Rhaenyra immediately became alert, stopped and stared at him closely. "Do you know something inside?"
Redd turned around and faced the dark sea, his voice was calm but with a chill. "Queen Irene has experienced many miscarriages, right?"
This pregnancy, regardless of the 'health' diagnosis that the bachelors swear by, what do you think is the chance that she will actually give birth smoothly?"
Rhaenyra tried to refute with authority. "Gozen Grand Maester has confirmed that the condition of the fetus is stable this time."
Redd did not argue directly, but suddenly brought up a seemingly unrelated topic. "Remember?
Not long ago, our distinguished Hand of the King, Otto Hightower Earl, kindly suggested that I go to Citadel to hire a Grand Maester to assist in handling Dragonstone's government affairs.
I rejected him on the spot."
Rhaenyra was confused. "What's the problem with this? Citadel's bachelors serve all Westeros's nobles."
"The problem is," Redd turned around and looked at her with burning eyes, "Otto Hightower, who was trained by Citadel, the current Hand of the King, every decision he makes,
Are you more inclined to seek benefits for the entire kingdom, or are you more inclined to safeguard Citadel... or even the far-reaching interests of House Hightower behind him?"
He paused and continued to ask more pointed questions, "Citadel's reputation in Seven Kingdoms is indeed impeccable, but don't forget that you House Targaryen set foot on this land as conquerors.
Are the designs and improvements of those ballistae that can shoot through dragon scales really have nothing to do with some Grand Maesters and doctors in Citadel?"
He took a step closer, his voice lowered but more penetrating. "Their apparent obedience is because they are afraid of the giant dragon at our feet.
But have you ever thought about it, if one day the dragon no longer poses an absolute threat to them, will they still be as peaceful as they are today?"
These words were like a bolt of lightning, splitting apart Rhaenyra's long-held knowledge. She felt a chill and subconsciously retorted, "This... these are just your guesses and suspicions, lacking evidence."
Redd saw her reaction and knew that it would be difficult to completely change her concept for a while, so he no longer argued forcefully, but patted her shoulder meaningfully, and his tone returned to its previous calmness:
"Okay, just treat me as nonsense. It doesn't matter if you don't believe it. Time will prove everything. In the future... you will slowly see it clearly."
Under the night sky, the two people on the long bridge fell into a brief silence, with only the sea breeze whistling in their ears, blowing the thoughts surging in their hearts.
The seed of doubt planted by Redd has been quietly planted in Rhaenyra's heart.
At the Volantis dock in the early morning, the sea breeze blew the flag with a salty and humid breath. The guards of Rhaenyra and Rhaenys were already on board and ready to board the ship.
Redd personally sent Rhaenyra and Rhaenys to Dragonpit. The huge Black Dragon Ehm was already waiting quietly at its exclusive location, its huge body casting an awesome shadow.
"Ehm will temporarily follow you to Stepstones," Redd reiterated to Rhaenyra, looking at Rhaenys who had different expressions on the side, "its first priority is to ensure your safety, not to continue to participate in the frontline fighting.
Unless the situation is critical, it will not take the initiative to intervene in large-scale wars."
His words were both a promise to Rhaenyra and a warning to Rhaenys who might have other expectations.
Rhaenyra looked up at Ehm's scales that shone with dark luster, and felt a little at ease.
She is well aware of the extraordinary features of this dragon - its size, strength and even the defensive power of its scales are far beyond the comparison of ordinary demonic dragons. Even Dornish's giant ballistae may not be able to cause substantial damage to it.
This is the important reason why Redd dares to let it go with it.
"I understand, thank you, Redd." Rhaenyra nodded, with a hint of complex emotions in his tone that was difficult to detect.
After a brief reunion, we parted again, and the road ahead is still full of smoke and unknowns.
After a simple farewell, the two ships carrying the princess slowly left the port. Ehm and Syrax spread their giant wings, guarding them like a moving dark cloud, and disappeared together above the sea level.
Redd watched them go away until the shadow was completely gone, then turned and returned to the core area of the the Black Wall fortress. The warmth on his face quickly faded, and the ruler's calmness and pragmatism returned.
In the hall, loyal commander Douglas has been waiting for a long time.
"Douglas," Redd got straight to the point, "Stone Men How's the cleanup going?"
Douglas took a step forward and reported meticulously:
"Sir, on both sides of the lower reaches of Rhoyne, starting from Volantis and extending outward to the town of Saihoru, Stone Men has been basically cleared, ensuring the safety of the main waterway and coastal villages and towns.
But..." He paused and his tone became solemn, "The further upstream you go, closer to the cursed area of the Heartbreak Territory, the more traces of Stone Men there are and the more rampant the activities are.
Our cleaning team encountered more tenacious resistance. The environment there was complex, full of fog and swamps, and progress was slow."
"Sad collar..." Redd repeated the name in a low voice, his fingertips tapping unconsciously on the armrest of the stone throne, a glimmer of inquiry flashed in his eyes,
"I am becoming more and more interested in that legendary place."
He suddenly raised his head and made a decision. "Let's make some arrangements. We will set off at noon to go and see the sad leader in person."
Upon hearing this, Douglas immediately showed a look of disapproval on his face, and he cautiously advised, "My lord, please think twice!
The Heartbreak Territory is not only the lair of Stone Men, but also has many ominous legends circulating. The geographical environment is extremely harsh, filled with curses and fog, and is full of dangers.
Just leave the cleaning tasks to the frontline troops, and you really don't have to take risks yourself."
Redd waved his hand, his attitude was tough and unquestionable. "It is precisely because of the danger and mystery that I have to confirm it with my own eyes.
The reconstruction of Volantis requires a stable surrounding environment, and this cancer of the Sad Territory must be eradicated. No need to say more, go and prepare."
Seeing that his master had made up his mind, Douglas knew that further persuasion would be useless, so he had no choice but to bow and accept the order, "Yes, sir.
I will immediately arrange frigates and elite troops to ensure nothing goes wrong."
He stepped back quickly, already nervously planning his trip into dangerous territory.
Redd stood alone by the window, looking in the general direction of the sad area in the north with deep eyes.
Cleaning up Stone Men was an obvious reason, but deep down in his heart, he had some indescribable strong curiosity about the land shrouded in fog and tragedy, and the secrets it might hide.