[Chapter Size: 4300 Words.]

—————————————

Thrid Person POV

Yi-Ti, 296 AC.

—————————————

“What do you mean by that?” Jon stared at the princess in the middle of the room after her words, looking at her suspiciously.

“I need your help… No, all of Yi-Ti needs your help!” she said, while he shook his head.

“You expect me to help your people get out of their crisis? Don’t you think you’re asking too much?” Jon replied with a tone that was almost skeptical at the seemingly absurd request.

“I know I’m asking too much… But I believe you can turn the tide of this fight we’re losing… that you can save my brother and my entire empire,” she answered, with Jon still watching her with narrowed eyes.

“If you think I’m going to send my people to die in a war that has nothing to do with us, you’d better leave, princess,” Jon said, his voice clearly displeased with what he’d heard.

“Please, I beg you!” she almost pleaded, stepping closer to him as she knelt before him.

“My father showed me the map you made. How do you know so many things?” she questioned, almost demanding, though her tone revealed desperation.

“That doesn’t give you the right to question me about my affairs, princess. I’m asking you to leave my room politely, while I still can,” Jon continued, his tone serious.

“What do you want? I’m willing to give anything I can for you to fight with us!” she persisted, still on her knees, clearly unwilling to lose the chance to sway him.

“Why do you think I, with 20,000 men, would make any difference? This war isn’t mine. I won’t get involved in something like this, and no matter what you offer, nothing will make the Articans fight for Yi-Ti. I already find it absurd enough for you to ask me for something like this,” Jon said, starting to grow exasperated with her.

“I heard what you did on the road. Many men witnessed your fight, and they arrived in the capital today as well. They said you simply massacred all the enemies. You even sent animals after them. That’s how you know everything, like that map, isn’t it? You can control animals?” she murmured, staring at him as if she had discovered a secret, while Jon merely sighed.

“Even so, I have my home to return to. I’m here solely for business with this kingdom. And after that, I’ll be leaving. You could stand up as well; I don’t want a princess from another realm kneeling before me, begging for something I cannot give,” he said.

“Please! Do you want riches? Lands? I… I’d even accept being your concubine and move to your kingdom! I’d do anything as long as you save my brother and my country! Leave Yi-Ti in the hands of my father and my family,” she said, her tone clearly imploring as she placed her head on the ground at Jon’s feet. But the Artican king couldn’t accept that.

“I’m sorry, princess, but there’s nothing you can offer that would make me change my mind. Lands so far away don’t interest me. The wealth of Yi-Ti isn’t something I seek, as I am already very wealthy. And, besides, I already have three wives,” Jon commented, as a sad gleam passed through the princess’s eyes upon hearing him.

He didn’t know whether it was due to his refusal of her material offers or his dismissal of her as a woman. Perhaps it was both. Hiyori remained silent for a moment, unsure of what to say, and Jon sighed before continuing:

“I ask that you return to your room. It’s inappropriate for a princess to be in the chamber of a foreign monarch,” Jon advised.

Jon walked to the door and opened it, looking at the guards.

“Escort her back to her room. My audience with the princess is over,” he ordered.

Hiyori said nothing, merely stood, bowed her head, pulled her hood over it, and left.

Jon closed the door and sighed, picking up a goblet of wine. As he gazed at the sky above the city, he reflected on what he had just heard from a people in near despair. But there was nothing he could do. This wasn’t his battle, and nothing she could offer would make him send his men to fight, at least as far as he knew.

‘If his wife Ygritte knew the princess had entered Jon’s room on her own, the redhead would undoubtedly grab the princess by the hair, demanding to know what she wanted with her husband.’

Still, Jon went back to sleep, determined not to get involved or think about it further.

The next morning, after waking up, he prepared for breakfast while being invited to dine with the Shogun and his daughter. During the meal, the Shogun smiled, recalling one of the conversations they had the day before.

“I would very much like to test you in the courtyard, Jon-dono. I am sure your skills will be quite impressive, as we’ve heard about your exploits in Yin,” he said while sipping his tea.

The princess sat beside her father, but she always kept her head bowed, behaving with impeccable etiquette. She said nothing to him, seemingly trying to ignore the entire conversation they had the previous night, though she still stole a few glances when he wasn’t looking. Jon, for his part, saw no reason to start a conversation, as there was no point in prolonging a request he had no interest in entertaining.

He could understand her desperate actions concerning the salvation of Yi-Ti, but it didn’t change his position. Still, he reflected on the situation. No one would want to see their lands lost.

