else.

But Sansa seemed to see countless chaotic scenes in his eyes.

"Do you see them? They are wailing, crying, and falling into the quagmire of war and hatred. How can we turn a blind eye to their continued infighting for our own selfish reasons?"

Joffrey shook his head and sighed, his face full of regret and pity.

Sansa was completely at a loss.

Wasn't she here to defend love? Why did she suddenly start talking about such terrible topics? And what do Daenerys and these have to do with each other?

"You are the queen of the world." Joffrey looked into Sansa's eyes.

"For the sake of the people of the world, think carefully, why must I deal with Daenerys in this way? If I don't do this, how much harm will it cause, and how many people will lose their parents and children?"

Joffrey gently stroked Sansa's shoulders, his eyes full of encouragement and expectation, "Think carefully, what is the answer?"

Sansa almost forgot her previous sadness.

Compared with the king's thoughts and ambitions, her own worries and dreams seemed to have become childish ideas of a little girl.

Life, death, and conquest.

Sansa suddenly realized that there was a war going on in the Seven Kingdoms. In places she couldn't see, people were suffering unimaginable hardships.

What is the answer?

I will be the queen of the world.

Sansa tried to put herself in the role of queen and think with a compassionate heart.

Daenerys.

Sansa thought of the name again, but this time she didn't treat her as a rival for favor, but to see what impact she could have on the Seven Kingdoms and the world.

Daenerys Targaryen.

Thinking of the whispers of the Red Keep servants, Sansa hesitated and spoke.

"Because of her special bloodline and identity, allowing her to submit to the Iron Throne can appease those who miss the Targaryens and prevent them from participating in the rebellion, thereby saving more lives?"

Joffrey nodded in approval, "What else?"

Sansa bit her lip and thought for a long time, thinking about all the special things about Daenerys, but she still couldn't think of any more answers.

Before today, she had never considered such serious matters.

So I'm not a good queen yet.

Sansa shook her head in disappointment, then looked at Joffrey, expecting his answer with her eyes, an answer not for love, but for the realm and its people.

That's all she hoped for.

As long as the love and marriage contract remain pure and solid.

Daenerys. To become the queen of the world, perhaps this is the sacrifice that must be made, to endure some people and things you don't like.

Just like her mother, even though she didn't like Jon that her father brought back, she still took care of Jon as he grew up.

Family, duty, honor.

Sansa seemed to understand her mother's feelings.

Joffrey did not directly say his answer, but took Sansa to a small room next to his own.

The furnishings here were very new, without swords or armor, decorated with colors and patterns that only girls would like, and three huge dragon eggs were placed on the bedside.

Sansa quickly understood that this was Daenerys's residence.

Joffrey held up a jet-black dragon egg, "Sansa, do you remember it? Touch it again."

The prince had shown her these dragon eggs in Winterfell. At that time, their scales felt comfortable to the touch, but they were still as cold as stone.

Dragon eggs, Daenerys.

Sansa widened her eyes slightly, as if she had thought of something. Then, she reached out and touched the dragon egg.

"It's so warm, there must be new life gestating inside." Jeyne Poole's hands cherished and caressed the white dragon egg, marveling in surprise.

Only then did Sansa pay attention to her best friend again. Where was Jeyne just now? Did she go out?

"They are indeed alive." Joffrey held Sansa's hand, "At the right time, Daenerys can bring us three young dragons."

"They will grow strong, until they rival the three giant dragons of Aegon the Conqueror, so that the Seven Kingdoms will remember the past glory and power, so that the Iron Throne will once again have the inheritance of dragons, and unite the hearts of hundreds of millions of people."

Sansa knew this was another answer.

Three giant dragons. Compared to Daenerys's invisible and intangible identity, this is more real power and a clearer future.

But with the grace of the gods, is the power of dragons still necessary?

"Across the Narrow Sea, there are still Blackfyres watching."

Sansa was stunned for a moment. Blackfyre. She thought about it carefully and remembered that this was the family established by Daemon Blackfyre, the noble bastard of the Targaryens.

"The descendants of Blackfyre have impersonated Young Aegon, the son of Rhaegar Targaryen, and attempted to capture the Seven Kingdoms."

Joffrey put down the dragon egg, "The flames of war have already spread in the Seven Kingdoms, and the Blackfyres will not let go of this opportunity. By then, I don't know how many more people will lose their homes, loved ones, and lives."

Sansa tried hard to put herself in the perspective of the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, and seemed to start worrying about the future turmoil.

"Not only that." Joffrey cupped Sansa's cheeks.

An unspeakable force surged into her mind, and Sansa saw endless legions of the dead standing in the ice and snow, countless ice dragons flying out of the pale moon, and fire dragons in the sky being submerged by the ice and cold.

Gods above, what kind of monster is this?

