Chapter 50 — Laying the Foundations
The Citadel of Oldtown was, in essence, another form of school—an institution that trained maesters, physicians, and scholars for kings, great houses, and powerful factions across Westeros.
It was a neutral organization, beholden to no single lord.
Grand Maester Pycelle, master of the Red Keep's small council; Maester Luwin of Winterfell; and Maester Aemon of the Night's Watch—each of them was a product of the Citadel.
Within its ranks, knowledge and experience determined status:
Grand Maester, Archmaester, Maester, Acolyte, Apprentice.
Yet the Citadel's teachings were limited in scope.
A true school, Drogon thought, could cultivate all kinds of talent:
not only physicians, scholars, and teachers, but also administrators capable of governing cities, officials skilled in finance and trade to enrich Daenerys's treasury, and agricultural experts who could strengthen the livelihoods of her subjects…
The more he imagined a school of his own design, the more convinced Drogon became.
But how to convey such a plan to Daenerys—through another letter?
Just as he debated, Daenerys spoke hesitantly, as though gathering courage:
"I… I've heard that Westeros has a place called the Citadel, where maesters study medicine, history, and other knowledge.
What if we founded an academy of our own—one that trains people who can manage affairs, oversee supplies, and support our rule?"
---
!?
Drogon was stunned.
[Are we sharing a brain now?
I'm not actually your contract spirit beast, am I?]
He had not expected Daenerys to arrive at the same idea at the very same moment.
Around the room, Missandei, Jorah, Grey Worm, and Barristan all turned to their queen, eyes bright—expectation, admiration, approval.
To ensure everyone understood, Barristan explained gently:
"The Citadel belongs to House Hightower.
It trains maesters, scholars, and teachers to serve noble houses and powers across Westeros.
It remains neutral—it serves all, and favors none."
Missandei's eyes lit further at the thought.
"If Your Grace were to found such a school, it could teach far more than the Citadel—
not only medicine and learning, but languages and administration… any skill we require."
Jorah stepped forward, adding thoughtfully:
"Maesters swear never to wed, sire heirs, or accept reward.
But your academy could be different, Your Grace—
those who enter might instead swear loyalty to you alone, serving your cause above all others."
Grey Worm and Daario didn't offer specific suggestions, yet neither of them needed to speak for their approval to be clear.
Daario in particular gazed at Daenerys with such open admiration and infatuation that even a fool could see it.
[So many sharp minds…]
Watching them strategize, Drogon couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
They aren't any less intelligent than people of my previous world—what they lack is only a spark of direction.
[But vows? That would only restrict who can enter the academy and limit its reach.
The Queen who will unite the Seven Kingdoms shouldn't fear losing loyalty—those who learn here will come to her willingly.]
At Jorah's suggestion that students should swear fealty, Drogon disagreed in his heart.
Still, his objection reflected thinking beyond this world's norms—who here would selflessly train talent without demanding loyalty in return?
Even House Hightower likely protected the Citadel to maintain its neutrality and avoid being dragged into war.
Daenerys felt her cheeks flush under the fervent respect in everyone's eyes.
All of this was Drogon's vision, yet she had borrowed it as her own—risking being caught, simply because she lacked the talent to do otherwise.
She intended to adopt every proposal voiced in the chamber—
but then she heard Drogon's silent objection to Jorah's vow requirement.
Daenerys had freed entire cities of slaves—her thinking naturally stretched further than most.
If the academy accepted students without binding oaths… it wouldn't just be Slaver's Bay.
People from the Bay of Sighs, the Summer Lands, and even Westeros might seek to learn there.
Should the academy flourish, scholars from distant continents could arrive as well.
Its name would spread across the world—its graduates found in every corner—
and the founder herself would become known everywhere.
The image ignited Daenerys's heart; her cheeks flushed anew.
After steadying her excitement, she spoke boldly:
"I freed the slaves of Astapor and Yunkai. I will free Meereen. One day I will cross the Narrow Sea and claim the Iron Throne.
Why would I fear that those who learn from me might turn against me?"
"If they are willing to learn, and meet the academy's standards, then they may enter—no vows required."
Jorah opened his mouth to object—but when he met Barristan's appreciative gaze and saw Missandei and Grey Worm's shining eyes, the words died in his throat.
In their expressions, he saw the birth of a new kind of ruler—one the world had never known.
Drogon was genuinely impressed.
[Is she truly a child of destiny? The true Dragon Queen?
How could this be the same woman who burned King's Landing?
The showrunners really rewrote history just to make a mess of things…]
Feeling Drogon's intense stare, Daenerys shifted uncomfortably and looked away.
"We'll discuss the academy in depth later," she told Missandei, regaining her composure.
"For now—Jorah, Grey Worm—take three thousand Unsullied to Astapor. End the uprising swiftly."
"At once, Your Majesty."
The two men bowed, their voices more resolute than ever.
---
Back at her residence, Daenerys and Missandei dove eagerly into planning.
First came the name.
Westeros already had the Citadel, and "school" felt too plain—so they settled on the Academy.
Next was location.
Building in Westeros was impossible for now.
Following Drogon's earlier thoughts, they decided the Academy would eventually have multiple branches.
For the moment, Daenerys would wait until Astapor was stabilized and Meereen captured before choosing a permanent site—
but she could lay the foundations in Yunkai to begin training talent immediately.
Initial fields of study:
governance & administration
languages
medicine
history
More disciplines would come with time.
Entrance requirement: basic literacy.
The Academy was not a place to teach the alphabet—unless someone illiterate had remarkable talent, they would not be admitted.
No restrictions of class or status:
Noble or common, man or woman, young or old—anyone with learning and good conduct could apply.
Tuition: self-funded, but waivers for the truly poor.
What they lacked most now were qualified people.
Daenerys resolved to hold public examinations to recruit talent—some as students, others as instructors, depending on merit.
Most knowledge in Westeros was held by the Citadel; books too were scarce, and parchment alone cost a fortune.
Only nobles had libraries—Shireen, born a princess, never lacked for books—but ordinary children had nothing.
Thus, alongside founding the Academy, Daenerys would spend heavily to collect books and build a grand library—preparing for the future.