Aemon Targaryen

-Chapter 167-

-POV 3rd Person-

Days passed quickly as everyone prepared for what was without a doubt the greatest tournament of the decade.

Despite the excitement of all those involved in the event, an electric tension could clearly be felt by everyone.

Since the execution of the former Hand of the King, most people tried to keep a low profile, not wanting to draw the dragon's attention onto themselves, waiting for the storm to pass.

And judging by the factions gathering more and more secretly — and also more frequently under false pretenses — the storm was only just beginning.

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-POV Aemon Targaryen-

Sitting to Viserys's right, I smiled at him and asked:

"So, it seems today is Aegon's big day."

Viserys nodded, looking somewhat reserved and drained, then said:

"Hmm… I just hope he'll know how to protect himself properly."

'Since Otto's death, he's lost his spark. He's clearly on the verge of mental collapse' I thought as I watched him carefully.

I felt a slight pang in my chest, but nothing more. I didn't regret the pressure I had put on him, as I had given him too many chances to open his eyes.

'Now, I'll do whatever needs to be done — no matter the damage it causes him.'

"You disapprove, uncle?" I asked Viserys.

He didn't nod but grimaced slightly as he said:

"Aegon is very young. With the new rule introduced specifically for this tournament, he won't only be facing squires his own age."

"Hmm…" I muttered, acknowledging his point before saying:

"It's true that by allowing commoners to enter the tournament, provided they could afford the entry fee and wore proper armor, participation has exploded. But I still believe he has a fair chance."

Viserys raised an eyebrow and quietly said, making sure no one could hear:

"It seemed to me you two weren't on such good terms lately."

I smiled, sensing he was trying to probe me with a subtle question about succession — but neither my stance nor my opinion had changed.

'They'll settle it among themselves. When the succession war ends, they won't be able to impose their authority on me, because my allies… or rather, my vassals and I, won't have lost any of our strength' I thought.

"Although Aegon made a mistake due to his youth and naivety, I never lost faith that he would accomplish great things. I trained him myself. I know his skill with a blade. He might just surprise you," I said, watching my uncle, who seemed surprised by my declaration — though not particularly pleased.

'But he doesn't seem disappointed by my answer either' I noted, watching him calmly and silently reflect on my words, trying to decipher any hidden intent I might have.

"Looks like it's time for me to step onto the stage," I said, rising and observing all the participants stepping onto the sand of the new arena — the same that had been used for Otto Hightower's execution.

'It was a brilliant idea to build mobile stands' I thought, watching now the stands surrounding the arena, and the seats of the commoners who struggled to see the action.

'I absolutely need to build a coliseum' I thought, knowing it would be an extremely profitable revenue stream.

'The seats, the boxes, the bets, the entry fees…'

I forced myself to stop fantasizing about the fortune a coliseum in the capital could bring and began my opening speech.

"DEAR CITIZENS OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS…" I said loudly, my voice echoing in all directions, before continuing a few seconds later:

"WE ARE ALL GATHERED HERE TO WITNESS THE INAUGURATION OF THE TOURNAMENT ORGANIZED BY HIS GRACE KING VISERYS IN MY HONOR. KNOW THAT IT IS WITH GREAT HONOR AND SERIOUSNESS THAT I HAVE ACCEPTED THE ROLE OF HAND OF THE KING, TO GUIDE THE REALM TOWARD PEACE AND PROSPERITY."

When I finished speaking, the commoners cheered and applauded vigorously, while the nobles of the realm — who had been seated just moments before — all stood up one after another to applaud.

I nodded, acknowledging the crowd gathered for the tournament, and once the applause began to fade, I raised both hands to call for silence.