"The gods bestow grace, but our enemies are not just mortals. What we have to stop is the apocalypse and the evil god."

Joffrey stared into Sansa's eyes.

"Sansa, my queen. For the sake of the world, and for our own sake, we must unite all forces that can be united, try our best to resolve conflicts, save every life, and accumulate every bit of strength to resist the final cold."

"Aegon the Conqueror did not achieve his accomplishments alone. His beloved sister-wife, Queen Visenya, was the dragon king's most important wing. Together, they created the Seven Kingdoms and protected tens of millions of people."

"Sansa, are you willing to be my Visenya?"

Jeyne Poole whispered in surprise, the short tone was like a dream, as if witnessing a legend about to be born.

Sansa smelled a wonderful romantic atmosphere. Not just love, but an epic poem.

She finally became intoxicated in her betrothed's eyes.

"I do."

Chapter 119: Alchemist

Sansa left, satisfied and happy.

The servants who had been attending in the palace returned to their positions, quietly awaiting the king's orders.

Joffrey lazily embraced the young girl beside him.

"Hanna, who made my dearest queen so sad? You take care of it."

Although he didn't intend to hide the matter of Daenerys, he still couldn't condone such shameful tattling.

Everyone should know that gossiping in the court will come at a price.

Hanna responded with a proper smile.

Jeyne Poole's cheeks were rosy, and her hands gently rested on Joffrey's shoulders, unsure whether to push him away or crave a more intimate affection.

Unlike previous occasions, this time she stayed in the king's palace, and Lady Sansa had seen it very clearly.

Despite having a legitimate excuse, Jeyne was still somewhat uneasy.

Although her vision was filled with the walls of the palace, Jeyne seemed to feel the scrutinizing gazes of everyone in the Red Keep, as if questioning her identity and purpose.

Am I betraying Lady Sansa?

"Your Grace, it's noon already, let Jeyne serve you lunch."

Jeyne came up with a reason, trying to escape this overwhelming situation and allow herself a moment to breathe.

Joffrey playfully twirled the young girl's black hair with interest, "Your hair is beautiful."

Jeyne's attempt failed.

The king never acted according to common sense.

She remembered their first kiss, forceful and domineering, yet it made her whole body go weak, unable to muster any resistance.

Jeyne had fantasized countless times about her future husband.

He might be a clever and steady servant, who relied on his own efforts and loyalty to serve his lord, gradually gaining importance and earning people's respect, just like her father, who was the steward of Winterfell.

He might be a brave knight, invincible on the battlefield, and also able to protect the weak with integrity, even owning a village and a small castle.

More fortunately, he might be a nobleman of high birth, the second son of a family in the North or the Riverlands, meeting and falling in love at a banquet, and finally overcoming many obstacles to enter the halls of marriage.

Jeyne didn't dare to fantasize any further.

After all, she was just the daughter of a steward, of humble origin, and she could only marry someone suitable in the future, at most relying on her looks and wits to climb one level higher.

But all of this was completely ended after the king's kiss.

Based on her limited understanding of King Joffrey, Jeyne understood that she could no longer marry anyone else.

Knights, servants, lords, all these futures had been shattered.

The king's willfulness was never concealed, and he would not allow anyone to take away what he wanted.

Jeyne knew she had become one of them.

She had thought about confessing to Sansa.

But Sansa was already betrothed to the king, and had confided in her countless times about her feelings for the king and her dreams for the future.

If she confessed, it was impossible for Sansa to be completely unaffected, and the king would soon find out.

What would happen then?

Jeyne couldn't imagine all the consequences, but she knew very well that it wouldn't be good for Sansa, or for herself.

Then she could only try her best to hide this secret.

Jeyne had a secret that she had to keep from Sansa for the first time.

The king seemed to enjoy this feeling, sometimes deliberately being affectionate with her near Sansa, but without ever piercing through the veil.

Jeyne didn't dare to resist, she could only half-heartedly comply.

She couldn't sleep for nights on end because of it.

She worried about the terrible reaction Sansa might have if she found out, and she also silently weighed her own loyalties in her heart.

Her father was still the steward of Winterfell, and had returned to the North with Lord Eddard.

Lady Sansa was very kind to her, and the two were best friends, talking about everything.

Winterfell was also her home for more than ten years.

She clearly remembered those beautiful memories, familiar faces, remembered every tower and every hot spring in Winterfell, and also remembered the crimson face on the heart tree in the Godswood.

The balance initially leaned completely towards Winterfell.

But as time went by, Jeyne noticed with panic and confusion that the balance was gradually shifting towards the Red Keep.

After all, Sansa and she were already in the Red Keep, and life in Winterfell had become an unchanging past, and their future lives would be spent in the southern court.

Sansa had more playmates and friends.

Jeyne's role by Sansa's side was slowly fading, so much so that she had enough free time to respond to the king's summons.

