Chapter 106: Illyrio's Test
Only Illyrio, Ian, and Daeron attended the supper; the Targaryen siblings were absent, which disappointed Ian.
However, this was within his expectations. It was only their first day with Illyrio, and he wouldn't be careless enough to introduce them to the king so readily.
"Are you satisfied with the girl I assigned to you?" Illyrio asked Ian while cracking open a crab leg. "They were all trained in Yunkai, where the slavers have created an art of love. Even His Grace is well pleased with them."
What lord could withstand such a test? "I came here seeking glory, and this troubles my conscience greatly," Ian said awkwardly.
"Hahaha," Illyrio couldn't help but laugh. "I'm pleased you enjoyed her company. I have many servants like her in my manse, each with their own... specialties. You may call upon them freely whenever the need arises."
Gods above! Those elaborate techniques from this afternoon were considered specializing in just one skill?
"Now I understand why Yunkai can be counted among the three great city-states of Slaver's Bay—alongside Meereen, which produces craftsmen and pit fighters, and Astapor, which produces the Unsullied—by doing this trade alone."
Ian resisted the urge to rub his aching back and forcefully steered the conversation back to business.
"I thank you for your generosity, Magister. But more than that, I would know when you might introduce us to His Grace." Although he knew Illyrio wouldn't agree immediately, he still wanted to make the request as soon as possible.
"Before that, I would know why you wish to serve King Viserys." Illyrio's smile faded as he turned to serious matters.
"Some months ago, Daeron heard from you that Princess Daenerys was to wed a powerful khal, and that this horselord had agreed to help His Grace Viserys reclaim his throne.
So Daeron immediately contacted my brother, hoping to make our fortune in the Riverlands and then raise a small company to come to Pentos and serve His Grace."
"So it's because of loyalty?" Illyrio narrowed his eyes.
"It's because this is an opportunity," Ian shook his head. "For over a decade before now, we never even tried to find the king and princess wandering across Essos. We dared not proclaim our loyalty then."
"You are refreshingly honest."
"We are here to wager on the future. You must know how the usurper on the Iron Throne treated House Darry after Robert's Rebellion. We lost most of our lands and holdings, as well as our lordship."
"And House Grafton was marginalized and suppressed by House Arryn. Furthermore, the crown's taxes on Gulltown's harbor have doubled since the days of Targaryen rule, making it difficult for us to maintain not only our fleet but even our city watch," Daeron quickly added.
"And after my brother's and Daeron's plan was exposed, the Iron Throne seized our family's remaining lands and murdered our kin.
Only under the dragon's banner can our houses see the light of day again, and only then can we reclaim our rightful honors. Everyone knows this. We need to see His Grace." After Ian finished speaking, he looked at Illyrio expectantly.
"How many men do you have left?" Illyrio still didn't answer Ian's question, changing the subject instead.
"My forces were destroyed," Daeron replied awkwardly, "but Ian still has four knights. They didn't take part in our raid."
Illyrio said nothing more, quietly eating his food. Only after he'd finished did he suddenly look at Ian:
"I noticed your invitation came from the cheese merchant Tarobyne—a grasping man. I wonder what price you paid for it? You were forced to rely on him because of my oversight, so I should compensate you for the trouble."
He knows everything! The moment Ian met Illyrio's gaze, he suddenly had this realization.
It had clearly been Daeron handling their communications earlier that day! By rights, Illyrio should have considered Daeron the leader of their party, but from the very beginning of tonight's supper, Illyrio had completely ignored Daeron, focusing entirely on speaking with Ian.
This meant that Illyrio had discovered he was the true leader, and the only time Illyrio could have observed Ian's leadership since their arrival in Pentos was during his conversation with Tarobyne!
Ian's heart sank as he quickly considered how to answer—or more precisely, what kind of answer Illyrio wanted to hear.
I absolutely cannot betray Tarobyne! The next moment, Ian made his decision.
"There's no need," Ian shook his head. "It was a fair bargain; we require no compensation."
Daeron glanced at Ian with some surprise, not understanding why he would waste such a golden opportunity, but ultimately he wisely refrained from speaking.
Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on Illyrio's lips.
Ian knew he had wagered correctly. A man with a sense of honor and respect for his word was far more worthy of Illyrio's trust than a two-faced opportunist.
Jon Connington, the Hand to Aegon VI and the most important figure in Illyrio and Varys's scheme to restore the Targaryen dynasty, was just such a man.
During the Battle of the Bells in Robert's Rebellion, Jon Connington had Robert Baratheon cornered in Stoney Sept. He could have simply put the entire town to the torch, killing Robert and ending the war in one stroke.
Unfortunately, out of concern for his honor, Jon Connington had refused to slaughter innocents, instead choosing to search house by house for Robert. This had dragged out the battle until Eddard Stark's reinforcements arrived.
Ultimately, Jon Connington's royal army had suffered a crushing defeat, losing the chance to save House Targaryen.
And yet, even a man like Jon Connington had been entrusted with such a vital task by Illyrio, which meant that "honor" played a significant role in the magister's calculations.
"Tarobyne nearly caused me considerable trouble by engaging in the slave trade behind my back, and you choose to protect him?" Illyrio quickly wiped the smile from his face, adopting a stern expression.
This man had indeed uncovered the truth!
"I..." Ian showed a surprised expression, then lowered his head, deciding to maintain his act. "I gave him my word I wouldn't tell anyone. He helped us; I cannot betray him."
"A man of honor. You're a knight, then?"
"Yes, I was knighted by Ser Arwyn Rivers, who is also my half-brother." Ian nodded, knowing there was no way to verify such a claim.
"But before coming to Essos, you were plundering your own homeland. Is that your honor?" Illyrio asked with a knowing smile.
(End of Chapter)
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