Three farewells to King's Landing, the wind guiding them home

On the square outside the Red Keep, the silvery-white sails with their seahorse markings had not yet completely disappeared, while the outline of the golden lion flag had already appeared on the other side of the Blackwater Rush.

The season of farewell in King's Landing is like a long, lingering wind, carrying reluctance and anticipation, blowing past everyone about to embark on a long journey.

On the morning of the third day that Corlys House Velaryon's "Sea Snake" was docked at the ferry, before the morning mist had even cleared, his wife Rhaenys was already waiting on the shore with Laena and Laenor.

Today, Rhaenys wore a silver and blue silk robe that perfectly complemented Corlys's silver armor. She held a cloth bag embroidered with seahorse patterns, her fingertips repeatedly tracing its edge.

She had packed it up all night; it contained Corlys's usual linen shirt, herbs for treating old wounds, and a good luck charm embroidered by Laena herself.

"It's windy at sea, remember to wear warm clothes in the mornings and evenings." Rhaenys handed over the cloth bag, her voice gentle but trembling almost imperceptibly. "The Stepstones have just been stabilized, so don't always stay up late handling government affairs. Let Vaemond share more of the workload."

Corlys took the cloth bag, his fingertips brushing against her palm, his eyes filled with tacit tenderness. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Don't overwork yourself in King's Landing. Take your time with Laena and Laenor's studies.

He bent down and picked up Laena, and his daughter immediately wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in the crook of his shoulder. "Father, please come back soon, I'm still waiting to see the jewels of the Stepstones you bring back."

"Okay," Corlys nodded with a smile, then patted Laenor's head. "Laenor, be a good boy. Take good care of Mother and Sister for your father. I'll bring you a glowing stone from the Narrow Sea when I come back."

Laenor nodded shyly, his little hands clutching his father's clothes, unwilling to let go.

Viserys, carrying Rhaenyra and with Aemma supporting his arm, slowly walked over.

Seeing the bloodshot in Viserys' eyes, Corlys stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder. "Don't be like this, Viserys. You still need to take care of Aemma and Rhaenyra. Don't dwell on the past. The Iron Throne needs you, your grandfather and father need you, and your wife and daughter need you even more."

"I know," Viserys' voice was hoarse but firm. "Don't worry, Corlys, I'll recover. If you need anything on the Stepstones, just let me know."

Corlys glanced at Daemon one last time, twirling the brass telescope in his hand, his tone carrying a deeper meaning. "I await your message at the Stepstones. If you require a future voyage—whether across the Narrow Sea or further afield—seek my help. My House Velaryon silver ships will always be ready for your future journey."

Daemon nodded, understanding that he was referring not only to trade, but also to potential future cooperation and journey. "Rest assured, I won't stand on ceremony. When Dragon's Roost Port is completed, I'll definitely invite you back for a drink."

Corlys turned and boarded the "Sea Snake," its silvery sails slowly rising.

He stood at the stern, waving towards the shore until Rhaenys and the children's figures became tiny dots, before turning and entering the cabin. The future governance of the Stepstones, the future command of the Joint Fleet, and the dealings with the Narrow Sea City-States all awaited him.

Almost at the same time that Corlys's ship sailed away from the Narrow Sea, Taimond Lannister's "Golden Lion" also departed from the dock on the other side of the port.

He wore a brocade robe with a golden lion pattern, clutched the documents of the Westerlands Merchant Guild in his hand, and his face showed no sorrow, but rather a pragmatic ease.

Last night he met privately with Corlys and finalized trade cooperation between the Westerlands and House Velaryon:

Ironware from the Westerlands was prioritized for supply to the House Velaryon shipyards, while House Velaryon silver ships provided escort services for Westerlands merchant ships in the Narrow Sea.

Before departing, he made a special trip to see Viserys, the man he had been forced to gamble on, and handed him a list of food supplies for the Westerlands: "The granaries at Lannisport are full. If King's King's Landing needs them, they can be transferred immediately. Take care of yourself; you are the future king. Don't let that old fox Otto always worry about you, Your Highness."

