The pirate fleet had completely collapsed, ships colliding and crowding together; wherever the Dragonfire reached, death and destruction followed.
Those pirates who jumped into the sea to escape often found it impossible to evade death, either struck by burning ship debris or drowning in the icy waters.
Ghidorah did not initiate any more attacks but circled above the battlefield, monitoring the overall situation with three pairs of golden eyes, occasionally using frost or fire breath to deal with stubborn elements trying to ambush Rhaenys.
Black Flame specifically sought out fleets that still possessed some scale and could organize resistance, then delivered the final blow with Dragonfire.
The battle was a one-sided slaughter. Pirate ships caught fire and sank one after another.
Countless burning wrecks and a few survivors struggling for their lives floated on the sea. The air was thick with the smell of burning, blood, and the saltiness of the seawater.
The Imperial Navy fleet surrounded the perimeter, responsible for intercepting and shooting those pirates who tried to swim away; they had received no orders from Viserys to take prisoners, so they shot everyone they saw.
When the last floating pirate ship was also ignited by Melyas, turning into a giant fireball and slowly sinking, Viserys gave the order to return.
The dragons circled above the sea shrouded in smoke and firelight, letting out low, majestic roars.
Rhaenys rode Melyas back to Viserys's side.
The young girl's face was somewhat pale, with fine beads of sweat on her forehead, but in her purple eyes, the initial nervousness and discomfort were gone, replaced by a sense of calm. She looked at Viserys and nodded slightly to him.
Viserys gave her an appreciative look, then rode Ghidorah, leading the dragons back toward the Valyrian Peninsula. Behind them, only the Imperial Navy fleet remained to clean up the battlefield.
A small-scale victory banquet was held at Dragonstone. The focus was naturally on Rhaenys, who had participated in actual combat for the first time and performed excellently.
Viserys publicly praised Rhaenys's performance and also acknowledged the progress in coordination among the four Young Dragons on the battlefield.
"Of course, this is only the beginning," he announced. "In the future, similar combat exercises will continue. The targets could be remaining pirates and slavers within The Empire's borders, or any other enemies that threaten The Empire's security and disrupt order."
Daenerys squeezed in between several people, looking up with her small face, listening to her brother's words and watching Rhaenys being surrounded by the crowd; a light of even greater yearning sparkled in her violet eyes.
But amidst the lively atmosphere, Rhaenys seemed somewhat silent.
Halfway through the banquet, she quietly left the noisy hall and went to a quiet terrace of the castle.
The night breeze blew through her long black hair as she gazed at the distant moonlight, images of the burning ships and figures from earlier that day flashing through her mind from time to time.
She had only been putting on a brave face in front of Viserys before; she didn't want him to worry about her. After all, it was her first time facing such things; how could a young girl possibly accept it so quickly?
Just then, a large, warm hand was gently placed on her shoulder.
Rhaenys turned around and saw that Viserys had come to her side at some unknown time.
"Still thinking about what happened today?" Viserys's voice was very gentle.
Rhaenys looked at Viserys's concerned gaze and finally nodded, saying softly, "Brother, I'm already trying hard to control it. But those images keep popping up, making my heart feel heavy."
Viserys looked into her eyes. "Thinking this way shows you have a warm heart, Rhaenys; that's not a bad thing. But don't let it keep affecting you; you should remember what we did today. We were protecting Valyria, protecting the peace of The Empire's subjects."
He paused and continued, "Once you possess power, it means you must bear responsibility. What you feel today is part of your humanity, while your actions and choices are your duties as a princess and a future Dragonrider. Melyas did well, and you commanded well. You proved that when needed, you can take up arms to protect everything that belongs to you."
Rhaenys listened quietly, the turmoil in her heart gradually subsiding.
She looked at Viserys, a glow returning to her purple eyes. "Yes, I understand, brother. I will remember."
As she spoke, she leaned toward Viserys, gently resting her head against his chest, feeling the comfort of his reassuring embrace.
Viserys also reached out and wrapped his arm around her waist, saying nothing more, simply accompanying her in this rare moment of leisure.
By the window of another, higher tower in the castle, Arya Stark silently took all of this in.
Today, from the highest tower of the castle, she had witnessed the magnificent sight of the dragons returning, seen the soot staining their scales, and smelled the lingering scent of smoke and char on them.
That overwhelming destructive power made her feel suffocated and fearful from the bottom of her heart.
But at the same time, she also remembered the high platform in front of The Red Keep in King's Landing, her father's rolling head, and the faces of Cersei, Joffrey, and Ilyn Payne.
At that moment, a thought suddenly sprouted in her heart.
Perhaps only such power could destroy those enemies and reclaim the blood debt for her father and House Stark. This thought made her feel afraid, yet it continued to surge within her.
Now, looking down at the Targaryen family, who were already embracing and appearing very tender, a hint of longing couldn't help but flash deep within her grey eyes.
Inside the banquet hall, Margaery Tyrell moved elegantly among the guests, a proper smile always on her face.
But she had been keeping an eye on Viserys's movements. Seeing him leave his seat, she also found an excuse to walk out of the hall. Complex thoughts flashed deep within her emerald-green eyes.
She had witnessed the overwhelming power of the dragons in actual combat today and was even more certain of how correct her grandmother's decision was to bet House Tyrell on this Dragon King.
However, this path had now been personally hindered by her father. Did she really have to offer herself to Viserys and become one of his women to open this path?
She waited near the corridor leading to the terrace for a while until she saw Viserys and Rhaenys returning, then went to meet them.
"Your Majesty, Princess, The Empire's great victory today is truly heartening."
Margaery curtsied to him, her eyes filled with just the right amount of admiration. "Highgarden also rejoices at Your Majesty's great power. My father wrote to me; Renly Baratheon has already gathered a large army at Bitterbridge. The Reach's forces might play a greater role for Your Majesty in future plans."
Viserys glanced at her but did not stop walking, only replying calmly, "I am already aware of Lord Mace's choice. Miss Margaery, you only need to do what you are supposed to do here. When the time comes to use Highgarden, I naturally won't forget."
These words were calm, showing no emotion and giving no clear promise.
Margaery felt a chill in her heart, but her smile remained unchanged as she curtsied again. "Yes, Your Majesty. Margaery will keep that in mind."
Watching the retreating figures of Viserys and Rhaenys leaning against each other as they left, she frowned slightly.
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