Rory laughed and patted Jon Snow on the shoulder, saying, " Jon, it's your turn to tell your story."
Jon picked up his glass, took a large gulp, paused, and said, "I was born a mistake, and there's really nothing to tell my story."
Rory said nonchalantly, "There aren't that many mistakes. Cheer up, my friend."
Rory's words reminded Jon of the seemingly simple-minded but actually quite clever fat man, who could be considered his first friend.
He recalled the Tournament team battles in King's Landing's Landing, where he fought alongside Mutton Waters... He had planned to make a few jokes at the end before gracefully exiting, but unfortunately, he had accidentally injured his leg, which was a bit of a disappointment.
Bringing his thoughts back, Jon smiled and said, "Yes, I still have friends."
Little Gryphon joked, "The most important thing is that redhead."
Jon was about to speak when Little Gryphon interrupted him impatiently, "I know, I know, Renier."
Rory laughed, "Hehehe!"
Jon smiled and shook his head, his eyes becoming even more dreamy. "I plan to go back and marry her. I hope you can attend our wedding."
As Jon finished speaking, Little Gryphon and Rory exchanged a glance, seemingly unintentionally.
Rory rubbed his hands together and said, " Jon, thank you for the invitation. Don't worry, I'll definitely do my best during the wedding night festivities!"
Jon laughed and punched Rory lightly. "I'm worried you'll scare my bride away."
Little Gryphon stuck out a finger, scratched his head and cheek, and said, "I'll block the door."
Jon couldn't help but laugh, " Little Gryphon, you're still the most reliable one."
The laughter stopped, and Rory suddenly said, "Aren't we going to invite one or two relatives?"
A bitter look crossed Jon's handsome face as he murmured, "Family..."
He gulped down a large mouthful of wine, then continued, "... I'll say it again, illegitimate children have no family."
Rory was about to speak Little Gryphon gestured to him with his eyes, stopping him.
Jon chatted drowsily for a while longer, then fell asleep without realizing it.
The gazebo outside the building.
Rory rubbed his face with his large hand and said, " Little Gryphon, Jon's mouth is really tight. I'm starting to admire him."
Little Gryphon rubbed his temples and said leisurely, " Varys has sharp eyes; he's a good Stark."
Rory scratched his head and said, "I don't think it will be easy to get him to reveal his background. This kid is very stubborn."
Little Gryphon chuckled softly, "That's why I can trust him."
Rory nodded, seemingly understanding, and said, "What should we do next? I really can't think of any other way."
"That's about it..."
Under Rory's questioning gaze, Little Gryphon continued, "We've already heard Jon tell us about his origins with our own ears."
"You mean?"
Little Gryphon gazed into the distance and said slowly, "If he hadn't revealed it while drunk, how would we have known about his astonishing past, Rory?"
After a moment of silence, Rory nodded vigorously. "Right, who can really remember exactly what they said when they were drunk!"
Rory chuckled and scratched his head. "Oh, it's that simple. I guess I'm just not cut out for thinking, Little Gryphon."
Little Gryphon's expression remained gentle. "Everyone has their strengths, and I agree with Jon's point of view; you are indeed a rare warrior."
Rory chuckled first, then hesitated for a moment before asking in a low voice, " Little Gryphon, I'm actually quite curious..."
Little Gryphon looked exceptionally handsome in the soft moonlight, his eyes crinkling with a smile, "Curious? Curious why you sent Jon into the hands of Viserys and Daenerys?"
Rory, unusually serious, said, " Jon's swordsmanship is outstanding, and his character is also excellent. He will be a great help to you in the future."
Little Gryphon countered, " Rory, it's rare for you to be curious about something like this. You really want to know the answer?"
After Little Gryphon finished speaking, Rory paused, then shook his head and said, "Never mind, even if you told me, I probably wouldn't understand much."
Little Gryphon smiled and said, "I can tell you, and I'll have to tell you soon enough, it's all the same."
Rory looked at Little Gryphon with a puzzled expression.
"Because your friendship with Jon is part of the plan."
Little Gryphon was very patient. He continued slowly, "Neither Viserys nor Daenerys are good at leading troops in battle, while Jon happens to possess that talent."
