HOTD : Reborn as Spring Prince

~~{"Speaking":- Speaking in Common Tongue.}~~

~~{'Thinking inwards':- Thinking to himself.}~~

~~{"High Valyrian":- Speaking in High Valyrian. }~~

....

Eleventh Moon of 69 AC

The Day after the Trial

Dragon Pit, King's Landing

"You meant to say there are spells that can revive Balerion's health?" Baelon asked.

"Yes, my prince. But the price is steep for such blood magic. As it is not news to anyone, Old Valyria kept so many slaves for this reason," Kinvara replied.

Baelon had anticipated this but felt Kinvara was implying something similar to when she had burned Caesar.

"Is that so? Then I have gratitude for the knowledge you have given me," Baelon said and immediately turned around, striding away quickly without waiting for a reply.

This somewhat unsettled Kinvara, but she remained silent.

"And Lady Kinvara," Baelon said, looking over his shoulder with Ser Samgood ahead of him, "I will overlook your subtle attempt at influencing me with the power of your faith and sacrifices, but only this once. It will not be taken lightly next time, even considering our beneficial alliance. I hope the Red Faith of Volantis will look closely at the outcome of actions by the Faith of the Seven."

His voice was cold and distant. Kinvara immediately felt she might have been too aggressive in her approach.

"I apologize, my prince," Kinvara said in her defense, knowing that saying more would only make her appear guiltier.

Baelon, not acknowledging her words, took a last look at Balerion before moving back to the entrance, passing the bowing Dragon keepers.

15th Day of Twelfth Moon of 69 AC

<2 weeks after the King's Judgement on Seven>

Small Council, Red Keep

"Your grace, we have received word that after encountering and burning a few pirate ships in the Stepstones, Prince Aemon has reached Astapor. The royal fleet is expected to arrive in the Gulf of Grief, reaching Astapor in a few days," Grand Maester Elysar said.

As Baelon listened to the old man speak, he was still contemplating how to deal with him and his corrupt organization while pouring wine into his father's cup.

Lord Velaryon, Master of Ships, and Lord Barth (no longer a septon), Hand of the King, were absent—an expected long absence considering Astapor was nearly half a known world away.

His father's departure was a deliberate move, considering the important next thirty days for the Faith and his self-interest as a former septon.

The position of Master of Law would be officially filled by a Chief Justice from the Ministry of Justice, consisting of one High Court judge from each of the seven kingdoms and one from the Supreme Court in the Crownland, establishing the new Judiciary system. The Academy of Law has been a successful endeavor over the past three years.

This year, after the graduation of the first batch of judges, they were immediately sent to newly constructed High Courts and district courts in nearly every corner of the Six Kingdoms.

Baelon remained very hesitant and vigilant about making any changes in the power structure of Westeros, as any change could lead to unforeseen results. A major decision such as reforming Justice could impact the shifting of power from nobility to smallfolk.

Baelon knew all too well what granting power to smallfolk could result in—these were the kinds of changes that ultimately had resulted in revolution and democracy in his past life. As a royal, Baelon couldn't allow that. Yet he needed to reduce the power of Noble houses while ensuring the Targaryens were not included in that reduction.

At first glance, it might seem his reform in the judicial system gave a hint of power to the smallfolk, who might eventually grab for more and turn on the monarchy. But his reform contained special provisions against this.

The system was structured so that all eight provinces—the North, the Iron Islands, the Riverlands, the Vale, the Westerlands, the Stormlands, the Reach, and the Crownlands—would have a high court and a vast number of high court judges, who would be promoted from district courts from all across the continent. This promotion, disguised as merit-based advancement, would ensure no corruption.

However, the main power lay with the Ministry of Justice. Eight Judges would be chosen from all the High Courts to represent their provinces, and a Chairman serving as Chief Justice would hold office. All of them, however, would be personally chosen by the King, meaning that the main power remained in the hands of those decided by the Crown.

Many might wonder what made this more attractive than the position of Master of Law.

The answer was complex. Which second or third son or small lord could resist a chance to climb the social ladder when their place had been decided at their birth, not by their competence and qualities? They would do anything to get it.

There were many layers to Baelon's reasoning behind this. Firstly, it created a power vacuum, which made all the small noble houses and their ambitious members struggle for something ultimately worthless, investing their resources and time.

Secondly, it had become very popular with smallfolk, especially traders who were previously exploited. Many well-known traders from the free cities who had earlier frowned upon Westeros had started to trade in hopes of fair judgments.

