A/N: Sorry for the delay, for I was caught up in the hustling and bustling that job applications require. But I hope this was worth the wait.

Kaijin wore his ceremonial robes, as befitting of a prince, as he entered the main imperial hall of the palace.

The court received news that Sumeng died of a heart attack, which was not surprising at first given his addiction to yapian. But they were also struck at how quickly Khiara rushed through the coronation, as custom demanded thirty days of mourning while she only allowed five. On the other hand, they were wise not to protest and instead prepared for the ceremony that was to follow.

The coronation began early in the morning, with a ceremony that had Khiara offering prayers to the heavens, from which, according to imperial customs that dictated the spiritual beliefs of the empire, whoever sat on the phoenix throne derived the mandate of rulership. Khiara then proceeded to the main hall of the palace, where she was ceremonially enthroned on the imperial phoenix throne. The court enter the throne hall in order of seniority, with Kajin being the first, Daeron and Daenerys following afterwards, and then the other officials, all of whom offered memorials of congratulation.

The Grand Secretary, long replacing Sam, stepped forward and gave Khiara two of the three sacred treasures of the empire: a sword in that spikes extending from the blade that it look more like a cutter of grass and a necklace of comma-shaped stone beads. The Grand Secretary then placed a crown of gold, jewels, and jade onto her head, with the crown resembling a tall hat if it were not so richly adorned.

The second part of the ceremony was the enthronement ritual itself. This ritual was not public, with only Kaijin, Daeron, and Daenerys witnessing along with a few other monks and the Grand Secretary. Behind closed doors, Khiara sat on the phoenix throne while she inhaled the strong incense and take in her final moments of peace before she would officially assume the reins of power over the empire.

She beckoned Kaijin, Daeron, and Daenerys to come closer. "So, brother, you will leave this empire?"

Kaijin nodded. "As we have agreed. I will not be a threat to you and I shall accompany Prince Daeron and Queen Daenerys as they journey westwards."

"Very well." She turned to Daeron while gesturing for the Grand Secretary to give something to him. "Take this, as my gift to you."

Kaijin watched as the Grand Secretary placed a golden necklace into his hands, with the prominent piece resembling a three-headed dragon made from jade.

"While the empire supports you, consider this a token of my gratitude for your help in my ascension," Khiara told Daeron. "And to remember the days before I decided to place myself here."

Daeron looked back at her eyes before nodding. Daenerys took the necklace and placed it around his neck, long accepting of their relationship now that it was all in the past.

"Finally, for you, Queen Daenerys, from one woman in power to another." The Grand Secretary gave her a bracelet, with a centerpiece being a three-headed dragon carved from a ruby. "I had someone obtain a jewel straight from the dormant Fourteen Flames and I feel that you are going to need a connection from old Valyria itself as you ascend."

Daenerys was struck before Daeron put the bracelet on her wrist. Daenerys looked at it in awe, appreciating the craftsmanship. "Thank you… Your Augustness."

Kaijin expected nothing from Khiara, for his life and being able to leave was all that he needed. Khiara also saw that, and she gave him a nod.

Finally, the Grand Secretary departed from the main hall and announced Khiara's accession edict in front of the palace. Kaijin did not really pay attention to that part, for it promised things like a return to normality, peace, prosperity, and a new era among others. But what followed was the entire population of Yin cheering in support of their new empress, as they wished for no more conflicts to break out for years to come. This was expressed by how many bright explosions colored the night sky.

The Great Thanksgiving Festival was the final inauguration ritual, which involved sacred rice, arakju, fish and a variety of other foods from both land and sea that are offered to the Lion of Night and the Maiden-made-of-Light. This ceremony symbolized a singular union with the gods, thus making the Khiara the immediate intermediary between the Lion of Light, the Maiden-made-of Light, and the people of the Golden Empire. While Khiara had to eat the "sacred food," the rest of those who attended were given a feast made by the palace cooks, probably the last real feast that Kaijin would enjoy for a while.

Before the coronation occurred, Kaijin approached Daeron and Benjen as they recruited the latest officers. Both of them were surprised but bowed their heads slightly in respect.

"Prince Kaijin, what can we do for you?" Daeron asked.

"Is there an open position on the company? I would like to join."

Daeron and Benjen glanced at each other, stunned. "Why do you ask, if we may?"

"I promised the empress that I would go into exile to not be a threat to her, but I am still young and I have a lot of experiencing commanding troops. Apparently, being a soldier is all that I am suited for."

Benjen looked through the scrolls. "We might have something for you, Prince Kaijin, but we cannot guarantee that you will be a senior commander. As you know, my nephew will lead along with Daenerys Targaryen. Myself, Minoru Lim, Gendry, and a few other officers that I know from the northern provinces and in the Capital Field Army have already been given leadership positions."

