A flicker of surprise passed through the Red Viper's eyes. "Even if others couldn't tell, Barristan the Bold is in the stands. Do you think his eyes have failed him in his old age?"
"With Ser Barristan's experience, naturally, we couldn't hide it from him," William shrugged indifferently. "But he's not a gossip. There's no need to worry."
"Even if Barristan doesn't speak of it, from now on, you will be the center of attention. People will study you, analyze you. Will your secret remain hidden, 'Magic' Knight?" The Red Viper smiled. "To defeat me, you really are willing to spare no expense."
"The long summer is ending, and winter is coming. Can you not sense that things are changing, my lord? Soon, countless world-shaking events will occur. Magic and such are merely insignificant details." William felt a small surge of pride. Besides himself, no one else would imagine that dragons would soon return, and Westeros would face monumental changes. "Why did I dare make such a request of you? Precisely because I see that everything is about to change."
The Red Viper nodded, seeming somewhat agreeable to William's words. "True, things are changing. However, you were right about one thing earlier: some people's minds converge without consultation, and some outcomes are reached by different paths. In fact, you didn't really need to secure my promise. I have a hunch we will ultimately find ourselves on the same side."
"You are correct, my lord. But what I want is your personal commitment."
The Red Viper's gaze turned cold and dangerous. "My promise? How much is it worth? If it damages Dorne's interests, I wouldn't honor it anyway."
"You overthink it, my lord. I understand that perfectly well. As you said, our interests align," William said with a sincere expression. "It's just that opportunity always comes hand-in-hand with risk. Prince Doran is prudent and cautious by nature. While this approach carries little risk, it can also mean missing opportunities. If there are chances you yourself would regret passing up, then this promise becomes an option for you, doesn't it?"
The Red Viper looked up at the sky, his expression a faint, wry smile as he shook his head repeatedly. It was unclear whether he was mocking William's naivety or denying that he would ever act against Doran's wishes. After gazing at the sky for a moment, he looked back at William, his demeanor calm again. "What you said earlier... can you really do it?"
"I believe justice may be delayed, but it will never be absent!" William replied resolutely. He wasn't afraid of making promises he might not keep just now.
After a moment of silence, the Red Viper revealed a smile. "Very well, you win!" He tossed the broken half of his lance aside and turned to walk out of the arena.
Inside the arena, William waited until the Red Viper had taken a few steps away before excitedly raising his sword and roaring triumphantly. Deafening cheers erupted, soaring to the sky, and the clouds above the arena seemed to sway.
Having defeated the Red Viper, he was finally confident that in this hostile world, he at least had the ability to protect himself. His heart swelled with hope. He would grow stronger step by step to protect his family, his friends, and all those he cared about.
Persuading the Red Viper was also a significant achievement. The Red Viper wasn't necessarily someone who blindly followed Doran's orders; it was just that Doran was correct most of the time, creating the impression of obedience. But judging from the original story, he wasn't so rigid. Reaching this understanding with him now was like acquiring an extra card to play at the right moment, and William believed the results would not disappoint.
Wave after wave of cheers for the "Magic Knight" washed over the field. The highborn lords and ladies in the stands rose to applaud before gradually dispersing, discussing the events in small groups, clearly wanting to talk more.
Baelor and Garlan were naturally all smiles. Barristan, though seemingly somewhat preoccupied, also looked pleased.
Even Renly wore a broad smile, appearing very satisfied with the day's matches. Only Lord Mace had a stern face.
Alekyne and Mathis stayed close to Renly. Seeing a few people around, Alekyne chuckled softly, "Lord Mace doesn't seem very happy."
Mathis seemed somewhat disdainful. "It's better that the 'Magic Knight' won than the Red Viper."
Randyll surveyed the arena, where the jubilant crowd was still celebrating, reluctant to disperse. He said calmly, "What matters is that the subjects of the Reach are happy."
Yesterday, Garlan had been the star of the feast; today, it was William's turn. During the midday feast, led by Renly, Randyll, Mathis, and others came down from the high platform to share a drink and pleasantries with William. Even Lord Mace Tyrell approached with a stiff smile to share a cup with him.
Only the Red Viper remained his unrestrained self, sitting on the high platform with a haughty smile, watching the scene below with a scrutinizing gaze. However, everyone assumed he was upset about losing the match, so no one found it strange.
'Strength is what truly matters. If you're strong enough, others have to accept it, even if they resent it.' William felt a secret thrill, but he constantly reminded himself that the more successful he was, the more humble he should appear.
Noticing Lord Mace and Renly whispering together again, William couldn't help but laugh inwardly. 'If you couldn't manage anything in the melee, where it's easiest to scheme, you certainly have no chance in a one-on-one joust.'
After the feast, Margaery and William visited the injured Harrenhal master-at-arms together. The maester who came later to examine his wounds couldn't help but express amazement at the speed of his recovery.
Leaving the room, the two walked into the garden. Seeing no one else around, the smile faded from Margaery's face. "Very well, Ser William, if you'll excuse me."
"Today, during the joust, I used magic," William suddenly leaned close and whispered in her ear. "Prince Oberyn knows. Ser Barristan likely noticed something was off, and there might be others who found it suspicious too."
Margaery looked at him, surprised, but her expression quickly softened. "Your title of 'Magic Knight' is already widely known. A few more people suspecting something in secret won't make things worse."
"The Prince asked me why I wasn't afraid of others discovering this secret anymore." William paused, and as expected, saw a questioning look in the Little Rose's eyes. "I told him that many earth-shattering events are about to happen in the Seven Kingdoms, and no one will have time to care about trivial matters like magic."
Margaery's eyes shifted slightly. "Then it's even more reason for me not to leave with you. My family will need me more than ever."
"You don't understand, Margaery," William took her hand. "Things are going to change, completely differently from what you imagine. There will be no more following the rules, no more false harmony. It will be more bloody, more brutal."
"You mean... war?" Margaery's eyes widened, and then she burst out laughing. "Impossible."
William looked at her, a smile playing on his lips. "And what if it really happens?"
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