Game of Thrones: Dawn of Justice

Chapter 47: Garlon's Plan for an Empire on Which the Sun Never Sets
Ellery understood Garlon's underlying meaning.

She came to persuade Helena, and Garlon persuaded Earl Leighton, saying...what were they trying to persuade?

Ellery's fair skin turned red again.

Her heartbeat was somewhat uncontrollable.

"Ellery..."

Garlon curled the corner of his mouth, and put his other hand directly around Ellery's waist and hugged Ellery.

He was not very reserved or gentlemanly.

Ellely had accidentally revealed her liking for him yesterday.

Tonight she even came to his room in her pajamas.

For a dignified noble lady like Ellery, this was already a great initiative.

"do you like me?"

After hearing what Garlon said and being hugged by Garlon, Ellery's breathing became a little rapid.

Reason told her that this was wrong. It would bring a lot of trouble to Helena, her father and Garlon, and would also cause many twists and turns in her originally smooth life.

However, facing Garlon's whispered question, she didn't know why she didn't want to think about it anymore.

"Um……"

Ellie mustered up her courage, raised her eyes and met Garlon's gaze, and uttered a slight but affirmative response through her nose.

Under the dim oil lamp, there seemed to be a pool of spring water in Ellery's green eyes.

Garen smiled, tightened his arms, and hugged Ellery completely into his arms, the two of them pressed together.

"Then you and Helena should marry me together." Garlon nuzzled Ellery's cheek with his nose and lips, inhaling her delicate fragrance. "I will convince Earl Layton."

Ellery's body went limp, her breathing became rapid, her hands unconsciously wrapped around Garlon's waist, her heart in turmoil.

She did think so.

She liked that Garen treated her the same way he treated Helena.

But how could his father allow him to marry Garen with Helena?

Moreover, Westeros does not allow nobles to marry two wives.

She can only be Garlon's mistress.

The child born will only be an illegitimate child.

But...being held in Garlon's arms and in physical contact with Garlon, Ellery felt a surge of warmth in her heart, spreading to every part of her body.

She had never felt such a pleasant feeling before.

Anyway, she had already decided not to marry Mays.

Ellery was in a state of confusion. Although she felt that she was ridiculous and impulsive, she was ready to be Garlon's lover.

"it is good……"

Ellery hugged Garen's back with both hands, closed her eyes, and answered.

After Ellery finished speaking, she felt a little panicked, but then relieved, and she couldn't help but hug Garlon tighter.

Garen didn't expect that Ellery actually agreed.

Only at this moment did he completely confirm Ellery's feelings for him.

Because the decision made by Ellery was too important for a noble lady who had received etiquette education since childhood.

Obviously, Ellery did not expect any status from him.

Garen smiled faintly in his heart.

Other nobles could only have one wife, and the rest of the women could only be mistresses.

But this applies to ordinary nobles.

Didn’t Aegon the Conqueror have two legal wives?
As long as you have the strength to suppress everything, you make the rules.

He has a system, and he will definitely be able to get his own dragon in the future.

When he rides his dragon and conquers Westeros, who will dare to restrain him with aristocratic etiquette?

Then they will just use the story of Aegon the Conqueror to praise him for marrying sisters.

Therefore, as long as Ellery is sincere with him, he will definitely give Ellery a legitimate status in the future.

Next, Garlon carefully measured his sister-in-law's development and took away Ellery's first kiss.

Then he hugged Ellery and took a nap for a while.

Before dawn, Ellery was sent back to her room.

The work on Helena's side will depend on Ellery.

The Evening Star sailed on the sea for three days and finally arrived at Tas Island.

Earl Selwyn warmly entertained Earl Leighton and his entourage.

On the third day after arriving on the island, Garlon and Helena held an engagement ceremony in the Dusk Hall.

Afterwards, Earl Leighton took his children to travel on the Isle of Tas for three days before returning to Oldtown by boat.

