Chapter 177 King's Landing Renovation Plan
Rhaegar wanted to transform King's Landing. In his vision, the capital should rival fortress-cities like Casterly Rock, the Eyrie, and Volantis.
King's Landing had proven time and again to be difficult to defend. Rhaegar did not believe his personal charisma alone could make its citizens fight to the death—they were not his disciplined royal troops. Yet the city was the heart of the realm; losing it meant losing legitimacy, authority, and vast financial resources.
To him, King's Landing resembled ancient Rome—dependent on outer defenses. Once the Crownlands or the sea routes were breached, the city would fall swiftly.
He studied the detailed sand table before him, crafted under Cesar's direction by skilled artisans. The model was highly realistic.
King's Landing lay on the eastern coast of Westeros, overlooking Blackwater Bay. Though it possessed some natural defenses, none were particularly strong.
To the south flowed the Blackwater Rush. Beyond it stretched the Kingswood. To the east lay the open bay. Nearby settlements included Rosby and Duskendale to the northeast, Stonedance to the southwest, and the distant Harrenhal further inland. Overall, King's Landing functioned more as a commercial hub than a true fortress.
Rhaegar believed that in the event of a siege, the city would struggle to endure. Historically, it had a tendency to surrender quickly. Whether attacked from the Riverlands or by sea, its weakness was clear. At present, the greatest threat came from naval powers—the Free Cities of Lys and Myr, as well as Braavos, all of whom possessed formidable fleets.
What he needed was a plan to reshape King's Landing into a city capable of surviving a prolonged and devastating siege.
"King's Landing is nearly indefensible by land," Cesar said, analyzing the model. "It relies on walls and moats. Its true vulnerability lies at sea."
He pointed toward the waterways.
"The Blackwater Rush flows into Blackwater Bay, which is enclosed by Crackclaw Point and Massey's Hook. Driftmark and Dragonstone serve as the gateways to the bay. Ideally, we should stop enemies before they ever reach the capital. Defending the city itself would place enormous strain on logistics. And the people…" he paused, "the people will follow whoever wins."
Rhaegar nodded.
"The city changed hands multiple times during the Dance of the Dragons. Now imagine this: Dragonstone falls. Enemy fleets enter Blackwater Bay. Meanwhile, enemy forces gather in the Kingswood, preparing to land. What would you do?"
Cesar raised an eyebrow.
"That assumes your dragon is absent."
"Exactly," Rhaegar replied. "Let's treat it as a conventional war."
Cesar considered.
"Then it comes down to coordination—internal and external."
He began outlining his strategy:
First, internal measures:
Increase troop numbers within the city
Suppress unrest and riots
Reinforce defenses
Expand beyond the insufficient three thousand Gold Cloaks
Recruit mercenaries if necessary
Ensure stable logistics—food shortages would turn the city into chaos overnight
"If the Riverlands and the Reach remain stable, supply pressure will ease. Otherwise, famine will destroy us before the enemy does."
Second, external measures:
Build two fortified towers on both banks of the Blackwater Rush
Use chains to block naval passage
Prevent fleets from entering the river
Deploy ambush forces in the Kingswood to harass enemy landings and disrupt supply lines
Cesar tapped the map.
"This is the most we can do. King's Landing isn't built to be impregnable. At best, we hold until reinforcements arrive—from the Crownlands, Stormlands, and Riverlands. But if the Kingswood falls, even relief forces from the Stormlands may fail."
Rhaegar listened carefully.
Cesar had not considered wildfire—a dangerous but powerful weapon—but that omission was understandable.
"Once under siege," Rhaegar said, "preparation must be absolute."
He reflected on known strategies—how Stannis Baratheon would one day attempt to take the city, and how Tyrion Lannister would delay him with chains, ambushes, and wildfire.
But Rhaegar's enemies would be different—stronger, more organized, and backed by entire nations.
"If we had sufficient reinforcements, the naval threat would lessen," Rhaegar said. "But more importantly… King's Landing itself must change. It must become a true fortress."
He looked toward the model of the city's three hills, ideas forming rapidly.
"We must remove its weaknesses and rebuild it for war."
Then he outlined his grand plan:
1. Food and Sanitation
Construct large granaries to store food, medicine, and supplies
Prevent famine during sieges
Improve sanitation to avoid epidemics
2. Urban Reconstruction
Demolish Flea Bottom
Replace chaotic slums with organized districts
Reduce crime and prevent riots
3. Military Forces
Expand beyond the Gold Cloaks
Use the elite Dragon Guards as the core force
Recruit locals to improve loyalty and stability
4. Infrastructure
Rebuild roads for efficient troop and supply movement
Construct improved highways inspired by Valyrian roads
Reinforce and heighten city walls, possibly using dragonglass
5. Twin Towers Defense System
Build massive towers on both sides of the Blackwater Rush
Control the river with chains
Block enemy fleets from entering the city
"As for wildfire," Rhaegar added, "it remains a last resort. Too dangerous to rely on."
If these flaws were corrected, King's Landing could withstand far more than it ever had before.
Rhaegar turned to Cesar, his expression sincere.
"I have a complete plan to make this city unbreakable. But great undertakings require capable men. Without people like you… how could I succeed?"
Cesar smiled faintly.
"It is Your Highness who has the talent to shape history. When the time comes, even heaven and earth will aid you."
Rhaegar chuckled.
"If you can teach me, then you can teach others as well."
His eyes sharpened.
"Because right now… we have an even more urgent task."
The military academy could not be built without the right foundation—and without the right people.
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