Chapter 78 - Conspiracies (VI)
"Seeing the future usually gives you a feeling of invincibility, but when you see millions of timelines showing different realities, you realize how changeable the future can be." Aenar I Targaryen, God-Emperor of Planetos.
-------------
"What do you think?" Aenar asked, looking at Tyrion with a carefree smile.
Tyrion reflected for a moment before answering with his calm tone and a hint of curiosity. "Your Grace controlled the conversation the entire time. You showed no weakness at any time, which forced Lord Hizdahr to accept an extremely unfavorable deal."
The dwarf paused before expressing his doubts. "What I don't understand is why Your Grace agreed to take part in this theater. Even if money and soldiers are valuable resources, allowing Lord Hizdahr to establish a kingdom in Slaver's Bay seems...risky."
It was understandable that Tyrion had these doubts. Unlike Aenar, he didn't possess the gift of prescience to see into the future and plan ahead.
"First, there's the training of my troops, especially the elite troops, the Sardaukar. Secondly, unlike other cities, there are no Red Faith temples in Slaver's Bay.
This represents a perfect opportunity for us to infiltrate and start indoctrinating followers," replied Aenar, without revealing all the details, but sharing most of the plan with confidence.
"And why is Your Grace so interested in indoctrinating followers, especially in Slaver's Bay?" Tyrion asked, intrigued. He could understand the need to train troops, but wasting time on religion seemed an out-of-place move, especially when an imminent war was on the horizon.
"Tyrion," Aenar began with a patient tone, "The basis of a solid government is faith and determination. The more people who believe that I am an envoy of the gods, the more unshakable my government will be. An example of this is Volantis. The Triarchs, who ruled the city for centuries, were wiped off the map because they underestimated the power of faith and dared to anger the people by trying to kill their 'Messiah'."
Aenar smiled, amused, as he watched the shock grow in Tyrion's expression.