During this period, Garlon naturally took advantage of the night to have secret meetings with Ellery several times.

He had almost figured out the sensitive parts of Ellery's body.

But he did not break through the last step.

On their return trip, the Hightower family also brought half a cabin's worth of beer, about 50 barrels.

During the time that Garlon participated in the tourney at Harrenhal, Earl Selwyn worked overtime to perfect the beer, and its taste has now basically reached its best at this stage.

Earl Layton will take this batch of beer to Oldtown and promote it to the Riverlands.

The climate in River Bend and Dorne is relatively hot, and beer with ice cubes is very refreshing, which is very suitable for people there to enjoy.

As for pricing, Earl Selwyn and Garlon did not sell beer at the same low price as ale.

In most taverns in Westeros, a barrel of ale costs about one silver deer.

If a glass of beer is sold alone, the price is about 1-2 copper coins.

The price of beer agreed upon by Earl Selwyn and Garlon was about three silver deer per barrel.

On average, in a pub, the price of a drink is about 5 copper cents.

For the rich and the knights, this price is still a bargain.

It is relatively expensive for ordinary farmers, but if they can drink one or two cups a week, they can still afford it.

Garen and Earl Selwyn planned to sell mainly in the Westerlands, the Riverlands, Dorne, King's Landing and the Stormlands at the beginning.

Increase or decrease the selling price based on market feedback.

But if sold at the price of 3 silver deer per barrel, Tas Island would make a lot of money.

Because the brewing process of beer is not much more complicated than that of ale, the cost is not much different from that of ale.

The general cost of brewing a barrel is about half a silver deer.

In other words, for every barrel sold, they on Tas Island would earn 2.5 silver deer.

This profit margin is huge.

Moreover, beer and wine have a huge advantage, which is the short brewing time!

The raw materials for beer are wheat, barley, rye, oats, etc., which can be stored for a long time and are not restricted by raw materials.

From cultivating malt to brewing beer, it takes no more than a month. Once the scale is expanded, the brewing time for a batch of beer will be about half a month.

Wine, on the other hand, takes at least one to two months from grape picking to brewing. Average-quality wines take two to six months. Aged wines, on the other hand, take even longer, requiring years to brew.

Therefore, the beer business can definitely be driven by volume.

As long as sales start to open up, it can bring a steady stream of golden dragons to Tas Island.

Moreover, Earl Selwyn told Garlon that Westeros might not be the main consumer of beer.

The main consumption area will most likely be the Free City-State.

Because the climate in the free cities is very hot, having a glass of ice-cold beer in the scorching heat is definitely a pleasure for men.

Generally, larger pubs have ice cellars, so you can add ice to the beer.

Before Garlon returned to the island of Tas, Earl Selwyn had sent several captains with beer to the free trade cities of Pentos, Tyrosh, and Myr to discuss cooperation with local wine merchants.

Now, what Tas Island needs to do is to find some large distributors and expand the beer business.

As long as the beer sells well, more distributors will naturally come to Tasmania and actively seek to buy beer from them.

After sending the Hightower family away, Garlon and Earl Selwyn began to plan the beer brewing estate.

Beer will definitely be an important source of income for Tasmania in the future.

So they have to choose a good location and formulate a good production process.

For example, the cultivation of malt must be done in one place.

Cook and place in one place.

Fermentation is placed in one place and so on.

To ensure that the brewing process is not leaked to the greatest extent possible.

In addition, a mountain range must be selected to secretly grow hops.

After working for about a month, we finally got the beer production done.

Once the beer business is developed, a large number of jobs will be created on Tasmania.

The income of ordinary people on the island will also increase significantly.

After a month, the climate, which had already entered spring and was heading towards long summer, suddenly began to turn cold again.

Scholar Yamo told Garen that this was a false spring phenomenon and was rare.

Merchant ships sailing from King's Landing learned that Mad King Aerys had ordered the pyromancers to start a blazing green wildfire on the walls of King's Landing to dispel the cold winter.

