Redd put down the report and tapped his fingertips lightly on the desktop.
The report itself does not directly accuse anyone, but by connecting all the clues and doubts together, the direction is very obvious.
"Otto·Hai Tarth..." Redd whispered to himself.
The technique was clean and neat, taking full advantage of Laenor's own weaknesses in misconduct, disguising the murder as a glamorous and violent scandal.
The timing was precise, just at the critical point when Corlys died, the family was in turmoil, and the heir was about to return.
Afterwards, the public opinion was cleverly guided, and the suspicion was successfully led to Daemon - a "perfect" scapegoat who was already notorious and could indeed benefit from it.
This is very similar to Otto's style.
Insidious and thorough, he is good at exploiting the weaknesses of human nature and chaotic situations, while he hides behind the scenes and never touches his body.
Eliminating Laenor not only further severely damaged House Velaryon, but also planted a minefield for Daemon (putting him under suspicion may create a greater rift with House Velaryon).
It also ensures that House Hightower (the navy and royal influence controlled by Otto) will have greater room to operate on Driftmark and naval affairs in the future.
One stone kills many birds.
As for Daemon... he may have a motive, and he may not be able to do such a thing.
But with Daemon's character, if he really wanted to get rid of Laenor, he might choose a more direct and violent method (such as letting "Caraxes" bite Dragonfire) instead of such a sophisticated and humiliating assassination.
Moreover, Daemon is now trying his best to win over Rhaenys. Killing her only son at this time is too risky, and the benefits are not proportional to the risks.
Of course, we cannot completely rule out the possibility that Daemon was impulsive or had other deep intentions, but the probability is relatively low.
In the original work, she died together with her dragon, but now her husband and son died one after another, which was a heavy blow.
Can this "Uncrowned Queen" hold on? Will he make irrational decisions in despair and anger, or will he be completely controlled by Daemon and Otto?
This will undoubtedly affect the situation in Driftmark and even the entire coastal area.
"It's not about gloating," Redd shook his head, he wasn't that vulgar, "but the situation is indeed becoming more and more 'interesting'.
Otto This is to eliminate all potential opponents and obstacles in the most 'reasonable' way."
He thought for a while and ordered Mysaria who was standing aside, "Continue to investigate in depth, especially the truth about the dispute between the 'old friend' and King's Landing at the banquet.
See if we can dig up evidence that Otto was directly involved, or find the executor who was bribed or silenced.
In addition, pay close attention to the trends of Driftmark, the emotions and decisions of Princess Rhaenys, the specific activities of Daemon, and... King's Landing's follow-up attitude towards the inheritance issue of Driftmark.
House Velaryon The helmsmen of this big ship died suddenly one after another. Now we have to see whether it will sink completely or whether it will be taken over by someone."
"Yes, Master." Mysaria responded, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "Do we need... to do anything?"
For example, secretly provide some 'clues' to Princess Rhaenys?"
Redd pondered for a moment and shook his head, "No need for the time being.
Rhaenys is not a fool. Even if she is temporarily blinded by grief and official conclusions, she may not be without suspicion in her heart. If we intervene rashly, we may expose ourselves or be regarded by her as having ulterior motives.
First observe and collect information.
If necessary... maybe she can 'accidentally' discover something through some 'inadvertent' channels. But now is not the time."
He wanted the bullet to fly for a while longer.
Let Otto and Daemon tangle in the quagmire of Driftmark for a while longer, and let Rhaenys's grief and suspicion ferment again.
When the time comes, the information in his hands may become a key bargaining chip to break the balance and obtain huge benefits.
The fishy wind of Spicetown has already blown towards Driftmark and King's Landing.
The death of Laenor was like a bombshell, shocking the entire Westeros.
As his life passed away, the distinguished title of Driftmark Earl became vacant again, like a lonely boat that had lost its direction, drifting on the vast sea.
At this time, as Corlys's partner and Laenor's biological mother, Rhaenys had to step forward and shoulder this heavy responsibility.
Faced with the complicated situation in front of him, Rhaenys knew that he could not easily pass on the position of Driftmark Earl to his daughter Laena.
After all, the young and immature Laena has not experienced such storms and waves, and it is difficult to cope with the challenges and crises that may follow;
At the same time, there is absolutely no way she would give up this precious position to Daemon, that ambitious and unscrupulous guy.
Redd, who was far away on Dragonstone, learned about Rhaenys's decision through Mesalia, and couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration in his heart.
However, relying on his understanding of Rhaenys's character and resourcefulness, he was able to roughly guess her innermost thoughts:
Perhaps he is planning to wait until the time is right, and when the situation becomes a little clearer, then consider letting his beloved daughter Laena or the new life about to be born in her belly inherit the glory of Driftmark Earl.
No matter what, Rhaenys will never give Daemon any opportunity to take advantage of it.
It is foreseeable that when Lanna's child is born, there will probably be another heated debate about the ownership of his surname.
There is no doubt that Rhaenys will not make the slightest concession and will resolutely maintain House Velaryon's orthodox position in Driftmark.
As a result, Daemon might really be driven crazy with anger!
Three days later, the sun was shining brightly and the wind was gentle.
Redd and Rhaenyra received an invitation letter from Driftmark, which clearly stated. "You are sincerely invited to attend the funeral of my husband and beloved son."
It turns out that this funeral will be held grandly at High Tide on Driftmark, and the organizer is none other than Rhaenys herself - the woman who just lost her loved one.
It is not difficult to see from this detail that Rhaenys seems to have fallen into an isolated and helpless situation, and there is no one around her who can completely trust her and entrust her with important tasks.
However, no matter what, the funeral was imminent and was scheduled for two days later.
Dragonstone and Driftmark are not far apart, but Redd and Rhaenyra still decided to leave early and take a boat to their destination.
After all, although riding a dragon can arrive at lightning speed, Rhaenyra, who is pregnant with Liujia at the moment, obviously should not take the risk of trying this high-speed flying method.
Driftmark, High Tide.
This ancient castle standing on the top of the cliff, overlooking Narrow Sea, was now shrouded in solemn black.
House Velaryon's seahorse flag was lowered to half-mast, fluttering feebly in the salty sea breeze.
A low and sad dirge echoed in the castle, and the air was filled with incense, sea water and a heavy atmosphere of sadness.
The scale of the funeral was deliberately kept to a relatively small scale.