King's Landing Reunited to Honor the True Dragon

The autumn sun in King's King's Landing, bathed in warm gold, swept over the pheasants and butterflies of the Red Keep, painting the entire capital in a festive hue.

The Westeros Joint Fleet, with its various fleets having completed the unprecedented feat of patrolling the entire Westeros Sea, is now officially returning to port for the first time since the mission's completion.

Lord Boremund Baratheon, returning victorious, along with the allied forces of Dornish Marches Stormlands and the Reach and the lords, came King's Landing;

To celebrate and participate in Daemon and Gael's engagement ceremony, the various lords of Westeros also came or sent messengers;

Across the Narrow Sea, in addition to the Free Cities, there is the Triarchy, comprised of Kingdom of the Three Daughters Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh, who have already reached a peace agreement with the Iron Throne and established subsequent trade treaties;

The current Neptune of Braavos, the current Prince of Pentos, and the rulers of the Tiger and Elephant parties of Volantis all sent their respective envoys;

Of the nine Free Cities of Essos, excluding Lorath, Norvos, and Lorath, which had little interaction with Westeros, a total of six envoys came.

Therefore, the Blackwater Bay docks were exceptionally lively today, crowded with ships and the stag banner of House Baratheon of Storm's End, representing Storm's End;

The Wildlands wolf banner of House Stark, representing Winterfell in the the North;

The Riverrun House Tully of Riverlands, represented by their red, blue, and silver banners;

The silver moon and blue eagle banner of House Arryn, representing the Valley;

The banner of the Highgarden, representing House Tyrell in the Reach;

The House Lannister Casterly Rock, representing the Westerlands, roared their lion banners.

There were even black flags of the Night's Watch on the the Wall and various flags of the Free Cities across the Narrow Sea.

A dense array of colorful flags and sails spread out on the sea like a flowing rainbow.

Today, even the air is filled with the scent of decorative pine resin, the aroma of cinnamon used as a spice for banquet pastries, and the fragrance of ambergris, which represents royal ceremonies. All these blend together to create the grandest prelude to this engagement ceremony.

On the bluestone slabs of the dock, the feudal lords who had just arrived were walking down the pier one after another.

Leading the victorious return was Duke Boremund Baratheon, clad in deep black armor trimmed with gold, the stag emblem on his shoulder armor gleaming in the sea breeze. Behind him followed the Dornish Marches lords of the Stormlands and the Reach, who had returned with him.

Borros Baratheon, who was in charge of welcoming him, and Duke Boremund were indeed father and son; the two were cut from the same mold.

Today, Borros was also followed by a group of people, all of them young men who had accompanied him in the Stormlands of King's Landing's Landing.

Roland Clinton's red robe, Lorent Grandson's yellow shirt, the short swords at the waists of Fell Theogood and Willie Fell brothers, and Bryce Caron's bright yellow outfit—it was a veritable "Heroes of Stormlands" scene.

As soon as Boremund stepped onto the dock, he was led to his carriage by the waiting golden-robed City Watch. Passing Daemon, who was also there to greet him, he unusually abandoned his serious demeanor, reverting to his most relaxed self, and patted the boy's shoulder heavily. "Little Daemon, for this engagement ceremony, your uncle brought along the best ale from Storm's End. You'd better have a good drink with Borros this time!"

Daemon smiled and nodded in response, his gaze sweeping over the crowd behind him.

Benjen Stark, brother of Duke Ellard, and his wife Lysa Locke, representing the the North, were leading their three-year-old son Rickon, escorted by their cousin Brandon Stark, the Wild Wolf of the North. Their thick the North cloaks still bore traces of the northern frost.

Little Rickon, clutching a wooden Direwolf, brightened at the sight of the Grey Ghost. He broke free from his mother's grasp and ran over, extending his hand to the light gray dragon. "Is this your dragon?"

But before Little Rickon could finish speaking, his "carefree" cousin Brandon picked him up from behind and tossed him high in the air. "Kids don't know any better. It's been more than half a year since we last saw each other, Little Daemon. This time, at your engagement ceremony with Princess Gael, I finally got the chance to get you drunk!"

However, seemingly remembering who Brandon was, the Grey Ghost tilted its head, gently flew up, and rubbed its nose against Brandon's palm, eliciting the Wild Wolf's signature hearty laugh.

The Benjen looked at their eldest cousin Brandon, who was fooling around with his own child, and shook their heads helplessly, as if they were familiar with how Duke Ellard and Benjen had raised Brandon when he was a child.

Turning to Benjen, Daemon explained, "Ellard hasn't been feeling well lately, so before we left, he specifically asked us to bring white fox fur from the the North to make a cloak for Her Highness. Oh, and there's also a letter from Cregan Karstark, Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, saying that everything is safe at the the Wall and that Her Highness can rest assured."

Not far away, Count and Earl Rodrik Dustin were packing their luggage with their second son, Herman, and Ada. Duke Ellard, the lord, had been unwell recently, and William, the eldest son of the Earl and his squire, naturally had to be by his side, so the Earl and Countess had to come in person.

