Game of Thrones: The Bronze and Fire Lord.

Chapter 259 Old Town - Tower of Heaven

The gates of the Burning King Tower opened.

Helena, wearing a beige dress and a light purple vest, ran out with a clattering sound.

"Why is she here?"

Imon hesitated for a second.

Instead of telling Allison to let Helena go to Dragonstone or the Valley to lay low, he came ahead of him.

Sir Simon said in a low voice, "Princess Helena arrived two days ago and has been waiting for you."

"She didn't cause you any trouble, did she?"

Imon felt guilty.

"Uh~"

Simon couldn't get a word in edgewise, his gaze drifting to the dilapidated tower of the Burning King Tower, which was billowing black smoke.

The tower was already dilapidated.

But the black smoke was from the light blue dragon that occupied the top of the tower.

There was nothing Imon could do about it.

When Meng Huo was living in Harrenhal, your Strang family was still crammed into some obscure little castle in the Riverlands.

Upon entering the tower, one finds a large hall called the Hall of a Hundred Furnaces.

It's called the Hall of a Hundred Fireplaces because this hall can actually hold over a hundred fireplaces.

However, things are different now. The walls of the hall have collapsed and crumbled, and many places have been burned and then solidified by Bellerion's dragon flames, giving it a desolate and bleak feel.

"Herrenburg is too big, and the family cannot repair it all. Please forgive my poor performance."

Sir Simon spoke frankly.

"It doesn't matter."

Aemon looked around; this was only the second time he had visited this place in his life.

My first visit to Harrenhal was at the 101st General Council meeting.

His great-grandfather, Jaeharis, held his newborn son as he sat on the throne in the Hall of a Hundred Furnaces, listening to the maester announce that his uncle had been chosen as the next heir to the Iron Throne.

At the time, he was one of the twenty-two candidates.

Of course, no one would vote for a nursing baby.

"It's almost noon, so I've ordered a meal to be prepared. Please don't find it too simple."

Sir Simon extended his hand to lead the way.

Naturally, no one would be picky.

Halfway there, Imon called out to Helena, "What are you doing here?"

"I have nowhere to go."

Helena said honestly.

"Dragonstone and Dale will both welcome you."

Eamon sighed and patted her head.

That sounds strange, but it's heartbreaking.

Helena's eyes were clear as she softly said, "I want to be in a crowded place."

Be more straightforward.

I want to stay where I have a lot of family.

Imon was completely speechless.

Both Helena and Rénilla were princesses, both facing forced marriage at the age of 12, yet their circumstances were worlds apart.

Rhaenyra was more favored and was the heir to the Iron Throne.

Helena's affection was shared equally among her siblings, and her status as a princess and dragon rider made her like a piece of fat meat, or rather, a piece of fat meat that wasn't very bright.

The little girl needs more protection, but the level of protection is simply not enough.

Soon, the welcome banquet began.

Aemon and the others took their seats, filling half of a large round table.

The Strang family, who were the hosts, also had quite a few people present.

Sir Simon and his two sons, three grandsons, as well as Prime Minister Leonor's eldest son Harwin Strong and second son Larry Strong "Bendfoot".

Harwin, no longer the high-spirited man he once was, left after a perfunctory appearance.

"I'm sorry, but he still can't forgive himself for the mistakes he made in the past."

Simmons defended his grandnephew.

Aemon smiled.

Harvin loved but could not have her, harbored ulterior motives, and turned his love into hatred.

Having been dismissed from his post as commander of the capital's garrison on such a heinous charge and sent home to repent, how could he possibly have the face to entertain guests?

Renilla didn't say anything, but forked a piece of venison pie for Eamon.

Jahelis and the twins lay on the edge of the table, their three pairs of eyes watching the spectacle with curiosity.

I can smell the strangeness of the Eight Eccentrics.

"Let's get started."

Sir Simon, as the host, invited everyone to dine.

The meal wasn't very good: a few plates of venison pies, some vegetables grown by farmers served as a salad, a bowl of black bean porridge for each person, and some common foods like sausages and cheese.

Of course, it's not bad either.

However, compared to the Strong family, which produced a then-Prime Minister, it is somewhat of a downgrade.

Most second-tier nobles eat much better than this.

Imon secretly took note; it seemed the Strong family's finances weren't doing well.

"Your Highness, it is a pleasure to meet you in Harrenhal."

At this moment, Larry, who had been barely noticeable, suddenly spoke up.

He had planted spies in the Red Castle, but was thoroughly investigated and arrested by the King.

His father, Leonor, pleaded for leniency, and he was not punished but instead placed on probation.

In the end, he couldn't escape. He was reported by his own jailers, removed from his position as the royal interrogator, and returned to Harrenhal to suffer.

Imon asked directly, "Didn't your brother seek revenge on you?"

Harvin made a slip of the tongue while drunk, which led to him being reported by the other party.

"That was a nightmare."

Larry wasn't annoyed at all; in fact, he had the leisure to laugh.

"Good luck."

Immon pondered for a moment whether there was any possibility of the other party reusing the waste.

……

In the blink of an eye, many days have passed.

Shenyan Lake.

The vast lake surface rippled gently, and the shores stretched as far as the eye could see, with only the soft sound of the wind blowing across the water.

As Imon walked along the shore, he couldn't resist throwing a pebble into the water.

Lake of the Eyes truly lives up to its reputation as the largest inland lake in Westeros.

That can no longer be considered a lake; it's practically an inland sea.

