Nowadays, the once highly respected Dragon King is facing dual pressure from the powerful external enemy Redd and the internal ally House Velaryon.
Faced with such a complicated situation, the king's mood became increasingly heavy and depressed, like a volcano about to erupt.
When he was upset, Viserys couldn't help but ask the counselor Otto beside him for advice, "Hand of the King! In your opinion, how should we deal with this predicament?"
Otto·Hai Tarth has been waiting for this moment for a long time.
He stood in front of the king respectfully, with just the right amount of worry and loyalty on his face, but with a cold calculation in his heart.
"Your Majesty," his voice was low and cautious, "House Velaryon has been in Driftmark for a long time.
The reputation of 'Sea Snake' is not only known to the Narrow Sea, but also to everyone in Seven Kingdoms.
Corlys Earl... has outstanding abilities, there is no doubt about that.
But it is this ability and their excessive power that have now become a thorn in the side of the kingdom."
He paused, observed Viserys's gloomy face, and continued, "Especially in this troubled time.
The ambition of Dragon King in the East towards Iron Throne is clear, and Princess Rhaenyra is of the same mind as him.
Our relationship with House Velaryon also had cracks due to inheritance issues.
In normal times, this power can still be checked and balanced, but now...
It's like a sharp sword hanging above Blackwater Bay. Whoever holds the hilt is really uneasy."
Viserys rubbed his eyebrows tiredly. "Go on, Otto. What suggestions do you have?"
"I believe that the most urgent task is to divide, weaken and control it."
Otto's voice was lowered, like a poisonous snake spitting a message, "Corlys Earl is old, and Driftmark's inheritance issue itself is an exploitable point."
"Inheritance rights?" Viserys raised his eyes.
"Yes, Your Majesty." A glint flashed in Otto's eyes,
"Laena Mrs. Velaryon has a strong personality and is dissatisfied with Prince Daemon. Now she is estranged from her family because of her father's affairs.
Sir Laenor... has other interests and is somewhat resistant to family responsibilities.
The two of them are not monolithic, nor may they completely follow the will of Corlys and Rhaenys."
"You mean..."
"Your Majesty may, in the name of care and mediation, summon Lady Laena and Sir Laenor to King's Landing, or send a reliable envoy to Driftmark.
On the one hand, it expresses the royal family's attention and comfort to House Velaryon, on the other hand...
You can give Mrs. Laena some commitment or support in private, such as recognizing some of her rights in Driftmark,
Or imply that he will respect her opinions on certain matters in the future, in order to win her over and cause greater differences between her and her parents.
For Laenor, you can try... to satisfy some of his 'personal preferences' in exchange for his favor or at least neutrality."
Otto paused, and seeing that the king had no objection, he continued to say the more critical part, "At the same time, House Velaryon's absolute control over the navy must be gradually reduced.
His Majesty can order the formation of a new 'Royal Fleet' on the grounds of strengthening Blackwater Bay's defense and responding to threats that may come from the east or the sea,
Deploy some elite ships and officers from the Driftmark fleet and station them at Dragonstone or directly station at King's Landing port.
The appointed commander-in-chief must be someone whom His Majesty has absolute trust."
He added cautiously, "Of course, this needs to be done gradually to avoid a violent backlash.
You can start by replenishing new ships, adjusting some defense zones, and slowly penetrate.
Corlys Earl If you object, you have something in your heart; if you obey, your power will inevitably be diluted."
"What about Corlys himself?" Viserys asked the most important question.
Otto was silent for a moment, and his voice was almost inaudible. "Your Majesty, Corlys Earl holds an important position Master of Ships.
It is also unclearly related to the suspicion of pirates... In the long run, it may not be a blessing to the kingdom.
But the sudden replacement would have too great an impact. I thought maybe... I could make him 'retire'."
"Emeritus?"
"Yes. Your Majesty can sympathize with his advanced age and have worked hard for the country for many years, and grant him high honors and generous rewards.
Let him step down from his actual duties at Master of Ships and return to Driftmark to enjoy his old age in peace.
As for the new Master of Ships..."Otto didn't say it clearly, but the meaning is self-evident - naturally it should be done by a more "reliable" person.
For example, supporters of House Hightower, or at least nobles who are absolutely loyal to the king and have nothing to do with the Valery family.
Viserys was silent for a long time.
Otto's suggestions can be described as ruthless and sophisticated, step by step, emptying and dividing House Velaryon, and finally removing Corlys's real power.
This can indeed greatly eliminate the uneasiness in his heart. But...
"If you do this, will you force Valery to rebel? Their fleet..."
"So we must slow things down, Your Majesty." Otto said quickly, "Moreover, we can strengthen land defense at the same time, especially the defense of King's Landing and Red Keep.
In addition... Your Majesty, Prince Daemon has always had thoughts about Driftmark and the navy. Maybe we can use him to contain the Valery family?
Of course, it must be controlled within a controllable range."
Viserys closed his eyes. He felt a deep weakness.
As a king, he has to calculate the officials and in-laws he relied on the most.
But he also knows that what Otto said may be the most "sure" method at present. He must make a choice between the threat of Redd, the struggle for inheritance rights, and possible internal instability.
"Just prepare as you said, Otto." Viserys finally spoke, his voice hoarse and tired,
"But be cautious, very cautious. I don't want to see the kingdom bleed because of internal strife."
"I obey, Your Majesty. I must act with caution and put the stability of the kingdom first." Otto bowed deeply and covered up the triumphant sneer at the corner of his mouth.
The plan begins. To weaken "Sea Snake", take control of the navy, pave the way for Alicent and future princes, and at the same time attack potential supporters of Rhaenyra.
One stone kills multiple birds with one stone. As for the dark methods and possible storms in the process... these are all necessary prices on the road to absolute power.
The news quickly reached Redd's ears through Mysaria's channel.
He stood in front of the window, listening to the report, with an unexpected smile on his face.
"It seems that our King has finally made up his mind to clip his wings."
Redd said to Mysaria beside him, "Otto·Hai Tarth is indeed a good helper, saving us a lot of effort."
"Master, do we need to do anything?" Mysaria asked.
"Don't intervene for now, just wait and see what happens."