And according to the captains, after winning the championship at Harrenhal, Prince Rhaegar did not return to King's Landing or go to Dragonstone, but took Arthur Dayne and others and went somewhere unknown.

In addition to the news from King's Landing, Winterfell in the North and Riverrun in the Riverlands are also beginning to prepare for the wedding of Brandon and Catelyn.

About three or four months later, when this cold wave ends, the two will get married.

After hearing this news, Garen knew that Rhaegar had been secretly seducing Lyanna.

When the cold wave ends, Lord Rickard will take Lyanna south to Riverrun to get married. I'm afraid Rhaegar will take the opportunity to kidnap Lyanna.

At that time, the plot will officially begin.

After confirming this information, Garlon also knew that he had to hurry up and prepare for the war against the usurper.

"Galon, why are you suddenly purchasing so many ships, weapons, and armor?"

After hearing Garlon's plan, Earl Selwyn was a little surprised.

Because Garlon is obviously preparing for a war.

"Father, I discovered some unusual traces in Harrenhal this time."

Garlon said to Earl Selwyn.

"What traces?"

Earl Selwyn looked serious and decided to listen to Garlon's ideas.

Now, he would listen to Garlon's opinions on important matters in the Murin Hall.

Firstly, he wanted Garlon to participate in the management of affairs and enhance his abilities.

Secondly, he discovered that Garlon could always offer higher-level opinions in many aspects.

Garen thought for a moment and formulated his words.

It would definitely not work to just say that the War of the Usurper would begin, so he had to say it another way.

"Father, you must have heard that Prince Rhaegar gave the crown of love and beauty to Lyanna of House Stark."

Lord Selwyn nodded.

He had heard this many times.

He also felt a little ridiculous.

Rhaegar had a wife and children, but he did not follow custom and give the wreath of love and beauty to his wife Elia.

"I've run into Lyanna and Rhaegar a few times in Harrenhal this time. I think there's a deeper relationship between the two of them."

"what?"

Earl Selwyn opened his eyes wide, somewhat incredulous.

He always thought that this was just a farce, but he didn't expect there was really something behind it.

"Galon, are you sure?"

Garen nodded.

"This is ridiculous!"

Lord Selwyn was speechless for a moment, not knowing what to say.

Lyanna is the daughter of Lord Rickard and Robert's fiancée.

Rhaegar is the first heir to the Iron Throne.

There are so many things involved.

He suddenly felt a shock in his heart and looked at Garen. "Garen, are you saying that Lyanna and Rhaegar will cause unrest?"

"Yes, father. From what I've observed, Lyanna and Rhaegar will definitely do something out of the ordinary."

Garen confirmed.

Lord Selwyn frowned.

I carefully reasoned according to what Garlon said.

The more I thought about him, the heavier my breathing became.

Indeed, if something did happen between Lyanna and Rhaegar.

That would involve the North, the Stormlands, the royal family, Dorne, and even Robert's adoptive father, Lord Jon Arryn. One move would affect the entire body.

If something goes wrong, it could really lead to chaos.

"But……"

Lord Selwyn was still somewhat puzzled.

Because in the final analysis, these have no direct connection with their Tas family.

Even if Robert really issued an edict, they on the island of Tas would only need to send some troops to help.

There's no need to spend so many gold dragons to upgrade your armaments.

Earl Selwyn has experienced the joy of making money in recent years, and now he wants to be busy and fulfilled and feel the feeling of gold dragons arriving in his account.

"Father, you have overlooked the biggest variable."

Garen spoke lightly.

"Our Lord Aerys is becoming increasingly insane."

"He's like a barrel of wildfire right now, ready to explode."

After hearing what Garlon said, Earl Selwyn immediately understood what Garlon was worried about.

Indeed, if Iris, the powder keg, is added, then this time the situation will probably be very serious.

"Galon, are you planning to accumulate strength for this possible turmoil and then take advantage of the opportunity to reap more benefits?"

