The situation in Maidenpool was handled swiftly and ruthlessly.
Aside from the demise of the Darklyn Family, everything felt like a dream.
The Butcher of Maidenpool—that's what some common folk called Rhaegar behind his back. Because he was the youngest, yet too dazzling, too ruthless in his actions, surpassing adults.
But no one dared to say this to Rhaegar's face. Violence is also a form of power, and four hundred soldiers were like wolves and tigers. Criticizing someone capable of suppression was simply too difficult.
The army marched towards King's Landing amidst triumphant cheers, a resounding victory.
Commanders like Rhaegar, Lord Tywin, and Lord Mooton conversed at ease. Crown Prince Aerys, however, had no face to claim any merit. His only 'achievement' might have been providing others with opportunities to earn glory, once again showcasing his incompetence.
The soldiers were also happy. The Darklyn Family's castle was temporarily managed by the Small Council. All the beautiful horses, clothes, cabinets, and servants of the Darklyn Family that could be plundered were packed and distributed. The wealth of the Darklyn Family and its allied families was completely swept away; in addition to enriching the national treasury, every soldier received a small gift. We traveled so far to fight, it's not too much to receive a reward.
"Rhaegar the Victorious!"
"Fearless Ser Barristan!" The soldiers cheered Rhaegar and Ser Barristan's names. Soldiers loved victory, especially quick, swift, and profitable victories. People would do business that involved beheading, but no one would do business that lost money.
This war, which ended in just two or three days, was effortless and even brought in gold dragons. Everyone praised Rhaegar and Ser Barristan. If it had been a victory mired in a quagmire, the soldiers' love for their commanders would quickly turn into anger and hatred.
Rhaegar heard that many soldiers wanted to transfer to his unit. Although military discipline was strict, victory was the best guarantee; following the Prince meant a future and a victorious aura.
Rhaegar looked at the soldiers' bright smiles. Leading an army was like leading wild beasts; the army itself was dangerous. Only victory could bring greater influence and trust. A commander's goal was to achieve a perfect victory while protecting his soldiers as much as possible.
Rhaegar soon discovered a new sycophant in the ranks, Ser Jeremy Lykke, who probably had a similar temperament to Larys Velaryon. Ser Lykke was anxious and agitated; the Earl of Maidenpool's seat was shining brightly, and he desperately coveted the position. Especially now that his old rival, the Darklyn Family, was completely annihilated, who else could possibly become the Earl of Maidenpool?
Ser Jeremy fawned over every important figure he could speak to, especially Lord Mooton, Lord Tywin, Crown Prince Aerys, and Prince Rhaegar.
"Ser, you act more like a servant than a warrior. It was Prince Rhaegar who personally served as bait on the front lines, and Ser Barristan who launched a surprise attack to rescue the Crown Prince. Besides relaying information, how much credit do you have in this battle?" Lord Tywin once mocked Ser Jeremy this way, but the man remained unchanged. Despite the scolding, coordination was still necessary.
"Prince Rhaegar, to be honest, I have a pair of ancestral Warhammers, said to have been passed down from the Age of Heroes. If Your Highness doesn't mind, I invite you to inspect them. In fact, our family history is also very long, and the black Warhammers have been passed down from ancient ancestors," Ser Jeremy spoke effusively, then pointed to his family banner: two crossed black Warhammers on a blue field with a white diagonal cross.
Rhaegar was a little moved; Ser Jeremy was indeed a generous person.
Rhaegar's reputation for appreciating ancient artifacts was already widespread. Everyone knew that Rhaegar had admired the Royce family's bronze armor and the Corbray family's Lady Forlorn in the Vale. These two black Warhammers were also worth investigating. Many families claimed to have histories spanning thousands of years, but how many good items they actually possessed was hard to say.
"I also have a residence in King's Landing. If Your Highness doesn't mind, I will personally deliver the Warhammers to your camp," Ser Jeremy pressed on.
Rhaegar thought it was feasible. Close Lords like those from Rosby and Maidenpool all had their own mansions in King's Landing. Ser Jeremy could indeed be a helper, especially when experimenting with building Dragon Towers in Maidenpool, which would require coordination from local Lords.
"Our support is only one aspect; it also depends on the satisfaction of the people." Rhaegar advised Ser Jeremy, who suddenly had a flash of insight, looking thoughtful. Even a broken ship has three nails; the House Lykke and the Darklyn Family had been vying for power in Maidenpool for so many years, and they also had their loyal supporters. Sometimes, public opinion is also a form of support.
