Winterfell, Great Hall
This year, Marco's "Winter Celebration" replaced the traditional Northern "Harvest Feast," becoming the most important festival across all the territories under the Valyrian Empire.
And at this year's Winter Celebration, something else happened—Marco appointed yet another new queen for himself, Mu·Belleris. Many subjects of the Valyrian Empire already knew: Marco's wives were not human. Many of them were humanoid beings from ancient legends.
Because of this, countless people no longer regarded him as an ordinary human. Many believed he was a god-king who descended to the mortal world. Though the Wolf Spirits also contributed to spreading this idea, the people believed it wholeheartedly.
Especially in the final months of this year—thanks to the bountiful harvests of the four farms around Winterfell, a great number of refugees who had come north to survive the winter received generous distributions of grain. Many attributed this blessing to Marco's divine identity.
Marco's food-domination policy was far superior to that of both House Bolton and House Stark. Now these Northerners who had proper shelter, warm clothes, and ample food truly fulfilled the words "We will never forget." They did not forget Marco's kindness, and instead offered him absolute loyalty.
After spring arrives, Marco's prestige will reach its peak in the North. At that time, even more Northerners will come to accept the rule of the Valyrian Empire.
Currently, almost all the Northern nobles along the Sunset Sea's west coast had already sworn loyalty to Marco. Even House Flint of Flint's Finger swore fealty yesterday.
As for House Reed of Greywater Watch—still no news. Marco didn't care much. Crannogmen had always lived secluded and kept themselves away from worldly affairs. Marco never expected them to join his wars anyway.
However, according to the Three-Eyed Crow, it seemed that ancient foreign gods and powerful White Walkers had been sealed within the Neck, possibly even older beings. Thus, the Crannogmen had kept themselves half-hidden from the world for generations.
Today, Marco would receive three factions whose conflicts had been mediated by Aelok·Stearn:
House Mormont of Bear Island
House Glover of Deepwood Motte
And the two Greyjoy siblings—Theon and Asha Greyjoy, who had fled to the North.
Aside from them and the people of White Harbor, nearly the entire North had been incorporated into Marco's territory. It wouldn't be long before he completed the unification of the North.
At this moment, before the throne in the great hall, a long banquet table had been set up. Marco and his five wives sat behind it, raising their cups toward the guests below. The fruit wine produced on Skagos Island had now become the most beloved premium drink in the North.
It was even more popular than the wines of Dorne or Arbor. The main reason was simple: high alcohol content, cheap price, and large production.
Since Marco took control of the North and Beyond-the-Wall, he introduced many lifestyle habits from Blue Star into his rule… such as requiring people to drink hot water, use sanitary toilets, and bathe frequently.
These habits significantly lowered mortality rates and disease, especially when it came to preventing plagues. The famous "Spring Sickness" of Westeros once wiped out nearly half the population of several major cities.
If not for that catastrophe, the population—especially in the South—would be far greater today.
Thus Marco placed great importance on developing a medical system. Both the Druin and his magic apprentices now had specialized medical fields. He even established a dedicated medical orphanage to take in children and train them as basic medical workers.
But such developments could not be completed overnight. So Marco focused heavily on improving his subjects' hygiene and health awareness.
To encourage regular bathing, Marco even used the Druin and magic apprentices to construct public bathhouses in several towns around Winterfell.
His goal was to make bathing a habit—and hopefully eliminate the overpowering mix of powder, perfume, and sweat that disgusted him.
This was one of the reasons Marco had no interest in women from this world—their habits and scents were simply unbearable. Only Moonshadow and the others truly suited him.
Once they developed better habits, these men and women would no longer feel so "eye-searing" to Marco. Still, it was unrealistic for women to use the public bathhouses openly.
Although women here were relatively open-minded, they still didn't dare bathe publicly. Marco also worried about their safety—if something caused a mob incident, things would get out of hand.
So eventually, bathhouses evolved into services where goblin slaves delivered hot water to women's homes, making the bathhouse industry one of the biggest consumers of goblin labor.
As food stores grew abundant, towns of various sizes began forming around castles. Marco assigned each castle family exclusive industries matching their strengths.
This allowed the people to become new vassals under these nobles. To prevent exploitation, Marco strictly regulated working hours and oversight systems, ensuring his subjects' rights.