"Do you have anyone with experience in commanding firearms units?" Kaijin asked. "That is, do you know what is required besides those who can shoot? You have to consider organization, supply, and discipline that is unique to those who wield tanegashima. I know what to do, as that was my last post," Kaijin reminded them.

Benjen searched through the scrolls again and pursed his lips. "It appears that we do not. But it looks like what we need the most is someone to command the marine infantry who will fight on the ships and wherever necessary."

Kaijin jumped on that. "That is perfect, Lord Stark. I can keep those troops in line and I can remain in the thick of the fight."

Daeron shrugged at Benjen. "But it might come with a demotion. Will you be all right with that?"

"Whatever you will give, I will accept as long as I can fight and lead men into battle. I am not a politician, so this is my best chance."

Daeron extended his hand. "Then, in that case, I hereby appoint you commandant of the marines. Do right by us."

Kaijin eagerly shook his hand, as well as Benjen's. "Thank you, Prince Daeron and Lord Stark. I will not let you down."

As Kaijin saw Daeron leave to meet with another prospective group of officers, Kaijin walked with Benjen. He was surprised to see the famed woman assassin and former Jade Order deserter at his side, but they appeared to be very close as she held his arm tightly.

"Forgive me, Lord Stark. But I was under the impression that you and this woman have drifted apart." Kaijin was not fully unaware of the bonds around him.

"We have… an understanding," Benjen answered. "After what seemed like hours, we decided to be fully honest with each other from now. Truth leads to trust and that is the basis of our bond."

Kaijin turned his head to Mingyu. "And is it true that the Jade Order has exonerated you despite the leadership not supporting that decision?"

"I was willing to accept whatever punishment that came my way, but the gods might have seen fit to spare me. Even though I did not deserve it," Mingyu answered.

"I see," Kaijin noted. "And is it true that a few members of the Jade Order, including Gong-Er and most of Arya Stark's companions, have elected to join the journey westwards?"

"I was surprised myself, but as a gift, the empress allowed them leave," Mingyu said. "It appears that Arya had spent her time in the Jade Order well."

Kaijin found himself continually surprised at how well the white devils were able to make friends and also persuade people to do things for them. Then again, it was not hard to do when they were the few people with white skin who were visible in the halls of power.

"A lot of talent and experience coming west…. That is something that the world will notice, I am sure of it."

"And we are counting on that," Benjen replied. "With the world watching, they will see the dragons have truly come back and that everything will never be the same again. Many will join us, but many others will tremble in their boots."

"Just as they will be afraid of us in the day, they will never be able to sleep at night. I will make sure of that," Mingyu added.

Kaijin knew her meaning and simply bobbed his head. "Let us hope that the fighting would always be in our favor, then."


Daenerys watched as Yongpo, Jon's Jogos Nhai bodyguard, prepared his metal-studded club called the kanabo. She chose a wooden practice sword, as the intent of their match was not to kill each other but to show how far she came with her training.

After the whole business regarding Khiara's succession was cleared up, she resumed her sessions with Hoon Ti. But he proved relentless, as he continued to practice with her while using blunt wooden sticks while Daenerys had to fight him off with just her hands and legs. The results was her limbs getting purple bruises and some cuts when the sticks collided with her skin hard enough. Daenerys learned to accept Hoon Ti's instructions, for the most important lesson that she learned from him was that life was not fair and that was something that she wished she understood years earlier.

But while Jon and Daenerys were actively recruiting for the Jade Company, there were some of the potential officers who began to question her ability to lead. Jon, or Prince Daeron as they continued to address him as, showed leadership under pressure and received merit as the captain of the imperial guard, so they knew to trust his ability to command. For Daenerys, she was not only unknown to them, but the only reason that they believe was the key to position in the Jade Company was because she was married to him. Like everyone else around the world, they believed in a vague sense of achievement based on merits and she did not do anything according to their thinking.

It got to the point where one of the officers, a former brigade captain under Benjen's command who resigned his commission, asked her straight. "From what I hear of you, you have not led troops in battle or have intimately studied the ways of war. You do have political importance, which I acknowledge, but why would I trust a politician to lead soldiers into the thick of the fight?"

Jon took offense, but Daenerys calmed him down by putting her hand on his. Jon translated for her as she spoke. "I understand your thoughts, captain. As I will be leading you alongside the many other commanders above you, what would it take for you to be assuaged?"

"Dear aunt, you do not have to do this," Jon told her.

"No." Daenerys shook her head. "This will grow into a problem if I do not resolve it now."

"Hoon Ti has trained you, correct?" the captain asked.

"He has. I have learned much from him," Daenerys answered.

"Show us what you have learned, Queen Daenerys. Preferably against better odds, since you do have a dragon after all."

Daenerys exhaled before bobbing her head. "I accept your challenge."

