Game of Thrones: The Red Dragon Lord.

Chapter 152 The Threat of the Iron Fleet
Olenna nodded slightly, her eyes deep, and said, "Let's get straight to business. I heard that Your Majesty not only ended the war with the trading cities, but also won a great victory. Next, I believe he will be able to fully deal with the attack on the Iron Throne. Not long ago, I received news that Lanli proposed to send Theon Greyjoy, the adopted son of Prime Minister Ned Stark, back to the Iron Islands in exchange for the support of the Iron Fleet. For this purpose, Robert also convened a meeting of the king's court."

Then, she took a sip of tea and continued, "Even the empty finances of the Iron Throne have been alleviated recently. Not long ago, the church lent the Iron Throne 50,000 gold dragons, and the Lannisters of the Westerlands also agreed to lend the Iron Throne 100,000 gold dragons. The Minister of Finance Petyr is currently in the Iron Bank of Braavos, and it is not known whether he can borrow the money back. But the royal fleet has placed orders with the shipyards of Oldtown and the Redwyne family a few days ago, and I believe other shipyards will also receive orders."

Upon hearing this information, Gavin asked tentatively, "The Reach has always been one of the richest places in the Seven Kingdoms. Didn't the usurper borrow money from Highgarden?"

Olenna smiled and shook her head, saying jokingly, "Your Majesty, do not worry about the sincerity of the Tyrell family. The proud stag has always despised the delicate rose, not to mention that there is a Lord Tywin who can pull out gold to support him. In the War of the Usurper, the army of the Reach and Robert's army had a blood feud, and my foolish son once led his army to besiege his castle. Although Robert never said it explicitly, the Tyrell family has long been squeezed out of the center of power in the Seven Kingdoms."

After hearing Olenna's explanation, Gavin understood that the other party intended to dispel his doubts. Highgarden could not fall to the Iron Throne, and even if it wanted to, the Iron Throne would not welcome it.

Robert not only despised the Tyrells, but also distrusted the Reach, so it was difficult for the two to reach a cooperation. In general, the Tyrells could not gain any benefits from Robert, and without benefits, they would naturally not serve him.

Gawen asked calmly, "Has Theon Greyjoy been sent back to the Iron Islands?"

Lady Olenna explained, "Stannis has objected to this. He does not trust the ironborn, but Robert has always disregarded his brother's advice. The outcome is still to be determined, but your Grace must be prepared for the Iron Fleet to join the battle. The Tyrells only have control over the fleet of the Redwyne family, and beyond that, any warship in Westeros could potentially appear at the Stepstones."

Hearing this, Gavin couldn't help but fall into deep thought. In fact, there are quite a few warships in Westeros. Most of the families near the sea have several warships, and even several fleets, but they are all scattered among the major families. The Westerly and the Vale have their own fleets, and even the poorest North has a White Harbor fleet.

Among them, the strongest are the Iron Fleet and the Royal Fleet. However, after the rebellion of the Iron Islands many years ago, the strength of both sides was greatly damaged. However, as long as both sides are willing, it is not difficult to restore their strength, especially the Iron Fleet. Almost all the Ironmen are sailors and shipbuilders. Their shipbuilding technology is among the best even in Essos.

Looking at Gavin who was lost in thought, Lady Olenna said calmly, "It seems that Your Majesty already understands your opponent, and I think he can understand the situation of the Tyrell family. As the king, Robert Baratheon, no matter how stupid or excessive he is, he still has great appeal in the Seven Kingdoms. The Tyrell family can only not participate in the war. I hope Your Majesty can understand."

Gavin heard this and said, "The Reach is the richest of the Seven Kingdoms, and it also has the strongest military. If I need the Reach..."

Gawain was interrupted by Olenna before she finished. "Your Majesty, I cannot even guarantee you the fleets of House Hightower, even if my foolish son married one of their daughters. You were born and raised in the Reach, and you must have heard of the Lords of the Reach. If not, you would not have come to speak to an old woman like me."

Hearing Olenna's words, Gavin smiled. He roughly confirmed that the Tyrell family's proposal was true.

The Tyrell family didn't pay much and was able to preserve its strength. In other words, the other party's proposal was an open conspiracy. The only initial investment was intelligence and supplies, but the other party's attitude of not participating in the war made Gavin unable to refuse. It was hard to judge whether he had gained or lost. Anyway, the other party would not suffer any loss.

Thinking of this, Gavin tentatively said, "The Tyrell family's efforts are not commensurate with their gains. It is just a verbal promise after I land in Westeros. For this, I have to pay the position of the royal court and the position of the queen. I think that once I really land in Westeros, no one can stop me."

Olenna waved her hand and said, "Oh! Don't tell me you don't like my charming granddaughter. Besides, Your Majesty just said that the Riverland is the richest and most powerful of the Seven Kingdoms. When Your Majesty starts the conquest, you will easily take this powerful Riverland. Of course, the more you pay, the more you will get in return. Don't forget, Your Majesty, what you promised is just a verbal promise, and the Tyrell family is unable to take any action at the moment in order to protect themselves."

After hearing this, Gavin nodded helplessly. He really couldn't argue with the old woman in front of him. Even if the Tyrell family was allowed to reap the rewards immediately, they probably wouldn't dare to do so. However, the purpose of coming here today has been achieved.

When Gavin was about to leave, Olenna looked at Gavin deeply and said, "The Targaryen family has a tradition that a dragon egg is placed in the cradle of every newborn. I heard that this tradition originated from ancient Valyria. I wonder if the Bellerys family has this tradition?"

Gavin was slightly puzzled when he heard the other party's question. He guessed that Olenna asked this question probably to protect Margaret's future interests. Then he said frankly: "I have seen relevant records in the family biography. All Dragon King families have this tradition."

Olenna nodded and said, "We accept that Your Majesty follows the example of the Conqueror, and we also hope that Your Majesty can follow the ancient traditions."

Gavin said calmly: "Madam, please rest assured. I will follow the tradition and take care of my offspring."

Olenna took a sip of tea and invited him, "Your Majesty, it's a rare visit to Highgarden. Please stay here for a few days. You can also wait for news and see whether the Iron Throne has sent Ned's adopted son back."

Hearing Lady Olenna's invitation, Gavin thought for a moment and agreed.

Although he knew something about the plot and knew that Balon would have no scruples and implement the "Old Way" again after his heir returned to Pike, the Seven Kingdoms were not in war and Robert was alive and well. Gavin could not be sure of Balon's attitude at this time. What if he was scared? He had to be on guard against the Iron Islands.

Thinking of this, Gavin stood up and said, "Thank you for your hospitality. Sorry to bother you then."

(End of this chapter)