Chapter 69: Meeting with the Sea Lord

The Sea Lord's Palace, as one of the most important administrative facilities in Braavos, was naturally grand and imposing. The towering domes and high towers were all built from neatly cut square stone blocks, and the intricate corridors within led to four main gates.

It was now the end of August in the 284th year since Aegon's Conquest, and though the tail end of summer had not entirely faded, the Sea Lord's Palace, built entirely of square stones, was exceptionally cool and refreshing.

There were no trees in the city of Braavos, but the Sea Lord's Palace was lush and green, filled with the songs of birds and the fragrance of flowers, with servants bustling about in the courtyards.

Viserys and Oberyn walked side by side through the half-open corridors of the Sea Lord's Palace, with a handmaiden leading the way.

The Prince of Dorne looked around curiously, occasionally reaching out to touch the bas-reliefs on the corridor walls and nodding thoughtfully, as if he had some unique insights into the realm of art.

Viserys, on the other hand, stared straight ahead the entire time, lost in thought.

Their roles seemed to have been reversed; Oberyn appeared to be a curious child, while Viserys had become a silent adult.

"Prince Oberyn."

The footsteps of the three people echoed through the corridor as they ascended the winding stone stairs. The area, devoid of sunlight, was somewhat gloomy and oppressive.

Viserys finally glanced at the man beside him and broke the silence.

"Hmm."

Oberyn didn't turn to look at Viserys, his gaze still fixed on the bas-reliefs on the walls. They depicted the glorious history of Braavos from its founding to the present day.

Braavos was never part of the Valyrian Freehold. It was founded about five hundred years before Aegon's Landing by refugees who had escaped Valyrian enslavement.

At that time, a group of slaves tasked with rowing in a Valyrian fleet staged a revolt and seized control of the ships. Unable to resist the Valyrians' dragons, the former slaves fled as far from Valyrian influence as possible, crossing the Narrow Sea to the north.

They eventually arrived at the fog-shrouded archipelago in the brackish lagoon, led by the Moon Singers.

These escaped slaves hailed from many different lands and held various beliefs. Thus, the founders of Braavos gave every god a place in their city and declared that they would never favor any one deity.

These people included the Andals, the Summer Islanders, the Ghiscari, the Naathi, the Ibbenese, the Sarnori, as well as Valyrians of pure blood who were in debt or had committed crimes.

Some were trained slave soldiers, others were bed slaves, cooks, grooms, stewards, and skilled craftsmen such as carpenters, blacksmiths, stonemasons, and laborers, as well as fishermen and kitchen slaves, among others.

The newly freed people spoke many dialects, so the language of their former masters, Valyrian, became their common tongue.

Oberyn was engrossed in the bas-reliefs depicting the glorious history of Braavos, while Viserys furrowed his brow slightly but continued speaking.

"As far as I know... Prince Oberyn."

"Dorne seems to be negotiating with the usurper who illegally occupies the Iron Throne."

Viserys didn't beat around the bush but asked directly.

He hoped to glean Dorne's true stance from Oberyn and establish some foundation for their negotiations.

Oberyn's voice was calm, but it sent shivers down their spines and made the hairs on the back of their necks stand on end.

"Is that so?"

Viserys, hearing Oberyn's words, narrowed his eyes but remained silent for a moment before continuing.

"Then... I wonder if Prince Oberyn's communication through Braavos represents just yourself, or if Prince Doran shares the same sentiment?"

"Oh, that's a good question..."

Oberyn sized up Viserys, seemingly surprised that he could ask such a direct and crucial question.

As Viserys and Oberyn conversed while walking, they were led by a handmaiden to the Sea Lord's audience chamber.

...

Inside the room, a middle-aged man with dark hair and brown eyes sat in a chair, reading a book.

The room was exceptionally spacious, sunlight streaming in through the windows. A lavish gray carpet covered the floor, and a golden bed adorned with drapes stood nearby. The bookshelves against the wall were filled with rare books from all over the world.

It seemed that Ferrego Antaryon, the Sea Lord, had a particular fondness for reading.

Footsteps echoed in the hallway, accompanied by hushed conversation. The middle-aged man sitting in the chair glanced up.

A knock came at the door.

"Come in."

The man in the chair casually marked his place with a fold in the page, then closed the book in his hands as he spoke.

The handmaiden, hearing his voice, pushed open the door and stepped inside.

"Sea Lord, your guests have arrived."

The handmaiden curtsied slightly to the Sea Lord, who nodded in acknowledgment. She then withdrew slowly.

Viserys and Oberyn entered the room.

Upon entering, Viserys was immediately struck by a faint floral scent. Upon closer inspection, it seemed to be the smell of perfume.

"Hmm?"

Viserys was puzzled by the excessive use of perfume in the room but chose not to voice his question.

He surveyed the surroundings; the room was spacious, with a well-lit balcony, a golden bed, and a bookcase. It looked more like a bedroom than an audience chamber.

"Welcome, esteemed guests."

The middle-aged man seated at the round table did not rise; instead, he sat quietly in his chair, hands clasped together, and politely greeted them.

This man was none other than the current Sea Lord of Braavos, Ferrego Antaryon.

"Do not be surprised, esteemed guests."

The Sea Lord seemed to notice the puzzled expression on Viserys' face and calmly explained.

"I am afflicted with a terrible illness, requiring me to consume large quantities of medicinal soup daily."

"Therefore, the room is filled with the scent of herbs, which I mask with the fragrance of perfume."

...