Yongpo might not have said it, but Daenerys could see that he also doubted her abilities to command. He, along with the other Jogos Nhai who were granted safe passage to the capital and thus would join the Jade Company, respected strength. Like with the Dothraki, she had to prove herself as able. Unlike with the Dothraki, they wanted to see her fight with weapons and there was no other way to persuade them.

Hoon Ti walks in between them, as Daenerys and Yongpo stare down at each other while surrounded by Jon, Benjen, Kaijin, Joon, and other potential officers of the Jade Company who have gathered to watch alongside the Jogos Nhai who were curious as to how the fight would play out.

"Remember that this duel is not to result in death or serious injury. The first to bring the other on their backs will have the match," Hoon announced. "Understood?"

"Yes," Daenerys said. Yongpo nodded as well.

"All right. Begin." Hoon Ti stepped back.

Yongpo surprised Daenerys as he yelled ferociously and charged her with the kanabo. She stepped out of the way and struck his back with her practice sword. However, the Jogos Nhai was much more resilient than she had expected, as he only turned around to face her without crying out in pain. Using his other hand, he tried to swing downwards onto her, but she was able to jump backwards and avoid his strike, which smashed into the wooden floor.

Suddenly, there was cheering among the onlookers, as even Joon began to place wagers on who would win. Meanwhile Jon and Benjen watched with worry, but they knew better than to try to intervene, for she had to prove yourself.

"Is that the best you can do?" Yongpo said while speaking the common tongue with that very thick accent of his.

"You are a lot slower than I thought," Daenerys answered back. "You sure that you proving your worth to your ancestors?"

Yongpo bared his teeth before he charged again, intent on hitting her with a horizontal swing with the kanabo. Daenerys was able to see that coming and she ducked her head while stepping backward rapidly to get back into her stance.

Although Yongpo was bigger and stronger than she was, Daenerys saw that the Jogos Nhai relied on raw power to carry him through the duel. She could also see that he was sweating, which told her that Yongpo did not have endurance. Like herself, Jon and Hoon Ti relied on speed, power, and agility to fight and focusing on that combination allowed them to develop not only strength but also stamina. She could not hope to strike harder than Yongpo with his club, but she had to keep him fighting just long enough for him to lose his breath and that was when she will really get aggressive.

Deciding to take the initiative, Daenerys ran towards him, jumped, and swung downward with her practice sword, hitting his solid left arm. Regaining her footing after landing, she could see that Yongpo was surprised at her audacity but was now coming at her, giving her no room to prepare herself. He yelled, charged, and swung in various directions while Daenerys had to dodge them. She ducked, slid, and jumped out of the way, all the while making Yongpo more frustrated. That much was clear from how his strikes were coming at a more rapid pace, him desperate for at least one hit that would be hard enough to incapacitate her.

Let him tire himself out, she kept thinking to herself. Like in many things in her life, she had to patient and that applied to the duel at the moment.

After what seemed like an eternity of hard swings and endless dodging, Daenerys could finally see Yongpo drenched in his own sweat and his club moving around with less coordination. He was also panting, trying to catch his breath while his body could not take the strenuous movements that he was putting himself through.

Got you. It was during that moment that Daenerys ran with wide strides, leaped into the air, and used her practice sword as a bar from which she forced Yongpo backwards. Just a little push and you will be on your back.

However, she must have misjudged the distance, for she only managed to push against his club, which he raised in defense and he only staggered backwards. Returning the favor of Yongpo's aggression towards her during the duel, she was not going to let him get his footing and charged at him. Avoiding a rather feeble swing from Yongpo, she used her practice sword as a bar once again, but this time against his knees. From what Hoon Ti told her, the joints in the body were the weak points and that was where she had her best chance in subduing her opponent.

With her practice sword directly colliding with his knees, Yongpo fell backwards, his body too exhausted to continue fighting. He lied there, catching his breath while Daenerys stood up to thunderous applause from the onlookers.

As it was just a duel, Daenerys approached Yongpo and extended her hand. Yongpo looked at it before taking it and getting himself up.

"I must say, you had a great strategy. Wear me out until I could not block you anymore. You fight smart," Yongpo assessed.

"I had to," Daenerys answered. "And besides, we were not killing each other. Just good old practice."

Yongpo grinned. "But I must warn you that the next time you meet someone big like me, do not wait for him to get tired. Just like you were a few moments ago, push hard and do not play fair. Fight smart and dirty, because what it all comes down to is who will get to eat dinner at the end of the day. That is my motivation whenever I fight someone."

Daenerys appreciated Yongpo's earnestness and simplicity, which added to how refreshed she felt while amongst the company in Yi-Ti. "Thank you for that, Yongpo. I shall remember your words."

Yongpo patted her shoulder. "Well, I must work on my endurance. Can't sweat the next time I meet a girl like you."

