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#363 - Chapter 97: Taking Side and Expressing Your Position (Part 2)

Driftmark, an island off the west coast of Westeros, is the seat of House Velaryon. After a century of recuperation, Hull and Spicetown have regained their prosperity. However, High Tide, once glorious, was burned down during the Dance of the Dragons, forcing the Velaryons to move back to the somewhat gloomy and damp Driftwood Hall.

At this moment, Monford Velaryon, draped in a tattered cloak, sat upon the Driftwood Throne. His once handsome face was now covered in gruesome burn scars. In the Battle of the Blackwater, wildfire had mercilessly consumed his body, disfiguring his face and claiming his left arm. Now, he could only use an iron hook in place of his left hand.

Monford's eyes revealed determination and resolve. Despite suffering such a great blow, he was not defeated. On the contrary, he was even more determined to protect his family and territory. After that battle, he had remained on Driftmark to recuperate, quietly waiting for his body to recover. However, when Stannis resolutely abandoned Dragonstone as his base and led his entire army north, the Velaryons, who were always reluctant to leave their home, had no choice but to formally announce their departure from his ranks.

Driftmark is very close to Dragonstone, only a short two-hour boat ride away. Therefore, such a large-scale operation on Dragonstone could not be hidden from their eyes.

Aureon Waters, Monford's bastard brother, was absolutely loyal to the entire family. Even in the face of such a difficult situation, he still wholeheartedly assisted his brother. At this moment, he seemed a little uneasy, anxiously saying, "Lord, we have confirmed that those who occupied Dragonstone are flying the three-headed dragon banner of House Targaryen!"

Hearing this, Monford Velaryon showed a painful and helpless smile on his face: "Heh~ So what? Does the current House Velaryon have any other choice? Our family's elite forces were already lost in the Battle of Blackwater Bay, and our once-proud fleet is only two-tenths of its former size. Now that Stannis has fled, we must find a reliable backer as soon as possible. Otherwise, we will be the first to suffer when King's Landing frees up its hands."

A child in armor, followed by two guards, walked into the hall and said, "Father, an envoy from Dragonstone has arrived. Do you want to see them?

Monford Velaryon: "Bring them up! Monterys, you stay and listen." The boy was Monford's only son, ten-year-old Monterys Velaryon. Due to his physical condition, he had his son follow his brother in political affairs early on to cultivate his ability as a lord.

Soon the guards brought in the envoy, a bald man, Missandei's brother, Missanthos. Monford sized up the person in front of him and said coldly, "You are the envoy sent by Dragonstone?"

Missanthos bowed slightly, "Yes, my Queen is Daenerys Targaryen. Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Queen of Meereen, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm, Breaker of Chains, the Unburnt…………Queen of the Seven Kingdoms! She has heard that House Velaryon has always been the most loyal partner of the Targaryens, and she hopes that you can rejoin."

Monford snorted, his voice with a hint of disdain and anger: "We Velaryons are not pawns to be manipulated! We once had a glorious history, and we have experienced countless battles. We will never easily submit to the will of others!"

Missanthos looked at him calmly, his eyes firm and confident. He smiled slightly and said, "Her Majesty is a great leader, and she leads an incomparably powerful army. This army is unstoppable, and any enemy who tries to block their progress will be mercilessly crushed into powder. Our fleet is vast and unparalleled in scale. Moreover, Her Majesty is well aware of your current predicament, and she is willing to grant House Velaryon protection. As long as you are willing to submit, she will guarantee your safety and grant you glory and status. This is a rare opportunity, and your only way out."

Monford fell into deep thought, he understood that the current situation was very difficult for House Velaryon. They were already in a desperate situation and did not have many options. He thought to himself, weighing the pros and cons.

At this moment, Monterys leaned into his ear and said, "Father, we should indeed seriously consider his proposal. After all, Her Majesty's strength and influence are unmatched. If we can get her protection, we may be able to avoid more losses."

Monford turned to look at his son, and a sense of helplessness welled up in his heart. He knew that House Velaryon had no choice at this moment, but as the head of the family, he had to make the wisest decision. In the end, he nodded and said in a heavy tone, "Okay, in that case, House Velaryon is willing to express its submission. However, due to my poor health, I am unable to personally meet with Her Majesty. I will send my son—the heir of Driftmark, and my brother Monterys to meet with Her Majesty to express our sincerity and determination. I hope they will not fail their mission and win a better future for our family." After saying these words, Monford's mood was extremely heavy, as if he was carrying the fate of the entire family. But he knew that this was the most feasible way at the moment, and a necessary measure to protect the interests of the family.

Missanthos: "This is a wise choice, Lord Velaryon, Her Majesty will love this news."

The Velaryon family's surrender gave Daenerys a great advantage. She was sharpening her swords on Dragonstone, actively planning her next actions, and ready to march on King's Landing at any time.

You can't wrap fire in paper, and it wasn't long before the Small Council of King's Landing learned of this shocking news. The daughter of the Mad King Aerys II—Daenerys Targaryen, known to the world as the Mother of Dragons, had returned! And she had tens of thousands of soldiers under her command, who were now stationed on Dragonstone, sharpening their knives for King's Landing. Immediately afterwards, Monford, as the representative of House Velaryon, publicly announced his allegiance to the Dragon Queen.

This news was like a bombshell, instantly igniting the King's Landing court. Ser Kevan, the Hand of the King, was anxious and hurriedly summoned the ministers to discuss countermeasures.