Earl Selwyn almost understood what Garlon meant.

Garen nodded.

“But what if the unrest didn’t happen?”

Lord Selwyn said.

According to Garlon's plan, Tas Island would purchase 30 warships, 1000 sets of chain mail, 2000 spears, and many other bows, crossbows and arrows.

It will cost 8 to 10 gold royals.

You should know that there are only 15 gold dragons in the treasury of Mulin Hall.

"If not, then let's plan for the Stone Steps Islands."

Garen smiled lightly and said.

"Stone Step Islands?"

Lord Selwyn took a deep breath.

He probably understood Garlon's ambition.

The Stepstones, located northeast of the Broken Arm of Dorne, are scattered across the Narrow Sea, extending all the way to the disputed lands of Essos.

According to legend, in ancient times, there was a land bridge connecting Westeros and Essos, known as the Arm of Dorne.

It was along the Arm of Dorne that the First Men came to Westeros.

Later, the Children of the Forest used magic to destroy the Arm of Dorne, thus giving birth to the Stepstones.

Due to its remote location and lack of full control, the Stepstones have long been occupied by pirates, smugglers, and exiles. The islanders are mostly adventurers, fugitives, or descendants of mixed race, leading a rough and unruly lifestyle.

The islands in the Stepstones Archipelago caused serious trouble to merchant ships traveling in the Narrow Sea.

Tas Island was also frequently harassed by these pirates.

"Garon, the terrain of the Stone Steps Archipelago is mostly rocky and barren, lacking fertile land and limited resources. Even if we conquer it, it won't be of much use."

said Lord Selwyn.

In the eyes of the Westeros nobles, the Stepstones are a typical waste and there is no point in conquering them.

This is also the reason why, although King Jaehaerys II won the Battle of the Ninepenny Kings in the Stepstones, he did not occupy the Stepstones.

"Father, look."

Garen smiled and spread out the prepared map.

He pointed to an island opposite Tas and looked towards Lord Selwyn.

Lord Selwyn was startled. "Tyrosh?"

What Garen pointed at was Tyrosh, the free trade castle at the easternmost part of the Stepstone Islands, hanging on the edge of the Essos continent.

In theory, Tyrosh is also an island in the Stepstones, just a little bigger and more prosperous.

"Yes." Garen nodded, then placed two fingers on Tas Island and Tyrosh Island respectively. "Father, what do our Tas Island and Tyrosh look like?"

Lord Selwyn was silent.

like what?
Like two door gods on the Narrow Sea, together they look like a pair of scissors on the Narrow Sea.

He probably understood what Garen meant.

It turns out that Garlon's real target was not the Stepstones, but Tyrosh.

If they can take the Stepstones, they'll eventually take Tyrosh.

That is equivalent to controlling the passage between the north and south of the Narrow Sea.

This is the most important sea route.

The Westerlands, the Reach, and Dorne, if they want to trade with the Stormlands, King's Landing, the Riverlands, the North, Pentos, and Braavos by sea, must all pass through this sea route.

Cities in Slaver's Bay and Jade Sea must also take this sea route if they want to trade with free trade cities such as Myr and Pentos.

"Galon, this idea is really bold."

Earl Selwyn thought for a long time and finally used the word "very bold" to describe Garlon's idea.

Because Garlon's idea is risky and difficult to implement, but the benefits are unlimited.

If things go wrong, the Tas family may decline drastically.

But if it goes well.

Tas may become a duke, or even a king.

If it were him, he would definitely not dare to take such a big risk.

But...Galon's words.

Earl Selwyn looked at his son, his breathing becoming a little rapid.

Garlon has a holy sword with him, and he can use it to judge prisoners and become stronger.

At only fourteen, he had already defeated Arthur Dayne and Barristan.

What kind of achievements can be made in the future is immeasurable.

If it were Garen, could he clear the islands of the Stepstones and capture Tyrosh?
Earl Selwyn thought about it and inexplicably felt that it was very likely.