Daenerys chuckled good-naturedly while she walked back to her husband, but her way was blocked by Hoon Ti, who stared at her with those unseeing eyes. "For an amateur, that was a good fight."

Daenerys took his comment in stride. "I did my best, teacher."

"And that is not enough. Like what Yongpo said, you have to be aggressive. You were being patient and that was a wise approach, but remember that every battle will not allow you the luxury of waiting for the other to make the mistake. The moment you see weakness, take it."

Daenerys nodded in understanding. "I shall remember that, teacher."

"Good. But I will not deny you the benefits that come from your triumph in a duel. Enjoy yourself and make sure that you get your rest, for the training will not stop. You are just beginning and I believe that is high time that you are exposed to more higher level forms of combat."

Daenerys stood straight and bowed her head. "I shall look forward to further instruction from you. I am very pleased that you will come with us back to Westeros."

"Who said it was for you and your dragon husband? Maybe I want to visit the sands of Dorne again, pleasure myself in the arms of the Dornishwomen."

Daenerys shook her head while smiling at him. "And here I thought that you did not have a sense of humor. You making me have bruises surely makes me see you as just a stern, cold man."

"I am all of those things, so do not forget to focus on me being harsh when we are training. But outside of training time is for relaxation. The one who can train hard and relax fully is someone to emulate," Hoon responded.

"Train hard and relax fully… I never heard that before, even though I do know your meaning," Daenerys admitted.

"Just remember to train hard." Hoon then moved to join Joon and Kajin for tea.

Benjen gave her a big smile to show his approval, which Daenerys accepting in appreciation. "You done well, Queen Daenerys."

"How many times did I insist that you call me just Daenerys? You are family after all since your sister is Jon's mother."

"Daenerys," Benjen quickly complied.

She then turned to Jon, who pulled into a deep kiss. "That was brilliant, aunt. I knew you could do it."

"There is more from where that came from," Daenerys said coyly. "I always pay attention, even when I appear not to be."

"Is that a challenge, dear aunt?" Jon asked back.

"Only if you are up to it." Daenerys felt her emotions run high after coming out on top and she was not going to deny herself the release they needed.

"Before you can do that, we have work to do," Benjen cut in. "Organizing the troops, arranging the money, getting the supplies and ships. As Hoon said, work hard now and then you relax later."

Daenerys groaned but she gave him Jon one more kiss. "Let us get the work done, then."

"Of course, dear aunt," Jon answered.


Sandor entered Jung-Hwa's pavilion in the city, where she was just seeing another of her patients. Upon looking at Sandor, Jung-Hwa stood up and approached him.

"You came back from the Grey Wastes," she said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"I have. Saw some strange things over there, visited the Five Forts, and came back richer," Sandor said. "Have you received my letters?"

Jung-Hwa nodded. "I did. You are not very good at writing them, but I can see that you are trying. That is more than what I can say about the others who wanted to call on me."

Sandor could not say that he felt deep affections for Jung-Hwa yet, but he did not want to leave her in the empire, not after he finally found someone with whom he can talk about things that he would never with another. That was why the next words made his lips tremble after they left them.

"Did you know that my patron Prince Daeron has married Daenerys Targaryen?"

Jung-Hwa chuckled. "Everyone in the capital knows that. Quite the celebration."

"Indeed. And did you know that the empress will allow him to recruit an army to take back with him to Westeros to fight for his family's claim?"

"That is only logical. He might have a comfortable life here, but history is rarely written by exiles and he will have to fight," Jung-Hwa answered.

Sandor nodded, relieved that she understood it all. "And you know that I must return home, leave with him?"

Jung-Hwa nodded as she crossed his arms and exhaled deeply. "As you must."

Sandor closed his eyes, hesitating on the next words that he had to say, the question that he must ask. "Do you want to come with me?"

Jung-Hwa gave him a surprised look. "Come with you, to Westeros?"

"Aye. The army that Prince Daeron will lead will need good physicians and you can be one of them. You will never have to keep living with your head down because of what happened before and you can make a difference."

"I am making a difference right now," Jung-Hwa said. "I have patients who need me. And me going to Westeros? That is quite the proposition that you have, considering that I spent all of my life here in this part of the world."

Sandor expected her to say that, but that did not make it easy for him to continue his attempt. "I… I said things to you that I never told anyone else before. You know why I am the man that appeared before you the first time we met and I am sure that you told me things that you never told anyone else. And do you know what occupied most of my time when I was in the Five Forts?" Jung-Hwa waited for his answer expectantly. "My days were spent waiting for your next letter to me, because that was the only thing that was worth my time."

Sandor did not know why he was saying those words, for he never contemplated another getting through to him.

"And your letters, should you stay here and after I go to Westeros, will take forever. Why not come with me and we do not have to write what we think on paper?"

Jung-Hwa tapped her fingers on her arms, which were still crossed over her chest. "You see me as a friend?"