The two long lakes in the valley and the Mil Territory combined are not as vast as Lake God's Eye.

Just as I was enjoying the gentle breeze on my face, I heard light and heavy footsteps behind me.

Aemon turned around and saw Larry leaning on his scepter. "The weather's nice today, isn't it?"

"Imon said casually."

Laris remained noncommittal, seemingly with a touch of melancholy, and said, "But these days have also been dark days for the kingdom."

"How to say?"

Imon crossed his arms and a slight smile played on his lips.

This lame fox, as expected, never misses an opportunity to climb up.

Larry: "It is very unfair that you were banished to the Riverlands by the King."

"Have it?"

Aemon feigned doubt.

Larry nodded: "Some incompetent ministers at the Royal Council are abusing their power for personal gain, trying to put their own bloodline on the Iron Throne. They've gone to any lengths to do so."

Aemon was truly impressed with him.

Even though no one is in King's Landing, the news still gets through so quickly.

"King's Landing is a rat's den."

Amon cursed.

Larry smiled sullenly, knowing that the insult was directed at him, but he could also tell that the other party still wanted to give him a chance.

“Your Highness, I think you need an ally.”

"You can't help me."

Imon shook his head.

Lars's expression changed slightly, and he tentatively asked, "What are your orders? I can do them."

"There really is one."

Seeing that the fish had taken the bait, Aemon said, "Aegon and Aemon are going to the Reach, but the two young lads are new to the world and need someone to guide them."

"What's specific?"

"Laris asked."

Imon stated frankly, "My uncle means that the Reach is important and that the royal family uses marriage to stabilize the people's hearts, but I think that marriage is not as good as the royal family governing directly."

Larry was astonished, realizing how the valley had changed hands.

Is this another attempt to target the affluent river bend region?
After a cup of tea.

Larry left, riding in a carriage onto the Golden Road leading to the Reach.

Imon gazed into the distance quietly, marveling at how he had found a laborer, saving him many steps.

He set his sights on the river bend.

However, contrary to Lars's expectations, it was not as simple as conquering the valley.

The Reach is the largest of the Seven Kingdoms outside of the North, boasting the most fertile land and pleasant climate.

This land also has the largest number of nobles.

The three great houses—Highgarden of Tyrell, Oldtown of Highgarden, and Rowan of Goldentree City—all possess considerable power.

Conquest by force is unwise, and seeking stability through marriage alliances is unwise.

Aemon believed that Highgarden and Tyrell were incapable of ruling the Reach, so it would be better to relinquish some power to the royal family.

Strengthen royal control over the Reach.

It just so happens that my uncle wants to arrange a marriage between the royal family and the nobles of the Reach.

In particular, the old town of Haitar kept moving up, trying to take advantage of the situation.

He also considered Mond Hightower, the heir to the Old Town Tower, as one of Helena's potential marriage partners.

Then Imon added fuel to the fire.

Sending Aegon and Aymond there would be best done, like a nail driven into the Reach, subtly strengthening the Oldtown of Hightower.

See how Tyrell of Highgarden, as a lord, conducts itself as Oldtown truly rises to power.

As for the Highgarden Rose, it has always been relatively soft-hearted, so perhaps it will back down?
That depends on whether Aemon gives him room to back down.

……

River bend.

Old town, towering pagoda.

"Hiss!"

"Hiss..."

Two giant dragons, one gold and one brown, circled above the towering pagoda. The wind from their flapping wings stirred up waves in the lake surrounding the pagoda before they slowly descended in front of it.

"Aegon, Aymond, my dear nephew!"

The tower's doors were already open, and a tall, handsome young man with blond hair and blue eyes greeted them with a hearty laugh.

"uncle……"

Aegon and Aymond climbed off the dragon's back and greeted each other.

"Come on in."

Mond Hightower embraced his two nephews and happily walked into the towering tower.

Is Earl Hobart not here?

Imond glanced sideways at the hand resting on his shoulder and asked somewhat awkwardly.

Sir John Mondl is quite young; he just turned 18 this year.
He is the same age as his two nephews who are princes.

When asked about his father, Sir Mond's smile faded slightly: "My father is getting old and is becoming less and less active."

Aegon didn't think much of what he said.

Just consider it as an old person having difficulty going up and down stairs.

But when Emond heard this, he couldn't help but frown.

Logically, since they were princes, Count Hobart should have come out to greet them.

According to bloodline, Earl Hobart was only their mother's uncle, not their maternal grandfather.

...That's a bit dismissive.

But Mond is very enthusiastic, so there's no need to nitpick.

"Hurry up, I still want to see the Tower of Heaven for the first time."

Egon rushed upstairs.

This was the first time the two brothers had ever visited the old town.

I used to only hear my grandfather and mother talk about how wonderful the old town was, how cleaner and tidier it was than Junlin, and how the people were simple, honest, and studious...

Imond was very pleased to see him today.

The old town's harbor is bustling with boats of all sizes, and its streets and houses are scattered like stars, dotted with cobblestone paths and ponds and fountains, exuding a sense of tranquility and peace.

"It doesn't seem much cleaner than King's Landing?"

Aegon gazed at the lake surrounding the Tower of Heights, where some trash and sewage floated.

Imond nodded slightly.

He also preferred the solemn grandeur of King's Landing.

Hmm, Riverdale and Mil are also good options.

The two brothers went upstairs and entered the hall.

Earl Hobart and his wife were waiting at the door to receive them.

"Praise be to the seven gods, for the two princes have finally arrived."

(End of this chapter)