Yet Jon had helped them with that map, considering the information he could provide. Despite their disadvantage, Yi-Ti could turn the tide of the war if the Shogun could devise a solid strategic plan.

“Yes, they say you are the greatest swordmaster in the Empire. I would also like to see that for myself,” Jon finally replied to the Shogun’s comment.

“Well, I may be… for now,” Oden responded with a modest tone, though he quickly added with a touch of sadness, “But my son will surpass me soon.”

Jon noticed the melancholy in the Shogun’s tone, and even Hiyori seemed to tremble slightly, but he chose not to press the matter. It didn’t take much explanation to understand the pain of a father recalling a captured son, nor the determination of a sister willing to make sacrifices to save him.

After the brief conversation, they continued their meal peacefully while Daenerys and Arya, seated beside Jon, chatted with him about more trivial matters. The formal negotiations would resume in the afternoon, leaving Jon free for the morning. He decided to visit his men’s camp to check on Ghost and the others.

As soon as he left the castle and the city, Jon had a brief meeting with his retinue.

“It seems that lord is trying to make a move,” Jon commented calmly, already well aware that a spy was observing them, possibly one of Orochi’s men.

“Should we act, my king?” asked the royal guard responsible for organizing the camp for the other Articans who had stayed outside the city.

“Not yet. I’m certain I can deal with him by the end of my visit to the empire, as a gift to ease the war in Yi-Ti. It will be far better to eliminate that spy among them,” Jon replied calmly.

Afterward, he took Ghost for a walk through the city, with the emperor’s permission. The appearance of the enormous white wolf always caused a stir in this part of the world, even more than in any other city Jon had visited.

Ghost, standing 3 meters tall and 6 meters long, seemed like something out of legend. To the inhabitants of Yi-Ti, he was not merely an animal but a mythical beast, revered as the great protector of Yi-Ti according to local fables, the famous Okuchi no Makami.

As they passed through the castle gate, the reactions were no different. The Shogun was captivated upon seeing the majestic creature.

“I recognize it as the most beautiful creature I have ever seen in my life,” Oden said, almost as if reciting poetry as he admired the details of the giant wolf.

He approached, enthralled, despite the warnings of his men, who feared an attack from the wolf. Ghost, however, remained calm, attuned to Jon’s commands.

“You have a magnificent creature, Jon-dono. I must admit it’s incredible to see you riding something like this,” Oden commented, still fascinated, while Jon observed his reaction.

After some time, Jon let Ghost rest in a corner of the courtyard, where no one dared disturb the presence of the great wolf. Then, he approached the Shogun and commented amicably,

“Well, since I’m here, why don’t we train?” he suggested.

Oden seemed to consider the proposal, and finally, a smile appeared on his face. The thought of engaging in a friendly duel seemed like a good distraction, given the difficult situation his empire faced.

Quickly, others gathered in the courtyard, creating an air of anticipation. It would be the Empire’s greatest swordmaster against the foreign king, who had already gained fame through rumors about his unique style—something lost long ago in Yi-Ti.

And so, a spectacle of swordplay began shortly after they were ready. Jon had to admit that the man before him could defeat any knight in Westeros, except perhaps Arthur Dayne—if he were alive—a warrior whose skills Jon had witnessed through his greensight long ago.

Meanwhile, the Shogun was equally impressed. He had never faced an opponent like Jon before. They moved quickly, their swords clashing with such force that sparks flew with each impact. Jon’s style was as unique as the rumors claimed. It was a legendary fighting technique, lost for more than 2,000 years.

As much as the Shogun wanted to praise the foreigner, he couldn’t allow himself to be distracted. He needed to stay focused because losing sight of Jon for even a moment would mean his defeat. The fight continued, and gasps of awe rippled through the crowd, fascinated by the confrontation.

At last, Jon found an opening and, with a swift movement, placed his blade at the Shogun’s neck. Silence fell over the courtyard. Everyone watched in disbelief as the greatest living samurai master was defeated. Jon then withdrew his sword and allowed a small smile to form as he observed his opponent’s reaction.

“This…” the Shogun murmured, still feeling the cold steel at his throat. He tried to recall the last time he had been defeated. Perhaps it was in his youth when he fought to prove his worth to his late father, facing adult samurai. Now, he had lost to another king.

What impressed him most, beyond Jon’s unique style—known as the legendary White Dragon Style of the Snowy Mountain—was Jon’s superhuman strength and speed. He wondered what this foreign king was made of. How could someone fight in such a way? And yet, Jon had clearly held back for most of the duel.