"I want to believe so, maybe a strong friend. And every time that I talk with you, I say more than what I would have said in a week before coming here. I do not regret a single word I have said to you."

Sandor swallowed, as he waited Jung-Hwa's answer. He never took a chance with a person, and not even the Stark sisters were at the receiving end of the instances he truly went out of his way for another. But for this physician, he did not want to lose what he had come to enjoy with her and he had been alone for too long to just have this woman simply disappear from his life.

Jung-Hwa finally opened her mouth. "If I agree to come with you, I have to leave everything behind. I was able to build a life here in the capital and I make a good living."

"You still have many good years ahead of you and you can start anew in Westeros. I know I am asking much of you in terms of trusting me, but talking to you like this was something that I had to do because I knew that I needed to. Because I trust you that much." Sandor hoped that his words were sufficient for the moment, because he was running out of things to say.

Jung-Hwa slowly gave him a small smile as she relaxed her arm. "And I thought that you did not have a way with words, considering what you went through. When will the army leave?"

"Soon." Sandor had no idea exactly, but it would not be long before they would finally depart the shores of Yi-Ti.

"Give me a few days. I know someone who is interested in buying my pavilion and allow me to persuade the caregivers under me. They are people that I have been working with for years, so I will need them when I leave."

Sandor nodded while he tried to hide how happy he was under his blank face. "Of course. Do what you have to do."

While Sandor allowed Jung-Hwa the time she needed to settle her affairs, he walked back to his cart and was surprised at how she finally agreed to go with him back to Westeros. He might have had the companions in Arya and Gendry, but he was coming back with one more. For Sandor, Arya was someone that caused him more than a headache as they moved around aimlessly in the riverlands and the Vale and Gendry was just another bastard that he had to watch out for because nobody else would. But for Jung-Hwa, this was someone that he had to continue to see. He did not know what it was that made him think that way, but he had to act.

Sandor was invited to eat with Arya, Gong-Er, and Mingyu before Sandor told him on what he would do with the person he tied up in his horse cart. He got to know the main teacher of the Jade Order, who annoyed him because she was still potent despite being blind. That made it stung all the more, particularly when the blind man struck in the face with his walking cane. As for Mingyu, the Hound was astonished at how an assassin was able to get into the pants of Benjen Stark of all people. From how she described it, Benjen Stark was willing to take her with him back to Westeros. The First Ranger getting in bed with a killer… funny.

Later, Sandor had to control himself from trying to cave Wah's face in, particularly since the former crime lord was now a lord and having the merchants of the empire under his thumb. He still had a debt to pay from his yapian use, which took all of his being to overcome, and he felt that Phuc Du would be the key to solving it.

"Would you like some tea?" Wah asked him politely. However, Sandor had figured that Wah was anything but that because his eyes told him that he was ready to kill him for all of the complications that he had caused for his business.

"No, thank you," Sandor spoke in his best guanhua.

Wah nodded while he sipped his cup. "What can I do for you? Oh, wait. We already both know the answer to that question."

"You say that I owe you a debt, which is understandable because I took your yapian and me and my companions enjoyed your protection on the streets. I have some money which I believe would be enough to satisfy it." Sandor was not going to waste more time than was necessary to get out from under Wah's threats.

"It is not a question of coin," Wah pointed out. "I do not really care much for money or yapian, because I learned to never put my trust in the material things of the world. But the material allows me to obtain control, because people are stupid enough to make their lives depend on the objects that they can see. Being able to make them do all of my bidding is a result that I want to have every time I make a deal, for debt prevents them from trying to go against me."

"If it is not a question of coin, then perhaps you will have the satisfaction of revenge against one who betrayed you," Sandor stated.

Wah's interest was piqued, for he set down his cup. "Who betrayed me?"

Sandor turned to Arya, who accompanied the Hound after eating her meal with Gong-Er and Mingyu. When she came back, she dragged the beaten body of Phuc Du, whose mouth was gagged and his face covered in cuts and bruises.

"Vinh?" Wah still called the former constable by his other name.

"You will be interested to know that your partner was stealing from you, siphoning off yapian shipments to gain himself personal profits and to take over your network after he planned to snitch on you," Arya revealed. "Was it not curious that he was not there when the constables temporarily put you out of business before you were granted your powers by the empress?"

Wah scoffed and shook his head at Phuc Du. "Did you really think that would work? That you would become a competitor at the very least? Just like all of the constables I have seen, always trying to shake me down."

Phuc Du was near tears at the point, rubbing his palms together as he begged. "Please, boss. Please forgive me."

"Forgive you?" Wah groaned. "I might have the endorsement of an empress, but I cannot allow traitors like yourself to run amok in my areas of control. I told you to never betray me and now you will suffer the consequences."

Phuc Du trembled, for he was well aware of what Wah was capable of.