He then spoke to Otto, briefly mentioning that "the Westerlands will support the Iron Throne's decision," thus appeasing this recently frustrated "ally."

Taimond's sails quickly disappeared into the direction of the Sunset Sea. There were few farewells, but with the efficiency unique to the Westerlands, for him, parting was never an emotional entanglement, but the beginning of a new strategic layout.

Three days later, on the morning of the next day, in the square outside the Red Keep, the pale blue dragon shadow of Dreamfyre overlapped with the Black Dragon wings of the Glutton, like a light that intertwined warmth and coldness.

Daemon wore black dragon scale armor and had Blackfyre slung across his waist;

Gael was dressed in a light purple dress, holding Jeyne's hand, with Rhea House Royce standing beside her, her face still showing displeasure. This time, the group returning to Dragon's Roost Port had two more "distinguished guests" than when they arrived.

The reason for this needs to be explained three days ago:

Daemon Targaryen enthusiastically invited Rhea to hunt in the Kingswood or the Stormlands, but his joking remark, "You unyielding bronze block should learn more about how to please your husband," completely enraged Rhea, who had somewhat improved her opinion of him in the past few days. After a big argument, Rhea immediately decided to return to her home Runestone in the Vale.

Upon hearing this, Jeyne also insisted that William House Royce, who had escorted her to King's Landing, take her back to the Eyrie, and even clung to Daemon, demanding that "Little Daemon take me riding a dragon."

Meanwhile, Daemon Targaryen, the instigator, was hiding in the Silk Street tavern in the Flea Bottom, drowning his sorrows in wine, and didn't even show his face to say goodbye.

In the courtyard of the Red Keep, Daemon's followers and confidants had already packed their belongings.

Larys Strong, leaning on his cane, handed over the intelligence network's key to Bartimos Celtigar for the last time. The new intelligence minister, dressed in a black robe embroidered with gold, wore a fawning smile and repeatedly instructed, "If Your Highness needs anything, Crab Island's spies will be at your beck and call."

Larys responded casually, but his eyes held a hint of anticipation for Dragon's Roost Port —a place with the vast world Daemon had King's Landing, far more comfortable than the intrigues of King's King's Landing?

"Old man, I'm leaving." As Larys turned around, Leonno Strong was already standing on the veranda, his bald head gleaming in the morning light, clutching a cloth bag containing a few changes of clothes and a bottle of medicine.

The newly appointed Master of Laws, usually not one for words, was unusually talkative at this moment. "Once you arrive at Dragon's Roost Port, Your Highness, avoid getting involved in dangerous matters. Your legs aren't good, so don't keep running into the swamp. If you encounter any difficulties, have a raven carry a message back to King's Landing, and I will find a way to help your father."

Larys took the cloth bag, his fingertips touching the warmth of the medicine bottle. A sly smile, as he knew, played on his lips, and he became genuinely serious. "Father, don't worry, I know what I'm doing. But you, the Master of Laws's job is tedious. Don't stay up all night studying legal texts. Remember to eat on time. Oh, and keep an eye on that idiot Harwin. Don't let him cause us any trouble."

Leonno watched his son's ailing leg recede into the distance, opened his mouth to speak, but ultimately only managed a soft "Mmm."

He had never spoken many kind words to his second son, but as Larys boarded the carriage to the dock, he quietly raised his hand and pressed a corner of his eye.

On both sides of the pier, members of the royal family and their relatives were already waiting. King Jaehaerys leaned on his ruby scepter, his long silver hair fluttering in the wind. Queen Alysanne stood beside him, clutching a handkerchief embroidered with a three-headed dragon, her eyes filled with reluctance.

Baelon wore a deep black tuxedo outlined with crimson and gold thread. Although the old wound under his ribs had not yet healed, he still stood tall. The light fell on Daemon, carrying the expectations and instructions of an elder.

