"Evidence is often hidden in the most inconspicuous places, Maester Aemon." Viserys said in a calm tone, "House Stark's proud ethnic language is 'Winter Is Coming', but now it sounds like this sentence is not just a warning, but more like... Prophecy."
"If Stark and the others really knew that Long Night would come again, and even knew how to coexist with and even control it, then perhaps they concealed this history not to protect Westeros, but to protect their own power from being damaged."
"However, Sam, although your discovery just now is very valuable, it is indeed not enough to become a real conclusion." Viserys spoke in a tone that sounded as if they were just discussing an ordinary academic debate.
Sam lowered his head and carefully examined the roll of yellowed paper in his hand. His fingers gently rubbed the vague symbols, and his mind quickly searched for all the books about the history of the North that he had read at home, especially those about House Stark.
After Viserys finished speaking, he turned around, walked to the fireplace, and stretched out his hands to light the fire just like Daenerys did just now. The firelight reflected in his deep purple eyes, dancing with some indescribable expression.
"Since Winterfell's records are missing, let's make up for them from other places. Maester Aemon, you have spent a long time in Citadel. Are there any unofficial records about Long Night there? Or are there some unofficial records that are regarded as absurd by mainstream academic circles?" Viserys's voice came from behind the backs of several people.
When Maester Aemon heard this, a look of thought flashed through his cloudy old eyes. He nodded slowly and said, "There are indeed some scattered fragments, but most of them are included in the banned books about Blood Magic and the ancient contract."
"When I was studying at Citadel, the doctors in Citadel all thought that occultism was nonsense, but I still read some. If I combine the contents with what Sam discovered... I might be able to piece together some fragments of the truth about House Stark."
"However, I just read some briefly out of interest. Those books are still in Citadel, unless someone is willing to go to Oldtown in person and dig them out from those dusty corners."
Maester Aemon sighed and said, "Moreover, Citadel has extremely strict management of this kind of books, especially those involving Blood Magic. Without special approval from the Citadel manager or the doctor of occultism, it is difficult for outsiders to access these books."
Viserys turned around and said in a serious tone, "Special approval? That is indeed a trouble. However, if it is to save Westeros from Long Night, I think those stubborn old guys will have to hold their noses and admit it even if they are reluctant. Besides, what we are holding in our hands now is not just a request, but an order from the king."
He paused, his eyes swept over the faces of everyone present, and finally landed on Sam, saying, "Sam, your father is Tarly of the Reach." Earl, you should have some connections in Citadel. Can you use this connection to find out what Citadel is saying? Or, is there any other way to bypass those red tapes and get what we need, Maester Aemon?"
Sam heard this, his face instantly turned a little pale, he subconsciously shrank his neck, and there was obvious fear in his eyes.
Viserys just mentioned his father Randyll Tarly. This was not a pleasant memory for him. It reminded him of Tarly Earl's harsh scrutiny and expectations that could never be met.
But when looking at Viserys's calm but expressionless purple eyes, Sam also knew that he had no room to retreat now.
"I... I can try to write to an uncle of mine who lives in Oldtown, or some Assistant Maester I met when I was playing in Oldtown when I was a child. They should also be officially Maester now."
Sam stammered, his fingers trembling slightly. "Although their status is not high, some of them must be familiar with the location of the restricted book area, and... and some of them have always been dissatisfied with Citadel's attitude of only believing in reason and rejecting all supernatural phenomena."
"Then do it, Sam. During this period, you must continue to dig deeper into the source of Winterfell's records and see if you can find more traces of deletion."
Viserys said decisively, "Maester Aemon, please recall that you have at least lived in Citadel for a while, and you should know more people than Sam."
Sam nodded vigorously. Although he was still uneasy in his heart, seeing that Viserys attached so much importance to his discovery, an inexplicable courage surged into his heart.
Aemon just shook his head slightly, with a hint of helplessness in his voice, and said, "Viserys, there are probably not many people I know left now, and even if they are still alive, most of them have retired and may not still hold the power of Citadel."
"But that doesn't mean it's worthless."
Maester Aemon changed the topic and seemed to be sorting out his thoughts, saying, "Although there may be very few alive, there are always some old Maesters among Citadels who like to study mysticism. They have quite criticized the 'demystification' reform implemented by Citadel in recent years. If such people can be found, they may be much more useful than ordinary Maesters."
When Viserys heard this, he said, "Then please Maester Aemon to list a few candidates who may still be alive. Sam will be responsible for contacting some Maester who study occultism and ask them to help find relevant records. But remember, the content of the letter should be vague and do not directly mention that it is to investigate House Stark."
Viserys's words sounded very contradictory. While he asked people to search for relevant records of House Stark and collect historical records of Long Night, he repeatedly emphasized that the two were not related. This contradictory statement was clearly deliberately guiding everyone to associate the relationship between the two.
Because Sam was nervous, he didn't think clearly at the first moment. He just nodded quickly, grabbed a quill and wrote down Viserys's arrangements. Although his hands were still shaking slightly because of his previous decision, there was already more determination in his eyes.
Daenerys watched all this quietly, and she was keenly aware of the deep meaning behind Viserys's words.
He is not only looking for a way to fight against Others, but also weaving a web that can firmly control the North's most powerful family.
Behind the glory of House Stark, there may really be some stains, and Viserys is planning to let people lift this fig leaf, and the person he chooses is probably Citadel of Oldtown.