Wah then turned back to both Sandor and Arya. "So… this is your offer? Your debts to me erased in exchange for you turning over this backstabber?"

"You will also stand to obtain profits once my brother and his wife take back the Iron Throne," Arya pointed out. "You will never have to worry about coin ever again, because the merchants in the empire will get exclusive trade deals with Westeros and they will have to give you a large portion of their gains."

Wah swayed his head to and fro, seeing the sense in Arya's proposition. "There is one matter that I would like to discuss. Westeros is an untapped market because the people there have not tasted yapian. Perhaps your brother and his wife would stand to benefit from the occasional shipment to Westeros' shores, to which they would turn a blind eye to?"

Arya shook her head vehemently. "They will never allow such poison to infect the people there. Westeros will undoubtedly face problems of stability after they win and we do not need yapian to make things more complicated by having the people become addicts."

Wah chuckled darkly. "Of course. One would have to remain vigilant when it comes to the vices of man." He then bobbed his head. "Consider your debts to me ended."

Sandor and Arya eased themselves in relief. "It is over between us, then?"

"It is," Wah answered. "Now, go. I must see to Phuc Du and make him a warning to those who want to betray me in the future."

Sandor and Arya left Wah's personal residence in Yin, which was granted him upon becoming a lord. Both of them had much to do, while Sandor had to wait for Jung-Hwa.


Joon Kitara stood straight as Empress Khiara sat majestically on her throne. Her first act as the new ruler of the Golden Empire was to dissolve the military council and reinstate the civilian court. But everyone knew that things would never be the same, even with the deaths of Lord Buko and members of his faction and thus the removal of the radicals in the army. Steps would have to be taken to ensure that nobody else would try to obtain more power for the military while who possessed dangerous beliefs would have to be watched.

After the whole processions of Khiara's coronation, only a few noticed Sumeng being buried in the imperial tombs. With all of the festivities going on and the focus on the formation of the Jade Company, no one asked questions about how Sumeng mysteriously died. Either they are afraid of asking, or they are really clueless, Joon thought. Most at court unconsciously felt the former, while the coronation allowed them to be distracted.

But now, Joon would be the first to take the necessary steps so that normalcy would return to the empire. The empress informed him of his new position in the empire and he had to prepare himself accordingly, for he was to be permanently situated in the south.

He had his lady wife Myung and his daughters Karasa and Komo come to Yin with their belongings and had his distant cousin, Lord Byeong Kitara, to oversee the estates around Kushiro and oversee the Northwest Province while Quartermaster Shin would temporarily assume command of the Northwest Imperial Army as they marched back to their positions on the frontier. Joon was confident that both Lord Byeong and Quartermaster Shin would serve well in his previous positions while he had to assume a more important role in Yin court.

Joon wore his ceremonial robes as the Samwell Tarly's replacement as Grand Secretary read out the decrees concerning himself.

"Following the dissolving of the military council and the return of normal governance to the empire, it is now established that all senior officials should have clear lines of responsibility and also not have overlapping duties. Therefore, in compliance with the new laws, Prince Joon Kitara will hereby relinquish all of his military offices and enter the reserves as a field marshal. All other officers that have had military offices and have chosen to assume positions in the regular government will follow suit," the Grand Secretary began with.

Joon acknowledged it by keeping his head bowed. Quartermaster Shin was still the Imperial Quartermaster, but that became a position no longer exclusively associated with the army and he thus had to surrender his active officer's commission. Admiral Okamoto also had to relinquish control of the fleet to become the new Minister of Justice. As for the lower-ranking officers, they had to report back to their posts but were promoted and given cash rewards for their support.

However, Joon saw Okamoto and other senior officers had packed the court. He knew that by retaining many of the members of the military council in key positions, the empress ensured her hold on power while their lack of military offices will allow her to assure the people that the army was not going to rule. It was clear the brief period of military rule had changed the empire permanently and Joon was not sure if he was prepared to maneuver through the uncertain times ahead.

"In recognition for his services and for the abilities he demonstrated during the time of crisis, it pleases the empress very much to appoint Prince Joon Kitara as the Prime Minister of the Golden Empire. May he administer and empire well and bring it back to the days of the first of the Azure line, when the cycle of rejuvenation began again."

Joon looked up at the empress and bowed again. "You humble me very much with this appointment, Your Augustness. I shall approach my new duties with the dread and sobriety that they require."

"I know you will, Prince Joon." Khiara then looked at the rest of the court before glancing at her Grand Secretary to continue.

What was left unsaid was that Joon quietly arranged for his son Seong to start working with Minister Zong, who was retained as Minister of War, as his secretary. While he was confident that Seong would quickly learn the finer details of governance under Minister Zong, Joon knew that it was near the time where he would have to take the examinations and this would be a good experience for him to learn without being completely buried in books. It was an act that Joon found distasteful, for he truly believed in having his son trying to advance on his own merits. However, having gone through the examinations himself, he was not going to take chances with his son, who was now the heir to a princedom and many lands.

