Inside one of the most magnificent white marble structures of Highgarden, lavish woolen carpets lay beneath intricately carved stone pillars. On either side, satin banners embroidered with the Targaryen sigil - a red, three-headed dragon on a black background - hang proudly.
Beneath the grand dais, a multitude of men, dressed simply but adorned with various links, stood in anticipation. Among them were elder maesters, distinguished by their unique rings, rods, and masks, signifying mastery in their respective fields. Behind them were many other outstanding scholars.
These scholars were here to meet the new king, a task of utmost importance. Even their selection was meticulous, leaving many assistant maesters out due to sheer numbers.
They had been waiting for what felt like an eternity, their legs numbing and heads clouding with fatigue. Yet, they exchanged glances, none daring to voice their discomfort or seek rest, for there were no seats except for the grand throne. Flanking them were the fearsome Dothraki screamers, dressed in beastly armor and brandishing their menacing arakhs, eyeing the unarmed scholars with predatory intent.
Suddenly, rapid footsteps echoed from behind the marble hall.
"Your Grace." "Your Grace."
Guard and maiden salutations filled the air, reinvigorating the weary scholars.
"He's coming."
Whispers spread among them, the realization that the young dragon king, of whom tales had been told, was arriving. They exchanged glances, sensing the gravity of the moment, realizing their fate rested on his whims.
The massive oak doors behind the hall opened, revealing a finely dressed, handsome young man with silver hair. His pale purple eyes, reminiscent of precious gems, surveyed the room. His silver-gold hair cascaded over his shoulders, pinned with a shining three-headed dragon brooch.
"Your Grace."
The scholars in the hall shouted in unison, bowing slightly in reverence, including the distinguished maesters.
"Welcome to Highgarden," Viserys acknowledged, taking his seat with a calm demeanor.
Despite the pleasantries, the scholars were clearly on edge due to the threatening presence of the Dothraki. However, Viserys addressed them directly, revealing his intentions.
"The Citadel will henceforth be divided, and its traditions should be updated."
The scholars gasped in disbelief. Viserys's command was clear and left no room for negotiation. He proposed splitting the Citadel into distinct academies based on major disciplines and relocating them to key cities in Westeros, such as Oldtown, King's Landing, and eventually White Harbor.
A new academy would be built in White Harbor once the North was reclaimed. The most urgent task was establishing one in King's Landing, where Viserys had plans for new structures.
The division of the Citadel was not a sudden decision. The institution, being the pinnacle of knowledge in Westeros, held countless books, and its loss would be catastrophic. Therefore, Viserys had long considered how best to preserve it.
The proposed academies would cover Medicine, Military Strategy, Economics, Literature, Metallurgy, and Astronomy. Viserys also introduced the idea of a Theological Academy, encompassing the faiths of the Seven, Old Gods, and Rhoynar, and even integrating the growing Red Faith and other lesser-known religions. All future septons and septas would require formal training and certification from the Iron Throne.
The theological proposal was unanimously approved. Tyrion Lannister, the king's personal advisor, then suggested a legal academy, but after careful consideration, Viserys rejected the idea.
Hello everyone,
I hope you were able to enjoy this week's chapters. They were suppoed to be out earlier in the day but I just didn't like the quality and spent some time revamping my translation prompt scripts and took another crack at them from scratch so it took a little while longer to get them out.
I wanted to let you all know I will be going on vaction starting next weekend and will be gone for a week so I am contemplating either going on break next weekend or the weekend I get back, maybe both.
Are you all still enjoying the story or should I call it quits and just focus on my other stories?