Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 233 "Brown Pearl" by Belege Osiris

Euron's predictions about the negotiations were remarkably accurate.

He didn't have to wait long. Just three days later, a small, elegantly slender black boat without any flags quietly approached the heavily guarded dock on Grey Gallows Island, like a ghost.

Its appearance did not raise any alarms, because everything about it—its unique shape and its silent demeanor—clearly proclaimed the identity and intentions of the newcomer.

It comes from the Silent Bay, a neutral place on the Steps Islands that no one dares to easily touch, a marketplace of desires and secrets.

A woman draped in black veil gracefully stepped off the ship. Her face was half-hidden behind the thin veil, with only her deep, light-absorbing eyes clearly visible, her gaze carrying a calm and mysterious air of someone who had seen it all.

She walked with ease, as if she were not stepping into a conquered land that had just been ravaged by blood and was still filled with a chilling atmosphere, but rather entering a ball that had been arranged long ago.

Her arrival itself was a silent language, announcing the choice of the three daughters' alliance, or at least some of the true power holders within it.

The curtain of negotiations was quietly raised at a speed that exceeded everyone's expectations.

The small black boat from Silent Bay brought a definite message: both sides agreed to meet three days later in Silent Bay, a recognized neutral place and a haven of desire and secrets.

At that time, the three daughters' alliance will bring all the "evidence" they can gather in order to prove their "innocence" to Euron Greyjoy and offer him conditions that will satisfy him.

When the news reached him, Euron showed no surprise whatsoever. He simply listened calmly to the report, a knowing smile playing on his lips, like a chess player who had everything under control.

“Tell them,” his reply was simple and forceful, “I will be on time.”

This seemingly casual reply carried immense weight.

It was more than just a promise; it was a signal that the new ruler of the Steps Islands was willing to give the other side a chance to resolve the issue at the negotiating table. However, everyone knew that this meeting in Silent Bay was perhaps no less dangerous than a real naval battle.

However, this time the weapons will be words, bargaining chips, and unfathomable conspiracies.

Euron's gaze swept over his core team in the hall, his tone as casual as if he were deciding what to have for dinner: "Who wants to go to the Silent Bay negotiations?"

A brief silence fell over the room. Baron Greyjoy, arms crossed, gave a dismissive snort and turned his head away. He had no interest in such verbal sparring; he preferred direct combat. Prince Oberon yawned elegantly, toying with his snake-head ring, and lazily remarked, "Bargaining? That's a merchant's game, utterly boring." The experienced Uncle Balf simply shook his head; he was better at commanding from a longship than negotiating at the table.

Ultimately, all eyes—including Euron's—fell on Lord Paxter Redwin.

This heir to Qingting Island may not be the bravest warrior, but he is the only one among them who truly knows how to speak "seriously" with those governors and princes who wear velvet and talk about trade.

The three-day period arrived in the blink of an eye.

A small, highly skilled team set off from Blackrock Island.

Euron Greyjoy, dressed in black, walked at the front, his expression calm and composed. Beside him was Earl Paxter Redwyn, who was richly dressed but could not hide his nervousness.

Behind them followed five Ironborn elites, silent as mountains and with sharp eyes; Floyd Greyjoy was one of them. Five well-equipped warriors, clad in robes bearing the Redwyn family's vine crest. This small group, representing two powerful forces, embarked on their journey to the neutral land.

In stark contrast to Euron Greyjoy's small, elite entourage of only ten men, the Three Daughters' Alliance delegation was a formidable force.

Nearly a hundred officials, knights, clerks, and guards from Tyros, Lys, and Myr arrived at Silent Bay aboard ornately decorated ships. Dressed in fine clothes, with silk, velvet, and gold jewelry gleaming in the sunlight, they tried their best to maintain the dignity and prestige of the city-state, but also revealed their inner unease and bluff.

After landing on the island, Euron did not immediately make any contact with the anxiously waiting "VIPs." His figure disappeared directly into the depths of Silent Bay, into the secluded mansion belonging to the owner of the place.

The fact that Silent Bay could remain the only neutral place in the bloody and chaotic Stone Steps Archipelago for so long naturally stems from its unique and transcendent laws and powers.

Its founder was Belge Othris, a legendary pirate queen in history. Because of her deep, dark skin, she was known as the "Black Pearl" of Braavos.

This legendary woman was the fearsome captain of the "Widow's Wind," of noble and complex lineage: her father was the son of the Sea King of Braavos, and her mother a princess from the distant Summer Isles. Her life was an undefinable multifaceted individual: a cunning smuggler, a shrewd businesswoman, and occasionally a return to piracy. Her romantic escapades were legendary; it was said she had a husband in every major port, and even Aegon Targaryen IV was one of her many lovers.

Today, this neutral land is ruled by a descendant of this legendary queen, Belerge Othris, who inherited the same name and was once renowned for her beauty in the social circles of Braavos.

She wore a dark yellow, low-cut silk robe that perfectly complemented her radiant brown skin, revealing her curves and exuding charm. Her thick, long black hair was elegantly styled with a delicate gold hairnet, and a necklace crafted from black jade and gold cascaded down her full bust, rising and falling gently with her breath.

Many Braavos residents believe that the title "Brown Pearl" might be more fitting for her, accurately describing her warm and alluring honey-like complexion.

