Fear breeds anger, and anger breeds suspicion.
In Viserys's mind at this moment, Corlys is no longer a powerful minister who needs to be checked and balanced, but a potential traitor who may harbor evil intentions and even intend to subvert Targaryen's rule!
His death, instead of giving Viserys peace of mind, seemed to lift the lid of a more terrifying conspiracy.
He felt an unprecedented crisis - the triple threats from within the bloodline (Daemon), external married families (Velaryon) and the unknown sea (Tormund)!
Otto sneered in his heart, but on his face he was even more "concerned about the country and the people": "Your Majesty, calm down, the most important thing now is to stabilize the situation.
Corlys Earl is dead, House Velaryon is leaderless, and although Rhaenys is smart, she is a prostitute after all, and the pain of losing her husband may cause her to be in chaos.
Prince Daemon has gone to Driftmark, and his intention... is probably more than just comfort."
He just reminded the variable Daemon.
"Daemon..." Viserys chewed on this name, his eyes became even more gloomy.
This younger brother never gave him peace of mind, he was ambitious and lawless.
Now that Corlys is dead, there is a power vacuum in the navy, and Daemon is in control of the... resurrected and more violent Caraxes. Will he let this opportunity pass?
Could he be colluding with the remaining forces of House Velaryon? Or even... what is his connection with the escaped Tormund?
"Your Majesty," Otto took a step forward, his voice lowered, with a sincerity of "I am the only one who can share your worries",
"The top priority is to establish control of the Kingdom's navy as soon as possible. Prince Daemon or House Velaryon cannot be left to their own devices.
At the same time, the whereabouts of Tormund and his sea dragon must be rigorously traced. These murderers with dragon blood are wandering around, and there will be endless troubles!
In addition... Regarding the deep-sea behemoths that appeared in Stepstones, as well as the 'descendants of Nagas' mentioned by Lord Redd, we also need to pay great attention. I am afraid that there are huge dangers unknown to us hidden in that sea area."
He gave a seemingly comprehensive suggestion, but in fact it further pointed the finger at House Velaryon, Daemon and external threats, while consolidating his position as the "only reliable advisor".
Viserys leaned back on the throne tiredly and rubbed his throbbing temples.
Otto's words spoke to his heart, and each one aggravated his anxiety.
Now he just feels that he is surrounded on all sides and no one can trust him.
His wife Emma died young, and his daughter Rhaenyra married the unfathomable oriental Dragon King Redd. His younger brother Daemon was rebellious, and the important minister Corlys was suspected of having different ambitions (and was dead). The remaining ministers... each had their own plans.
His eyes couldn't help but fall on Otto. At least, Otto has always been "loyal", and his daughter Alicent is gentle and considerate, and she is still pregnant with her own child...
Perhaps, only House Hightower is the power he can really rely on now?
"Otto," Viserys's voice was hoarse and tired, "Corlys Velaryon was posthumously named... well, 'loyal' Driftmark Earl, in recognition of his 'heroic sacrifice for his country'.
Order Rhaenys to temporarily handle Driftmark's affairs, and order Laenor Velaryon to return to Driftmark immediately, assist his mother, and... wait for further summons.
After ordering Prince Daemon to gather the remnants of Stepstones's army, he immediately led his troops back to King's Landing to report on their duties without delay. As for the new Master of Ships candidates..."
He paused, and a trace of determination flashed in his eyes. "You, Sir Otto, will temporarily act as Master of Ships, taking charge of the reorganization of the Kingdom's navy and the pursuit of pirate Tormund.
Be sure to stabilize the situation before Alicent is produced!"
He temporarily handed over the power of the navy to Otto·hai Tarth.
This is not only "trust" in Otto, but also a check and balance - using Otto to check and balance the potentially unstable House Velaryon and the uncontrollable Daemon.
Otto was ecstatic in his heart, but on his face was a heavy expression of someone who had been ordered to do something in danger and had a great responsibility. He bowed deeply and said, "I obey the order!"
We will live up to His Majesty's great trust and do our best to stabilize the sea and eliminate hidden dangers!"
After walking out of the meeting hall, a satisfied and cold smile slowly appeared on Otto's face.
Everything is going according to his plan.
Corlys This biggest obstacle has been cleared in a "reasonable" way, the king's trust has become stronger, the naval power has been temporarily acquired, and his daughter is about to give birth...
As long as it is done properly, the future Iron Throne will eventually become a stepping stone for his House Hightower bloodline.
And Viserys in Red Keep, sitting alone on the cold and tall Iron Throne, looking at the empty meeting hall, only felt that the throne made of countless sharp swords was unprecedentedly cold and... suffocating.
Corlys's death did not bring peace, but instead opened up a darker and more complex vortex.
He seemed to have heard the roar of the approaching storm, and the only life-saving straw he could grasp was Otto·Hai Tarth and his unborn child.
The seeds of suspicion have been planted long ago, and now, watered by blood and lies, they are growing crazily into thorns that swallow up trust and peace.
The power game of Westeros has entered a more treacherous and dangerous chapter due to the tragedy of Stepstones and the appearance of Hai Long.
Dragonstone, Dragon King deep in the lair.
Different from House Targaryen's traditional underground cave Dragonpit, Redd has opened up a large-scale artificial hatchery with a unique structure inside the Dragonstone volcano.
In the center of the site is a huge artificial geothermal lava pool, which draws heat from the depths of the volcano through special pipes. The lava is rolling with bubbles, exuding a sulfurous smell and scorching high temperatures.
Surrounding the pool are hundreds of carefully arranged, honeycomb-like incubation tanks, each of which is covered with special heat-absorbing materials and soft padding.
At this moment, the hatchery was filled with noisy and vital sounds--young but sharp neighing, the rustling of scales, and the popping of wings.
The air was filled with a strong smell of sulfur, the smell of broken eggshells, and the unique, slightly burnt breath of life of newborn dragon cubs.
Mysaria himself, along with several absolutely loyal and strictly selected attendants, is carefully recording and taking care of it.
Wearing special heat-resistant suits, they moved slowly but could not hide their excitement on their faces.
Redd stood on a higher observation platform, overlooking the vibrant and somewhat chaotic scene below.
His eyes swept over the young dragons squirming in the hatching tanks, trying to stand or stumbling around.
They vary in size, ranging from the size of a domestic cat to half as tall as a human; their colors also vary, from dark red, bronze, dark green to rare silver gray, deep purple, and even a few scales sparkle with metallic luster;
The shapes are also slightly different, some are more slender, some have towering heads, and some have extra wide wings.