Chapter 105: Tyrion's Loyalty
Tyrosh, the Archon's Palace, Throne Room
Three days had passed since Tyrion completed his first assessment. During these three days, he underwent three additional rounds of evaluation, yet he had no idea what his results were in any of them.
However, Tyrion was certain of one thing—being allowed to proceed through multiple stages meant his abilities had clearly met the required standard.
Even so, this process of acting without receiving any feedback left him deeply uncomfortable. It felt like visiting a brothel where the courtesans entered and left in silence—utterly devoid of enjoyment.
But today, having earned the right to enter the Archon's Palace, Tyrion would finally meet Aegon.
Although he had only learned about Jon later, House Lannister had already commissioned a portrait of him following the Dragonpit Incident in King's Landing.
It was from that moment that Tywin Lannister began to take magic seriously—or rather, he had no choice but to.
After locating that "famous" woods witch, Tyrion's father seemed to have discovered a mysterious figure and appointed that person as a magical advisor at Casterly Rock.
"You actually made it here too?"
Spotting a familiar figure in the crowd, Tyrion asked in surprise.
"Hah! What, looking down on me? I passed the assessments in martial skill and battlefield command. You didn't think I'd stick by your side forever, did you?"
Seeing Tyrion's astonishment, Bronn felt an urge to kick him. However, after witnessing the strange abilities of those so-called "gifted warriors" within the Chainbreakers, his temperament had become far more restrained.
"Silence! How dare you make such noise here? Do you wish to disturb Lord Aegon?"
The speaker was an apprentice of the Citadel from Oldtown named Lareza—a handsome youth who claimed to be of mixed Dornish and Summer Islander descent.
His voice carried an effeminate tone. If not for his Adam's apple and flat chest, many would have mistaken him for a woman.
Because the hierarchy within the Citadel was rigid, many talented novices were suppressed, their research often stolen by established maesters.
Thus, during this "merit-based recruitment," a large number of such apprentices fled to Tyrosh. Jon intended to establish an institution similar to the Citadel here, cultivating talent for his growing faction.
"Everyone, attention!"
A commanding voice echoed through the Throne Room, instantly silencing all present.
"Clack… clack…"
At the order, the Unsullied soldiers standing in the hall struck their spears against the ground in perfect unison.
Moments later, Jon entered, clad in black armor with a crimson cloak. Upon his chest was a sigil—a fusion of direwolf and dragon, wrought in silver, gleaming under the light.
"Bring forward the benches. We will complete the final assessments today."
As Jon took his seat, his attendant, Sarene, issued instructions to the guards.
Ser Barristan Selmy had been staring intently at Tyrion ever since he entered the hall.
Though Tyrion had dyed his hair, his face was far too well-known across the Seven Kingdoms. Feeling Barristan's gaze, Tyrion cursed inwardly.
He could not understand why Ser Barristan—the former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard—was here. The old knight had been dismissed due to the whims of his vicious sister and foolish nephew.
"Your Grace, in this selection process, ten individuals have met your requirements, and their abilities have been verified. Here is the list."
Sarene's voice was soft and pleasant, like a spring breeze. According to some private remarks from former officials, she rivaled even the finest courtesans of Braavos.
"Tyrion Lannister, Lareza, Bronn…"
These ten individuals were the elite who had emerged from multiple rounds of testing. In addition to Jon's examinations, members of the Chainbreakers had personally verified their abilities.
"Tyrion Lannister, step forward."
"Wait! Your Grace—I suspect this man is a member of House Lannister!"
Just as Sarene called his name, Ser Barristan suddenly spoke, his voice sharp.
Tyrion's fame was largely confined to Westeros; common folk might not recognize him. Only those familiar with him, like Barristan or Bronn, could identify him so quickly.
Over the past days, Jon had already received reports regarding Tyrion. However, wishing to test him further, he had refrained from summoning him directly.
"I know, Ser Barristan. He is Tyrion Lannister. His arrival here was influenced by me."
Jon raised a hand calmly.
"I had thought you would remain in Westeros. Tyrion—what brought you here?"
"I tried… and I failed."
Tyrion's voice was steady.
"Except for Jaime, they all saw me as a monster. So I came here to find you. I desire power and authority—and in return, I offer you my loyalty and my mind to destroy all who stand in your path."
Kneeling on one knee, Tyrion lowered his head.
"Men of House Lannister cannot be trusted, Your Grace. Their hands are stained with the blood of House Targaryen!"
Ser Barristan's voice was firm.
Jon's elder kin—his supposed siblings and grandfather—had all died at Lannister hands, the result of brutal political struggles.
Though Barristan had later served the usurper, he had always despised the methods of House Lannister. It was part of the reason for his dismissal under King Joffrey.
"Be at ease, Ser Barristan," Jon replied calmly.
"Dorne slew Princess Rhaenys, yet they later swore fealty to the Iron Throne. Nothing in this world is absolute. If he offers loyalty, I will accept it. Should he betray me… he will pay the price."
With that, Jon drew the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister from his waist.
"In the name of Aegon Targaryen, I accept your oath, Tyrion Lannister. Remember it well, and devote yourself to the cause of the Chainbreakers."
"I will remember."
Receiving the blade, Tyrion solemnly completed his oath of fealty.
With Jon's permission, he was granted a seat at the round council table.
As this matter concluded, the remaining candidates stepped forward one by one for their final evaluation.
Due to his ruthless efficiency and decisive nature, Bronn was appointed as an instructor and commander within the Chainbreakers' special operations unit. He was tasked with training a hundred soldiers to match his skill.
Jon promised him advancement and rewards based on performance.
Next came two acolytes of the Citadel, three warriors, and three individuals with specialized talents. Each was assigned roles according to their strengths.
Most of them had once been insignificant figures in other factions—but here, they were elevated in a single step.
After the selections, only Tyrion, Bronn, and the final acolyte—Lareza—remained.
The others had already been dismissed to their duties.
Because of their exceptional ability, the three were granted the honor of remaining for a private audience—and a feast.
Lareza, however, remained seated alone in the center of the Throne Room.
"I am curious," Jon said, his gaze sharp, "why would a girl like you study at the Citadel… and then come to me? Who are you?"
At once, Ser Barristan and the Unsullied moved, surrounding Lareza.
"Hee… Ser Barristan, there is no need to be so wary of a mere girl. I mean no harm—I simply wished to witness the legendary Dragonlord."
Exposed so suddenly, the brown-skinned figure showed no panic, calmly meeting Jon's gaze.
"A woman?"
Tyrion rose in shock.
This person had scolded him earlier, yet showed none of the usual traits one would associate with a woman.
"My Lord Aegon… how did you discover me?"
Her voice shifted—no longer effeminate, but naturally soft and feminine.
"Your use of shadow magic is as obvious as a torch in darkness. It would be difficult not to notice."
"Oh… so that's how it is."
She coughed lightly, then smiled.
"In that case, I won't hide it any longer. My name is Sarella Sand—and I wish to study magic under you."
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