Chapter 170: Forging Weapons
Viserys spoke softly, but he didn't pay much attention to the boy who followed the master.
He assumed he was merely an apprentice.
Upon seeing Viserys, Tobho Mott immediately fell to his knees and exclaimed.
"I've long heard of the true king across the Narrow Sea, and today I am fortunate to behold Your Majesty's visage."
Ever since Tobho Mott had been 'invited' by Viserys' envoy, he had been terrified throughout the journey.
His unfortunate apprentice had also witnessed the scene and was likewise 'invited' to join them.
The master blacksmith had initially been terrified, believing he had encountered slave traders and was being kidnapped to be sold as a slave on the continent of Essos.
However, upon disembarking and being personally welcomed by the local customs officials, and then riding in the most comfortable carriage along a smooth road, with guards even protecting him, Tobho's heart began to settle somewhat.
It was only then that he discovered he had been brought here by the 'Young Dragon', whose fame had already spread throughout King's Landing.
News of Viserys across the Narrow Sea had been strictly prohibited in the Red Keep, and the gold cloaks had been cracking down on those who dared to discuss it.
Yet, it was impossible to completely suppress such rumors, and solid evidence was difficult to come by.
After all, people didn't write these things down in black and white on the walls. As long as they steadfastly denied it when arrested, the gold cloaks couldn't do much, except lock them in jail, beat them up, and then release them.
Moreover, King's Landing was a chaotic mix of people and underground forces, mostly consisting of lower-class citizens living in the gray areas of society, like thieves and bandits.
The gold cloaks dared not enter their territory, lest they be ambushed, beaten, and left empty-handed.
The resentment against House Lannister was high in King's Landing right after the usurper's war.
Several Lannister soldiers had gone missing during patrols, only for their bodies to be hung from poles atop the Mud Gate the next day – a blatant slap in the face to the Lord of Casterly Rock.
Thus, it was impossible to control public opinion in the densely populated and chaotic King's Landing.
Rumors of the 'True Dragon', 'The Rightful Owner of the Iron Throne', 'The True King', 'The Young Dragon', and other titles and information about Viserys spread like wildfire throughout King's Landing.
Most of these rumors were spread by those dissatisfied with the current situation, seeking change and an outlet for their frustration.
As a blacksmith making a living in King's Landing, Tobho Mott had naturally heard of Viserys and even of his dragons.
However, at the time, he had held Viserys in contempt, considering him a mere remnant of the old Targaryen era and believing that dragons, having been extinct for a century, could not possibly reemerge.
The times had changed, and the Targaryen dynasty had come to an end. House Baratheon was now the rightful ruler of the Iron Throne.
Those who still clung to the Targaryens were seen as foolish conservatives, unable to adapt to the changing times.
Back then, Tobho had even quarreled with others over their differing opinions on the matter.
But now…
Thud, thud, thud...
The master blacksmith's prostrate was as vigorous as pounding garlic, while he repeatedly called out 'True King,' seemingly in awe of Viserys' charisma.
Roar—
Another dragon's roar echoed from afar, as if carrying an ancient, desolate aura, like a primeval creature that had traversed countless ages emitting a powerful roar, striking fear into people's hearts and sending chills down their spines.
Hearing this terrifying roar once again, Tobho's body trembled violently as he knelt on the ground, not daring to lift his head for a glimpse.
He could no longer doubt the existence of dragons.
Whoosh~
A massive shadow swept over everyone's heads once more, flying off into the distance, stirring up dust and fallen leaves on the ground with the gale it created.
A black-haired boy, kneeling beside his master, looked up with curiosity, only to see the silhouette of the giant dragon flying away. His eyes widened, and his mouth gaped open in disbelief as he whispered in amazement.
"Is... is that a dragon?"
Viserys, hearing the boy's exclamation, glanced at him briefly.
He then helped Tobho up from the ground, displaying the demeanor of a king who respects the learned.
Andalos truly needed a master blacksmith to improve its overall military technology, forging sharper weapons and more resilient armor.
Morale and training were indeed crucial in an army's combat operations; however, equipment was equally important.
A sword that remains intact after one hundred strikes is different from a sword that stays sharp after two hundred strikes. A weapon that shatters upon impact in battle is a hazard to the soldiers wielding it.
Viserys placed great emphasis on the quality of the soldiers' weapons and armor. Andalos had a dedicated armory that purchased the highest quality iron ore and produced weapons with a low rate of defects.
Tobho Mott, a master blacksmith, was a highly sought-after professional in most places, but not in King's Landing, where chaos ruled. This gave Viserys the opportunity to have his men knock him out, bag him, and take him away.
The group then returned to the castle.
Viserys retrieved the Heart of a Red Comet from his treasury.
Crack—
As Viserys opened the chest, the Heart of a Red Comet lay quietly within, still as viBenjent as blood, as pure and transparent as a ruby.
Upon opening the chest, everyone in the room could feel the temperature drop noticeably.
This Heart of a Red Comet still possessed an extremely low temperature, feeling like touching a block of ice.
Tobho's gaze was instantly drawn to it as the chest was opened.
Although the master blacksmith was somewhat cowardly and groveled for mercy, his heartbeat raced, and his eyes widened at the sight of such a precious material, even forgetting his recent fear.
For Tobho Mott, having returned from his studies in Qohor, his lifelong dream was to forge an unparalleled legendary weapon that would be passed down for centuries.
However, to forge such a weapon, one would need a material as rare as Valyrian steel.
Unfortunately, Valyria had been destroyed, and the technique for forging Valyrian steel had vanished with the Doom.
All that remained in the world were the named Valyrian steel swords.
His only hope was to melt them down and create new weapons, but they would not be weapons he forged from scratch.
However, at this moment, Tobho's heart raced as he saw new hope.
"Are you truly willing to entrust this Heart of a Red Comet to me for forging?" he asked, struggling to contain his excitement as he cradled the precious Heart of a Red Comet, then continued to ask.
"Your Grace, may I know what type of weapon you are skilled in using?"