“Well, I admit you have surpassed me, Jon-dono. It’s incredible to know that there is a man in the world capable of wielding a sword like this,” the Shogun said in a friendly tone. He felt no shame, only motivation. Encountering someone above him was a reason to strive harder and refine his swordsmanship further.

The first applause came from the princess, who watched with eyes full of admiration. Soon, others began clapping until the entire courtyard erupted in ovation. For them, it had been an unforgettable spectacle. Jon’s style, thought to be lost to time, made the moment even more special, as they had witnessed something utterly unique.

They continued training for a while longer, as the Shogun didn’t want to miss the opportunity to duel Jon again. Despite this, Jon won every match. Other samurai also tried their luck against him, but none could match his speed and technique. Even so, Jon injured no one, perfectly controlling his blade in every fight.

After the training, they moved on to the meetings about their business. The negotiations resumed, while Jon noticed Orochi growing increasingly nervous outside the room. The man, however, was no longer allowed to participate in the audiences and negotiations, having been expelled for his earlier behavior. Yet Orochi knew his plans seemed to be in jeopardy. All the effort he had made appeared to be crumbling.

Still, he held back, as there was something he feared even more: the possibility that Jon might decide to join the war. Yet a larger part of him considered this unlikely. Thus, he chose not to take any drastic actions against the Articans, hoping the negotiations were merely temporary. Even if they delayed his plans, he believed he could still continue his campaign of conquests in Yi-Ti with the Mongols.

Jon had spent his first day in the capital and would stay for two more, until the negotiations were fully concluded, including all logistical planning.

During this time, Jon visited the city a few times—without Ghost, of course—and yet still managed to draw considerable attention. Daenerys usually accompanied him, motivated by a sense of security by his side. She knew that with Jon, she was protected from people like her brother or anyone else who might try to harm her, as he had always done.

This time, however, she wasn’t with him. While Jon visited other parts of the city with the Shogun, Daenerys was with Arya, exploring local specialties.

Among the curiosities, the young Targaryen found a love and admiration for bonsai trees and other native flora that she found fascinating. She decided to purchase a few to cultivate as a hobby, something she had seen Jon do, which had sparked her interest.

“Daenerys Targaryen.”

That day, as she browsed through the shops, examining the small trees, she was suddenly approached by a strange woman who called her by name.

Daenerys quickly looked around but noticed no guards nearby. Her heart began to race. She turned to face the woman, who wore a mask and had eyes of different colors.

“Who are you?” Daenerys murmured, trying to remain calm but feeling fear creep in as she realized that the shopkeeper who had been there moments ago was gone. Now, it was just the two of them in the middle of the street, as if trapped in an illusion.

“Don’t be alarmed, Daenerys. I’m not here as your enemy. Neither yours nor Artica’s,” said the woman in a calm tone. “I’ve traveled far to be here and wish to see your king, to help him.”

“And you think I’m going to take you to him?” Daenerys asked cautiously, stepping back, suspicious.

“Not necessarily. But we’re distant relatives, Daenerys, though you don’t know me. After all, I’m just a shadow of the past. I will see Jon of Artica when the time allows. However, I’m here to give you some advice,” the woman said enigmatically. Daenerys furrowed her brow, struggling to understand what she meant.

“I’m talking about Jon of Artica… and your passion for him,” said the woman, her gaze piercing.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Daenerys replied defensively.

“I’m certain you love him, don’t you? It would be strange if you didn’t, after spending moons with him. I doubt many women in this world could resist that,” she said calmly, while Daenerys looked away, unsure of how to respond. It was obvious she admired Jon, and with admiration came passion. He had protected her, defended her, and done inexplicable things for her. And then, there was that dream… of their children.

“In any case, Jon will join this war. Perhaps it would be wise for you to start warming his bed. He’ll need that after every battle, especially since his wives won’t be with him,” the woman continued before Daenerys could answer her earlier question.

“You want me to act like a prostitute?” Daenerys exclaimed, feeling her anger rise alongside a sense of shame.

“The vision you saw shows your future. In some way, this will happen… He’ll need feminine warmth, and it’s better that it’s you—a future wife of his,” the woman replied, unfazed. Before Daenerys could react, the woman looked to the side, as if sensing something. “Well, my time here is up. I’d better go. After all, I still need to speak with another princess,” she said, turning to leave.

“Wait!” Daenerys tried to stop her, still cautious. “What’s your name?”