"Little Daemon, while the development of Crab Claw Peninsula is urgent, we must also ensure its stability."

Jaehaerys's voice was as steady as ever, yet it held a hint of barely perceptible concern. "If you need the Iron Throne's support for the construction of Dragon's Roost Port and the Crownlands, you can always send a message to your grandfather via Raven. Your aunt Gael, has been frail since childhood; now that you are her husband, you must take good care of her."

Queen Alysanne stepped forward and gently took Gael's hand in hers, her fingertips warm. "My Child of Winter," she said, "Remember to send word home often. Your favorite flower seeds are still kept in the gardens of the Red Keep. When they bloom next year, I will have a raven deliver the seeds to you."

She turned to Daemon, her tone solemn, "I trust you with Gael, but if you dare to wrong her, even across the Narrow Sea, I'll have your uncle Baelon ride the Vhagar to find you."

Gael nodded with a smile, her light purple eyes sparkling. "Mother, don't worry, Little Daemon treats me very well. Once Dragon's Roost Port is completed, we will definitely invite you to be our guests first."

Baelon gently patted Daemon's shoulder, the touch light yet steady. "Although the Wildlings tribes of Crab Claw Peninsula have submitted to you, you still need to be wary of undercurrents. Your advisor, Alys Rivers, is skilled in medicine, but also mysterious; keep a close eye on her. Corlys will keep a close eye on the Joint Fleet's routes around Crab Claw Peninsula and Dragon's Roost Port; if there are any unusual developments in the Narrow Sea, immediately mobilize the Royal Fleet for support."

Daemon bowed and replied, "Thank you for your instructions, Uncle. I will certainly guard my Crownlands well and not disappoint the Iron Throne and my family."

Viserys held Rhaenyra in his arms, Aemma supporting his arm; the couple's complexions were much rosier than usual.

Rhaenyra nestled on her father's shoulder, her little hands clutching the wooden dragon Daemon had given her, her eyes red-rimmed. "Little Daemon, come back soon. Remember to bring me a gift from Dragon's Roost Port, and have Grey Ghost come back to play with me too."

Daemon reached out and pinched her little cheek, his eyes full of tenderness. "Okay, once the docks at Dragon's Roost Port are built, I'll take you, Sister Aemma, and Brother Viserys to visit us. Grey Ghost will play with you and show you around the whole peninsula."

Aemma added with a smile, "I'll make you honey cakes then, to your liking, with extra Arbor wine."

Jocelyn held Rhaenys's hand, carrying a cloth bag containing a cloak she had sewn for Gael overnight. "It's windy at the beach, so I added some white fox fur to this cloak to keep it warm. Conditions are tough on Crab Claw Peninsula, so if you need anything, just tell me and I'll have Rhaenys's family's silver ship deliver it to you."

Rhaenys stood to the side, her long silver hair cascading over her shoulders, holding a seahorse-patterned jade stone in her hand. "This is a peace charm pattern passed down from the House Velaryon of Tidehead Island, Corlys's clan. Have the Smith in your Crownlands inlay it onto your dragon scale armor. Legend has it that it can ward off floods."

"On the trade routes of Dragon's Roost Port, House Velaryon silver ships will have priority access, you can rest assured."

Laena and Laenor ran to Daemon's side, and Laena, as usual, handed him a small box full of seashells. "Uncle Little Daemon, these seashells can hear the sounds of the ocean. When you and Aunt Gael miss home, listen to them; it'll feel like we're right here with you."

Laenor shyly handed over a drawing, which depicted a three-headed dragon flying towards the sea, its crooked strokes full of childlike innocence.

Daemon nodded, his gaze sweeping across the end of the dock, but he still couldn't find Daemon Targaryen.

I heard last night that he had another big fight with Rhea, which made Rhea so angry that she immediately packed her bags to return to Runestone in the Vale, while he himself, carrying a wine jug, went into the tavern on Silk Street, the Flea Bottom, and is probably still fast asleep in his drunken dreams.