Before, she and Sansa were inseparable, and they often slept in the same room.

Jeyne's position was gradually becoming blurred.

As the steward's daughter and Sansa's best friend, she didn't need to do the hardest and most laborious work, she just needed to accompany Sansa usually.

But what if Sansa didn't need companionship anymore?

Suddenly having a lot of free time, Jeyne really didn't know what to do.

She just wanted to continue following Sansa, even if it was just to say a few more words, or even just to watch Sansa embroider.

But the noble ladies and maids of the Red Keep surrounded Sansa all day long.

Their sweet words sounded more heartfelt, and Sansa was completely immersed in these activities such as dancing, poetry, and music.

Jeyne was often forgotten by them.

At this time, she actually vaguely began to look forward to the king's summons.

At least, there were fewer people near the king, and she could also occupy a position next to him, watching the king do this and that, and it wasn't much different from her previous life.

Because of these things, am I betraying Sansa?

Jeyne asked herself again.

Daenerys's matter seemed to be the king's fault, and Sansa's reaction seemed reasonable.

But she was speaking good words for the king, both openly and secretly, not out of concern for Sansa, but out of obedience to the king's orders.

Jeyne turned her head slightly and looked at Daenerys, who was sitting not far away.

She seemed to feel Daenerys's feelings, which were similar to her own, making choices that she had never imagined before for the sake of many things.

At least, Sansa is happy now.

Jeyne felt that she had made the right choice.

It was not betrayal, but a benevolent lie.

How many noble lords can remain loyal to their wives forever?

Not to mention the king of the Seven Kingdoms.

This was an unavoidable fact.

Sansa is not old enough to accept this kind of thing, I am protecting her.

Jeyne convinced herself.

Moreover, the king also has such a major mission and responsibility.

He must put down Renly's rebellion, stop the Long Night, and unite the people of the world together.

The king said that Aegon the Conqueror married two wives, had three dragons, and only conquered six kingdoms.

For the sake of the whole world, three dragons are far from enough, and two wives are far from enough.

Listening to the heartbeat in the king's chest, Jeyne silently thought about her future.

Queen Jeyne Poole.

That way, she can be with Sansa forever, right?

Jeyne lowered her hands, released all restraints and shame, and merged into the king's embrace.

Joffrey's thoughts had returned to business.

On the table in front of him were two reports of different styles.

One was written on paper with ink, and the other was displayed magically on a palm-sized piece of glass, that is, his unique mobile device "Navi".

He had also designed a God's Grace Light Screen for himself, but not many people were qualified to disturb him on the God's Grace Light Screen.

Most of the reports would be stored in "Navi" for him to process centrally when he had time.

Expense settlements, task progress, data reports, and requests for instructions, Joffrey was already skilled in approving them.

Until a report with novel content caught his eye.

Joffrey looked at the signature at the end—the president of the Alchemist Guild, Hallyne.

Chapter 120: The Sage Hallyne

At the foot of the Visenya Hills.

Outside the Alchemists' Guildhall, hidden deep underground, Guildmaster Hallyne stood before the steps, craning his neck in the direction of Quiet Street, anticipating their arrival.

Beside him were the Wisdom of the guild, including Monseit and Meliad.

Only six Wisdoms.

Excluding acolytes and apprentices, only these few were qualified to be full members of the guild, that is, "Wisdoms."

Only six.

Once, that number had been in the hundreds.

Hallyne, the leader of the guild, was heartbroken by this.

Not a day went by that he didn't think about restoring the guild to its former glory, continuing the efforts of his father, grandfather, and other predecessors, and successfully reproducing the secret arts on the scrolls.

According to the records of past Wisdoms, the guild possessed many miraculous and mysterious techniques, such as transmuting metals and creating fire creatures.

This was also why the Wisdoms were called "Alchemists" or "Pyromancers."

But from some point on, the power of spells and techniques began to inexplicably diminish and weaken, unable to be suppressed.

To this day, the only thing that Hallyne and the other Wisdoms could still create was wildfire; other magics and secret arts were merely words in ancient books, difficult to utilize.

The guild had lost its most important power.

At the same time, more and more maesters were sent by the Citadel, and their influence on the lords they served grew.

The same was true at the King's side.

The guild had to compete with the maesters for the King's favor by using wildfire.

After the extinction of dragons, the Targaryen kings were quite enthusiastic about wildfire, and the guild prospered for many years because of it.

Unfortunately, the guild suffered heavy losses during the fall of King's Landing more than a decade ago.

All the Wisdoms were killed.

The guild was left with only bewildered acolytes and apprentices, with no one to preside over the situation.

In the midst of chaos and confusion, many people left the guild to seek other paths, and very few persevered to the end.

Hallyne, who came from a family of alchemists, did not give up.

