Screening for the Kingsguard now?"
Everyone was completely bewildered.
Even when Viserys Targaryen was being hunted by assassins and besieged by enemies, he never agreed to elect new Kingsguard.
Many ministers even thought that Viserys Targaryen disliked the Kingsguard policy because his father, King Aerys, was betrayed by a member of the Kingsguard.
Unexpectedly, he, who was preparing to flee to the Essos Continent, was now selecting the Kingsguard?
"Could it be?"
Oberyn Martell's expression changed.
He keenly sensed that things were not as simple as his brother, Prince Doran Martell, thought.
Recalling the "Unburnt" talent of Viserys Targaryen's sister, Daenerys, Oberyn felt a chill down his spine.
This "Dreamwalker" Viserys Targaryen, was probably not as timid as he appeared.
If he truly intended to flee, why bother with this extra step now?
"What exactly is he plotting?"
Oberyn Martell frowned, deep in thought.
This was the first time Oberyn felt that everything was slipping out of his control.
"Things are getting interesting!"
Varys sat in the corner, still silent.
As a veteran who had served on the Small Council for many years, though he didn't know the specific reasons, he believed this was all part of Viserys's plan!
"This is good news, Your Majesty!"
Grand Maester Daniel was greatly relieved.
As an old man who had watched Rhaegar and Viserys grow up, he was extremely worried about the safety of this true Dragon descendant.
Now, with Viserys Targaryen actively requesting a Kingsguard selection, he finally felt at ease... Thump, thump, thump!
Accompanied by the urgent sound of war drums, Viserys Targaryen sat high on the Dragon Throne, gazing into the distance.
It was the sight of House Redwyne's warships departing from The Reach.
Accompanying them were Lord Randal Tarly of Horn Hill, Walder Frey, and others!
Except for a few Crownlands nobles who remained to support Viserys, almost all of The Reach's nobles turned and left!
"They can share prosperity, but not adversity! Hmph!"
A hint of disdainful smile appeared on Viserys Targaryen's face.
A vassal's vassal is not my vassal, a lord's lord is not my lord?
This ambiguous system had existed for so long, did they really treat him, the King, as if he were air?
"Clang!"
A crisp sound interrupted Viserys Targaryen's contemplation.
He turned his head and realized that the tourney, which he had little interest in, had already determined a victor.
Compared to martial prowess, selecting the Kingsguard actually placed more emphasis on loyalty and honor!
The Kingsguard of the royal family were often chosen from the King's most trusted nobles.
However, by the time of Viserys, all the Kingsguard were either dead or had betrayed him, so they had to be hastily replenished through a tourney.
The top three winners stepped forward and saluted Viserys Targaryen.
"Beric Dondarrion, greetings to Your Majesty!"
A rough-looking man with thick eyebrows and large eyes knelt on one knee, giving Viserys Targaryen a knight's salute.
"He is a noble from the Stormlands, Lord of Blackhaven!"
Grand Maester Daniel quietly introduced him from the side.
At these words, everyone frowned.
The Stormlands, that was the ancestral territory of House Baratheon.
How could a former subordinate of Robert serve as Viserys's personal guard?
Seeing everyone refuse, Beric Dondarrion also became anxious.
He stepped forward and loudly explained, "Your Majesty, Blackhaven did not participate in the rebellion. I value honor above all else and would never associate with kingslayer, the usurper, and others!"
Even though his voice boomed, everyone still shook their heads.
After all, Robert Baratheon's actions of sending assassins and spies to kill Viserys were no longer a secret!
"Lord Beric Dondarrion,"
Viserys Targaryen's eyes narrowed, and a line of black High Valyrian subtitles appeared before him.
Beric Dondarrion, Lord of Blackhaven, descendant of a distant Targaryen Family bloodline.
Spirit: 80 (Strong-willed)
Physique: 70 (Robust)
Agility: 75 (Nimble)
Strength: 80 (Herculean)
Magic: 6 (Distant Targaryen Family bloodline)
"A bastard descendant of the Targaryen Family?"
Viserys Targaryen murmured to himself.
No wonder Beric Dondarrion could be resurrected six times by Thoros of Myr, the Red Priest; it turned out they were consuming the power of the Targaryen Family's dragon blood!
Whether it was Thoros of Myr, the Red Priest or Red Priestess Melisandre, each time they cast a spell, they needed King's blood.
In other words, the power of dragon blood!
"Clang!"
A golden staff was placed before Viserys, and then a monk holding a ring-knife knelt on one knee: "Thoros of Myr, the Red Priest, willing to pledge loyalty to Your Majesty!"
Looking at the two people before him, Viserys Targaryen felt utterly dismayed!
These two were originally Robert Baratheon's subordinates, and now they had both sworn allegiance to him.
Was the quality of the Kingsguard this poor this time?
Could these two even win?
"Your Majesty,"
Seeing that Viserys had not yet responded, Beric Dondarrion's face turned red with anxiety: "That traitor Robert, he colludes with those pirates from the Iron Islands to commit atrocities in Westeros; I absolutely will not accept it!"
Listening to Beric Dondarrion's indignant curses, Viserys Targaryen suddenly understood.
The thieving ways of the Iron Islands were indeed unpopular.
As a knight who, in later generations, insisted on fighting for the common people, Beric Dondarrion and Thoros of Myr, the Red Priest maintained their principles and resisted House Lannister, even when the Northern army and the Stormlands army were all defeated.
This point was extremely valuable!
A righteous leader who founded the "Brotherhood Without Banners" was indeed worthy of Viserys's trust.
"I agree!"
Viserys Targaryen drew his longsword and touched it to each of their shoulders.
Hearing this, the two were overjoyed and immediately swore: "As the sun rises and falls, as day turns to night, in prosperity and adversity, in life and death, I hereby swear: to protect the King, to be loyal to the King. May the Old Gods or the Seven Gods bear witness."
"Rise, my White Knights."
Viserys Targaryen sheathed his longsword and nodded.
From this moment on, they would remain unmarried, childless, and landless for life, dedicating their lives to protecting Viserys Targaryen and his family.
"Your Majesty,"
A warrior even taller than Beric Dondarrion stepped forward and knelt on one knee: "Greetings to Your Majesty!"
"Remove your helmet!"
Ser Joffrey drew his longsword and warned loudly.
This was a behemoth, comparable in size to The Hound and The Mountain.
She not only had broad shoulders and strong muscles, but her strength was also astonishing, almost making the other contenders unable to lift their heads.
If she were to suddenly erupt now, at such close range, even Ser Joffrey was not confident he could protect Viserys!
"This?"
Brienne of Tarth's eyes widened, and only then did she realize that she hadn't removed her helmet as per custom!