For example, at Last Hearth, Marco had over a hundred sprite craftsmen stationed there, expanding House Umber's original woodworks factory nearly threefold.
Various wooden tools, small wooden items, and even wooden puppets had entered the market. The sprites' exquisite craftsmanship earned unified praise across the North.
The entire region was thriving. The common folk no longer survived solely on a tiny plot of land—they now had choices, able to provide better lives for their families.
Though nobles lost their military command and right of life and death, they lived far better than before. Their castles were overflowing with food and wine; the well-off even held daily banquets and masquerade balls.
Many unaffiliated Northern minor nobles became anxious. Their people fled, rumors spread, and their rule weakened.
As the three groups entered, Marco finally saw the legendary Little Bear—Lyanna Mormont. When the Ironborn invaded Bear Island, nearly all the Mormonts died fighting, leaving only this "Little Bear."
She displayed extraordinary talent and determination. With a nothing-to-lose resolve, she defeated the remaining Ironborn in the Fishing Bay battle and reclaimed her island.
Because most of Bear Island's men had died in the South, the Little Bear formed armies mockingly called the Little Bear Troop, Old Bear Troop, and Mother Bear Troop by the Ironborn. With these three forces and five warships, she defeated the longship fleet Asha Greyjoy had left behind.
Later, she sent troops to help the instructor of Deepwood Motte, Arnold Glover, retake the fortress—rescuing Robett Glover's wife and daughters and lifting the siege.
From then on, House Glover and House Mormont became allies. When the Boltons took power, they refused to submit, killed the Bolton messenger, and attempted to provoke war.
But they never waited for the Boltons' retaliation. Instead, news of the Boltons' repeated defeats arrived, followed by the North's rapid fall as the Valyrian Empire took nearly everything.
Until recently, when the Ironborn again approached Sea Dragon Point, they thought another war was coming. But once Theon's messenger claimed the Ironborn came to submit to the Valyrian Empire, neither side dared act rashly—until Aelok·Stearn mediated between the nearly-fighting factions.
The Ironborn and the people along the Sunset Sea had been blood enemies for thousands of years. If not for the sudden rise of House Targaryen, they might've fought until the end of time.
Once everyone quieted down, Marco looked at the group standing at the center of the hall.
"House Mormont of the Green Woods, House Glover with the red field and silver gauntlet, and the… black field with a gold kraken and a silver wolf? Pardon me, which house does this sigil belong to? I don't recall seeing it."
At that moment, Aegon—standing at Marco's side—spoke sharply:
"Honored Emperor! He is my uncle's former ward, Theon Greyjoy. He betrayed House Stark, letting the Ironborn invade the North, causing many innocents to die. I believe someone like him should not be allowed to swear fealty. He is guilty of treason!"
"You… you're Jon Snow. How did your hair become like this? You—"
Theon stared at Aegon·Targaryen in shock, stumbling over his words, unable to comprehend what he was seeing.
Then Bran Stark—sitting in the first seat below Marco—suddenly spoke:
"He is the son of my aunt Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. He carries both Targaryen and Stark blood. My father kept this secret until his death. And I'm proud of him—for he is a true knight. Regardless of his bloodline, Aegon Targaryen will always be part of House Stark."
Marco nodded approvingly.
"Indeed. Lord Eddard's knightly virtue and honor shined brighter than the sun. He was one of the most radiant warriors this continent has ever seen. I will construct a statue for him in Winterfell's Winter Refuge District, preserving his glory for all generations to see!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Bran, Rickon, and Aegon all thanked him in unison.
Marco then turned his gaze toward Theon, speaking with a hint of severity:
"I am Emperor of the Valyrian Empire and the God-King of the Pantheon. No one can lie before me. Theon Greyjoy—do you acknowledge the accusations made by your former brother?"
Theon stared at Marco, whose body suddenly emitted golden light. His heart pounded. After glancing at his sister Asha and his wife Nysa, he steadied himself.
"Y-Your Majesty… I… alone could not stop my father's de… decision. I tried to help Robb in my own way—"
"Hm. Yes. You gathered some Ironborn and used them to attack Casterly Rock. You also raided Fair Isle. Very well—I accept your explanation and acknowledge your efforts.
However—if you Ironborn wish to join my Valyrian Empire, you must abandon your filthy raiding habits. My food and wine are enough to feed your people. If you want to kill, join the army. But taking women as salt wives will never happen under my rule. I don't care what faith you keep, but if anyone disobeys—I will feed them to the dragons."