When Euron mentioned Raphael Ortega, the water dancer renowned for his elegant swordsmanship, even the well-traveled "Brown Pearl" Belege Othelis couldn't help but chuckle, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. She clearly still remembered the dashing swordsman who had once captivated her.

In a duel to win her favor, Raphael once used his signature rapier to stab the darling of a powerful business tycoon to the ground.

This past event undoubtedly adds a touch of legend, a blend of romance and swordplay, to the otherwise neutral stance of Silent Bay.

Euron leaned back languidly on the softly cushioned chaise lounge, his gaze sweeping across the tranquil harbor outside the window, then over the luxurious yet tasteful decor of the interior, before finally settling on the alluring woman before him. A playful smile played on his lips as he slowly spoke, "Truly unexpected. In this chaotic land steeped in blood and greed, such a peaceful haven is hidden." His voice was deep, tinged with admiration, before his tone shifted, his gaze fixed intently on Belle, "What I didn't expect even more is that among all those stinking men around, there is such a—fragrant, breathtakingly beautiful woman."

He leaned forward slightly, as if posing a question that had been lingering in his mind: "Tell me, why leave the beautiful, prosperous, civilized, and orderly Braavos, and instead choose to settle in this lawless land?"

Upon hearing this, "Brown Pearl" Belege Osiris chuckled softly. She gracefully raised her hand to tuck a stray strand of black hair behind her ear—a simple gesture that, when performed by her, exuded captivating charm. A complex emotion flickered in her eyes, a mixture of nostalgia and a sense of relief at having broken free from constraints.

"Bravos?" she scoffed, her tone languid with a world-weary air. "The people there are indeed well-dressed and speak elegantly, but everyone loves to play dirty tricks. All deals and emotions are hidden beneath the surface, living as if wearing countless masks." A wilder smile curved her red lips. "The Steps Islands, though barbaric, are simple and direct. Looting happens in broad daylight, and killing is crystal clear. After staying there for a while, I truly realized that pirate blood still flows in my veins."

Her voice held a hint of self-mockery, yet was unwavering: "In Braavos, even smiles were calculated. I almost forgot what true happiness felt like. Until I came here," she opened her arms as if embracing the entire Silent Bay, "I realized that this lawless, free sea is the perfect place for me. Everything here, at least, is real."

Euron's gaze lingered on her face for a moment, as if he could see beyond her beautiful features to her untamed soul. He nodded slowly, a hint of approval in his voice: "You seem to have always belonged here."

Euron's fingers tapped lightly on the table as he looked sharply at Belle: "As the master of Silent Bay and a descendant of the former Pirate Queen, in your view, where will this negotiation ultimately lead?"

Upon hearing this, Bellejie let out a soft laugh, like a clear spring striking jade. She shook her head, a cunning yet clear-headed glint in her eyes: "The negotiation is a matter between you and your third daughter's alliance, my lord. As for me, I'm merely a middleman providing the venue, ensuring that the wine in both parties' glasses doesn't suddenly turn into poison." She paused, her tone becoming meaningful, "As for the final outcome? That always depends solely on you—what kind of outcome you ultimately desire. Asking me is less helpful than asking yourself."

Euron stared at her for a moment, then suddenly laughed, a laugh tinged with admiration: "Yes. You're right."

He abandoned all pretense, his demeanor suddenly becoming direct and forceful, like a drawn blade: "Fine, then let's talk about our deal. All the resource flows of the Stone Steps Islands, all the secret intelligence—everything your Silent Bay possesses, I want a copy of. Name your price."

Surprisingly, Beilejie barely hesitated, parted her red lips slightly, and uttered a single word: "Free."

This unusual answer even startled Euron, a rare look of surprise flashing in his eyes: "————"

Beilejie admired his fleeting change in expression, then added unhurriedly, her smile still beautiful but carrying a hint of cold sharpness: "However, I need you to do me a favor in the future."

"Speak," You Lun said succinctly.

"A person's life." Beilejie's voice was soft, yet every word was clear.

"Who?"

"Treig Omeren".

Euron raised an eyebrow, then gave a playful smile: "The trading prince of Rhys? Interesting. Someone with ties to the Faceless Ones, yet you want me, an ordinary person, to take the life of a prince for you? That doesn't quite fit the rules of the Many-Faced God." He couldn't be sure that Belle was a Faceless One, but she was definitely not a weak woman who couldn't even kill a chicken.

Belle's smile deepened, as if she had anticipated his question: "Mortals must serve, and all mortals must die. But Trigger Omeren's death is not yet certain; his name is not on the list of the Many-Faced Gods." Her gaze deepened, as if she could see through Euron's true nature. "And you—someone clearly outside the list of the Many-Faced Gods, called the 'Son of the Drowned God' by countless people—how could you possibly be an ordinary person?"

Euron was silent for a moment, seemingly weighing his options, before saying, "Now? I might not have time to personally handle this matter in Rhys, nor do I have the time—"

"Not now," Belle interrupted him, her tone calm, "when the threads of future destiny intertwine, and the opportunity arises—you only need to remember today's promise."

7

Euron looked directly into her unfathomable eyes, and finally nodded decisively: "Okay." His tone was succinct, as if a trading prince of Rhys was nothing more than meat on a chopping board, to be sliced ​​and chopped at will.