Chapitre 397: Chapter 397: Roth’s Thoughts
There is an old saying: "When there are no heroes, the warlords become famous."
This is the situation Helbo finds himself in. Now, across the entire continent of Essos, there are only two options for sellswords: either they head to Slaver's Bay—beyond Viserys's reach for now—to make a living, or they escort caravans across the Dothraki Sea. This state of affairs has rendered the Iron Bank's most potent weapon—money—useless. Violence, once a precious commodity, has lost its value under the empire's suppression.
The Iron Bank no longer dares to play its notorious "no default allowed" game. Coupled with the checks and balances imposed by the "Dragon Bank," the Iron Bank has also lost its grip on usury. As for the phrase "no default allowed," it has become empty rhetoric.
Four years ago, when the Iron Bank brazenly demanded that Viserys repay Robert's debt, he countered by citing the Iron Bank's failure to safeguard the Targaryen royal family's property, and he demanded five million golden dragons in compensation. Since then, a wave of bad debt has severely damaged the Iron Bank, which now can only resort to hiring thugs to collect what's owed.
Helbo, a man who could barely rise above the ranks of the local 'Razor Party,' has somehow managed to catch the Iron Bank's attention. This alone shows how much the Iron Bank has weakened; it is now forced to rely on the "distant rule of a weak emperor" while playing a game of hide and seek with Viserys.
"Helbo, if it were anyone else, I wouldn't be so angry," Viserys said, his voice cold. "But why is it you? Where did you get the nerve to defy my orders and side with the Iron Bank?"
Helbo hadn't anticipated things turning out this way. The policies had only just begun taking effect, and many claimed the current emperor was too greedy, trying to trade mere promises for real gold. Rumors circulated that his dragon itself needed gold to grow. In short, many believed Viserys was plotting to bleed them dry.
"Your Grace... I..." Helbo stammered, baffled by his own actions. He had worked with Viserys before; how had he let himself be lured in by the Iron Bank?
"All right. You'll accompany me to the Sealord's Palace as a witness," Viserys commanded. "Identify everyone you contacted. I'll spare your life."
"I am ashamed of Your Grace's kindness," Helbo mumbled, head bowed.
Passers-by who overheard Helbo calling Viserys "Your Grace" were incredulous. They thought all Targaryen emperors flew around on dragons. How was this one here, on foot? Most people had already scattered, but those who stayed dared not meet Viserys's gaze, hurrying off if his eyes fell on them. Only the two sisters behind him stood rooted to the spot, clutching each other nervously.
"You... you are His Grace, Viserys?" asked the younger girl, Lily, in a hesitant voice.
"Yes. I was wondering which Viserys you were calling," he replied, a trace of humor in his eyes.
"We just..." Lily began, but her words were cut off when they saw a boy, around eleven or twelve, arrive with a dozen guards.
"Viserys!" Lily exclaimed, surprised.
Viserys turned toward the voice and saw the boy, who, by coincidence, shared his name. The boy looked nervously at the fallen thugs but appeared more distressed when his eyes fell on the two sisters.
Behind him was a woman in her forties.
'She looks familiar,' Viserys thought, frowning as he tried to place her face.
After a moment of recognition, Viserys recalled who she was—Pyrena, Roth's wife, Methys's personal maid and bodyguard.
"If they are my children, why didn't you tell me earlier?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of resentment as he spoke from the carriage.
It made little sense to him that someone would be sent to protect his children without informing him, their father. In his view, House Zalyne must be hiding something. Viserys's dissatisfaction with House Zalyne's conduct was evident to Pyrena, and she dared not use the excuse that Falia hadn't wanted Viserys to know.
In truth, Pyrena herself wasn't fully aware of Roth's intentions, but over the years, she had formed her own suspicions. If she could be honest now, it might make Viserys more lenient.
"I believe Prince Roth was deliberately creating opportunities for Young Viserys to meet the two ladies, waiting for the right moment before informing Your Grace," Pyrena explained carefully.
Viserys understood the implication—Roth had tried to form an alliance with him back in Braavos. Now that the empire was established, Roth knew he was 'too high for him,' so he was likely attempting to forge a bond through marriage instead. It was a calculated move.
Firstly, Roth's actions weren't illegal; Viserys couldn't openly accuse him. Secondly, Roth had been raising his children for ten years, giving Viserys no grounds for legal complaint. And Roth would not have dared act without Falia's consent.
But why had Falia kept him in the dark about these children? He needed to hear her reasoning for himself.
"Don't go to the Sealord's Palace. Tell Roth what happened here and have him come see me after he's dealt with the Iron Bank. I'm going to see Falia now," Viserys commanded, turning to Monterys. "Take Vyrgion with you, arrest those involved, and if anyone resists, kill them!"
"Yes, Your Grace," Monterys and Pyrena replied in unison.
Although Viserys didn't want to punish Roth outright for his scheming, he wanted to ensure Roth understood his displeasure.
...
Over the years, Falia had honed her skill in perfumery and had almost become a wealthy woman through her partnership with House Zalyne. She'd established her own laboratory and was constantly developing new products.
"Asha, the charcoal is running low! Go get some more!" Falia called out the window, fully absorbed in her work.
Moments later, a basket of charcoal was set down before her. She was engrossed in blending perfumes, her focus on the crucible in front of her, charcoal smudges carelessly streaked across her fair face. The pot contained a thick mixture of purple and yellow. Falia scooped a small amount, blew on it to cool it, then rubbed it on the back of her hand and inhaled deeply. Pleased, she turned, extending her hand to share the scent.
"Asha, try this—"
But instead of Asha, a tall man with silver hair and piercing purple eyes stood behind her. The air in the room seemed to freeze, leaving only the soft bubbling sound of the cauldron to break the silence.
"You sought me out once, and now I've come to seek you out," Viserys said slowly. "And it seems you've been keeping some secrets from me."
"I..." Falia's words caught in her throat as shock overcame her. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt as though time had stopped.
After a charged silence, Falia finally found her voice, though her body felt weakened.
"Why didn't you tell me about Lily and Millie?"
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