As for Karasa and Komo, Joon began to make inquiries about their future husbands. To his frustration, they were both unimpressed with their potential suitors and deemed them all lacking when it came to Daeron Targaryen. Girl infatuations are hard to crush, even if the source of that is married.

The first order of business that Joon sought to look over was the reorganization of the constabulary and the issue of collusion with criminal gangs. The Central Column, the long secret unit that had run afoul, was disbanded and its members dispersed to other places in the provinces, no longer to work again in Yin. For the moment, all constables were to remain subordinated to the army provosts until all of them were able to walk through the streets without being tempted to stash a few silver taels in their pockets. However, the provosts were not to wear their armor or carry their weapons in public, resorting to only constable garments and clubs to not inflame the passions of the population.

And as for the Capital Field Army, while they were led by Benjen Stark and was instrumental in the success of the coup, that formation presented a danger since it essentially placed the strongest army near Yin and whoever was in command would have a lot of leverage should he decide to get ambitious. At the same time, the empress needed a large army under her personal command for her protection and it would not have been wise to simply disband it. So, Joon decided that the Capital Field Army should be under the direct control of Minister Zong, to re-establish the tradition of civilian officials being in charge of the armed units overall.

Then came the actual raising of the Jade Company. Joon signed his approval on the documents for all officers who chose to resign their commissions and join the army. The backgrounds of the majority of the officers who chose to join the Jade Company did not surprise him, for they came from good stock but also had to work to increase their personal station in life. Second sons of prominent lords and merchants, those in middle positions of the government who could never rise to prominence due to what the results they obtained on the examinations, and even those from the northern reaches of the empire such as the Chogo tribe and the Jogos Nhai, with Sela the Hyrkoon being instrumental in recruiting the latter. They were promised loot from their enemies and the opportunity to become part of the established communities that they would war with, with those like Yongpo already showing their eagerness. Not much of a loss, all in all. The empire's burden will be lessened with the departure of those who would not succeed anyway, thus allowing future leaders who are able to take their places and rise up.

Seong expressed interest in joining, but Joon shook his head. "You are my heir and you will be the next Prince of Kushiro. It is important that you become accustomed to knowing how to govern before you take my place."

"But Hoon Ti will go. Why can't I, father?" Seong asked him.

Joon was saddened that one of his most able subordinates will leave his service, for he had grown dependent on Hoon Ti's abilities. However, given that Hoon was a blind man and his time in the army came to a dismal end, he could never rise above where he was now. Most importantly, he developed a bond with Daenerys Targaryen through their training sessions and the next one who might train her would not be so successful, so it was important that Hoon Ti continue overseeing her training.

"Because unlike Captain Ti, you have a future here. You were born with all of the advantages a man could ever ask for, and I want you to use that to the best of your abilities."

Seong was skeptical of his father's words, which was understandable given the passions of youth, but he learned to trust him nonetheless and he nodded in acceptance.

Eventually, the supplies and ships needed to ferry the Jade Company had finally assembled at Asabhad, which was to be their departure point. While Daeron and Daenerys flew there on dragonback, the rest had to move all the way to the empire's western port. But once there, the next few days was busy with activity, with the ships receiving another round of inspections as they were stocked with food, weapons, and trade goods among other types of cargo. All in all, the Jade Company would be more than enough to start the Targaryens on their path of reconquest and the empire will obtain its due.

However, just before they would depart, Daeron and Daenerys addressed their officers and soldiers that would fight under them. Those like Arya, the Hound and the physician Jung-Hwa, Gendry, Benjen, Minoru Lim, Prince Kaijin, Ardroon, Sam, and Lady Yoon stood behind them as a sign of unity.

"Soldiers, I am not good at this normally, but you are risking your lives and your places here to fight under us, so I must give you this due." Daeron began with. "Twenty years ago, my family was forced from their rightful places, which left myself and my aunt Queen Daenerys scattered into the wind. However, I am thankful for those years, for they taught me how to survive. It is those moments that made me remind myself on what it is to rule and what I need to do, lessons that my aunt here has also learned. Due to the generosity of Her Augustness," Daeron pointed to Khiara, who was watching on the side. "We have gathered enough strength to right the wrongs of many years ago. Before us stands possibly the most force ever assembled and the world will tremble upon the sight of our sails and the sounds of our yells. All of you are capable of fighting and unleashing an amount of force than man has ever dared to imagine in the history of war. But while you are paid soldiers, all of you also came on board with the promise of a better future, a future that can be established under our watch. The world must change and the world will know once more what it was when dragons flew the skies, two of which you can see above you." Daeron looked up and saw Meleys and Drogon flying in a circle above them. "We expect and demand your very best. Anything less, you might as well stay here and clean someone else's boots for a living."