Although he was only an acolyte, he was already one of the most senior members of the guild at that time, and he subsequently successfully advanced to become a Wisdom and began to lead the guild.

Hallyne was initially full of confidence, intending to regain the King's favor with wildfire.

But the subsequent King Robert only loved tournaments and feasts.

Not only did the guild not recover and grow, but it also declined to its current state.

More than a decade passed, and Hallyne almost thought that the guild, which had been passed down for thousands of years, would perish in his hands.

Fortunately, there was now a turning point.

Hallyne looked at Quiet Street in front of him with excitement and anticipation.

King Joffrey would personally come to inspect.

What a great honor, what a rare opportunity.

The gods favored King Joffrey; as long as he gained the favor of His Grace, the guild would surely prosper again, and even gain unprecedented power!

Hallyne amplified his Divine Grace light curtain, and the edict above immediately appeared in the center of his vision.

This creation of the light curtain alone was comparable to any miracle, enough to rival any legendary magic, profound and pure.

Wasn't this precisely the knowledge and truth that the guild had been painstakingly pursuing?

What's more, there was the other infinitely mysterious power of Divine Grace.

Hallyne made up his mind that for such a bright future, he would not hesitate to present all the secrets of the guild to the King.

"His Grace has arrived!" The sound appeared before the person.

Hallyne and the others knelt to pay their respects.

The sound of hooves echoed as two rows of white-armored knights occupied the street on the left and right.

The tall white stag then strolled over from the center, shaking its wide antlers and stopping in front of Hallyne, snorting a few times, but spitting out two tongues of flame.

Hallyne felt as if his hair had been ignited, but fortunately, it was just an illusion.

"The entire Alchemists' Guild welcomes Your Grace; your presence is our supreme honor."

Hallyne respectfully lowered his head, and a pair of boots on the back of the white stag stepped onto the ground.

The dark patterns on the pants were clearly visible, and a beautiful hand raised a finger.

Hallyne slowly stood up.

Joffrey patted Hallyne's shoulder amiably, "Have you prepared 10,000 jars of wildfire?"

Hallyne bowed, "Thanks to Your Grace's care, the gods have bestowed more good fortune, allowing us to discover many lost wildfire caches in the Dragonpit, the Great Sept of Baelor, and various underground passages. Combined with the previous storage, we have finally lived up to Your Grace's trust."

In fact, it was more than that.

Not long after the King's coronation, he had successively sent many gemstones and dragon crystals containing the power of Divine Grace to the guild.

According to the King's instructions, these crystals were placed near the instruments for making wildfire.

The result was shocking.

Hallyne excitedly and hesitantly discovered that the power of Divine Grace could make the spells for making wildfire more effective, and the production of wildfire greatly increased!

The power of Divine Grace.

Hallyne silently chewed on this term.

Joffrey had long been aware of the effect of Source Energy.

This also proved that wildfire was indeed closely related to magic, not just some flammable ordinary substance.

Joffrey was very satisfied with this answer.

The Magic Empire was to fully develop magic, using its unique advantages to ensure its monopoly.

The technology used must not only be advanced and powerful, but also ensure that it is difficult for others to copy, so as not to allow other forces to develop and grow, increasing the difficulty of conquest.

After all, this was a world of who was less bad.

It was not necessary to do everything to the best, as long as it was less bad than others.

After resolving the crisis and obtaining the entire world, it would not be too late to use various technologies and knowledge to fully build the empire.

"Your Grace, the hall of the Alchemists' Guild is below here."

Hallyne gestured to the road with his side.

Joffrey stepped onto the steps, with the Kingsguard "Beauty" Brienne and "The Bold" Barristan closely following behind.

Tyrion strode with short legs to keep up, while using magic to secretly communicate with Joffrey, "Your Grace, did Daenerys indeed move into your bedchamber last night? I wonder what position you plan to give her?"

Tyrion was very worried.

The former Prince Joffrey was foolish and willful, but the current King Joffrey was a little smarter, but also more willful, and his material desires and enjoyment were almost comparable to Robert.

Even for the sake of Daenerys' bloodline and identity, there was no need to be so impatient, almost humiliating the betrothal.

Could it be that the King was just blinded by her beauty?

Joffrey stepped forward unhurriedly.

Above the steps was a wide platform, entering a heavy black door, and in front of him was a dark tunnel curving downwards.

The further down he went, the more humid and colder the air became.

Hallyne carried a sealed glass oil lamp to lead the way in front, the light of the lamp was weak.

Joffrey directly activated a gemstone embedded in his chest, and a cold white light suddenly filled the entire space, exposing every black stone in the tunnel.

Joffrey finally responded to Tyrion, "Daenerys' position? I am very fair. Whoever contributes more, whoever is more loyal, deserves a better position."

Tyrion immediately understood the meaning, it turned out that Joffrey was expressing his dissatisfaction with Stark.