Rhea was now standing on the ship's side, dressed in bronze-colored tight-fitting clothes, the rune amulet at her waist gleaming coldly in the light.

Her expression was aloof. She walked over intending to ask Daemon when he would depart, but when she saw the seashell Laena offered, her fingertips paused slightly before she finally accepted it and tucked it into her clothes.

Upon hearing others mention Daemon Targaryen, she merely snorted coldly, her eyes revealing little anger, but rather a subtle hint of helplessness.

The arguments between this legally married couple always come and go quickly, but today's one just happened to miss the moment of farewell.

"Little Daemon! I want to ride a dragon!" Jeyne House Arryn broke free from William House Royce's grasp and ran to Daemon, her short legs moving incredibly fast, still clutching the wooden eagle in her hand. "William said Dragon's Roost Port has many adventurous places. When we leave, will you take me with you on a Glutton Rider?"

William House Royce quickly followed, his face full of helplessness. "Your Highness, the young duchess insists on going to Dragon's Roost Port first before returning to Eyrie. Please take good care of her."

Daemon bent down and picked up Jeyne, and the little one immediately wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes crinkling with laughter.

He looked at Rhea, his tone carrying a hint of Daemon Targaryen's signature teasing. "Sister-in-law Rhea, it seems your journey home won't be lonely."

Rhea glanced at him, didn't reply, but moved closer to Dreamfyre.

Gael had already led Alys Rivers towards the pale blue dragon. Alys Rivers's green cloak hood still covered most of her beautiful face. She clutched the medicine box tightly in her hand, her eyes calmly sweeping over the crowd at the dock, without the slightest bit of unease.

"It's time to set off." Gael flipped onto the dragon's back, her light purple robe billowing in the wind like a blooming Roland. "Alys, hold on tight, Dreamfyre isn't slow either."

Alys Rivers nodded, skillfully sitting sideways behind Gael, one arm around Gael's slender waist, the other gently supporting the scales on the Dreamfyre's neck, her voice low yet carrying a soothing tone. "Don't worry, little princess, I won't hold you back."

Daemon handed Jeyne to Gael: "You take her on Dreamfyre first, Grey Ghost will follow you, and I'll ride Glutton, so we can keep an eye on each other on the way."

Jeyne cheered and immediately went over to hug Gael's waist, peeking out and waving to Rhaenyra on the other side. "Rhaenyra, next time I come to see you from the Vale, I'll bring you a little dragon toy!"

Rhaenyra, nestled in Viserys's arms, her eyes still red-rimmed, called out to Jeyne and Daemon in the distance, "Little Daemon, Jeyne and Gael, come find me again soon!"

Daemon flipped onto the Glutton, the Black Dragon's scales gleaming with a dark gold in the morning light. He reached out and touched the Grey Ghost that had come closer, and the little dragon immediately rubbed against his palm, a piece of honey cake in its mouth—something Gael had specially prepared for it that morning.

"Let's go." Daemon's voice carried across the dock on the wind. The Glutton let out a deep dragon's roar, spread its wings, and the wind it stirred up stirred up the wild grass and flags along the Blackwater Rush ferry.

Dreamfyre followed closely behind, its pale blue dragon wings skimming across the water's surface, leaving behind a string of glistening water droplets.

Rhea boarded one of the accompanying fast ships. William House Royce and his servants had already prepared supplies, and the House Royce's pebble rune flag and the House Arryn family's silver moon blue eagle flag fluttered in the wind.

As for them mingling among Daemon's followers' fleet, Larys was already on another ship, waving to Leonno and Harwin: "Father, brother, see you at Dragon's Roost Port!"

Leonno nodded, his lips moving slightly. The usually silent and serious Leonor, when bidding farewell to his "good-for-nothing" youngest son, could only manage a final, "Take care."

Harwin raised the wine pouch at his waist and gestured to the departing sail of his younger brother, whom he had bullied since childhood, his eyes filled with reluctance.

