theimaginarywriter
patreon
Game of Thrones: The Ruler- Chapter 70: Illyrio (2)
🕑 Added 2025-08-28 18:02:01 +0000 UTCThe inauguration of the Meereenese City Centre and the accompanying pleasure house was an event of great fanfare.
The crowd for the event was overwhelming, and as already stated, people from every corner of Essos and even from Westeros had arrived for the occasion. It had been a chaotic day overall.
Some merchants and traders had come in search and hope of striking business deals, while others had arrived simply to experience the new City Centre, and especially the pleasure house.
Every brothel in Meereen had been closed for the past three months, and this city had long been a hub of luxurious and beautiful courtesans. Now that the houses were reopening, a vast crowd eagerly anticipated their return. This time with even more luxuries on offer the men were almost frenzied.
The inauguration of the Yunkai City Centre had been scheduled for ten days later. The gap had been allowed so that those who wished to attend both events could do so. Jon had briefly considered going to Yunkai himself to inaugurate the event, but ultimately abandoned the idea. He had a lot of other things to focus on and his other plans were soon to be set in motion.
Frydron and other officials from Yunkai had departed a couple of days later after the meeting, to make preparations for the ceremony.
The inauguration event had concluded with grand success. Jon had even given a little speech. Though this time, he did not talk about invasion or conquering the world. He talked more of human welfare and economic prosperity of the empire.
It was evening of the same day, and Jon was speaking with Asmund when Van Haos interrupted their conversation.
“Lord Aeos,” he bowed before Jon.
“Van Haos,” Jon smiled, gesturing for the man to take a seat. “Sit down.”
Van Haos shook his head politely, “I hope I did not disturb you at all.”
“No,” Jon shook his head. “Asmund was just giving me a report on the military situation and our preparedness for the upcoming wars.”
“Do you wish to hear?” He asked further.
“No, My Lord,” Van Haos denied. “I will pass. I believe it not a field I am suited for talking about.”
Jon nodded, “You wanted to talk about something?”
“It is not I who wishes to speak with you, but a certain someone else,” Van Haos replied.
“Who?” Jon asked, raising his eyebrows.
This was a time when countless powerful, influential, and wealthy merchants were all trying to secure an audience with him. It was not that anyone was hoping to get favours or lucrative trade deals. It was work of the lower officials. They just wanted to register their presence with Lord Aeos and probably get in his good books. Favour would automatically follow in future. And in such a situation, for Van Haos to personally bring someone’s request forward was curious indeed.
“Illyrio Mopatis, the magister of Pentos,” Van Haos replied. “I met him here a couple of days ago, and since then he has been pestering me to arrange a meeting with you.”
“Oh!” Jon smiled. Knowing Illyrio’s identity and loyalties, Jon understood that even if it was Illyrio speaking, the words would in truth be those of Varys. And what was it that man wanted?
“What does he wish to discuss?” Jon asked.
“That he refuses to share with anyone but you,” Van Haos replied. “But he insists it is something important. There is something he wants to inform you of, and something he wishes to discuss with you.”
“Does he have more of the dragon eggs?” Jon asked in faint amusement.
Van Haos gave an awkward smile.
“I questioned him about that,” he said. “Sadly, he neither possesses any more eggs nor knows of their whereabouts.”
“Fine,” Jon said. “Bring him in.”
.
.
.
Illyrio was led through the well guarded mansion of Lord Aeos toward a garden. Following behind him were half a dozen of his servants, each carrying one of three wooden chests.
“Illyrio,” Van Haos said as they walked. “I hope you know what to say and what not to say in front of Lord Aeos. I am bringing you here at my own risk, and I do not wish to damage my reputation.”
“It is only because of your repeated insistence that you have something important to share that I am bringing you to him,” he added. “Do not disappoint.”
“Do not fret, my friend,” Illyrio replied with a smile. “I am well prepared for what I will speak of.”
At that exact moment, they stepped into the garden. Lord Aeos was seated at its centre, with Grey Worm standing behind him in rapt attention.
“But if my head is about to be cleaved off, at least ask for mercy one time,” Illyrio muttered under his breath before striding forward to greet Lord Aeos.
Van Haos was left standing there in complete bewilderment, wondering what Illyrio had meant by his last words. Was he about to commit some foolish act?
“Lord Aeos,” Illyrio performed a small bow as he greeted Jon.
“Magister Illyrio,” Jon nodded politely, gesturing for him to take a seat.
Illyrio settled into the chair across from Lord Aeos.
“These are some gifts I brought for you from Pentos,” Illyrio said, motioning for his servants to place the chests on the ground. “Fruits. Some fine silk and few other things.”
Jon nodded and remarked, “I appreciate your efforts.”
Illyrio felt a slight relief at Jon’s acknowledgement, reassured that the man before him seemed polite enough. Men who commanded as much power as Lord Aeos often carried arrogance, making it difficult to reason with them. Perhaps he could succeed in getting his point across.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit of yours?” Jon asked.
Illyrio smiled and said, “Lord Aeos, forgive me for my bluntness.”
“I am a man who strives to keep himself well informed of events in both Essos and Westeros,” he added. “And there is news from Westeros that may interest you.”
“Oh?” Jon raised an eyebrow.
“Your identity,” Illyrio continued. “It is no longer a secret. Your portraits have reached Winterfell, and I am certain that most of the great houses are already aware of you.”
Jon was slightly surprised by this. His spy network in Westeros was almost non existent, and he had not been aware of this development. Even so, he did not lose his composure.
“Surprising,” Jon replied calmly. “But still expected. It was bound to come out sooner or later.”
“Naturally,” Illyrio agreed.
“I imagine this was not the news you were so insistent on delivering to me,” Jon remarked.
“Oh, no,” Illyrio shook his head. “There is other news. A plot being woven against you by certain people.”
“Oh?” Jon responded mildly, waiting for Illyrio to continue.
Comments
blaiz
Thanks for the chapter and for your hard work