"We will secretly help Viserys grow stronger, continuing to draw everyone's attention, until the right time..."
At this point, Little Gryphon paused for a moment, then continued, "My father taught me that even the best plan is still just a plan. No one can guarantee that everything will go smoothly, because unexpected accidents can happen at any time."
Little Gryphon exhaled a breath of alcohol and continued, "We chose Jon Snow as another safeguard against unforeseen circumstances. If Viserys ever deviates from our planned strategy, Jon will help us subdue Viserys's army."
Rory couldn't help but ask, "What if they don't hand over their troops to Jon...?"
Little Gryphon chuckled softly, "After all, he's of Targaryen blood, and given his military prowess, do the siblings have any other suitable candidates?"
Rory seemed to be talking to himself. " Jon, as a Targaryen, has joined them... and is leading their armies into battle..."
After a pause, Rory suddenly realized, "Then Renier is..."
Little Gryphon, his voice turning cold. "As long as Jon's loyalty remains unchanged, Jon and Renier will live happily ever after."
Before he knew it, Rory's back was drenched in cold sweat. His Adam's apple bobbed a few times, and with a pained expression, he said, "Your Highness, do I know too much?"
Little Gryphon smiled gently, patted Rory's arm, and said, " Rory, I'm telling you this because I believe in your loyalty, and... I want you to stay with Jon; he needs help too."
Rory wiped the fine beads of sweat from his forehead without any attempt to hide it, and said, "I understand my mission, please rest assured!"
Little Gryphon smiled and nodded slightly.
After a pause, Rory added, "Rumor has it that that Beggar King is quite the troublemaker..."
Little Gryphon leaned against a pillar in the gazebo, his purple eyes gazing at the twinkling stars, and said, "This is a good thing. The more Viserys likes to do whatever he wants, the easier it is for you and Jon to control the army."
Rory laughed heartily, having regained his usual composure. He rubbed his hands together and said, "Then I'll go to see the future Queen tomorrow?"
Little Gryphon corrected, "She's one of the candidates for Queen."
The next day, in the morning.
Clang, clang, clang! Jon was awakened from his sleep by the sudden banging on the door, and he immediately gripped the hilt of his sword.
Jon got up, quickly surveyed the room, and slowly approached the door while keeping a close eye on the movements outside.
The banging on the door started again.
Jon loosened his fingers, then gripped the hilt of his sword tightly again, and said in a deep voice, "Who is it?!"
From the other side of the door, a young voice responded, "In the name of Princess Daenerys, open the door!"
Jon's pupils contracted slightly. Princess Daenerys? Why would she target me?!
Jon turned his head, his gaze sweeping across the room again. Where were Little Gryphon and Rory?
Jon for a moment, sheathed his longsword, and opened the door. He saw a pale, thin young man leading several soldiers standing outside the door.
The young man looked Jon up and down and said, "My name is Anguy. You must be Jon Snow?"
Jon gazed at Anguy and nodded slightly.
Anguy turned to the side and said, "Lord Jon, on behalf of Princess Daenerys, I request your presence at the Magister's Palace."
He added, "Your friend, Rory, is already there waiting."
The Magister's Palace in the city-state of Viserys City-State.
Following Anguy into the hall, Jon looked up and saw Daenerys Targaryen, the princess of Dragonstone, sitting upright with her hands naturally placed on her knees, exuding elegance and nobility.
Bathed in the morning light, her silver hair shimmered with a soft glow, and her violet eyes, like sparkling amethysts, shone with captivating brilliance.
She's so beautiful... The boy from the North forgot to bow.
Daenerys's gaze lingered on Jon... He was fairly handsome... Although his physique appeared lean, he seemed very strong... His skin was slightly dark... His hair was brown... His grey eyes were almost jet black.
At least outwardly, no trace of Targaryen blood could be detected... The silver-haired princess's eyes flickered as she glanced at the intruder named Rory. She frowned slightly; were these people trying to awaken her Dragon's Wrath?
The handmaid standing beside Daenerys chanted. "Before you stands Daenerys Targaryen, Princess of Dragonstone, Breaker of Chains, Savior of Viserys City-State, Stormborn."