The herd of two large dragons and one small dragon gradually rose into the air, with Daemon riding Glutton at the forefront, his gaze sweeping over the docks below—

King Jaehaerys raised his scepter again, and Queen Alysanne once more secretly wiped away her tears.

Baelon stood there, his purple eyes filled with anticipation, while Viserys and Aemma embraced and waved goodbye to the sky.

Jocelyn and Rhaenys stood side by side, while Laena and Laenor jumped and waved, Rhaenyra's sobs could be faintly heard.

Jeyne nestled in Gael's arms, pointed to the Blackwater Rush below, and shouted excitedly, "Look! The boat is following us!"

Gael smiled and nodded, then turned to look at Daemon beside her. Their eyes met in the air, carrying an unspoken understanding.

The docks of Dragon's Roost Port, the unfinished castle, the wasteland awaiting cultivation, and the tribes that have submitted—

Countless images flashed through their minds: the Crab Claw Peninsula, once considered a wild and untamed place by the world, has now become their most cherished home.

Rhea stood on the deck of the speedboat, gazing at the dragon's shadow in the sky, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.

This unexpected journey home, perhaps to escape her argument with Daemon Targaryen, also sparked her curiosity about the legendary, rising Dragon's Roost Port.

As Alys Rivers sat atop Dreamfyre's back, her gaze beneath the hood fixed on the distant Crab Claw Peninsula. Her fingertips gently traced the runes on the medicine box, as if sensing something.

The Glutton's dragon roar was long and drawn out, followed closely by the clear and Dreamfyre. Grey Ghost's small voice rang out from time to time, intertwining with the sound of the speedboat's sails and the waves, becoming the most beautiful prelude on the journey home.

The outline of King's Landing's Landing gradually shrank, the pheasants and butterflies of the Red Keep glowed golden-red in the morning light, and the Blackwater Rush, like a silver ribbon, meandered towards the Narrow Sea.

Daemon looked down and saw that the figures on the dock had become tiny dots of light, but he could still feel the heavy weight of concern.

He recalled his conversation with Larys last night: the docks at Dragon's Roost Port were more than half-finished, the drainage ditches were secure, the first batch of salt-tolerant crops was about to be planted, and the warriors of the Black Hill Tribe had been incorporated into the guard force.

Everything is progressing according to plan, and today's return journey is precisely to ensure that that land truly becomes a home that carries dreams and brings peace.

Gael's voice came from the side, tinged with laughter. "Look, Grey Ghost is eyeing Jeyne's honey cake again."

Daemon turned his head and saw Grey Ghost circling around Dreamfyre, its little head nuzzling Jeyne, making a purring sound that made Jeyne laugh and clap her hands. She broke off a small piece of honey cake and handed it to it.

"This little guy, he never forgets to eat, no matter where he goes." Daemon smiled helplessly, gently patting the Glutton's neck with his fingertips. The Black Dragon seemed to sense his mood and flew more steadily.

On the distant Narrow Sea, sunlight spills onto the waves, like scattered gold flowing.

Rhea's speedboat followed closely behind the dragons, with William House Royce standing at the bow, vigilantly scanning the sea to ensure the course was safe.

Daemon knew that although the journey home was smooth, it also held unknowns—the undercurrents of Crab Claw Peninsula, Alys Rivers ' secrets, the power struggles in King's Landing, and the unresolved conflict between Daemon Targaryen and Rhea all awaited them in the future.

But as long as you have Long, Gael, and loyal followers by your side, and this warm feeling of mutual concern, there is no storm you cannot overcome.

Dragon Wings, carrying dreams and aspirations, flew towards the Crab Claw Peninsula.

There are lands waiting to be cultivated, ports rising, castles about to be built, and their future.

The docks of King's Landing's Landing gradually disappeared from sight, leaving only the sound of the wind rustling through the dragon's scales, and the anticipation of reunion in their hearts, as they sailed towards that wild land full of hope.