Daenerys sensed the naked threat hidden within the phrase "Second Anti-Dragon Mother War." Her beautiful eyes narrowed slightly as she suppressed her anger.
Aegor pressed his lips together. He instantly guessed the Magister's strategy of persuasion and began drafting rebuttals and counterarguments in his mind. A faint and nearly imperceptible cold smile appeared on his cheek.
Neither of them spoke. The brief silence was finally broken by Illyrio.
"The great victory Your Grace achieved in Meereen crushed the first alliance of slave masters. City-states around Slaver's Bay such as New Ghis, Tolos, and Qarth were forced to negotiate peace with you and abandon slavery. But Volantis, thousands of miles away, only lost a fleet. It neither surrendered nor signed a truce with you, nor was it crippled to the point of losing its ability to defend itself. As a result, during the year since you returned to Westeros, Volantis has technically remained in a state of war with you. It has simply failed to engage in actual combat due to internal disputes, mutual blame, and power adjustments between the Tiger and Elephant factions after their defeat."
Facing the pressure from both Daenerys and Aegor, Illyrio quickly continued.
"However, now that their internal struggle has ended, and with Your Grace on the verge of uniting the Seven Kingdoms and becoming the most powerful ruler in the known world, this fish that escaped the net is no longer willing to remain silent. It has begun organizing a second alliance against you."
Illyrio spoke fluently. In a few sentences he distanced himself from the slave masters' faction and transformed into a loyal friend of Daenerys who had traveled across the sea to deliver intelligence and warnings to the newborn Targaryen regime. In doing so, he successfully redirected Daenerys's wrath toward another target.
From his words, Daenerys and Aegor learned of the hidden changes currently unfolding across the Narrow Sea. They soon understood why Illyrio claimed that they were now surrounded by danger.
Although temporarily trapped in internal conflict after their defeat, Volantis had not been idle in the past two years.
In terms of public opinion, they took up the banner once carried by Yunkai and continued spreading rumors about Daenerys's tyranny and bloodthirstiness. They widely proclaimed that she intended to abolish slavery everywhere and destroy every slave-owning class in the world, stirring widespread fear and hostility.
In terms of diplomacy, they raised the banner of the "First Daughter of Valyria" and actively courted allies using their strong influence among the city-states. Mercenaries and pirates could easily be hired with gold, but the truly troubling development was that Braavos, which usually remained neutral, unexpectedly showed great interest in joining the opposition against Daenerys.
After conducting extensive investigations, Illyrio discovered that when an envoy from the Iron Bank had recently visited the Queen, she had shown reluctance to inherit the debts left by House Baratheon. This led the leaders of Braavos to conclude that her rule over Westeros would not benefit them.
In economic matters, Volantis attempted to form a commercial alliance to impose an embargo on specific goods in order to pressure Westeros.
The nine Free Cities were not a unified entity, so coordinating such a policy would normally be very difficult. However, with the support of two of the most powerful forces in the city-state system, Volantis with its immense wealth of goods and Braavos which controlled the financial lifeline, the process had unexpectedly begun to take shape.
...
"This organization, which has not yet appeared openly, calls itself the City-State Coalition. Its purpose is simple. If Your Grace succeeds in taking control of Westeros, they will unite to resist you and defend the slave system that has existed for thousands of years." After a long and slow explanation, Illyrio spread his hands helplessly. "At that time, Your Grace, will you publicly abandon your original ideal of abolishing slavery, or grit your teeth and fight on two fronts at once?"
Illyrio finished speaking. Silence returned to the modest reception hall.
After carefully considering his words, Daenerys finally spoke calmly.
"Thank you, Lord Illyrio, for traveling so far to deliver this information and warning. But when soldiers come, we will block them. I have fought many battles in the east and west and faced all kinds of enemies. I have capable generals and skilled warriors under my command."
She glanced at Aegor.
"And I do not believe that a group of slave masters can assemble an army that I cannot defeat."
"Your Grace misunderstands," Illyrio replied. "I do not doubt your invincibility on the battlefield. What I doubt is whether you can handle so many opponents who do not wish to compete with you for the throne and therefore will not gather for a decisive battle."
"The City-State Coalition has no intention of invading Westeros. Their purpose is simply to prevent you from stabilizing your throne and mobilizing the strength of the Seven Kingdoms to threaten their system and their rule."
"They do not need to confront you directly. They only need to sever trade between the two continents, restrict the flow of several key resources, and interfere with the recovery of agriculture in Westeros through harassment and raids after spring begins. This alone will create dissatisfaction and complaints within your kingdom."
"At the same time, by supporting or even creating opposition factions, they can easily achieve division and internal chaos within your realm. That will leave you overwhelmed and unable to respond."
