Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 343 Marriage Alliance - The Road to Conquest

In the days that followed, Euron demonstrated remarkable organizational skills.

During the day, he sits in Harrenhal in the Riverlands, handling the complex and numerous affairs of the vast territory. When night falls, the ring on his finger flashes, and he can travel across mountains and rivers to return to Ironwind Isle to be with Ashara, who is six months pregnant, or appear at the Sun Tower in Dorne to spend a moment of tenderness with Elia.

When King Coron, Baron, and the Ironborn delegation who had attended the coronation and wedding returned to the Iron Islands, several messages from Pike Island, carried by ravens on their wings, flew to the six islands, spreading like pebbles into a still lake, from Pike Island to every corner of the Iron Islands.

Firstly, Euron, in the name of the Duke of Harrenhal, formally issued a call to all Ironborn warriors who yearned for land and glory. The largest castle in Westeros was in dire need of manpower, and anyone interested could apply, foreshadowing new opportunities and rewards.

Secondly, a war call filled with the scent of plunder shook the hearts of all adventure lovers—the Iron Islands were setting their sights on the Summer Islands to the south, and were expected to march south in six months. Warriors eager for spoils and glory could gather at Pike Island.

Thirdly, a political marriage was quietly arranged. Balf Greyjoy's daughter, Tessia Greyjoy, was to be betrothed to Jalaba Sol, the prince of Red Flower Valley in the Summer Isles.

Fourth, the core of power shifted, as King Coron had been appointed Lord Commander of the Seas of the Seven Kingdoms and announced that he would reside permanently in King's Landing. His son, Balon Greyjoy, would officially succeed him and be crowned at the Seastone, which symbolized the highest power in the Iron Islands.

Finally, Baron's eldest son, Rodrik Greyjoy, announced his marriage to Jewyn Gubler of House Gubler, further solidifying the alliance within the Greyjoy family.

The five messages were like cold water poured into boiling oil, instantly causing an uproar throughout the Iron Islands.

Lords and nobles from various islands arrived at Pike City by ship, while countless Ironborn warriors poured in from all directions, the salty sea breeze seemingly filled with an atmosphere of restlessness and excitement. The docks and castle were bustling with activity; Pike Island had never been so filled with ambition, opportunity, and an impending surge of power.

Thousands of longships surrounded Pike Island completely. Longships that arrived later had to stop far away on the outer perimeter, and the Ironborn had to pass through one longship after another to reach Pike Island.

On the chosen auspicious day, solemn and ancient prayers echoed in the temple of the drowning god, and the salty smell of the sea seemed to blend into this sacred ceremony.

The two weddings took place together, bringing double joy to the Iron Islands.

One was the marriage of two-year-old Rodrik Greyjoy and Jevons Gubler. The boy was still rather thin, dressed in an overly formal suit, and his expression carried the bewilderment and helplessness of his age, yet he took his first step into manhood amidst the expectations of his family and ancient traditions. The girl blushed shyly, was strikingly beautiful, and inherited the Gubler family's resilience and loyalty.

Another was the marriage between Tessia Greyjoy and the exiled prince Jalabar Thal.

Behind this marriage lay a clear and explicit political imprint—it was one of the conditions for the Iron Islands fleet to set sail, and one of the most frequently used and effective means for the Westeros family to expand their influence. For Tessaia herself, as the daughter of Greyjoy, her marriage was not a matter of choice; her will was already firmly tied to the interests of her family.

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Fortunately, her new husband, Jalaba Sol, though dark-skinned, was tall and had deep-set, striking features. He possessed a unique melancholy and extraordinary air about him. When Tessaya looked at him, her eyes didn't show much aversion or resistance. Only when her gaze occasionally swept over his dark skin did a simple, heartfelt wish rise within her—that her future offspring would not inherit this dark skin.

On the viewing platform, Euron and Balon stood side by side, gazing at the bustling celebration below.

Euron nudged his older brother with his elbow, his tone tinged with amusement: "You, as my father, are quite the character."

Baron's weathered face remained expressionless, his gaze still fixed ahead, his voice low and proud: "No need to praise me! Finding a wife for my son is exactly what I, as a father, should do."

"Stop pretending," Euron's gaze was sharp as a knife, as if it could pierce through Baron's feigned calm, and he chuckled lightly.

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Do you think I don't know what you're thinking?

Upon hearing this, Baron finally turned his head, revealing an undisguised chuckle on his face, as if he had been seen through.

It's only natural for a father to be happy when his eldest son, Rodrik, gets married.

But Balon's deeper calculations could not escape Euron's notice. With the Summer Isles on the verge of being conquered, Balon, as the King of the Iron Islands, already harbored ambitions for a distant expedition. However, having just ascended the throne, if Balon wanted to personally lead his fleet into that unknown and dangerous sea, he had to make proper arrangements for his own "afterlife" beforehand.

Ensuring that his eldest son and heir Rodrik marry as soon as possible and have offspring, thus securing the continued stability of the Greyjoy family's bloodline and rule in the Iron Islands, is a crucial step for Balon's desire to venture out and have fun.

In the darkness of night, Pike Town was brightly lit inside and out, roasted whole cows sizzled over campfires, and mead and ale flowed like an inexhaustible stream, filling the horns and wooden bowls held aloft by every Ironborn.

