Let the Whole World Hear Viserys's Name

In the first great hall of the Sealord's Palace, the magnificent ceiling murals depicted the many legends of the Secret City.

Viserys Targaryen tilted his head back and studied those beautiful murals seriously. They were exquisite beyond compare.

Braavos followed the rule of religious freedom, and these murals did not reflect gifts from the gods, but the struggles of the Braavosi.

Braavos lacked no stone. There were around twenty grand buildings in Braavos, and the Sealord's Palace was one of them. King's Landing had only three.

Buildings represented wealth and national strength. Braavos truly deserved to be the foremost of the Free Trade Cities.

It was Viserys's first time visiting the Sealord's Palace, and he had come through Black Pearl's connections.

Still, his name had gradually become renowned. At the very least, the Sealord had tacitly approved of it.

The first ceiling painting showed Valyria's sunless volcanic mines, where countless slaves toiled in unbearable misery.

Then came the most important scene: the Moonsingers in silver-white robes prayed solemnly before leading the fleeing slaves to discover Great Reef Island Lake in the Secret City.

Later came Uthero, a century afterward, performing the Unmasking and revealing his identity to the world.

Braavos's Purple Fleet sailed unhindered through the Shivering Sea and the Summer Sea.

During the Century of Blood, the Sealord also opposed Volantis. War erupted, and in the end, the grand alliance crushed Volantis.

These murals were vivid and lifelike, carrying an epic grandeur and romantic air.

Along the edges of the paintings were images of mermaids, Krakens, Leviathan whales, sea dragons, and more.

"How does it feel here?" Black Pearl asked. Dressed to the nines, she had also appeared in the small private box.

Black Pearl wore a dark yellow, low-cut silk gown that contrasted beautifully with her gleaming brown skin.

Her black hair was gathered in a gold-thread hairnet, while a necklace of black jade and gold hung over her full breasts.

Even within the Sealord's palace, where there would be countless high-class courtesans, her beauty was still astonishing.

Black Pearl could not be called bewitching. She possessed the youthful charm of a top courtesan, yet was equally lovely and poised.

"Not bad. The dome is quite nice, and so is your figure." Viserys appraised her, then glanced at Black Pearl's chest again.

Viserys wore a black top and held a silver half-mask that covered his face.

"You're really rude," Black Pearl scolded in feigned anger. Her body carried a dark, alluring fragrance, the sort of perfume that left one dazed and restless. It clearly did not come cheap.

"You get unhappy when I tell the truth. This place really is great."

"More than great. Every Sealord throughout history has renovated the Sealord's Palace. You could say every inch of this place is worth its weight in gold." Black Pearl covered her mouth and laughed again, a mask in her hand.

Black Pearl's mask was even smaller than Viserys's half-mask. It was essentially just an eye mask, less like a mask than something suggestive.

The mask was made of black jade and gold, exceedingly splendid.

What was more, a huge black pearl was set at its center, making her identity all the more obvious.

"Come, have a drink." Black Pearl raised the hot lemon drink in her hand.

For the moment, the table held fruit platters: Dorne blood oranges, honeydew melons from the Reach, and red peaches.

Viserys took a cup of hot lemon drink. Since Braavos lay so far north, things like melons, lemons, and oranges were all quite expensive. The Sealord had truly spared no expense.

"I still have the finale performance today. Black Pearl will be showing off her voice, so I can't let myself be outdone. I can't embarrass myself," Black Pearl explained. "Just a little lemon tea, not wine."

"May you win at the first stroke," Viserys said.

"I'll definitely win. Black Pearl never loses. But I hate you. You gave this glory to Nightingale and the Female Swordswoman as well. If I tied you to a ship, all this glory would belong to Black Pearl alone." Black Pearl smiled as she voiced her displeasure.

"Don't be too greedy, woman. Viserys still has more in stock, so long as your price is right. Lately, I need dragonbone—the more, the better." Viserys looked at Black Pearl.

Recently, Viserys had also been spending crazily. Though he had not used it all up yet, he was going through it quickly.

"That won't be much of a problem. What do you need so much dragonbone for? Are you assembling dragonbone bows? Never mind. Here's to a pleasant partnership." Black Pearl set down her cup and clinked it against Viserys's.

Black Pearl did not think much of it. After all, everyone knew that House Targaryen had an obsession with dragons. There were even madmen who fantasized about spending Wildfire to turn into dragons.

"I'm leaving, beautiful Silver Traveler. This masquerade will be exceptionally exciting. Tonight, everyone will hear the Silver Traveler's name. The glory belongs to you, Viserys."

"The glory belongs to you too, Black Pearl." Viserys returned the compliment.

Braavos's greatest carnival commemorated the Unmasking, an event honored with ten days of observance every year.

During those days, people wore masks and feasted.

When midnight arrived on the tenth day, the Titan of Braavos would let out a roar. At that moment, every reveler and banquet guest would remove their veils in perfect unison.

Though this masquerade banquet was not part of the Great Carnival, it had been organized by the Sealord and gathered many prominent figures, making it equally dazzling.

"This private room is full of pretty girls. Don't embarrass yourself if you drink too much."

"How could I?" Viserys said unhappily. "I wouldn't embarrass myself in front of you, much less them."

"Remember what I told you, Viserys. Braavos is a dangerous city. You've drawn far too much attention lately. The bloodthirsty Violet Swordsman has been noticed by many swordsmen hoping to make a name for themselves. For the sake of true dragon blood, I don't want those lunatics to hurt your pretty face," Black Pearl said seriously.

