As the commander of a mercenary company, Strickland naturally could not meet Viserys directly.
Fortunately, he had connections with Jon Connington, who also intended to recommend the Golden Company to Viserys.
"Your Grace, the Golden Company has around two thousand cavalry, including one thousand heavy cavalry, two thousand archers, and even war elephants.
You know I once served within their ranks. Overall, their combat strength is among the best of all mercenary companies.
If you bring them under your command, it will certainly benefit your cause."
Unlike Illyrio's so-called "Young Griff," Viserys had far more options available to him.
Because of that, he was not particularly enthusiastic about accepting the Golden Company.
If he took them in, he would have to spend considerable effort sorting out their internal issues.
Moreover, over the years in Essos, the Golden Company had long since lost discipline.
They were not only mercenaries but were also involved in side businesses such as the slave trade.
Under Targaryen rule, whether Andal or Rhoynar, the people held little goodwill toward those who trafficked in human lives.
Accepting the Golden Company could bring unpredictable negative consequences to Gohor.
As king, Viserys had to enforce fairness and consistency.
If he treated the Golden Company differently, it could create division and resentment within his forces.
And on the battlefield, such division would be disastrous.
"Ser Connington, I believe the Golden Company does not need to swear loyalty to me for now.
Instead, Gohor and the Golden Company can cooperate.
The condition is that they must cease all involvement in the slave trade. In return, they can act as our agents for book distribution."
Because of the barrier of the Dothraki Sea, Viserys's printed materials had so far only circulated within the Free Cities and Westeros.
Regions farther east, such as Slaver's Bay, remained largely untouched.
The Golden Company could simply replace their slave routes with book trade routes.
The profits from exporting books would far exceed those from selling people.
Through this, Viserys could exert a form of soft control over them.
It was like a scoundrel courting a lady. He could give money, but as for a title or commitment, that was out of the question.
After hearing Viserys's reasoning, Connington agreed.
In fact, he found that Viserys had considered things more thoroughly than he himself had.
Deep down, Connington had already begun to believe that in some ways, Viserys surpassed Rhaegar Targaryen.
But his loyalty still belonged to Rhaegar.
No matter how capable Viserys was, he could never replace the Silver Prince in Connington's heart.
Even so, since Strickland had come on behalf of the entire Golden Company, Viserys decided to grant him an audience.
After receiving the summons, Strickland felt a surge of excitement.
Under the guidance of the guards, he finally stood before the legendary king who had taken the battlefield at the age of seven and emerged victorious.
Viserys explained his decision briefly, including the matter of book distribution.
Strickland understood the profits involved in the book trade. It was far more lucrative than the risks of capturing slaves.
Although he had failed to secure full allegiance to the Targaryens, he had still obtained tangible benefits for his company. It was not a wasted journey.
"Thank you for your generosity, Your Grace. On behalf of the Golden Company, I offer you our respect."
"No need for formalities, Commander Strickland.
Later, I will be meeting with envoys from various cities to discuss forming a coalition army to put an end to the Dothraki threat once and for all.
From what I understand, the Golden Company is also active in the Dothraki Sea.
I hope you will play your part. You may attend the meeting with me."
Strickland was pleasantly surprised. This was a good sign. It meant Viserys was still open to accepting them.
In truth, Viserys was already thinking about breaking the Golden Company apart in the future.
But for now, they could serve as a useful display of strength.
Even if he did not particularly value them, their presence could shift the balance of power instantly in weaker regions like the Three Daughters.
The weather that day was clear and pleasant. White clouds drifted lazily across a bright blue sky.
Viserys chose to hold the summit outdoors.
Gardens, fountains, butterflies, and music filled the air. For a moment, Gohor almost resembled its former self.
Upon hearing of Viserys's victory, Arianne Martell had immediately insisted on returning to Gohor.
The Martells were not lacking in martial spirit.
Viserys's annihilation of tens of thousands of Dothraki only made her more captivated.
Her presence, however, stirred a growing sense of crisis in Rhaenys and Daenerys.
"Rhaenys, how does this dress look on me?"
Arianne slipped into a long purple gown, turning before the mirror.
"Do you think Viserys will like it?"
"It's fine, it's fine. As long as you like it, cousin," Rhaenys replied.
Inwardly, she could not help but complain.
This was a Targaryen victory. What was a Martell doing here, changing outfits and styling her hair?
The envoys from the nine cities had all brought their wives and daughters.
Viserys was still unmarried, and Rhaella, as queen mother, had to maintain her authority.
She could not lower herself to mingle with noblewomen.
That responsibility fell to Rhaenys and Daenerys, who had to represent House Targaryen among the ladies.
Now, with Arianne trying to take the spotlight, they were naturally displeased.
Seeing Arianne already acting as if she were the future mistress of the court, Rhaenys grew irritated.
In just two and a half months, she would come of age. No matter how one looked at it, it should not be Arianne's place.
Rhaenys raised a hand, signaling the maid arranging her hair to stop, then turned toward Arianne.
"Cousin, why do you think His Grace would marry you in the future?"
"What's so strange about that?" Arianne replied, still gazing at her reflection. "If the Targaryens want to reclaim the Iron Throne, is there any ally more loyal than Dorne?"
Then she glanced at Rhaenys dismissively.
"While Targaryens do have the tradition of marrying within the family, other factors must be considered. In any case, it's unlikely to be you."
"Why not me?"
Rhaenys, still young, was easily provoked into speaking her thoughts.
In her mind, there was precedent.
Rhaenyra Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen had been uncle and niece.
Compared to them, the age gap between herself and Viserys was even smaller.
It could not be more suitable.
And in the future, Viserys would conquer the Seven Kingdoms once again, just like Aegon the Conqueror.
With herself, Daenerys, and Viserys together, would that not be a perfect reflection of the Conqueror's legacy?
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