Their grey cloaks in the Barrow Hall were embroidered with the family's crossed black axes and crown emblem, and Ada was holding a rag doll, the little dragon doll that Daemon and Gael had given her when they toured the the North.

Beren Dustin, who had come by boat from the Citadel to assist with the engagement ceremony, was dressed in the Citadel's grey robes, the chains symbolizing his apprenticeship gleaming coldly in the sunlight.

He disembarked from the ship and saw his parents, brother, and sister in the crowd. Just as he was about to greet them, he was stopped by Vaegon Targaryen, who had recommended him to study in the Citadel.

His assistant, Bachelor Bernard, assessed Beren's progress in his recent solitary studies of astrology at the Citadel: "According to messages from the Citadel's ravens, the the Wall the North has recently weakened, so the Citadel predicts that this year's cold snap will be delayed, which would be perfect for the voyage back to the Citadel after the engagement."

The fleet at White Harbor was the most lively. Theomore Manderly Earl his large family off the ship. These Manderly members, once they reached their twilight years, would become portly and robust. Dressed in silk robes, they carried pearls from the North Harbor and ocean jewels as gifts—specialties of White Harbor. Theomore Earl even smiled and handed Daemon a honey cake, "My dear Little Daemon, it's been a long time. This was freshly made this morning by our White Harbor's cook. I remember you and Gael especially liked it when you left the the North on our ship. This time, we even added sugar from Arbor. Would you like to try some? My son William often mentions your recent exploits in his letters from the Joint Fleet!"

William Manderly followed behind, dressed in the Joint Fleet's naval uniform and carrying a nautical logbook, clearly having just arrived from the fleet.

The House Tully fleet in the Riverlands exuded elegance today. Duke Grover Tully wore a silver and blue silk robe, and his silver and blue attire, along with the red hair that was the House Tully crest, perfectly complemented the bright red, blue, and silver of their coat of arms.

However, behind him, besides his two sons, Hoster Tully and Brynden Tully, who were in the Joint Fleet, was a large family of men, women, and children, led by his Triarchy Lysa, his youngest daughter Leia, and his brother's third son Edmure.

When Grover saw Daemon come to greet him personally, he immediately smiled and waved, "Your Highness Little Daemon, I brought some of our Riverrun's newest peach wine. It tastes even smoother than the sweet wine from Arbor. I'll have a servant deliver it to your bedchamber later."

The Vale's contingent, on the other hand, carried themselves with the air of knights. Leading them were Vale Regent Yobert House Royce and his heir, his niece Rhea House Royce, both dressed in imposing attire.

Behind them, guards led Gonsor House Royce, who was carrying Duchess Jeyne House Arryn. Jeyne wasn't afraid of heights and sat directly on the shoulders of this "Gonsor giant," just like the eagle on their House Arryn family crest. She looked at Daemon, seemingly questioning him why he hadn't gone to the Vale to find her after the New Year.

William House Royce, standing nearby, carried a wooden box containing eagle-feathered arrows from the Vale.

"This is our engagement gift for you and Gael. I heard that Little Dragon likes sparkly things," Yobert said to Daemon with a smile, his eyes filled with the gentle warmth of an elder towards a younger person.

The Reach represents the House Tyrell ' messengers, and their elegance is as if they brought the "Rose Garden" to King's Landing.

The Duke's uncle, Sir Martyn Tyrell, and his wife, Florence Fossoway, were low-key.

However, they couldn't resist their own nephew, the duke, who loved this flamboyant style, and even the people around him and the envoys he sent adopted it.

The couple wore robes with the rose pattern that symbolized their family, followed by their grand-nephew Garlan Tyrell.

He had just returned from the Joint Fleet, his silver armor still stained with the salt of the Narrow Sea, and he held a bouquet of fresh red roses in his hands, clearly intended as a gift for the prince and princess.

"Mathos sent us wine from Arbor and candied fruit from Highgarden," Martyn said with a smile, handing over a silver box. "There are also some sweet flower petals inside; children love sweets, and this is for good luck."

Although the procession from the Westerlands was not as lively as those from other regions, it exuded an air of nobility.

Lord Taimond Lannister, who was already in King's Landing, arrived with his cousin Lancel Lannister, who had returned from inspecting the Sunset Sea with the Westerlands Fleet, and his twin grandsons, Jason Lannister and Tyland Lannister, whom he had picked up along the way.

Their long robes adorned with golden lions swept across the ground, and Lancel held a brocade box containing gold artifacts from the Westerlands: "Duke Taimond said this is a necklace crafted for Her Highness by artisans in Lannisport, and the ruby on it was taken from the private treasury of Casterly Rock."

Daemon accepted all the gifts he received that day, his gaze sweeping over the Red Keep in the distance. Garry stood at the city gate, her Gael purple skirt shimmering softly in the sunlight. Mysaria and Johanna followed behind her, while Brienne and Lia stood guard on either side, swords in hand.

