Chapter 228: Chapter 227: The Sea Lord's Plan
"There's no direct evidence to prove it was the work of the Faceless Men."
Viserys sat on the bed in a loose robe, his silver-gold hair reflecting a faint glow in the candlelight.
Illyrio and Jon both felt that Viserys seemed to have changed. His hair flowed like molten silver, even shimmering, and his eyes were clearer and brighter than before.
It was a breathtaking color, like a magnificent gem. Being stared at by those eyes gave a chilling sensation, like a breeze brushing against the skin.
In simple terms, their king seemed more handsome than before.
"Your Majesty's complexion is really..."
Illyrio didn't know how to describe Viserys's transformation, but this change made him, a man who only loved women and never had any interest in men, feel a sudden heartbeat.
On the other side, the former Hand of the King of the Targaryen dynasty was also observing Viserys.
He had the same feeling. Even though Jon was somewhat reluctant to admit it, the current Viserys seemed more handsome than the 'Silver Prince' he had followed.
At the same time, he heard Viserys's words, nodded slightly, and felt much more relaxed.
If this was not the work of the Faceless Men, it would be fine. This meant that Braavos had no intention of turning against the Targaryens.
However, Viserys calmly watched the two men in front of him, observing their expressions, then shook his head and laughed.
"But it's highly likely."
Illyrio, the newly appointed Master of Coin, was a self-made merchant Magister. He was naturally well-versed in financial matters.
He was much better than those noble finance ministers who never carried a single gold dragon in their pockets, such as the Lords of the Riverlands, House Tyrell.
Viserys always advocated for professionals to do professional things, to listen to their opinions rather than judge by their status.
Just like the basic system of the new dynasty, positions were based on ability, not on nobility.
On the other hand, Jon Connington, the Hand of the King who was expelled during the reign of Viserys's father, Aerys II, was undoubtedly capable and loyal.
He highly respected honor, perhaps sharing some common ground with Eddard Stark, the Warden of the North.
Although Viserys had asked about 'Aegon Targaryen', Jon Connington was clearly hesitant and ultimately did not tell the truth.
Perhaps he still had reservations about Viserys, but Viserys did not doubt his loyalty.
If such a person was not considered loyal, Viserys would have too few people to rely on.
Now, one of them is the Master of Coin of the new dynasty, and the other, although without an official position, is Viserys's personal advisor.
Their opinions on the next plan are very important to Viserys.
As Viserys spoke, the faces of Illyrio and Jon Connington changed slightly.
Viserys's words almost confirmed that the assassin was the infamous Faceless Man, only that there was no direct evidence to prove it.
"Your Majesty, it's not good news if Braavos wants to take action against us."
The two looked at each other, then Jon took a deep breath, shook his head, and said.
"But... it's only a matter of time."
"We will inevitably have conflicts with Braavos in the future."
The Targaryens' expansion on the continent of Essos would inevitably touch on Braavos's interests.
This was an unsolvable fundamental problem, and the relationship between the two had changed from friendly to indifferent. The
Targaryen family had replaced and absorbed Pentos, becoming a new threat to Braavos.
And Braavos might now be regretting it deeply.
"So, what should we do next, Your Majesty?"
"Should we take the initiative and settle accounts with Braavos before the winter comes to the Seven Kingdoms?"
Jon, wearing a bright suit of armor that reflected the candlelight, held the hilt of his sword with one hand, glanced at Illyrio, and spoke.
Braavos's strength was indeed strong, being the leader of the Free Trade City-States.
However, Braavos, though strong, was not invincible. It took the people of Braavos a full two hundred years to conquer Pentos, during which six major battles broke out. Braavos won four and lost two.
But for the current Targaryen family, defeating Braavos by themselves is not advisable. They must find allies.
"Who are our potential allies?"
"Cohor? Norvos? Or the great lords of Tyrosh?"
The dim candlelight in the room flickered gently. Viserys got up from the bed and walked to the table.
"Your Majesty."
Illyrio reached out to help him, but was waved off by Viserys.
The silver-haired youth stood by the table, his fingers stroking the wooden grain on the table, then turned his head and spoke.
"Due to the issue of slavery, Tyrosh, Lys, and Myr all have a poor relationship with Braavos, and even had conflicts a long time ago."
"But they won't become enemies with Braavos because of this."
"Volantis, on the other hand, is not pleased with Braavos and intends to compete for the leadership of the trade city-states, but unfortunately, the geographical locations of the two are too far apart."
Upon saying this, Viserys hummed, and Illyrio, on the other side, shook his head jokingly after hearing Viserys's words.
"If we really go to war with Braavos, Slaver's Bay will definitely support us."
"Braavos has not interfered with their business a little."
But at this point, Illyrio's tone changed slightly.
"However, war is not only about fighting with swords, Your Majesty."
"Gold can also be a means of war, and it kills more invisibly."
Illyrio spoke calmly, his hands tucked into his wide sleeves, his gaze following Viserys the whole time.
"We have a large number of loan contracts with the Iron Bank."
"With these IOUs borrowed in gold, the Iron Bank will not easily let the Sea Lord turn against us."
"After all, the Sea Lord is just the figurehead, not the Emperor of Braavos."
Illyrio spoke bluntly, his words directly pointing out a flaw in the political system of Braavos.
The Sea Lord of Braavos, as an elected leader, is not a king or an emperor, and does not have absolute power.
Therefore, any decision he makes requires balancing the interests of various parties within the city-state to reach a compromise.
"However, this is also the cleverness of the Sea Lord's move."
Illyrio paused slightly, then continued.
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
"If you had died in this assassination, Braavos would have chosen a compliant successor from either the Princess or Daenerys."
"And if you didn't die and angrily declared war on Braavos, it would also play into their hands."
Viserys, standing by the table, raised an eyebrow at Illyrio's words and asked.
"So what are you suggesting?"
"Wait for the opportunity!"
Il
lyrio spoke decisively.
"Hatred must be remembered, but a wise king will not let emotions dictate his decisions."
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