The last rays of the setting sun shone through the high windows, lengthening everyone's silhouette.
Viserys stood there, the expression on his face changing, as if he was undergoing tremendous inner suffering.
Redd, on the other hand, was just waiting quietly. He knew that no matter what choice Viserys made, the outcome of this game was already under his control.
The air in the meeting hall seemed to solidify.
Viserys·Targaryen I, the king of Andals, Rhoynar and First Men, the ruler of Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm--is currently standing in front of his throne, his body shaking slightly with anger and humiliation.
His hands were clenched into fists, his knuckles turned white, and his nails almost pierced into his palms.
On his face, which had become increasingly haggard due to time and disease, veins appeared, and his eyes were filled with turmoil.
He was once the high-spirited young prince twenty years ago, who captivated the ladies of the entire kingdom at the Harrenhal tournament.
He has shown the pride and majesty House Targaryen deserves in front of countless lords.
But at this moment, those pride and majesty are being crushed bit by bit in front of this "Dragon King" from the east.
Surround and kill Redd?
This thought flashed through his mind, with final madness and unwillingness.
There is Kingsguard outside the meeting hall, and there are hundreds of guards loyal to the royal family in the castle. As long as he gives the order...
But he saw the look in Redd's eyes.
Those golden eyes—the color that belonged to King Ghidorah, not human beings—were looking at him calmly.
There was no provocation, no pride, or even threat in that look.
There is only an absolute, cold... certainty.
It was as if he knew all Viserys's thoughts clearly; as if no matter what choice Viserys made, the outcome was already doomed.
On the Wall, he had heard about the strength Redd showed when he faced Wildlings's army alone.
He has witnessed King Ghidorah's devastating power with his own eyes (although only from a distance). Even if Kingsguards fight to the death, the chance of success...
Viserys closed his eyes.
The anger in his chest that was about to burst was suppressed by all his strength.
He heard his own heartbeat, heavy and slow, each beat was like ringing a death knell - not for Redd, but for his own rule, for the Targaryen majesty that he was once proud of.
When he opened his eyes again, there was only fatigue, unwillingness, and... resignation in his violet eyes.
"... Okay." His voice was so hoarse that it was almost inaudible, but in this dead silent chamber, every word was extremely clear, "I agree."
Rhaenyra's body trembled slightly, and tears burst into her eyes. She covered her mouth tightly to prevent herself from making any sound.
Those were tears of relief, but also tears of sadness for my father.
Alicent's face was as pale as paper. She subconsciously held on to the table next to her to prevent herself from falling.
Otto... Her father, House Hightower's pillar of support, her only support in this Red Keep... will be expelled.
"Otto·Hai Tarth," Viserys continued, every word was like flesh and blood being cut out from his heart, "Depose Hand of the King, leave King's Landing today, and return to Oldtown."
The new Hand of the King will be succeeded by...Lyonel Strong."
He paused, took a deep breath, and seemed to use all his strength to say the last few words:
"Rhaenyra·Targaryen is my only designated and publicly confirmed successor to the crown prince.
Seven Kingdoms, up and down, everyone needs to know and obey."
After saying the last word, Viserys seemed to have aged ten years in an instant.
He staggered a step and held on to the handrail of Iron Throne to prevent him from falling.
The cold throne, made of the swords of countless enemies, became his only support at this moment.
Redd nodded slightly, accepting the result.
His expression remained calm, but deep in his eyes, a glint of satisfaction flashed.
Otto was expelled and Lyonel Strong took over - the result was even better than he expected.
Although House Strong is not as powerful as Hai Tarth, he is loyal and reliable, and his relationship with Rhaenyra is acceptable, at least he will not cause trouble behind his back.
"Your Majesty is wise." Redd said calmly, "Then, it's time to talk about my side of things."
Viserys raised his eyes and looked at him with complicated eyes.
"Dorne Principality," Redd continued, "Daemon, Stepstones, Three Daughters Alliance... I will handle these. But not now."
"Not now?" Viserys frowned, "You just promised..."
"What I promised was 'resolution'," Redd interrupted him, "not 'immediate solution'.
Dorne has been entrenched in the south for hundreds of years, Daemon has dragons and fleets, and the Three Daughters alliance has huge power.
These cannot be solved overnight.
I need time - to assemble the troops, deploy resources, and wait for the opportunity."
He paused and looked at Rhaenyra: "Besides, Rhaenyra is about to give birth.
I will not leave her side until my child is born."
Rhaenyra heard this, and his eyes flashed with emotion and warmth.
She walked up to Redd, held his hand, and silently expressed her support.
Viserys looked at them with mixed feelings in his heart.
The man who had taken away his pride and forced him to expel his important ministers now showed tenderness towards his wife and unborn child.
He didn't know whether he should feel angry or... a little lucky?
At least, Rhaenyra didn't choose the wrong person? At least, his future grandson will have such a strong father?
"How long?" Viserys asked dumbly.
"One year." Redd gave a vague but reasonable deadline, "Within one year, I will start taking action.
Dorne can be ignored for the time being, but Daemon must be resolved - his existence is the biggest threat to Rhaenyra's inheritance.
As for the Three Daughters alliance... if they don't know the truth, I don't mind letting them taste the power of King Ghidorah."
Viserys was silent for a moment, and finally nodded. "One year. But I want to see progress. Otherwise..."
"Otherwise, there is nothing you can do." Redd took the words unceremoniously, his tone calm but with absolute confidence, "But don't worry, I won't let you down.
After all, this is also related to my interests."
This was a straightforward and cruel statement, but it was also true. Viserys said no more and just waved his hand to indicate that they could leave.
Redd took Rhaenyra's hand, turned around and walked outside the meeting hall.
When passing by Alicent, Rhaenyra stopped and looked at this former best friend and now stepmother.
Alicent's face is pale, with complex emotions in his eyes - anger, sadness, and a bit of relief?
She was not expelled, but her father was expelled and her status would drop sharply.