Seeing Daemon turn his head and see the light, Gael quickly walked over, carrying a food box. "I had the kitchen make some honey cakes, they just arrived from the Red Keep, they're still warm."

She opened the food box; the mats for the honey cakes inside were printed with images of Glutton and Dreamfyre. "Vaegon told me this morning that today's celestial alignment is perfect for our engagement party decorations. Shall we go check out the Red Keep's setup?"

Daemon nodded. The guests for today's welcome had almost all arrived. He then took Gael's hand and walked toward the Red Keep, with Grey Ghost following behind, carrying the plush toy that Ada Dustin had secretly given it in its mouth.

Along the way, craftsmen were busy hanging colorful ribbons, tavern owners were setting up tables and chairs, and even a theatrical troupe had set up a stage in the square, singing the play "The Dragonknight and the Princess," which attracted passersby to stop and watch.

In the council chamber of the Red Keep, King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne watched as the messengers of the Faith of the Seven began the ritual.

The messenger, dressed in a white robe and carrying the Seven-Pointed Star, solemnly announced, "The engagement ceremony will proceed according to Westeros tradition. First, His Majesty will bless the two princes; then, the maesters of the Citadel will read the marriage vows; and finally, the lords will witness the exchange of tokens."

The maesters of the Citadel were organizing the engagement papers, the handwriting on the parchment neat and the seal of the Iron Throne in gold.

Baelon stood to the side, his eyes filled with satisfaction. He watched Daemon and Gael walk in, and waved with a smile, "You've come at the right time. Borros and that Brandon from the House Stark just got back and said they wanted to duel you at the engagement ceremony. Don't lose."

Daemon Targaryen leaned closer, fiddling with something in his hand. "Count me in for a sword fight! We haven't had a proper sword fight since we came back from the Stepstones, so Aunt Gael can be the referee!"

Gael shook her head with a smile, her light purple eyes full of laughter. "If you two are going to have a sword fight, you'd better choose a blunt sword for me, so you don't hurt each other."

In the afternoon, the lords gradually gathered in the courtyard of the Red Keep.

The Duke of Boremund was discussing the defense of the Dornish Marches with Ser Martyn, the Benjen were talking to Queen Alysanne about the harvest in the the North, Vaegon was watching from a corner as Bernard taught Beren a discussion of star charts.

The children surrounded the Grey Ghost; Brandon, somehow inside, was feeding the little dragon honey cakes, while Ada and Jeyne clapped their hands. Meanwhile, Hoster Tully and Garlan Tyrell were discussing the fleet's new course.

Throughout the courtyard, there was no sense of estrangement between the feudal lords, only the lively atmosphere of family, a scene reminiscent of "Seven Kingdoms as one family".

Daemon watched all this, a warmth rising in his heart. He recalled the Dragonstone prison he'd been in three years ago when he first transmigrated, the storms of his Seven Kingdoms tour, the bloody battle at the Stepstones, and now, seeing this magnificent spectacle—

The lords of the Seven Kingdoms gathered, and even messengers from across the Narrow Sea came to offer their congratulations. The Night's Watch of the the Wall sent their blessings. This was not only his engagement to Gael, but also a testament to the Iron Throne and the Targaryen Lineage's prosperity reaching new heights once again.

As the sun set, the candlelight of the Red Keep gradually illuminated the scene. The marriage documents were ready in the council chamber, the messengers of the Faith of the Seven were tuning the bells, and the maesters of the Citadel were organizing the tokens of their commitment.

The Grey Ghost curled up at Daemon's feet, a wooden Direwolf Brandon had just given it dangling from its mouth. The Glutton's roar came from the Dragonpit, deep yet powerful—this was the power of the Targaryen, the very foundation that protected Daemon's peace and happiness.

As the sun officially set, the bells of the Red Keep rang once more.

The lords and envoys returned to their lodgings for the night, and the gifts in the banquet hall piled up like a small mountain. The various coats of arms of the nobles of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros hanging on the walls gleamed in the afterglow.

Back in his room, Damon stood on the balcony, watching the lights of King's Landing gradually illuminate the area outside the Red Keep. His heart was filled with a sense of peace. In the three years since he arrived here a century ago, from his tour of the Seven Kingdoms to the Battle of the Stepstones, from the submission of the Iron Islands to the great victory on the frontier, the strength of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and the Iron Throne, and the ever-growing prestige of the Targaryen family, all seemed to have reached new heights at this moment.

For the past three years, the lords of Westeros King's Landing almost once a year, not only to celebrate, but also because something has begun to take root in their hearts: the Dragonfire of the Targaryen will forever be the guarantee of peace for the Seven Kingdoms.

On the distant Blackwater Bay, the Lys silk merchant ships that had arrived this morning for trade were slowly sailing away. The Night's Watch's black banners fluttered in the wind. The white fox fur of the the North, the gold of the Westerlands, and the roses of the Reach all shone in the candlelight of the Red Keep tonight, together composing a new chapter for Westeros.

An engagement ceremony between dragons and peace is about to begin, blessed by the Seven Kingdoms.