Once calm was restored, I continued:

"AS I'VE SAID MANY TIMES ALREADY, NOW THAT I'VE TAKEN THE REINS OF THE KINGDOM, NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. OF COURSE, THAT WILL ONLY BE TRUE IF EACH INDIVIDUAL MAKES THE NECESSARY EFFORTS TO RISE TOWARD PROSPERITY AND SUCCESS. IT IS IN THIS SPIRIT THAT I HAVE DECIDED TO OPEN THE SQUIRES' TOURNAMENT TO EVERYONE — UNDER ONLY TWO CONDITIONS: FIRST, THE ENTRY FEE. SECOND, A PROPER SET OF ARMOR."

Following my announcement — which was already well known thanks to notices plastered throughout the city — another wave of applause broke out.

But this time, I requested silence more quickly than before, then continued:

"FOR THIS TOURNAMENT, WE HAVE SELECTED OVER A THOUSAND APPLICANTS. WE WILL THEREFORE WITNESS A SERIES OF TEN MELEES, FROM WHICH ONLY TEN COMBATANTS WILL BE CHOSEN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GRAND FINAL. THE WINNER OF THE MELEE WILL LEAVE WITH A KNIGHTHOOD, A DOMAIN WITHIN THE CROWN LANDS, AND 5,000 GOLD DRAGONS."

Observing the thousand combatants — with very few nobles among them, aside from the most promising squires in their twenties serving lords hoping for a quick profit — I smiled.

They were clearly waiting for news of further rewards, so I added:

"AS FOR THE REST — LET US HOPE THEY CATCH THE EYE OF A LORD WHO WILL TAKE THEM INTO HIS SERVICE, BECAUSE OTHERWISE, THEY WILL RECEIVE NOTHING AT ALL. ONLY THE WINNER WILL BE REWARDED. ONLY THE STRONGEST AND MOST DETERMINED WILL EARN A PRIZE. ONE IN A THOUSAND. MAY THE GODS BE WITH YOU."

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-POV Hugh the Strong-

As soon as Prince Aemon finished his speech, I lowered the visor of my helm, eyes full of resolve.

Not for victory, nor for gold — but simply to carry out my vengeance, to do what must be done so that Kat's spirit can finally rest in peace.

'I will avenge you'

I did not leave the arena after the speech ended, as I was in the first group.

Still lost in thought, I was brought back to the moment by the sound of the herald declaring the start of the match.

But I didn't move — because I had already spotted my targets, and they weren't in this group.

So I didn't rush into the melee.

I simply stayed on the edge, waiting for my enemies to eliminate each other.

But despite my imposing size, several people surrounded me, likely seeing me as a threat.

'Too good to be true' I thought, having forgotten that the reward announced by the Prince could change many lives.

'But that means nothing to me anymore. I am nothing but a soulless body, driven only by my wife's vengeful spirit' I thought, gripping my hammer tightly.

"AAAAAAAAAAH!" I roared as I charged my first opponent.

He was taken by surprise by how fast I moved — undoubtedly thinking my hammer was too heavy for such speed — and had no time to dodge the overhead blow.

He was launched backward under the weight of my weapon.

I was ready to go after him and finish him off, smashing his head into unrecognizable pulp, as I slowly slipped into a state of uncontrollable rage.

But as I felt pain flare in my right side, I realized another man had struck me with his flail.

That flash of pain brought me back to my senses.

I understood that even though I was well-equipped and incredibly strong, if I gave in to blind rage, I might miss my chance to avenge Kat.

I clenched my teeth and kicked at a man trying to attack from my left.

He managed to block the blow with his shield, but the force of my strike nearly tore it from his grip, giving me an opening.

I didn't miss it.

I poured all my strength into a horizontal swing of my hammer, smashing through the right side of his cheap armor and sending him crashing to the ground in one hit.

I didn't check if he was still alive.

I dove right back into the fight — a fight I was already winning, having taken down two of the ten men attacking me.

"COME ON THEN, FACE ME YOU COWARDS!" I roared, seeing the others trying to surround me, but clearly unwilling to suffer the same fate.

'No one will stop me from getting my revenge… NO ONE'