Chapter 5: Dragon Bones

"Magister, do you have any dragonbone artifacts in your residence? Could I possibly see them?" After the meal, Viserys didn't forget to bring up what he was truly interested in. He wasn't worried about people knowing his desire for items related to dragons. On the contrary, he hoped others would seize this "weakness" to buy him off and corrupt him.

After all, coming from House Targaryen, it would be strange if he wasn't interested in dragons.

Moreover, getting started is always the hardest part. If he didn't show interest, how would Illyrio know what he wanted? Only by showing desire could he make others consider whether to give it to him.

The Beggar King.

Viserys had nothing right now. He had to take advantage of his current value and make the most of any opportunity, just in case it bore fruit.

Illyrio remembered that Viserys had asked the same question on the merchant ship.

It was clear that Viserys had a keen interest in dragonbone artifacts, and he also recalled that Viserys had eagerly inquired about dragon eggs on the ship.

This wasn't something Varys had mentioned in his reports, making Illyrio ponder a bit more, though he couldn't quite piece it together.

And with Viserys asking so directly, Illyrio couldn't outright refuse.

It was just the right time for dessert, and Illyrio had no intention of continuing the discussion about the Dothraki with Viserys.

Viserys had shown resistance, and if Illyrio insisted too much, it would make him seem overly eager—he was playing the role of a broker, and he didn't believe he could persuade Viserys immediately.

Illyrio needed to understand the source of Viserys's resistance: was it distrust, a test, or something else?

So Illyrio responded, "Since Your Grace wishes to see them, of course."

With that, Illyrio picked up a delicate little silver bell from the table and rang it twice. He called out, "Steward!"

As soon as he spoke, a pale, beardless middle-aged steward entered the dining room and approached Illyrio. After Illyrio whispered a few words to him, the steward left.

Shortly thereafter, the steward returned, carrying several trays filled with exquisite treasure boxes. Another servant prepared a small table beside Illyrio, allowing the steward to place the items one by one.

"Your Grace, please come forward."

Illyrio began to display his collection with great pride.

Viserys stepped forward boldly.

Daenerys looked up and saw that Viserys had not made any indication, so she dared not move and sat there alone, staring absentmindedly at the dessert on the table.

Illyrio opened the first box. "Your Grace, please look. This is a piece of dragon's claw bone, adorned with sapphires, crafted by a highly skilled artisan. I obtained it from a nobleman in Braavos..."

Due to its high iron content, dragonbone was pitch black. It looked like onyx and had significant ornamental value. It was as hollow as bird bones and as strong as steel, making it lighter and more elastic than many materials. Due to its rarity and unique properties, dragonbone was often used to create valuable collectibles, and, of course, weapons like dragonbone bows and arrowheads.

In his youth, Illyrio had been a warrior, but he seemed not to have any dragonbone-made knives or bows in his collection. His displayed demeanor was like that of a nouveau riche who, after becoming wealthy, began living a luxurious life. His collections were mostly gaudy items encrusted with jewels, emeralds, and gold. He appeared genuinely enthusiastic about these vulgar items, with jeweled rings on every finger.

Viserys made no effort to hide his longing for these dragonbone items. Every time Illyrio showcased one, he brazenly reached out to touch it.

Unfortunately, mere touch revealed almost nothing. Viserys couldn't tell if it was because these artifacts had been treated by craftsmen in ways that blocked their tactile sensations, if his method of probing was incorrect, or if the dragon soul was simply not present in these bones.

Viserys had already lost hope, thinking only about whether he could manage to swindle an item that Illyrio wouldn't miss so he could study it further.

But then, another dragonbone artifact was presented—a pendant made from a small piece of broken bone, with gemstones set into its fractured ends. It was exquisitely crafted. The moment Viserys touched it, he felt a faint stir in a corner of his soul, like a feather gently brushing against his skin.

"Ah, truly exquisite," Viserys said, moving his hand away and allowing Illyrio to put the item back before he continued to the next piece.

Illyrio displayed nine dragonbone artifacts in total, but only two of them gave Viserys any sensation. Viserys was not an expert in appraising treasures, so he couldn't say if it was because some of the artifacts were fake or if there were inherent differences between pieces of dragonbone.

"Your Grace, did any of these catch your eye?" Illyrio asked. "I've heard that the royal family in King's Landing has several complete sets of dragonbones. I wonder what they look like?"

'Is he trying to spark my desire for King's Landing?' Viserys thought.

Instead of answering immediately, Viserys picked up the dragonbone pendant he had long set his sights on and caressed its intricate patterns, saying in a deep voice, "King's Landing... I will return there eventually and reclaim everything that belongs to me."

