"Besides, since the days of the First Men, which of the precedents and laws we uphold was not created by some great figure or wise soul to address the difficulties of their time?"
As Danyla spoke, she began to walk slowly around the Small Council's long table, like an orator or a preacher.
"My great-grandfather ascended the throne at fourteen. Faced with turmoil, he reorganized the Small Council, retaining the loyal Daemon Velaryon and Earl Corbray, while appointing capable men such as Earl Massey and Earl Redwyne."
"Was it not precisely these pioneering decisions to appoint men on merit that swiftly cleared away the chaos Maegor left behind and ushered in a new era for the Seven Kingdoms?"
"Queen Alysanne convened the Ladies' Court, abolished the right of the first night, and granted new lands to the Night's Watch."
"Together with the ministers, she helped draw up Jaehaerys's Code, put the capital's streets in order, dug wells, cleared waterways, and transformed King's Landing. Which of these measures was not an innovation that benefited the kingdom?"
"Since taking the Iron Throne, my great-grandfather has built major roads such as the Kingsroad, the Roseroad, and the Goldroad. Not only did they make travel throughout the Seven Kingdoms easier, they also greatly encouraged trade and contact between the various regions."
"And had the Seven Kingdoms ever been united in all those thousands of years? Yet House Targaryen accomplished it, did they not?"
"From then on, the Seven Kingdoms left endless strife and warfare behind, bidding farewell to bloodshed and ignorance. For decades now, the people have lived and worked in peace, while their lords have enjoyed wealth and security. Are those not the rewards of that unprecedented achievement?"
"Now, my lords, your talents and abilities have earned you seats on the Small Council