Everyone returned to King's Landing, greeted with triumph and welcome. Peace was the best time. We have Prince Rhaegar; the Prince will win victory after victory, and thus popular support and public opinion will gather. No one would challenge a victor.
Aegon the Conqueror and Jaehaerys the Conciliator were the two greatest kings of the Targaryen Family in past ages. King Daeron the Good lacked military prowess, while Daeron the Young Dragon was strong but easily broken. People would also anticipate the birth of a third great Dragon King, a victor, a triumphant king.
King Jaehaerys led the nobles and officials in commending everyone for their glorious return, especially Ser Barristan and Prince Rhaegar, who could truly be called the saviors of Maidenpool. One victory was worth many words; those petty Lords should take the Darklyn Family of Maidenpool as a warning.
However, the scene was indeed a bit awkward: a glorious son and a father who had become a laughingstock. The cause of the war was quite comical.
Many would say Aerys was handsome and charming. But the Crown Prince's son was even more outstanding. Prince Rhaegar combined steel and tenderness, skilled in both letters and martial arts, a harpist and a born warrior.
King Jaehaerys, for once, did not scold his son but rather comforted him to rest well, which made Crown Prince Aerys feel utterly humiliated. Currently, Crown Prince Aerys indeed had no brilliant political achievements; instead, his big mouth had caused a string of jokes, and his recent embarrassment was the biggest joke of all.
Everyone left the Throne Room. King Jaehaerys asked Rhaegar to come to the council chamber, where they were alone.
"Do not despise your father's incompetence, and if you do, do not show it. Once your father ascends the throne, you will become the Crown Prince of the iron throne. You must work together; only then can you wield power. Once you show cracks, those who seek to divide you will swarm in, and your differences will grow wider, just like King Aegon the Unworthy and his son, Daeron the Good, in the past," King Jaehaerys suddenly said earnestly.
Rhaegar was also a bit surprised why his grandfather would say such a thing. The last time there was discord between father and son in the Targaryen Family was during the time of Aegon IV, the Unworthy, the 'Cannon King' of King's Landing. Their father-son relationship was very bad. After the Queen and his brother, the Dragonrider, died, Aegon even wanted to attack Dorne by force to depose Daeron's right of succession. Fortunately, it never happened, but it left behind the root of Daemon Blackfyre's rebellion.
The jokes caused by Prince Aerys indeed sparked many rumors in King's Landing, such as wanting to rebuild the Wall in the North, and building a huge fleet to make the titan of braavos kneel, none of which sounded like the demeanor of a ruler. Coupled with this recent entanglement in Maidenpool, his few remaining prestige was further damaged.
Meanwhile, Prince Rhaegar had already demonstrated extraordinary charisma: courageous and resourceful, skilled in battle, spirited, and favored by luck. Young people would like him; soldiers would adore him.
King Jaehaerys's concern was that this father-son estrangement might become a reality.
Rhaegar was speechless for a moment. In the realm of power, no one could escape.
But Rhaegar would alleviate his grandfather's worries. He would gain more influence, making his will paramount. Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it. Power surged from bottom to top, and the more supporters he commanded, the stronger he would become.
King Jaehaerys II continued, "Recently, there has been much talk about you in King's Landing: the Battle of the Valley Road, your demand to rebuild the Dragonpit, killing too many people while leading the charge in Maidenpool. Not all of these discussions are good. Some people are criticizing you for abusing national wealth, being too belligerent, and too adventurous. They even say you dislike living in the Red Keep, preferring to stay in military camps, and that you would be a cruel king. I have suppressed these discussions for you, but in the future, you must also be wary of those opponents. Be vigilant. Especially, do not be as headstrong as your father. A king needs to possess both courage and cunning."
"Grandfather doesn't know how much longer he can protect you. One day, you will have to face those opponents yourself."
King Jaehaerys spoke earnestly. His memories of past royal events were much deeper than Rhaegar's, as many things had been recounted by his father, Aegon the Common Man.
"Grandfather, my adventures are worth it," Rhaegar suddenly said to King Jaehaerys. His grandfather was a great king.
A look of surprise appeared in King Jaehaerys's eyes.
"We have dragons again."
King Jaehaerys's face showed even greater shock. Hatching dragons again—he couldn't believe Rhaegar had created a miracle.