"Father, my target is not just Tyrosh."

Garlon paused, decided not to hide it anymore, and told Earl Selwyn his true thoughts.

This concerns the future of the House of Tarth, and he needs the support and help of Earl Selwyn.

"My goal is..."

Garlon took out a charcoal pencil and drew a few circles on the parchment map.

These circles are: Tass, Rain House City, Greenstone Isle, Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh.

Then Garlon connected Tas Island, Rain House City, Green Stone Island, Rees, and Myr, forming a square across the Narrow Sea.

Tyrosh and the Stepstones are located in the middle of the square frame.

"Father, what would happen if these pieces of land were all ours?"

Garen laughed.

Earl Selwyn was filled with turmoil.

He felt shocked and absurd, but at the same time he began to think seriously about Garlon's hypothesis.

These places just happen to firmly lock the Narrow Sea.

If they had a strong navy, they could have completely controlled the Narrow Sea Passage.

The large disputed land between Lys, Myr and Tyrosh is a very famous fertile land on the continent of Essos.

It is a golden sea route with population and land.

This is the foundation of the dynasty.

Establishing the capital in Tyrosh and controlling the entire kingdom is indeed an extremely bold and amazing idea.

"Garlon, are you sure we can achieve this with the strength of our Tas Island?"

Lord Selwyn had to admit that he was moved.

But he felt that it would be difficult to do so with their family's current strength.

Even after another ten or even twenty years, it will be difficult to find one that can do this.

When Garlon heard this, he smiled.

Indeed, under normal circumstances, it is difficult to do.

However, he was familiar with the plot and could gain enough benefits from the War of the Usurper, including the subsequent Iron Islands Rebellion, to rapidly increase the strength of Tasmania.

In addition, he has a cheat, and soon his personal strength will surpass everyone else.

And, there is the most important point.

He can ride a dragon like the Mother of Dragons.

Wait until he has a dragon like Drogon.

The free cities of Tyrosh, Myr, and Lys would be reduced to ashes under the dragon's flames.

With the dragon, it would be extremely easy for him to control the territory consisting of this island.

So, what seemed difficult to Earl Selwyn was nothing to him.

In fact, this was just his plan to build a kingdom.

If his strength and power grow quickly, it will not be a problem to build a larger maritime empire based on this.

"Father, believe me, I can do it."

Garlon didn't explain anything, but just looked at Earl Selwyn and said seriously.

"And, I think, unrest in Westeros will come soon."

"We on Tas Island can definitely rise quickly in this turmoil."

"By then, our plan to attack Tyrosh will go much more smoothly."

Lord Selwyn finally understood.

It turned out that Garlon had already made a complete plan in his mind.

Garen had thought clearly about every step.

So, should he support Garen or oppose him?

Lord Selwyn's chest heaved as he fell into deep thought.

Garen was not in a hurry either.

Dad is capable and has more experience than him.

With his father's support, his subsequent plans can proceed more smoothly.

Lord Selwyn thought a lot.

Finally he realized an important point.

That is, ever since the Tarth family pledged allegiance to the Storm King, the Tarth family has indeed been declining.

The reputation of the Dusk Star has now been forgotten even by the people of Tas Island.

The biggest problem is that the people of House Tarth have lost their enterprising spirit and have become country nobles like other Westeros nobles.

Including himself, when he heard about Garlon's plan, his first reaction was that it was treasonous, dangerous, and impossible. However, he forgot that the ancestor of their Tas family was also a king.

Continue to develop in this direction.

Perhaps the Tas family would have chosen the wrong side in a political battle, or their inheritance would have been cut off due to some unexpected events.

In short, it is impossible to go any further.

Garlon's talent, wisdom, ideas, and the Maid of Justice may be the key to the Tas family's rebirth from the ashes.

"Okay, I see."

Earl Selwyn let out a long breath and nodded seriously.

This meant that he agreed to Garlon's plan.

(End of this chapter)