The maid's introduction brought Jon back to his senses. After a pause, he bowed to Daenerys with his hand on his chest. "Good day, Princess of Dragonstone, I am... Jon Snow."
Daenerys's voice carried an air of authority. "Stranger, tell me your parents' names."
Jon looked up abruptly, his mouth agape. Why was she asking me this? Did she already know about his past?
After a moment of silence, Rory's gruff voice rang out. " Jon, it was me who told her."
What did he tell him? Jon turned around and saw Rory kneeling on the ground with his hands tied behind his back.
Jon asked in surprise, " Rory, what happened?"
Rory's lips trembled slightly as he said, "I might still be a bit drunk this morning. I climbed a wall and accidentally bumped into Her Highness the Princess."
Osana, who was guarding Rory, scolded, "Unauthorized entry into the Magister's Palace's mansion and audacity to offend Her Highness the Princess! You will be sent to the guillotine!"
Jon, after processing what he had heard since arriving here, asked, "Where's Little Gryphon?"
Rory replied, "We went horseback riding together, then got separated... I don't know how I got here."
Rory still reeked of alcohol.
Jon first rubbed his throbbing head, then looked at Daenerys, who was watching them, and said respectfully, "I'm sorry, Your Highness, my friend is probably still drunk. I assure you he didn't mean it. Please forgive him."
Daenerys's clear voice rang out. "Stranger, this intruder tells me you are one of my people, one of the Targaryen."
Her voice turned cold as she continued, "I can overlook the recklessness of a drunkard, but do you know the consequences of such a lie?"
Daenerys's words shocked Jon, who looked at Rory in disbelief.
Rory's cheeks flushed, and he raised his chin, pointing in Osana's direction. " Jon, I'm sorry, they were trying to kill me, and in my panic..."
Before he could finish speaking, Rory lowered his head in shame.
Jon pressed on with a serious expression, "How did you find out about my past?"
"Ah?"
Rory looked up, puzzled. "You told me that when we were drinking yesterday. Have you forgotten?"
Jon felt a headache coming on. He vaguely remembered the three of them telling their stories together, but the memory was hazy.
How could I have blurted this out?! Jon blamed himself. He hadn't doubted Rory... His friend was honest and trusting, and more importantly... this secret was something no one else could know unless he revealed it himself.
A bewildered Jon saw Daenerys slowly raise her hand, and his pupils contracted. He knew what this gesture meant... When she lowered her hand, his friend would be taken out to be executed.
Jon had to quickly interject, "Your Highness, I am willing to be honest with you."
Daenerys withdrew her raised hand and tapped her chin slightly.
Jon took a deep breath, calmed himself, and slowly began, "My father is Rhaegar Targaryen, and my mother is Lyanna Stark."
Daenerys rose from her chair, gazed at Jon for a moment, and said, " The False Spring?"
Jon Snow, with a bitter expression, said, "I am the birth of a mistake."
Daenerys shook her head. "That's not something you can decide."
Daenerys's voice remained cold, but her words instantly warmed Jon's eyes. Daenerys's simple words warmed Jon's heart—a warmth he had never experienced before, as if a warm current spread from the depths of his frozen heart, through his blood, and to every corner of his body.
Daenerys then asked, "How can you prove you're telling the truth?"
Meeting Daenerys's slightly expectant gaze, Jon was absolutely certain of his own heart... He didn't want to see disappointment in those beautiful eyes.
He replied earnestly, " Eddard Stark, Duke of Winterfell, can confirm this for me."
Then Jon recounted in detail the stories he had heard from Lord Eddard about his birth.
Daenerys did have her doubts at first, but now she no longer doubts Jon's parentage, and doesn't even need the Usurper to confirm it in person... Daenerys thinks this might be some kind of resonance within the Targaryen bloodline.
Daenerys quickly descended the steps and stood before Jon, looking at him tenderly.
Daenerys ' eyes welled up with tears. She reached out and gently stroked Jon's cheek, saying, " Jon, I'm your aunt."
Jon's eyes reddened, and he closed them sadly, fighting back tears.
He managed to say with difficulty, "I'm sorry, I... I'm just an illegitimate child."