As the question posed by Corlys Velaryon lingered in the air, the tension around the royal dinner table remained palpable. Rodrik's composed answer and story had made an impression, but the weight of the discussion had cast a solemn tone over the gathering.
Raenys Targaryen, ever perceptive, decided it was time to ease the mood. With a soft chuckle, she leaned toward Rodrik and said playfully, "Well, Lord Rodrik is it true what they say that you almost daily recieve betrowel request from the seven kingdom & even from Essos. I even heard a rumor that one certain lord encouraged his daughter who was twice your age to sneak into your room & create a scandal with you but by mistake your friend Jaimee went into your room & then there was chaos?. Please do tell."
Viserys laughed, a genuine and hearty laugh that seemed to surprise even himself. "Aye, I have also heard this one but is it true Lord Rodrik?."
Rodrik smiled with a bashfull manor "Your Grace, regarding the betrothal I don't get them everyday more around every alternate day but some days I do get multiple requests so you can say that & Yes I have gotten some from outside Seven Kingdom like mostly from Bravos, Nervous, Volantis & I even got one from Yiti if you believe it niece of the Safron Emperor. He was even willing to give me exclusive trading rights between Yiti & seven kingdoms."
Corlys was little started after hearing that & asked " Then why didn't you they are great offers?"
Hearing which Rodrik smiled faintly " I always thought that I would marry for love even though I know that my station & duty demands something different that this but I would like persue that result till it would be required of me for betterment of Vale then I will see what to do, but I am trying to strengthen myself & Vale so that that won't be required".
Rhaenyra, who had remained mostly quiet throughout the evening, allowed herself a small, amused smile. She looked at Rodrik with a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes, but still said nothing. Other on the table also thought that Rodrik is one odd ball in this court of benefits & deals. He is a idealist & specially Viserys was thinking whether this type of thinking a good thing or a looming disaster in Lord of one kingdom".
The servants cleared away the final platters of the main course, and Rodrik spoke with addressing Viserys and the rest of the table. "If it pleases Your Grace, I would like to present something special from the Vale — a special dish prepared for such esteemed occasions."
Viserys raised a brow, intrigued. "Very well, Lord Rodrik, delicious food is always welcome."
With a signal, servants entered with large trays, each carrying a delicate glass bowl. Inside was a white, creamy substance that shimmered faintly under the candlelight. Each dish was accompanied by a silver spoon.
As the bowls were placed before them, the royal family and the Velaryons looked at the unfamiliar dessert with curiosity.
Rodrik gestured softly. "Please, try it. We call it... ice cream."
Viserys was the first to dig in, his expression transforming as the cold sweetness touched his tongue. "By the Seven," he muttered, eyes wide. "It's Remarkable very delicious. You have outdone yourself lord Rodrik!"
Raenys blinked as she tasted hers, then laughed in delight. "I've never eaten anything like this. How in the world is it so cold? It's the height of summer!"
Corlys, ever the skeptic, narrowed his eyes suspiciously at his spoonful. He tasted it cautiously, then furrowed his brow. "Yes Lord Rodrik please tell how were able to keep the temperature low?"
Rodrik gave a light chuckle. "Quite safe, Lord Corlys. We use a technique involving a mixture of salt and ice stored in insulated containers beneath the mountains of the Vale. With enough insulation and planning, the cold can be preserved and used to chill ingredients into this form. To make everyone here experience this in advance I had chamber like that created in my personal residence in Kings landing & just bought it here"
Rhaenyra, who had also tasted the dessert and looked genuinely delighted, leaned forward. "You must show is how to make such chamber in Red Keep so that we could also enjoy cold beverages & this Ice Cream."
Rodrik gave her a polite nod. "Of course, Princess. I shall send the instructions to the Maester & your kichen. Though I must warn you, it requires meticulous handling."
The rest of the dinner passed with a lighter tone, filled with murmurs of amazement over the dessert.
As the plates were cleared and the evening drew to a close, Viserys lifted his cup. "Lord Rodrik, You have brought wonder to the Red Keep tonight. We thank you."
Rodrik rose and bowed deeply. "It is an honor to serve the realm, Your Grace."
As he departed from the dining hall that night, Rodrik couldn't help but catch Rhaenyra watching him quietly from her seat, a faint smile touching her lips.
After taking his leave with a eventfull dinner Rodrik was taking a stroll in the gardens when he saw Rhaenyra there sitting alone looking at the stars. Rodrik decides not to disturb her as he has already decided that he doesn't want to get entangled with the princess even though whenever he sees her he gets mesmerized by his beauty. & Turned to leave. Just as he was about to leave a voice came from his behind " Leaving already Lord Rodrik"
He turned slowly towards the princess who were still looking at the stars who said " Don't you think they are facinatinh the stars no matter how high I fly they still seems so distant & beautifull what do you think they are ?"
Rodrik thinking whether to engage in this type of conversation with her or not finally could not controll himself & told her " You are actually seeing into the past when you look at stars"
Rhaenyra confused " What do you mean"
Rodrik without thinking much " Actually we see anything when light hits any object & reflects back to our eyes but starts are soo far away from us that light takes a lot of time to reach us so by the time we see a star there are chances that it's not there anymore"
Rhaenerya stunned by this statement of anybody else have said this she might have laughed but the man saying this has some credibility so she was getting confused & to reconfirm it " I don't believe this story what's the proof?"
Rodrik just stared at the stars for sometime & turned back while saying " Believe it or not Princess upto you".