It was necessary to show ambition and greed appropriately.

Regardless of whether it was genuine, such behavior cost nothing and might even fetch something valuable in the eyes of the right person when one had nothing.

Seeing Viserys's flamboyant display, Illyrio thought to himself, 'He might just be using this clumsy act to test my sincerity, to see how much I'm willing to give.' So he said, "Your Grace, if you like it, please keep the dragonbone pendant."

"Can I?" Viserys asked, already pulling his hand back with no sign of courtesy. "You are truly generous, Magister Illyrio."

Illyrio maintained his smile. "As long as it pleases you, Your Grace."

The feast concluded with both host and guests seemingly content.

From Illyrio's perspective, despite Viserys's behavior deviating slightly from Varys's reports and the failure to quickly secure an alliance with the Dothraki, he had at least managed to keep Viserys and Daenerys under his control. The rest could be planned later.

Viserys, on the other hand, was thrilled to have obtained something that potentially contained a dragon's soul. His mind was preoccupied with the pendant, and he was eager to find a secluded spot to study it. However, as a "beggar king" currently dependent on others, he knew he had to maintain a proper demeanor. Thus, he restrained his excitement and let Illyrio's maids show him and Daenerys to their rooms.

Led by the maid, they soon reached their designated quarters.

First was Viserys's room, a spacious seaside chamber situated above the garden, facing the Narrow Sea. It even had a private bath and toilet.

Viserys took a brief glance from the doorway, nodded in approval, and then followed the maid without hesitation to the next location.

Daenerys's room was right next door, separated only by a wall.

However, the maid stopped Viserys at the door. "Honored guest, this room is arranged for the young lady."

Viserys narrowed his eyes, his malice unhidden. "Is that your own idea, or did your master tell you to say that? Do you think I don't know this is my sister's room?"

Unprovoked, Daenerys, who had been following behind Viserys, shivered. The cruel nature of her brother seemed unchanged.

Ignoring the maid's attempt to block his way, Viserys turned back to Daenerys. "What are you standing there for? Get in."

He grabbed Daenerys and pulled her into the room, shutting the door behind them.

Viserys didn't intend to harm Daenerys; he just knew this young girl wasn't to be underestimated.

She was smart.

That was the crux of the issue. Viserys didn't think his unusual behavior would escape Daenerys's suspicion.

He did his best to mimic his original, vile self. Releasing his grip, he slowly moved to the window and called out, "Daenerys, come here!"

Under Viserys's shadow, Daenerys, accustomed to his whims, nervously followed him to the window.

"Daenerys!" But this time, Viserys didn't lash out or scream at her. He spoke to her harshly, "If you want to protect a secret, don't act like you have a secret to protect. Understand?"

Daenerys was stunned. Viserys's harsh words were directed at her, but his eyes flicked slightly towards the door.

Without giving Daenerys a chance to respond, Viserys quickly left the room.

As he exited, the maid was still outside the door. Viserys turned back to glare at Daenerys one last time before heading to his own room.

Having played the riddler, Viserys didn't plan to hide anything in his room. He didn't worry about potential spies and immediately began examining the dragonbone pendant he had gotten from Illyrio at the desk.

Secrets deliberately hidden are often too tempting to resist, while openly displayed things tend to be ignored and taken for granted.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the courtyard, Illyrio was in his study, contemplating his next move. Since Viserys unexpectedly rejected his plan, Illyrio wondered if he should let him be for a while. Perhaps, when Viserys saw Illyrio's enthusiasm waning, he might start to worry and come forward on his own.

According to reports, during his time wandering through the Free Cities, Viserys would become very eager and proactively seek out nobles, flattering them, whenever he felt ignored.

Soon, the maid who had escorted the guests came to inform Illyrio about what had transpired between Viserys and Daenerys.

"If you want to protect a secret, don't act like you have a secret to protect?" Illyrio muttered. "Did he really say that?"

The maid nodded, "Yes, Magister."

Illyrio, still puzzled, asked, "Anything else?"

"No, Magister," the maid replied.

"Keep a close watch on them," Illyrio's eyes were sharp. "Report any unusual behavior to me immediately."

"Yes, Magister."

Secrets?

What secrets?

Illyrio furrowed his brows, unable to fathom what their "secrets" might be.

The siblings had always been under Varys's surveillance. What secrets could they have? Was there something Varys hadn't told him? Or was this so-called secret something trivial?

The information from Varys was too simplistic. After personal contact, Illyrio sensed that Viserys might not be as straightforward as he appeared.