Chapter 17
A day after the tournament, Ariel and I returned to Valyria, where I was soon back in the throne room listening to Lilith and Sepherina's reports. Despite being away, it was clear things ran smoothly.
"So, things are running smoothly then?" I asked.
"Yes, my Lord." Sepherina replied, her voice calm and respectful.
"Thank you for the insight, Sepherina. You may leave now."
She gave a slight bow. "Of course, my Lord," she said, and then left the room.
I glanced at Lilith, raising an eyebrow. "So, how many of the young, ambitious ones think they can overthrow me?"
Lilith chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Surprisingly, it's a small number—just ten."
I gave a mock sigh. "Some of them are smarter than I thought. Which houses are they from?"
"Four from Targaryen," she replied.
I nodded. "Expected. Who else?"
"Four from Barlaeris and two from Macklyn."
"Interesting." I leaned back thoughtfully. "Do you think they'll try anything soon?"
Lilith smirked. "Shall we deal with them now?"
"No, let's allow them to test the waters first." I waved it off. "Let them find out for themselves just how futile it is."
"Understood," she said with a satisfied smile.
After a pause, I asked, "On another note, how's Daenerys?"
Lilith sighed. "She's being sold to the Dothraki."
"Ah, I see. Time for another trip, then."
Lilith looked at me with mock exasperation. "Victor, you're going to meddle again?"
"Nothing drastic," I assured her with a grin. "Besides, I'll just teleport."
She rolled her eyes, used to my antics by now. "Good."
"I'm off to see Lily and the dragons. They must have missed me."
I teleported to the Goodness Tree, a towering figure in its sacred grove. There, I found Lily resting against King, my three-headed dragon. She was fast asleep, and the middle head of King watched over her protectively.
"Afternoon, King," I greeted.
King's middle head looked up. "Afternoon, Victor."
"How long has she been here?" I asked.
"Since morning," he replied. "She's been training all day until she fell asleep."
I sighed. "Pushing herself too hard, as usual."
King nodded. "I've warned her, but you know how determined she is."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "When she wakes, tell her I said to come and eat."
"Will do," he said with a nod.
After a brief exchange, I teleported away, now to Smaug's lair. Smaug's golden-red scales glinted in the dim cave, and he lay atop a grand pile of treasure, more than I remembered him having before.
Smaug sensed my presence immediately, lifting his head. "Who dares—" His words stopped when he saw me. "Oh, it's you, Father."
"Hello, Smaug." I looked around with a smirk. "So, where did you get all this?"
Smaug looked defensive. "King and Queen gave it to me," he said innocently.
I raised an eyebrow, studying him for any hint of deceit, but he seemed truthful. "Very well," I said, starting to walk away.
As I turned, I heard him mutter, "Phew, almost gave myself away there."
I grinned, teleporting back into his lair. "Aha!"
Smaug let out a shriek that could only be described as draconic panic, which echoed through the cave. I laughed, and even as he roared after me with a stream of flame, all he heard was my laughter fading away.
Next, I visited Acnologia. His black scales and powerful frame stood out against the cliffside, and as I approached, he lifted his head to acknowledge me.
"Acnologia," I greeted, "taking in the view?"
He gave me a look. "Victor, what brings you here?"
"Why so rude?" I replied with a grin. "Just saying hello. How's life treating you?"
Acnologia simply grunted. "Fine."
I put a hand to my chest in mock offense. "If you're going to be this rude, I might as well leave."
"That would be appreciated," he muttered.
I rolled my eyes before teleporting, catching the hint of a smile as I left. My next destination was one of the outer islands, the Stormlands. I arrived to find Ghidorah, Rayquaza, and Zekrom waiting, their roars carrying on the breeze.
"Afternoon, Ghidorah, Rayquaza, Zekrom," I called out.
Rayquaza inclined his head. "Good afternoon, Victor."
Zekrom gave a polite nod. "Victor. All is well."
Ghidorah, however, gave mixed reactions. His right head, Ni, let out a grunt of annoyance, while the left head, San, greeted me cheerfully. "Hello, Father!"
"Hello, San. How are you?"
"Doing well!" San replied, ignoring the irritated growls from Ichi and Ni.
"San," Ichi grumbled, "be quiet."
I shook my head, amused. "Leave him alone, you two."
Ghidorah's other two heads growled but stayed silent. After a brief exchange, I turned to Rayquaza. "So, what brings you and Zekrom here?"
Rayquaza replied, "We thought we'd give Ghidorah some company."
Ichi scoffed. "Not needed."
"Love you too little brother." Zekrom and Rayquaza said
With a chuckle, I said, "Well, I'll let you all sort that out. I'm off to check on the others."
Rayquaza, Zekrom, and San bid me farewell, while Ichi and Ni only growled in response. After visiting with the dragons throughout the day, I finally returned to the castle, ready to rest for the night.
Chapter 17: End