“My current name is Quaithe, if you really want to know. Either way, I’m leaving now,” said the woman before walking away.

Suddenly, Daenerys found herself once again in the midst of the bustling crowd. She saw the royal guards, the shopkeeper, and the other citizens, all going about their business, buying and selling as if nothing had happened. Then, a group of dogs appeared, growling at the masked woman.

She was forced to stop and step back as the animals surrounded her. Daenerys observed the scene in silence, still trying to process everything she had just heard.

“It seems he has found me,” Quaithe said, fully aware that those animals were under Jon’s control.

“Who are you? What are you doing? How did you appear here among us?” Arya exclaimed, drawing Dark Sister from its sheath and pointing the blade at the masked woman. Everyone around was surprised. The royal guards reacted quickly, also brandishing their swords, and the crowd of curious onlookers began to grow.

“Dark Sister… I remember that sword very well,” the woman remarked, completely ignoring both the animals and the threatening swords from Arya and the royal guards. Arya frowned suspiciously as the woman continued:

“I knew one of the people who wielded that sword very well. I see it has returned to the hand of a woman after hundreds of years. Although, this time, not a Targaryen—but the next owners will be,” she said cryptically.

“You still haven’t answered me. Who are you?” Arya pressed, her blade still pointed at the stranger.

“I’m the one who warned you in Volantis about your destiny in the lands of the sunset with the Artican king, and also about the danger you faced in Volantis…” the woman replied calmly.

Arya frowned, trying to recall the person she met in Volantis. She thought of the figure she had encountered there but couldn’t connect the masked woman to the memory of a red-haired woman who had crossed her path before. It was as if the face of that woman was blurred in her mind.

“How…?” Arya murmured, confused.

“Blood magic, if you want to know,” the woman answered without hesitation.

“And what are you doing here?” Arya asked again, trying to maintain control of the situation.

“I’m here to help your king. But, in any case, I’ve said what I needed to say.” The woman simply turned and began to walk away. No one else tried to stop her—not even the animals—and she disappeared into the crowd.

“Did she do anything to you?” Arya asked Daenerys, who was closest and appeared hesitant.

“No… she didn’t do anything. She just said some things… I don’t know who that woman is,” Daenerys replied, visibly thoughtful.

Meanwhile, the masked woman, called Quaithe, continued walking through the city. Although she was aware that Jon’s animals were keeping an eye on her, she seemed utterly indifferent. She headed directly toward the castle, but instead of seeking Jon, she went to Princess Hiyori, requesting an audience.

“She’s after the princess?” Jon murmured to himself as he noticed the woman’s movements. He tried to observe, but as soon as his sight reached the room where the woman was, it was abruptly cut off. Jon realized that the masked woman was highly skilled in magic, likely serving the Lord of Light. Somehow, she had managed to block his vision and abilities.

Inside the room, beyond Jon’s sight, the Yi-Ti princess appeared after being informed of a stranger claiming to have a solution for the empire.

“You said you have a solution to save Yi-Ti?” Hiyori murmured, looking at the woman with suspicion, surrounded by guards.

“I am Quaithe, and yes, that is exactly what I said. Of course, you will need Jon of Artica for it,” the woman replied in a calm tone.

“I don’t think he will help us. At least, I couldn’t get anything that would make him join our side,” Hiyori replied, her voice marked by frustration.

“What did you expect? He is wealthy, powerful, commands armies, rides a dragon in his kingdom, and has the most beautiful women in the world by his side. Not even beauty alone can captivate him, Princess Hiyori,” the masked woman said calmly.

“Are you here to talk about how great he is? Or do you actually have a solution?” The princess frowned, feeling her pride as a woman diminish upon hearing those words.

“Of course not. I’m here to tell you that there is something Artica wants that could make Jon change his mind,” the woman replied.

“And you chose me? Why not go to my father?” Hiyori asked suspiciously.

“I doubt I could speak with your father, and you have a better chance of convincing the Artican king, if you want to know,” Quaithe said.

“What do you mean by that?” the princess quickly asked, leaning forward, intrigued by what she had just heard.

“Simple. It lies in your mother’s legacy,” the woman said, as if it were obvious.

“What does that mean?” The princess frowned slightly, scrutinizing the woman, trying to figure out how she knew such a thing.

“He needs it, and he’ll be interested as soon as he sees it, but that’s not all. I believe he’ll also need Yi-Ti’s forces in the future if he doesn’t want the entire world to be destroyed. Your mother’s legacy is something he requires, along with the support of your people and Yi-Ti’s armies, to defeat the great enemy a second time. But he also needs to form a bond with this country to secure the alliance,” the woman explained, leaving the princess speechless.