Theon froze, clearly stunned by Marco's power.
After his sister and wife nudged him from behind, he finally snapped out of it. Drawing his sword, he knelt with Asha and Nysa to swear loyalty.
"Good. I accept your fealty. From now on, you are commander of the Sunset Sea Fleet. You will oversee all naval matters across the Sunset Sea."
Marco needed him to lead the fleet in the future—ideally capturing the Iron Islands, the greatest iron-ore source in the region.
Then Marco looked to Lyanna Mormont and Robett Glover.
"So, House Mormont and House Glover—what is your stance? Will you pledge yourselves to me?"
"Uh…"
The Little Bear, Lyanna Mormont, cut off Robett Glover just as he was about to speak.
"Your Majesty! I only wish to know one thing. Some say you are the new King-Beyond-the-Wall. That you intend to lead the wildlings to slaughter us, seize our lands, and steal our women."
"Oh? Then tell me, Lady Mormont—what do you see? Do my actions match those rumors?"
Marco smiled as he asked.
"No, Your Majesty. I see many people who are genuinely happy. They have food, clothing, and homes. Their smiles are real—I can feel it."
Lyanna lowered her head slightly, her expression conflicted.
Marco suddenly rose, addressing everyone present—yet speaking especially to Lyanna Mormont:
"My goal is to build a brand-new empire. Not one like the old Valyrian Freehold, built upon conquest and slaughter. I will not exterminate nations. In my realm, you are all my people—no matter your faith, color, or hair. You are Valyrian. You are subjects of Marco·Belleris.
I will ensure your lives grow better with each passing year. Your children will not starve or freeze because of lack of grain or clothing. No one will drag you into war for their own gain—because in this empire, only I may mobilize the army. My people will never again eat that disgusting, mysterious Brown Stew."
Marco's voice echoed like a vow, reverberating through the hall as though shaking the entire building.
Then—
A crisp metallic shing rang out—someone had drawn a sword.
Everyone turned toward the sound.
It was Brynden "Bloodraven" Rivers, drawing the blade Dark Sister from his hip.
He knelt firmly on one knee, shouting with all his strength:
"Long live the great Valyrian Empire! Long live Emperor Marco·Belleris!"
"Long live—!"
All the nobles immediately drew their swords, kneeling and shouting. Their voices rose higher and higher, the atmosphere igniting instantly.
Lyanna Mormont and Robett Glover also drew their blades and swore fealty to Marco.
"You have made the right choice. Our Emperor will lead us to glory and build a great empire unlike any in history."
Marco's new queen, Mu, rose gracefully and addressed the kneeling crowd.
Soon, the guests stood again, and Marco ordered servants to bring out newly harvested fruits and wine, along with freshly roasted whole lambs and chickens—roast goose and turkey as well.
After seating the newly-sworn families, the banquet continued.
Just then, the former Maester of the Citadel—nicknamed "the Mage," Marwyn—approached Marco's table, pulling along a frail old man.
After bowing, Marwyn introduced him:
"Your Majesty, this is my former apprentice—Maester Qyburn. Because of certain matters, the Conclave stripped him of his chain."
Marco set down his cup, studying the so-called "great scientist."
In his past life's TV show, Qyburn had used necromancy to resurrect the Mountain after poisoning, then developed the scorpion crossbows that wounded Daenerys' largest dragon, Drogon, and later killed Rhaegal during the Battle of King's Landing—a true all-rounder.
He was also an expert in intelligence work, ensnaring Tyrion Lannister and Varys one after another, giving Cersei the power to challenge Daenerys.
Marco spoke calmly to the visibly excited Qyburn:
"I possess many branches of magic here. Even the techniques you studied are merely one type. Exploring them could take your entire life. But tell me—should I trust you?
I am not certain of your intentions. And it seems you've guessed some limitations of my abilities. The more you dwell on things you believe I wouldn't care about, the more glaring the flaw becomes. So, dear Maester Qyburn—why should I trust you?"
At that moment, the Wind-Dragon Guard and Aegon closed in around him.
--------
Fully Completed English PDF of this fan-fic on my Patreon shop if you want to support and own the full fan-fic in one go. Just grab the PDF and binge the entire story from start to finish!
Patreon.com/Ramzane