"Thank you for your concern, Black Pearl. You are my friend. But a person can only choose one path, and I will tread upon blood and wailing." Viserys spoke honestly as he looked at Black Pearl's breathtaking face.

To face the cruel future, he had become a dangerous killer as well.

A Water Dancer who had not seen blood was not a true Water Dancer.

"All right." Black Pearl did not continue. All men must die, but all men have desires.

Mad power was more alluring than beauty.

"Then wait here. I'm sure the people dining with you can be trusted. This will be a sweet night." Black Pearl turned and left.

As a top courtesan, she was needed to display her talents at Braavos's major events.

Viserys rose and put on his silver mask.

Looking down through the staircase on the second floor, he saw the first-floor hall packed with masked people.

Since all those coming and going were nobles and dignitaries, their masks were finer and more extravagant.

Gold, jade, silver, and other precious metals glittered alongside gemstones, as well as strange decorations such as weirwood, ebony, and costly animal feathers.

The musicians and singers were ready, eagerly striking up triumphant music.

The heralds would also loudly recite the ceremony's proceedings. Thanks to Black Pearl's invitation, Viserys had been able to enter a second-floor VIP box.

Black Pearl moved through the crowd like a butterfly among flowers, with her pearl attendants following behind her.

At such an occasion, Black Pearl's presence was in full force. Everywhere she went, she became the center of attention, chatting and laughing with ease, intoxicating all who saw her.

Amid the laughter and merriment, Black Pearl headed backstage for the ceremony.

Besides Black Pearl, Viserys saw others as well. Syrio, the former First Sword, was wandering around the first floor.

There was also Xisa, the city watch commander, though that boy was there to maintain order.

Viserys had little feeling for Braavos's upper class. No matter where they came from, the upper class always ended up eating, drinking, playing, and fighting for power.

At an event like this, the main course had not yet been served. There were only fruit platters and small appetizers, and Viserys was preparing to have a hearty meal.

"Silence!" The countless voices fell quiet, and everyone's gaze gathered on the man atop the high platform.

He wore dark brown clothes and a purple mask, with a striding swordsman at his side.

That must be the Sealord, Viserys thought.

The Sealord's First Sword also looked tall and dangerous. For now, he could be considered Braavos's strongest. Retired First Swords like Syrio would automatically be ranked lower.

"Thank you all for coming. Though you came at my invitation, you are also here to celebrate Braavos's prosperity." The Sealord spoke clearly, his voice echoing through the hall. "With such a lavish feast before us, let us pray that this good fortune endures without end."

"Braavos's forebears suffered countless hardships to escape the Dragonlords' slavery and reach this place. Freedom is the soul of the Secret City. Here, I thank the sacred Moonsinger priests, the Sealords of every generation who carved a path through thorns, and the Braavosi citizens and merchants who have striven alongside us..."

Viserys thought the Sealord spoke rather well. It also showed the deep foundations of the Moonsingers and the old Sealord families.

"Long live freedom! Long live Braavos!" The Sealord raised his hand.

"For freedom!"

"Long live freedom!" the guests cheered.

"May everyone spend a delightful night together." The Sealord's speech ended, and the celebration began.

"First act: Song of Braavos. Created by..., performed by the Blue Lantern Troupe."

To Viserys's surprise, the first act was actually a commemoration of Braavos's birth.

Braavos's theatrical arts were highly developed, and they kept up with the trends.

Viserys had heard that there was even a play about Rhaegar's love triangle.

Viserys was not particularly interested in the play, so he returned to the private box and began eating some appetizers.

The play felt like a recitation of sung verses, after which came a musical performance.

"Song: Five Hundred Miles from Home. Written by the Silver Traveler. Sung by the Female Swordswoman."

When Viserys heard his alias announced, he hurried back to the railing.

It seemed the Female Swordswoman had truly become a star. Several beautiful female Water Dancers performed onstage while the Female Swordswoman, wearing a white jade eye mask, began singing the song.

The song fit Braavos's atmosphere perfectly. The sea was brutally harsh, and those who made their living from it understood the weight of home even more deeply.

"One hundred miles... Two hundred miles..." Quite a few people began humming along.

The song had caused quite a sensation recently, but no one knew who the Silver Traveler truly was.

"Such an incredible lyricist—how have we never heard of him before?"

"Exactly. This song is truly wonderful. I heard many trade princes wanted to meet the writer, but no one has ever seen him in person..."

"Lovers of the Great Lagoon. Written by the Silver Traveler. Sung by Nightingale."

The announcer called out the Silver Traveler's name for a second time, and even more people became interested in the songwriter.

Nightingale's clear and gentle voice rang out, and the song was incomparably moving.

"When You Are Old. Written by the Silver Traveler. Sung by Black Pearl and her attendants."

Black Pearl's appearance pushed the performance to its greatest height. Though Black Pearl could sing as well, she rarely performed.

Clearly, she was doing this to give the Sealord face.

Still, seeing Black Pearl act profound at such a young age made Viserys want to laugh.

But Black Pearl's admirers and fans were more enthusiastic than ever, as if they were hearing heavenly music.

The Silver Traveler's name rang out for the third time, with three different courtesans singing his songs.

Within the Sealord's Palace, Viserys truly rode the wind ninety thousand miles this time, becoming greatly renowned throughout the Secret City.

Even if no one had known this wandering singer before, after today, that alias would rise into the first rank.

Viserys's alias, the Silver Traveler, had already been quite famous before, but today was a far greater stage. The entire elite class was hearing his name.

After the beautiful songs, every guest was curious about who the Silver Traveler really was.

Viserys smiled faintly. Now this is what you call an international superstar.

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