The Iron Throne and Dragons

Time gradually slipped away.

The midday sunlight filtered through the dense woods, casting countless mottled patches of light and shadow across the ground.

The two of them reached a rise in the Kingswood.

Looking north, they could vaguely make out fishing boats on the Blackwater River.

Breathing in the scent of nature and taking in the sight of human life, Joffrey was suddenly overcome by a strange feeling.

Power and authority truly were intoxicating.

Here and there, the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros—the North, Riverlands, Vale, Westlands, Reach, Stormlands, and Dorne—would all be my kingdom.

Tyrion finally voiced his stance.

"On reflection, what you said should be true."

Though absurd, there might be some truth to it. Otherwise, how could you know about Tysha, or become this clever?

"Could the Gods truly have sent down a miracle? Do They really pity mankind?"

Joffrey smiled.

If the Gods were merely a general concept rather than real entities, then this truly could be called a miracle. But as for pitying mankind...

He could only say that if someone truly wished to save all living beings, he was far from the best candidate.

"Blessed by the Gods, I have fully awakened and undergone Nirvana Rebirth."

That was right, he was the Chosen Son of God!

"In the past, I failed to shoulder the responsibilities of the Crown Prince and did many absurd things. I do not ask for anyone's forgiveness. I only hope to make amends."

"The Gods were merciful enough to give me a chance to do so."

Gazing at the indistinct figures on the river, he clenched his fists with emotion.

"Since They let me see the tragic darkness of the future, surely it was not without purpose."

"I found the answer."

"The apocalypse is coming. I must shoulder my responsibility and protect the lives and rights of the people of the Seven Kingdoms—and indeed, the world. Such a sacred and solemn mission cannot be refused!"

"This is no joke."

He turned and met Tyrion's gaze.

"After war, hunger, and slaughter, there is an even deeper despair."

"The Long Night is coming, and the whole world will become the sacrifice of the Evil God!"

Indeed.

Compared to the apocalypse of the Long Night, struggles for power, wars, and rebellions were no great matter.

"After utter chaos comes the fall of light, the extinguishing of Flames, the withering of all things, as darkness and bitter cold devour everything."

"That was the true past, and it is also the near future!"

"So..."

He slapped Tyrion's shoulder hard, his eyes exceptionally resolute.

"You were the first person I came to find, Uncle Tyrion. The kingdom needs your wisdom, and so does the world."

"Join us."

"All capable people must unite, fight for the light, and save the people of the world from misery and suffering."

Joffrey excitedly waved his fist.

"May the Gods bless us!"

"The Long Night will surely end, and the light will surely shine upon the world!"

"The Illuminati of salvation was born here. It will surely bloom with abundant flowers and bear sweet fruit."

The identity of King of Westeros was enough to control this continent, but if he wished to control the entire world, he needed another organization with universal significance.

Illuminati was a name with good meaning.

"Join us."

"Now that the Illuminati has just been founded, you can become its first Council Member. It is an honor, and also a responsibility."

"As long as we work hard to recruit like-minded people, the Illuminati will soon become a warm, loving family."

"We will be the closest of friends and brothers. From this day forth, we will weather the storm together, help one another, and strive for the survival of the world!"

"What do you say?!"

Tyrion quietly watched Joffrey perform.

Passionate and impassioned, righteous and dignified.

It sounded very real. Perhaps Joffrey would become a good king.

He did not know whether he should laugh.

But sincere or not, the cleverer Joffrey could become an important friend.

Tyrion sighed. "I truly never expected the apocalypse of the Long Night, the end of the world, to really exist."

Was it truly so? Even if seeing the future was real, that did not mean he could not lie.

"Dedicating oneself to the cause of saving the world... just thinking about it is exciting."

Both men understood each other's true intentions perfectly well.

In fact, the moment Tyrion had expressed his agreement, the two of them had already formed an alliance.

Since that was the case, why go through all this trouble?

Even Tyrion could not give a definite answer.

Perhaps it simply looked better this way?

Or perhaps they wanted to see whether the other's acting skills were good enough? For a player, that was quite an important ability.

Tyrion wisely did not pursue the matter.

Instead, he continued with the process and completed this ancient, time-honored ritual.

"I join."

"Chosen King Joffrey I, Lord of the Illuminati, I am yours."

Tyrion bent one knee in a rather formal salute.

"What are your orders? I hope I may have the honor of serving you."

Joffrey stepped forward and helped Tyrion up.

"What king and orders? Friends help each other."

Tyrion waited for what came next.

"There is one small matter." Joffrey held up two fingers. "Just this tiny little thing."

"Please, speak, Your Highness."

"Illyrio Mopatis, a Magister of Pentos in the Free Cities across the Narrow Sea. Do you remember him?"

"If I remember correctly, Pentos has dozens of Magisters." He did not know him.

"Heh heh, Uncle, your memory is excellent."

"In any case, he has three Dragon Eggs: one black, one dark green, and one pale milky white. I want all of them."

Joffrey revealed the true purpose of this outing.

At this point in time, the Dragon Mother had yet to marry the Horse King. The Dragon Eggs were still in the hands of that fat Magister, and no one knew they would hatch.

Dragons had created the Iron Throne, and they could also preserve it.

Joffrey was determined to have them.

Tyrion was puzzled. "So?" Why not simply ask Cersei for them?

Joffrey continued explaining.

"The Dragon Eggs are crucial. The troublesome part is that Varys is working with him, and the Beggar King of the Dragon House and his sister are both hiding in that Magister's home."

Varys and the Pentos Magister? The Dragon House's exiled Prince and little Princess?! Tyrion was genuinely shocked.

"You and I both understand that we absolutely cannot alert the Spider."

Once Varys the Spider got moving, even Lord Tywin could be finished. Joffrey had no desire to find out whether his own life was tough enough.

"Once Varys becomes wary, many things will be impossible to accomplish."

"So..."

"The mastermind behind this can only be you. I am merely a pitiful fool who was seduced by you without realizing it."

Tyrion finally understood.

"I somehow learned where those three Dragon Eggs were, but lacked the means to obtain them. So I instigated you to act, using the royal family's wealth and power to acquire the Dragon Eggs. Is that it?"

Joffrey nodded approvingly.

"Varys knows of your obsession with dragons and has greater faith in your abilities. Only this way will avoid arousing their suspicions."

Even if suspicions did arise, Tyrion would be in front as a shield. It would be much safer.

Tyrion looked at Joffrey with a half-smile.

"Yes, how wonderful. All the cleanup falls to me, while you only need to loudly demand the Dragon Eggs. It is simply perfect."

Cooperation with clever people had to benefit both sides.

Joffrey feigned confusion. "You only need to put on a simple performance in the Red Keep, and you can obtain a Dragon Egg. What a profitable deal. Uncle, you do not want it?"

Joffrey named the payment.

A Dragon Egg. Tyrion was tempted.

Besides, Joffrey was being so concerned. Perhaps these were not Dragon Eggs that could only be displayed.

Riding on a dragon's back, even a dwarf could look down upon the world.

"Which color should you choose? Black is imposing, green is mysterious, and milky white is so beautiful."

Joffrey tempted him while urging him on.

"You can take your time considering the color, but the sooner we handle this matter, the better. The longer it drags on, the more variables there will be."

"We will begin when we return to the palace this afternoon. What do you say?"

Tyrion carefully examined the handsome prince before him. It seemed necessary to get to know Joffrey all over again.

"My good nephew, what else can I say?"

He let out a long sigh.

"Deal."