Chapter 570

The sun was hidden behind a thick, unbroken layer of clouds that stretched across the sky. Snowflakes still drifted through the air, but for the North, this was considered good weather. Taking a deep breath of the crisp, fresh air, Aegor noted that the temperature seemed to have risen slightly.

Whether this was a sign that winter was nearing its end or simply that his time spent at the Wall had altered his perception of cold, he wasn’t sure.

"Where to begin the investigation? I haven’t decided yet. As for when to start… at the very least, not until King’s Landing has fallen and Her Grace is seated on the Iron Throne." Aegor's tone was calm, measured. "Until then, I believe we shouldn’t waste our focus and resources on distractions."
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"After I take the Iron Throne?" Daenerys frowned, making no effort to hide her displeasure. "And how long will that take? This hidden enemy has murdered my Hand of the Queen and my spymaster! How am I supposed to think about anything else until we uncover them? If you feel you’re unfit for the task or have no idea where to begin, I won’t force you. I’ll find someone else to handle it."

"Where do you plan to start? When will you begin?"

She didn’t want to hear whatever excuse Aegor was about to give. But if she turned and left now, it would make her look unreasonable, like a queen too proud to listen to counsel. So, she crossed her arms and forced herself to be patient, waiting to hear what justification he would offer this time.

Aegor wasn’t amused anymore. The queen was too consumed by anger. That made her more susceptible to influence, yes—but if her obsession pushed her into recklessness, if she refused to stop until the culprit was found, then it could spell trouble for both him and the Gifted Army.

"Then tell me, what is the most urgent matter right now?"
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"Has Harwin told you about the poisoner’s suicide?" Daenerys asked, finally turning her gaze back to the road ahead.

"He has."

"And who do you believe was behind it?"

Aegor’s expression didn’t shift. "Stannis. Volantis. The former slavers of Meereen. Young Aegon and the Iron Bank backing him. Too many have both motive and reason to act against you." He glanced at Daenerys and shook his head. "But in my world, 'belief' is a word rarely used. Based on the evidence we currently have, forgive me, but I can’t even determine which faction is the most likely suspect, let alone name one definitively."

Daenerys said nothing, but her gaze darkened. She didn’t like that answer.

Which was perfect.

If he had carelessly thrown out a name and pointed a finger, that would have been suspicious.

"In my homeland, there was once a great ruler named Lu Xun. He conquered the entire continent and established a unified empire many times larger than Westeros." Aegor’s voice was smooth, authoritative. "He once said: To build and rule a vast kingdom, one must always remember their true goal and distinguish between primary and secondary conflicts."

Had Lu Xun actually said this? He had no idea. Maybe he was making it up. But when dealing with someone like Daenerys, it didn’t matter whether the quote was real—only whether it was useful.

"Your Grace, do you still remember your goal? Do you know how to separate the true threat from mere distractions?"
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They had walked further than expected. Unnoticed by either of them, their conversation had led them around another corner, straight into the busy training yard—made even more crowded by the massive dragon pit under construction.

The moment they stepped into view, every soldier, every worker in sight halted their tasks and moved aside, clearing a path for the queen and her escort. Their eyes followed them, filled with reverence, awe, and—above all—undisguised shock.

The Dragon Queen and the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch were walking together.

"I hope you’ll lead this investigation," Daenerys said suddenly, her voice carrying the weight of command. "But only when you’re fully recovered."

Aegor’s face twitched slightly. He had to suppress the urge to laugh.

This was exactly what he wanted.

Daenerys had stopped saying, "Find the poisoner." Instead, she had shifted to, "Investigate Mizedan’s backers." That was a crucial distinction. It meant she no longer doubted that Mizedan was the true culprit. More importantly, it gave him complete control over how the "investigation" would unfold.

He wouldn’t even have to fabricate evidence—Mizedan had been working for someone. The investigation wouldn’t be a lie; it would be the truth.

He would simply choose which truth to reveal.

"Your wish is my command, Your Grace."
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"How do you feel? If you feel any discomfort, even the slightest, we go back inside immediately. You are not to push yourself."

Aegor looked at the small queen by his side, her arms slightly extended as if ready to catch him at any moment.

Despite himself, he couldn’t suppress a faint smile.

"I appreciate your concern, but Your Grace—I’ve been unconscious for three days, not three years. I haven’t forgotten how to walk."
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"Your mind—does it feel clear? Is thinking too much too soon causing you strain?"

"Lady Melisandre assured me that the blood magic completely purged the poison from my body. Since I’ve woken, that means my brain hasn’t been damaged." That was supposed to be the Red Woman’s job to explain, but since she was busy keeping Myrcella under watch, Aegor had to do it himself. "Of course, no one can be entirely certain when it comes to the mind. But so far, I haven’t noticed myself becoming any dumber."
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Good.

This nightmare was finally over.

This was another advantage of leaving the case unsolved rather than pinning it on a specific faction—everyone was a suspect. The queen, caught in a web of paranoia and uncertainty, would become far easier to guide.

Here, in the crowded training yard, where dozens of soldiers and builders moved between tasks, Daenerys turned to scrutinize Aegor’s movements carefully.

"Your Grace’s wishes are my mission."

That was the answer she wanted to hear.

"Not just wishes—this is an order." Her voice remained steely, filled with unshaken determination. "I don’t care what methods you use, I don’t care how long it takes, and I don’t care what the cost is. But I want this enemy found. No matter what."

Aegor barely suppressed a smirk.

Wasn’t that convenient?

It wasn’t even a false accusation. Mizedan had a backer. All Aegor needed to do was point in the right direction.

And I already know exactly who that will be.
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Wait.

Something wasn’t right.

Daenerys had just said, "Only when you’re fully recovered."

And yet, the very next sentence, she was already pushing him to begin.

Did she