Reports suggested that even White Harbor had collected unprecedented tolls this year. The King had already predicted this, which was why he so easily agreed to the purchase of expensive Unsullied.

And lastly, but perhaps most importantly, it paved the way for newer reforms, like the establishment of a police force—a bigger and glorified version of the city watch for the protection of the court, judges, and enactment of the law. This meant a well-established army under the crown in every corner of the realm, one that would be fiercely loyal with all the incentives and regular transfers. However, such reforms were still far from complete, but they would bore results soon.

'The biggest mistake, I think, Aegon I 'The Conqueror' made was not introducing more reforms in Westeros when he had the chance, which placed too heavy a reliance on theoretical concepts of loyalty and character of Nobles to the crown. Still, I can't blame the man after all that he had done. But his tolerance of the faith and nobles did set a bad benchmark for anyone attempting reforms. A dynasty built on sand. All it takes is one incompetent king and it all comes crashing down,' Baelon thought.

'I will ensure these cracks in the foundation are healed, and not even a descendant as bad as the ones in that alternate timeline will be able to bring down the dragon.'

Ignoring the shortage of personnel on the Small Council, his Father hadn't appointed anyone as the new Master of Law, as that position would be filled by a Chief Justice chosen by the King. Several suggestions were made by the Grand Maester, mainly sponsoring Lord Hightower or Lord Lannister, who were regular big donors to the faith.

The Grand Maester's suggestion of Lord Hightower for the position, especially after the action of Hightower knights' decision to commit treason and protect the dead high septon, nearly made Baelon die from holding his laughter, seeing his Father's red, angry face.

'Lately, the Small Council meetings have been nearly bland, as they are more like father informing them of his decisions rather than consulting them. Which I believe is nothing wrong. Father has two adult sons in me and Aemon, sufficient for family decisions,' Baelon thought to himself as he ignored the boring daily matters.

'As it should be. The Small Council was established to help the King govern the realm and advise, not to dictate how to be head of his house. The stupidity of King Viserys led him to be manipulated by Otto Hightower in matters of family.'

'How did my alternate self raise his son? He raised a man who was neither a good father, brother, husband, nor a good King. An epitome of average, and just recalling his actions from the book and show sets my blood on fire. That future daughter Rhaenys of my brother Aemon would be way more qualified. At least she would have done something.'

Sensing himself again cursing every mistake the Targaryens had made for nearly 200 years in the future, he lightly shook his head to focus on the meeting in front of him. He found Lord Manfryd Redwyne, who had been reappointed as Master of Ships in the absence of Lord Velaryon, saying something that he found hard to swallow.

"Your Grace, If I may?" he said timidly, though King already guessed the next line.

"You may, Lord Redwyne," said King Jaehaerys.

"Is it wise to bring a slave army to the seven kingdoms, when the crown is at... dispute with The Seven? Will it not further empower their claims against the Royal Family?"

"Lord Redwyne's words are wise, your grace. The Royal family's Valyrian... customs were issue enough, but slavery? It may give a whole new weapon to be pointed at the royal family," said Grand Maester.

Lord Rodrik Arryn, who had officially been released from his position of Master of Law but continued to serve till a replacement, finally addressed the elephant in the room.

"Then how may Lord Redwyne suggest I ensure the safety of my family? Surrounded by people of Faith, guards, servants, and even maids. All it takes is one fanatic and I lose my family," Queen commented sharply.

"We need the Unsullied as Guards to the royal family, and the realm knows House Targaryen has abandoned slavery for 150 years now. Further, the Unsullied will be freed and only free men who wish to serve will be taken."

"But Your Grace, the Faith may—" spoke Grand Maester but was cut off.

"Grand Maester, House Targaryen doesn't follow the Faith of the Seven anymore. We don't care for their words or teachings. And what the royal family wishes to do with our soldiers is our business, just like any other house," King said with finality, shutting down any further argument.

"Anything else?" King asked.

"Your Grace, it's been 2 weeks from the 'Judgment Day' as it is being called. From all Lords and Ladies of Noble Houses south of the Neck to Knights and Beggars in Flea Bottom, all have been tense. Reports of mass protests have been received. Hundreds of Septons and Septas have been protesting and complaining to their lords. Riots by the Faithful have plagued the realm from Lannisport to Driftmark. I don't presume you wish to commit genocide of every follower of the Faith, for they might defend septons and septs after the end of this moon."

Then there was silence as everyone waited for the King to speak, as he had maintained a stoic face. Baelon had to give it to the man, for no one had dared to mention this topic in the past two weeks—he at least had the courage. But he expected this, as Lord Arryn and the Vale might be the most fanatic followers of the faith.

But Baelon knew Lord Arryn was a loyal friend of his parents. His sister had been one of the mother's most cherished friends. This tension between his friendship and religion was hard on the man.

"Hmm. I presume the Lord Paramount of the Vale has chosen to side with the Faith then, and everything that that may suggest," Baelon said abruptly, knowing his father and mother were perfectly capable of handling this with their cold ruthless hearts.

But he didn't want to damage their relationship just yet, because of things coming in the future with a powerful major house. Though he didn't have a seat on the council, he did comment frequently.

"I am merely informing the King on the state of the realm, my prince. Please don't jump to conclusions," he replied sharply.

Baelon honestly liked the man, having worked with him on the judicial system, and he was one of the few who supported the new system. He was a no-nonsense knight as you would expect from a Vale Knight. But he might be the hardest to deal with in affairs of the Faith.

Baelon side-eyed his father who remained silent, seeing this.

"Then, Lord Arryn might also tell the King his 'own' view on this as the Lord of the Vale."

Baelon continued with yet another sharp question. Lord Arryn sucked in a sharp breath; of course, he noticed what was happening. Everyone looked at the King and Queen, still silent, knowing Prince Baelon had their permission.

"My views? I will not question the Crown's judgment or have any treacherous thoughts if that's what you are insinuating, Prince Baelon. However, do I agree with it? No. I don't agree that the actions of one corrupt and vile man shall result in the demolishment of a religion, which has been followed for thousands of years. Millions of followers have nothing to do with power schemes and all they may have is the belief to survive through hunger and harsh winters. Faith of The Seven has been a part of my house's life for generations now from the reign of the Falcon Knight, First King of Mountain, and Vale," said Lord Arryn with conviction, looking into the eyes of Baelon.

"I think you must reconsider the prohibition on the practice of The Seven. It is simply not possible," he said, turning to the king who still hadn't voiced his thoughts on the matter.

All men—Lord Redwyne, Grand Maester, and Lord Beesbury—nodded at his perfect speech.

But Baelon had a plan.

"Your pretty words might be true, my lord. However, they are a bit biased, aren't they?" Baelon said with a smirk and a short chuckle as if he was joking with a friend.

This drew the attention of even the King as he turned his gaze towards Baelon.

"How so?" asked Lord Arryn, somewhat irritated with his nonchalant way of speech and the lack of response from the king.

"Lord Arryn, I have known you and learned from you for a few years now. You have been the master of law for a decade now, and you taught me to always be skeptical of a crime until the evidence is satisfactory and sufficient. Your exact words were 'Absence of Evidence of Crime is not Evidence of Absence of Crime,'" Baelon said, walking a little to the center of the table, drawing attention to himself, and pausing as he now stood behind Grand Maester.

"I respect you greatly, Lord Arryn. You are a man of will and commitment. Yet when I asked you about your thoughts, you lied not only to me, the King, and the Council, but to yourself as well," Baelon said, sparking another flame as everyone had different reactions.

Lord Redwyne looked surprised at the Prince's political intellect. The King looked invested enough for Baelon to continue, Lord Beesbury looked tired, and Grand Maester showed a bit of sweating and tremor in his hands. The Queen looked at Baelon as any mother would look at her child.

Lord Arryn, however, looked offended, to say the least.

"Prince Baelon, I will not take kindly to such a grave accusation, even from a prince of your age, as I haven't lied about anything," he said, hinting at an insult regarding Baelon's age.

"And yet even a child my age can see it," Baelon said, still over-calm in the tense environment.

"If you might enlighten the rest of us, my prince?" asked Lord Redwyne.

"Yes," nodded Lord Arryn.

"Very well. Do you believe that it was 'A corrupt and vile man' in the High Septon..." at this Lord Beesbury, with his head on his wrist, looking tired at the table, jerked and slipped as Baelon continued, pouring wine in the empty cup beside Grand Maester, "was alone in all of this? Were the other Septons, the Most Devout, all ignorant?"

"Were those more than 2 thousand faith militants in Oldtown truly unknown to Lord Hightower? Were other powers in Oldtown truly ignorant of these actions of the High Septon?" Baelon's sweet calm voice was like poison to the Grand Maester, who was sweating profusely as Baelon smiled at him and poured wine.

There was silence, a suffocating one for the advisors on the council. Wind howling outside the window became audible as Lord Arryn had his window opened by the Prince.

"And yet you assumed that father has made his judgment based on his anger, which is in reality justified. Say, Lord Arryn, is this not called lying to yourself?" Baelon said, finally showing some seriousness.

"I don't think—" Lord Arryn tried but was interrupted.

"You didn't think! Ha. Are Septons not normal men? Every man is corrupted by power and greed for more. May I ask why you have so much belief and trust?"

At these words, Lord Arryn was struck silent. He looked like his worldview was flipped on its head.

"My Prince, these words may be excessive. We don't have any evidence against any of the potential parties," said Grand Maester, more like trying to reassure himself.

Baelon immediately lost his playful demeanor, and his eyes narrowed.

"The Crown is not equal to anyone. The King's word is law. I think you all have misinterpreted something about the crown's judgment, respectfully. It's not the crown who needs evidence. The verdict has already passed. You see, Lord Arryn—" Baelon said, leaning on the table after resting his jug of wine sideways.

"We Valyrians have our saying: Absence of Evidence of Crime is not Evidence of Innocence. Simply Guilty until proven innocent. So, it is followers of faith who need evidence of their innocence."

"THAT!!" The outburst by Grand Maester sparked a reaction that made Lord Arryn jump from his chair, but Baelon continued and everyone listened.

"It seems everyone else in the realm has had the same difficulty in interpretation, as it's been 2 weeks to find that evidence, yet no one has done so yet."

"Prince Baelon, you are surely not implying what I think you're implying?" asked Lord Redwyne in a soft tone, as if he just had a nightmare.

"And what might that be?" Baelon said cheerfully, looking like someone... his age.

"W-W-War against the entire Seven Kingdoms," Lord Redwyne said hesitantly, stuttering through it.

Lord Beesbury looked 10 years older the next second, and Grand Maester sighed as he drank from his cup. Lord Arryn remained standing in his seat, still shocked.

"Is it so hard to believe, my lord? We Targaryens have already done it once, haven't we? And only fifteen days are left. Tick tock..." Baelon said as if not deciding the fate of millions of people.

Lord Arryn jerked, Lord Redwyne snapped his gaze to the King, who himself looked shocked at the audacity of his 11, soon 12-name day son.

"Your Grace, such thinking from a member of the royal family is excessive and treasonous. He should be guided towards peace," shouted Grand Maester Elysar.

"Your Grace, this is not advisable—" said Lord Arryn simultaneously.

"Ha ha, What peace? Were you in the Red Keep a fortnight ago, Grand Maester? It is already war!"

"Even then, war is not a children's game, my prince. Your thoughts are still immature," said Lord Redwyne.

As chaos descended upon the council members,

"Enough!" King spoke after what seemed like a lifetime to Lord Arryn.

"Baelon, sit down," he said as Baelon nodded and sat in a side chair quietly.

"Maester Elysar, I will forgive your statement about treason earlier just this once," he said as the maester curled up and said, "Thank you, your grace."

"But your grace, you surely don't agree with Prince Baelon's thoughts. He is a mere child playing at war," said Lord Redwyne.

"Yes. It will not be a war," as the four adults drew a sigh of relief, though short-lived, "if the Faith of The Seven is not followed after the end of the 69th year of Conquest."

"But Your Grace, how will people live? Who will conduct marriages? Who will deliver children for smallfolk? Who will tend to the dead?" Lord Arryn said, already looking disheveled.

"Lord Arryn, Old Valyria followed a thousand gods and now the Seven Kingdoms will follow the same steps. It will be a secular kingdom, where everyone can worship whatever religion they please," the Queen said, sitting beside the King.

"What will it be? The Old Gods? After thousands of years of War & Hatred? The Barbaric Red Faith of Volantis? Who burns people alive? Or the Mother Rhoyne?" asked the agitated Lord Arryn, the man stressed by this incident.

"It is not the crown's responsibility. But if it is a major issue, I will take steps to establish a Temple of the Fourteen Flames that the royal family and House Velaryon worship. Coincidentally, a Priest of the Fourteen has been invited from Volantis. He will be accompanied by a few followers. Anybody who wishes to follow the Fourteen is free to do so," King said as if not understanding its seriousness.

Lord Arryn had the urge to bang his head on the council table. How could he not catch on to the King's motive?

"The King didn't care how they lived from now on. All he cared about was seeing the Faith of Seven wiped out. He didn't deny Prince Baelon's 'threat of war' and knew, or rather expected, other council members to share this threat or warning with all other lords for the next fortnight. If they wished to remain alive, they must abandon Faith and prove their innocence with 'Evidence'."

"I believe that covers everything, and it's already supper time. I must join my family for supper, so I will bid my leave." said the King as he stood up, followed by everyone else, and left the room.

..