The deafening noise, singing, and clashes of weapons created a celebratory frenzy. According to ancient tradition, the night was one of revelry, with everyone drinking until they were completely drunk.

When the moonlight reached its zenith, and most of the guests and soldiers were already tipsy and staggering, a real secret meeting quietly began.

King Coron, Baron, Euron, Lisa, and the other influential island lords of the Iron Islands—the key figures who held the fate of the archipelago in their hands—were not indulging in the banquet. They quietly left the noisy hall, passed through the deep stone corridors, and entered a secret chamber located deep within the main castle, completely isolated from all sight and sound.

The heavy stone door slowly closed behind them, completely shutting out the noise from the outside world. The firelight danced on everyone's faces, reflecting a clarity and sharpness completely different from when they were feasting just now.

Here, the plan to determine the future fate of the Kanpei Iron Islands and the distant Summer Islands has only just begun.

After everyone was seated, King Coron waved his hand, cutting off any pleasantries: "Enough with the small talk, let's get straight to the point." His gaze fell on Lisa.

Lisa stood before the table, her presence far exceeding that of "Euren's Salt Concubine." Her ability to be present at such a core meeting stemmed from her intelligence-gathering skills and meticulous mind, recognized by all the ruthless island lords.

"The Summer Isles," she said clearly, her fingertips tracing the unfolded map, "the Summer Sea south of Westeros, an archipelago of over fifty verdant islands." She pointed to three larger islands. "The three main islands, from north to south, are Valanor, Aubenlou, and Zal'le." Her finger paused on Zal'le. "Zal'le is home to the famous Red Blossom Valley and Sweet Lotus Valley. Prince Jalabah Zor, who is betrothed to our family, hails from Red Blossom Valley."

Euron took over, slowly introducing, "Jalabar Zor, a prince exiled after his defeat in a tribal ritual war. We have allied with him through marriage and promised to help him reclaim his princely title in Redflower Valley." He surveyed each island lord present, his voice resounding, "But our goal has never been limited to just Redflower Valley. What I want is the entire Summer Isles!"

Lisa spoke again, drawing everyone's attention from grand plans back to concrete benefits: "The Summer Islands themselves are poor in iron ore, but the underground and the sea contain astonishing wealth: emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and all kinds of pearls. More importantly," she emphasized, highlighting the Iron Islands' most scarce resource, "timber."

"The forestry there is extremely developed, with many rare woods such as hardwood, bloodwood, ebony, mahogany, purpleheart, hibiscus, burl, tigerwood, and ivory being highly sought after by various countries. Among them, golden heartwood is recognized as the best material for making longbows, comparable only to the legendary dragon bone bow. However, the export of golden heartwood is strictly prohibited."

She continued, "In addition, the archipelago has a thriving agricultural sector, producing valuable spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper, as well as a variety of popular tropical fruits."

Euron listened to Lisa's report, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. Only after she finished speaking did he slowly summarize, his tone calm yet containing immense power: "Ports, forestry, gems, spices—these are all profits that can be reached with a straight hand." He then changed the subject and smiled, "But these are just petty profits."

He raised his eyes, his gaze seemingly piercing through the stone wall, looking towards the boundless southern ocean: "What I truly value is the vast sea area we will control after taking over the Summer Islands! Controlling that area is tantamount to holding the Summer Sea by the throat."

It will be our most solid springboard—with it, our Greyjoy longships can go farther than anyone imagines!

He did not elaborate on where that "further place" referred to, but the island lords present understood from his deep gaze that the Summer Islands were merely the first piece placed on his grand chessboard.

King Coron surveyed each of the island lords present, his voice as steady as a rock: "Now, everyone, please state yourselves. Those who wish to participate, we will sail together; those who do not, you may withdraw now. I, Coron Greyjoy, hereby promise that I will not force you."

Before he finished speaking, a hearty and boisterous laugh erupted from the secret room.

Laffer Stonehouse, his face weathered by the sea wind like old tree bark, slammed his fist on the table, his voice booming: "How can I not go? If I dare tell them I'm not going now, my bunch of howling brats will throw me off this chair tomorrow and set sail themselves!"

"Not going? Are you kidding me!" The burly, bear-like Gorgon Gubler wiped the wine stains from his beard. The Warhammer Horn lord retorted, "Can you smell the gold and wood in the sea breeze? It's more irresistible than any woman's perfume!"

Lord Rodrik Harlow, the leader of the Harlow family, stood up, his words drawing even louder echoes: "We, the Harlow family, will only give up sailing when the sea dries up! As long as the waves continue to crash against the reefs, our longships will forever sail on the road to conquest!"

"Well said!" The patriarch of the Zhuogu family slammed his fist on the table, his eyes burning with a warlike light. "How could the great cause of conquering the sea be complete without the axes and roars of our Zhuogu family!"

Without the slightest hesitation, without the slightest retreat.

Their fervent fighting spirit and thirst for wealth and glory surged like the tides surrounding the Iron Islands, unstoppable.

The decision to launch an expedition to the Summer Islands was made without any suspense amidst such a near-boiling, fervent consensus.