“What else do you have to tell me…?” the princess finally asked, needing more information about everything she had just heard, while the woman continued speaking, now holding the princess’s full attention.

In the days that followed, Jon kept a watchful eye on the priestess of R’hllor, still uncertain of her true intentions. He knew she had spoken with Daenerys—though the girl revealed little about their conversation—and with Princess Hiyori, who had seemed contemplative ever since.

Yet Jon could no longer locate the woman. After her conversation with the princess, she left the castle and seemed to have vanished entirely, leaving Jon uneasy and questioning whether her god was toying with him.

As the days passed since his arrival, Jon explored more of the city and engaged in further discussions and negotiations with the Shogun until, at last, they reached an agreement. The fleet would begin transferring resources to the capital, distributing them across the empire as a priority, especially to the eastern armies fighting against the Mongols.

However, something peculiar occurred. An unexpected visitor appeared before Jon on his last night at the castle, just before his departure to the south to organize his fleet. As far as he was concerned, his relationship with Yi-Ti had become purely commercial—or so he thought.

“I cannot help you, princess,” Jon said bluntly as soon as he saw her enter his room alone. He reiterated his refusal, as the two stood there alone. Hiyori looked at him, her lips pressed tightly together.

“Perhaps there is something you want from this empire,” she said, and Jon raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her words.

“What do you mean?” Jon asked, narrowing his eyes.

“My mother had a treasure that our family has carried for thousands of years. But… the woman named Quaithe said it is indispensable for you,” she explained, and Jon began to connect the dots.

“I know it seems suspicious, but perhaps you could see it. I believe you should at least see what I have to offer. Maybe, as the priestess foretold, it might change your mind,” she continued.

Though he found the entire situation highly suspicious, Jon sighed and agreed. He needed to see what it was.

“All right, show me the way,” he said, and the princess nodded.

The princess left the room and guided him to the castle treasury in the middle of the night, as they moved unnoticed. Jon had instructed his guards to stay behind, trusting in the animals under his control to alert him to any potential danger within those walls.

Once inside the castle’s vault, filled with gold coins and jade, she led him toward something specific. Jon barely paid attention to the wealth or historical relics there, but what he saw next made his eyes widen immediately. He recognized the object and its significance. It could change everything.

That moment forced Jon to reconsider his stay in Yin. Six months passed. Jon did not leave as he had planned. Instead, he donned his armor, wielded his two blades, and, mounted on Ghost, charged into battle against Yi-Ti’s enemies, altering the course of the war.

————————-

Raccoon Here –

What did you think about how I handled the timeskip? I didn’t want to waste more time developing Jon’s arc for fighting the Mongols. We’ll now have chapters focusing on Jon ending the war and addressing key events, as he prepares to leave Yi-Ti.

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

🦝 Raccoon here: 🦝

I deeply appreciate your support since the beginning of this exciting journey!

I hope each chapter has provided incredible moments. If you like my work and would like to support the continuation of this fanfic, consider becoming a patron with plans starting at $2!. As a token of gratitude, I offer access to more than 210 extra chapters with 7 active fanfics at the same time, along with other exclusive benefits on my profile, such as images and significant decisions for the stories.

Even if you are not a patron, I am making chapters available a few hours earlier here, so become a free member on the platform!

🌟 RaccoonLeague | Patreon🌟

Visit our Patreon for more: /RaccoonLeague

Extra Content Already Available:

One Piece – I Am a Different Luffy!: 30 extra chapters!

🔮 Danmachi – Infinite Mana System!: 30 extra chapters!

👑 Game of Thrones: The Legend of Jon Arctic!: 30 extra chapters!

🌀 Naruto – Minato Namikaze SI!: 30 extra chapters!

🗡️ The Witcher – As Uchiha Madara! 30 extra chapters!

⚡ Harry Potter – Shadow Monarch! 30 extra chapters!

👑 Game of Thrones: DragonBorn! 30 extra chapters!

Except for One Piece with daily chapters and DragonBorn once a week, all fanfics are updated 3 times a week, there’s just a pause in updating in the week, only to create drafts for the week’s chapters.

In addition to the extra chapters, daily chapters are posted and 25 chapters per week!

Your support is very important and makes all the difference in keeping these stories alive.

Thank you very much for being part of this journey! I hope you continue to enjoy the story and that it brings even more joy to your life!

Visit our Patreon for more!!

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep