Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 212 Allies - Friends

News of the Iron Islands' twenty longships carrying two thousand elite troops on an expedition to the Stone Steps Islands spread swiftly like a sea breeze to every corner of the seven kingdoms.

From Winterfell in the North to Sunspear in Dorne, from the Red Keep in King's Landing to the Citadel in Oldtown, nobles and commoners alike were talking about this daring military operation.

Meanwhile, House Redwyn also received an invitation from Euron to join them in a joint campaign. This was a collaboration that Euron and Lady Olenna Redwyn had discussed during the Tournament of Harrenhal.

The Redwyn family's fleet was almost completely annihilated in the Battle of Green Pavilion, and although it had been rebuilt over the years, it was far from regaining its former glory and strength—a fact Euron was well aware of. He didn't believe the Redwyn family's involvement was the key to the success or failure of this expedition; it was more of a political gesture. Moreover, the old grudges between the two families hadn't been resolved; the resentment forged in the Battle of Green Pavilion, and the old grievances accumulated along trade routes, made genuine coordinated operations extremely difficult.

Redwin's arrival is merely icing on the cake; true conquest will still require the Iron Islands' own swords and blood.

Upon receiving Euron's raven message, Olenna Redwin immediately summoned her brother, Earl Adrian Redwin. The study on Green Pavilion Island was filled with the scent of ink and the sea breeze; she gently placed the secret letter on the wooden table.

"Have you received the message?" Olena's voice was as smooth as silk, yet carried an undeniable weight. "The Iron Islands fleet has already set sail."

Adrian frowned. "Sister, you're not really going to cooperate with that little sea monster, are you? The Greyjoys have always been unpredictable."

“The Stepstone Islands,” Olenna interrupted him, her finger tracing lightly across the unfolded sea chart, “located in the very center of the Narrow Sea, the only route connecting Westeros and Essos.” Her fingertip touched King’s Landing and Gulltown, then glided towards Lys, Tyrosy, and Slaver’s Bay. “Whether it’s the export of wine, wool, and ironware, or the import of spices and silk from the East, all must pass through this sea.”

A shrewd glint flashed in her eyes: "Taking high tolls on passing merchant ships will generate a stable and continuous source of huge revenue. More importantly, we will gain pricing power and priority trading rights for valuable commodities such as spices and silk, allowing us to directly participate in the most profitable stages of the trade."

Olena tapped her finger heavily on Bloodstone Island's location: "Developing the island's cinnabar mines and surrounding fishing grounds, transforming it into an intelligence hub and strategic fulcrum connecting East and West—its value far exceeds mere economic benefits." She looked up at her brother. "What does occupying it mean? It means the Redwin family will regain its former glory. Tell me, dear brother, what reason do we have to refuse this opportunity?"

Earl Adrian Redwin's fingers unconsciously tightened around his wine glass, his knuckles turning white from the force: "Don't forget, the flames of Green Pavilion Island haven't been completely extinguished! Remember the insults they inflicted on our port—"

"Who was right and who was wrong back then has all been swept away by the ocean currents." Olena's voice suddenly sharpened like thorns. "What's the point of dwelling on these old grievances?" She stood up, her skirt drawing a resolute arc behind her. "Don't act like a crying little girl, Adrian. Faced with enough benefits, any hatred can be set aside."

Adrian gulped down a mouthful of wine, his voice hoarse with excitement: "But I just can't accept this! And my fleet soldiers won't be convinced either—how many of their brothers have died under the swords and axes of the Ironborn? Now they're being asked to fight alongside those murderers—" His words trailed off as he shook his head in anguish.

Outside the window, the setting sun dyed the sea around Qingting Island blood-red, as if the wounds that had not yet healed were still throbbing faintly.

Olena Redwin tapped her fingertips lightly on the table, a shrewd smile playing on her lips: "The Stone Steps Islands are so big, the sea is vast, and the islands are scattered like stars in the sky. Who says we have to join forces?" Her gaze was as sharp as a hawk's. "He fights his, you fight yours, each fights for themselves, and you don't interfere with each other. Isn't that enough?"

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Adrian's tense expression finally eased a bit, and he nodded slightly: "That arrangement is more like it."

However, Olena's tone shifted abruptly, her voice carrying an unyielding decisiveness: "However, you must provide them with some food supplies." Before Adrian could object, she continued, "Don't be so stern. How many ships and men can you send? They are the main force, fighting on the front lines. We have fewer people to commit, so we need to exchange supplies for future profits from the rear. This deal is a win-win situation no matter how you look at it."

The last rays of the setting sun streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting a long shadow of Olenna. She picked up her wine glass, gently swirling the deep red liquid within, as if she could already see the Redwin family's empire on the Stepstone Islands.

Inside Yangji City's study, the hot desert wind gently blew in through the carved window.

Prince Doran, Princess Elijah, Princess Arianne, and Prince Oberon were sitting around a bronze-inlaid ebony table, reviewing the latest intelligence reports.

Prince Doran tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of his wheelchair, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "The little sea monster is quite efficient, starting so quickly."

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Arianne gave a soft hum, but a faint smile played on her lips: "You kept your word and didn't let us down."

Oberyn toyed with the spear in his hand, a warlike glint in his eyes: "You know how to play this game, using revenge as an excuse to strike openly and legitimately. It's certainly a brilliant move."

Ilya interjected softly, "Don't we have some arrangements on the Stone Steps Islands? Do we need to use them this time?"

'

Arianne immediately cast a teasing glance at her: "What, starting to worry about the little sea monster?"

"Ilya glanced at her, her tone calm yet firm: "At least for now, he genuinely intends to cooperate with Dorn, and it's for—" She touched her slightly protruding belly: "The future!"

Prince Doran sighed and gently waved his hand, making a decision: "Oberon, go and make the arrangements. Take this opportunity to mobilize our forces there and wipe out those troublesome pirates."

Oberyn's lips curled into a bloodthirsty smile as he strode forward, spear in hand. Sunlight cast long shadows on his departing figure, a stark reminder of the impending bloodshed that awaited the Stone Steps Islands.

The salty sea breeze from the Snake Lizard Islands, carrying the aroma of wine and the sound of waves, flooded into the hall.

Pirate Captain Edwin Ramirez leaned against the rough wooden table, his thumb and forefinger habitually rubbing together his signature upturned mustache. His deep black eyes narrowed into crescent moons, revealing a playful smile.

"Hehe," his voice was hoarse and rough, "our distinguished friend has sent a letter, extending a special invitation to us."

"Long Legs" Lomas took the letter with the sea monster wax seal, quickly scanned its contents, and a faint smile appeared on his lips: "Stone Steps Islands? That's a familiar and lively place. So—what are your plans?"

Edwin stood up and began pacing around the hall, his boots tapping rhythmically on the wooden planks. "When have you ever seen me refuse a friend's invitation?" He suddenly stopped, his eyes flashing with the fanatical gleam of a pirate. He spread his hands and chuckled, "Besides, isn't this a wonderful adventure?"

He leaped onto the barrel and shouted to the pirates filling the hall, "Brothers! I'm sure you're all tired of this Serpent Islands! Anyone willing to come with me to a new sea and embark on an adventure that will go down in history?"

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The deafening shouts nearly lifted the roof off, and the clinking of wine glasses and swords echoed everywhere.

Amidst the clamor and excitement, Edwin's mustache swung proudly, as if he could already foresee an exciting journey about to begin.