The soldiers and officers scoffed derisively at that notion.

"You decided to fight on this force for the promise of immediate pay, but you are still soldiers with a sense of duty and persistence," Daeron continued. "And all we ask is that you keep up. And if you cannot, that strange sensation you will be feeling on your skin will be the teeth of our dragons and my direwolf here biting you!"

The soldiers and officers stood straighter, afraid of the consequences but all the more determined to perform.

Daeron then stepped back and it was Daenerys' turn. "Daeron Targaryen," she addressed him first. "You know the words of our house, do you not?"

"Yes, I am," Daeron answered.

"You are aware of who said them first, do you not?" Daenerys continued.

"Very aware!"

Joon was amused at how energetic they were being.

"And our houses bears a proud history, does it not, Daeron?"

"Very proud!" Daeron responded.

"And those who fought under the dragons have been proven themselves worthy, have they not?"

"Indeed!" Daeron continued.

"Like the ones with us now!" She turned back to the ones standing behind them. "Right?"

Arya, Benjen, and the others nodded their heads.

"Very much so. All who have bled for us will see brightness like never before!"

"And we have among us very good people who will prove themselves worthy in the annals of history." Joon had to admit that Daenerys was very good at motivating those to fight under her.

"Very much so!"

Daenerys shrugged. "It appears that the rest are not so enthusiastic." She moved her eyes through the company. "Are you ready to become great?"

"Yes," the company troops answered in scattered voices.

"Perhaps a little more motivation is in order," Daenerys noted. As if waiting for her to speak those words, the black dragon flew close to the ground and a strong gush of air rushed through them all. "Are you ready to become great?!"

"Yes!" they said more loudly.

"Again, like you mean it!"

"Yes!" they finally shouted.

"And what are the words of House Targaryen?"

"Fire and blood!" Daeron unsheathed both Longclaw and Dark Sister and raised them into the air, with the others raising their weapons.

"FIRE AND BLOOD!" the entire army shouted.

Daeron turned to Kaijin. "Dismiss the troops. Prepare to sail!"

Kaijin nodded and stepped forward. "Troops, fall out!"

In an orderly manner, all of the men of the Jade Company embarked on the ships, which took a few hours given the size of the force. But eventually, once they were all settled, Khiara had the drums beat and the horns blare as the first ships finally departed.

As Daeron boarded his personal flagship, Joon walked towards him, prompting him to stop. "My, my. You really have grown here, and I know you will do well for yourself."

"All thanks to you, Prince Joon. You took me in and only with your guidance was I able to survive and thrive here," Daeron answered.

"I took a chance with you and it bore fruit. Just make sure to not forget us, and what you have learned here."

"I will not, Prince Joon. You have my word," Daeron promised.

"Thank you so much, Prince Joon," Benjen said. "We are forever in your debt."

"And we will not abuse the resources your people have given us," Sam added.

Joon smiled. "I know you won't." He turned to Hoon Ti. "Take care of them. They will need you."

Hoon Ti bowed before Joon. "You have my word. And thank you for everything you have done for me."

Joon bowed to his former captain before allowing the rest to board the flagship.

Joon saw Jon give him a deep bow from the deck of his personal flagship, as did Daenerys, Benjen, Sam, Arya, and Gendry while the Hound just stared back at him. No words needed to be said, for Joon returned the bow.

Joon saw the dragon prince arrive an exile and now he was leaving as probably the strongest of them all. His eyes kept on the horizon as the last ship finally disappeared.

A/N: And finally, the Yi-Ti arc has ended. For those wanting that to happen, I hope this fulfills your wishes. For those who will look back on this with fondness, you have the same feelings as I do.

Kaijin becomes a commander and witnesses the coronation. For those curious about the military rank structure, it goes like this: platoon lieutenant and captain (2nd lieutenant and 1st lieutenant), company lieutenant and captain (1st lieutenant and full captain), battalion lieutenant and captain (major and lieutenant colonel), brigade lieutenant and captain (lieutenant colonel and full colonel), major general (no such thing as brigadier general until it was normalized by the 1700s), lieutenant general, captain general, and field marshal. Kaijin would do well as the commander of the marine contingent. Benjen and Mingyu have largely patched relations.

Daenerys showed that she has learned much under Hoon Ti, but real fights are not practice duels and she will have to be more aggressive.

Who knew that someone would be able to get through to the Hound, so much that he is going out of his way to persuade her? Also, he wipes his debt clean by exposing his yapian dealer as a thief, so Wah has no more reason to pursue him, Arya, or Gendry.

Joon becomes prime minister, witnesses the speech, and finally sees the "white devils" depart. As he was the first PoV in this arc, it is only fitting that he is the last to see them go.

For those who did not catch it, we have seen the title be visualized.