"At that point, the western side of your kingdom will face resistance forces from the Riverlands and the Golden Company. The eastern side will suffer harassment from joint fleets of the major city-states, mercenaries arriving in endless numbers by ship, and even pirates from across the known world who have been bought with gold."
"Within your kingdom there will also be people with ulterior motives stirring unrest. The situation will resemble the attacks the eastern coast suffered when Robert united the Six Kingdoms to besiege the Westerlands. The difference is that the combined wealth and military strength of the nine Free Cities are far greater than the Westerlands, which relied only on gold mines."
"The Seven Kingdoms are also far larger and more complex than the single city-state of Meereen. The long coastline and vast territory will weaken the overwhelming advantage provided by your dragons and army. You will soon be exhausted by endless harassment and unable to keep up with events. Eventually you will make mistakes that the enemy will seize upon. In the end you may not even understand how you lost."
After another moment of silence, Illyrio sighed and continued in an earnest tone.
"Westeros has suffered repeated wars and no longer possesses the strength it had during the later years of the Usurper's dynasty. Winter is just ending, which means it is time for recovery and planting."
"In this beautiful season of renewal, why must Your Grace continue endless warfare and insist on eliminating your own blood relative and the loyal vassals who served your father?"
"As matters stand, the only path forward is to quickly achieve peace within the Seven Kingdoms, restore production as soon as possible, and confront the City-State Coalition with a united Westeros."
"I understand that Your Grace has not yet appointed a formal Minister of Diplomacy. The Hand must already be overwhelmed with work and cannot spare the time. If you do not consider it beneath you, I am willing to serve as a mediator. I will travel to the Riverlands to communicate with Aegon Targaryen and House Tyrell. I will attempt to persuade them to surrender and pledge loyalty to Your Grace. After accepting punishment, they may regain your forgiveness and acceptance."
"We appreciate your good intentions, Magister," Aegor said.
After listening quietly for more than ten minutes, he finally found an opening and struck like a venomous snake.
"But I am very curious. As the wealthy Magister of Pentos, what connection do you have with the Reach and Aegon Targaryen that gives you the confidence to act as a mediator?"
"House Tyrell has conducted business with me involving spices and gemstones, so we have had dealings with one another. As for Young Aegon…"
Illyrio did not know whether Aegor was merely asking casually, but he understood that the question was dangerous.
He faced a difficult choice. For more than a decade he had concealed his connection with Aegon completely, pretending ignorance. Continuing to do so would certainly be the safest and simplest approach.
However, he also realized that neither Daenerys nor her Hand were people who could easily be intimidated. His attempt to frighten them with a "City-State Coalition" that only existed on paper might fail. If that happened, not only would his son's freedom and life be threatened, but all his previous investments would be wasted.
Perhaps it was time to change tactics and take a necessary risk.
The situation left no time for careful thought. In an instant, Illyrio made his decision.
"I do not personally know Aegon Targaryen, but Jon Connington, who assists him, secretly contacted me before launching his army and landing in Westeros. He received my connections and information support." Illyrio spoke with a regretful expression. "It is precisely because I am connected to both Your Grace and your nephew that seeing the last two Targaryens fighting each other fills me with sorrow and regret. Your Grace, please think carefully before making an irreversible mistake."
Aegon had actually contacted Illyrio.
This news genuinely surprised Daenerys.
Illyrio had helped her so much that she did not immediately suspect him of colluding with her enemies. However, a man in the position of the Magister of Pentos never acted without purpose. His words clearly expressed his own views and intentions.
His previous kindness toward her was secondary. After all, once she controlled King's Landing and the Seven Kingdoms, she would be able to repay any favor. The real impact of his statement was that another influential figure had indirectly confirmed the authenticity of Aegon Targaryen's identity.
The truth was that Daenerys possessed no evidence proving that Aegon was a fraud.
This meant that she had knowingly chosen to oppose someone who might be her last blood relative for the sake of greater political ambitions.
Under such circumstances, every additional person who confirmed Aegon's identity would increase her hesitation and concern.
The Mother of Dragons was still human. She possessed human emotions and could not ignore the opinions of the world.
Not everyone had the deep hatred and iron determination of Asha Greyjoy, who had committed kinslaying without hesitation, especially the act of killing the last remaining relative.
"Lord Illyrio, regardless of anything else, I sincerely thank you for traveling so far to deliver such important information and advice," Daenerys finally said.
She straightened her back and spoke solemnly.
"However, this matter concerns the internal affairs of my kingdom, and it is extremely serious. Please forgive me for not giving an immediate answer."
"You have crossed the sea to come here, and you must be tired from the journey. Please allow me to arrange accommodation and hospitality for you first. After I have discussed the matter with my advisors and reached a conclusion, I will give you my reply. Would that be acceptable?"
(To be continued.)