Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 349 The Hands-Off Manager

Following Euron's successful precedent of "recruiting" bankers from across the Narrow Sea, Tywin Lannister of the Westerlands and Lady Odwin Tyrell of the Reach followed suit.

They openly or covertly sent envoys to free city-states such as Pentos and Braavos, recruiting a group of experienced financial talents with large sums of money and promises.

As bankers recruited by various parties gradually took their places, under the coordination and planning of Tychu Nestorus, branches of the Continental Bank sprang up like mushrooms after rain in major ports and important cities throughout Westeros.

The brand-new signboard gleamed in the sunlight, and the abacus beads in front of the counter made a crisp and frequent sound.

At this moment, the seven kingdoms, having endured the ravages of war, are in dire need of rebuilding.

Whether it was nobles eager to rebuild their homes or merchants intending to expand their businesses, they all had a huge need for funds.

The lending services offered by mainland banks came at the perfect time, business was booming, and the figures on their books were rising steadily, presenting a thriving and prosperous situation.

Despite the grand occasion, Euron remained calm.

Euron had handed over full control of the bank's day-to-day operations to Tetsu Nestorth, offering only guidance on the most critical strategic directions. He explicitly warned the former Iron Treasury steward: "The situation is good, but the foundation is not yet secure. Remember, stability is paramount; it's better to proceed slowly than to make mistakes, and not to rush things."

In late autumn, after months of reorganization and reconstruction, the core power structure of Harrenhal was finally clearly established in Harrenhal.

A list of the castle's management hierarchy has been officially established:

Lieutenant Lord and Chief Administrator: Earl Jon Clinton. When Duke Euron left, he was the highest authority in Harrenhal, overseeing all affairs and responsible for all military and political matters.

Guardsman and Intelligence Officer: Dagmore. He is responsible not only for Euron or Jon's personal protection and the defense of the castle, but also for Harrenhal's external intelligence network.

Bachelor: Göhman. This bachelor, who wore a gold collar, provided core support for Harrenhal's trade and taxation system with his profound financial knowledge.

Commander-in-Chief of the Garrison: Oswell Hean. This experienced veteran was responsible for the training, deployment, and command of all standing troops in Harrenhal.

Knight Commander: Oswell Hean. He also commands the knights and cavalry loyal to Harrenhal.

Infantry Commander: Dagmo. When necessary, he will personally lead the infantry corps of Harrenhal into battle.

Diplomat: Earl Owen Mariewes. Leveraging his extensive connections and prestige built up in the old court, he is responsible for all foreign relations between Harrenhal and the other families of the Seven Kingdoms.

Judge: Orton Mariewes. Responsible for enforcing the lord's laws, adjudicating disputes within the territory, and maintaining order and justice in the castle and its domain.

Steward: Erwin Snow. He oversees the complex internal operations of Harrenhal, from resource allocation to servant management, ensuring the smooth daily functioning of this massive castle.

Interrogator: Lloyd Hutchinson. He was in charge of both prisons and interrogation.

Bank Manager and Treasurer: Tetsu Nestorth. He is fully responsible for the operation of the Continental Bank and oversees Harrenhal's finances; he is Euron's chief pursekeeper.

Port Commander: Sergio of the Iron Islands. Manages the castle's river port, responsible for merchant ship scheduling and vessel safety.

Foreman of the Craftsmen: Marvin Stephens. Responsible for the construction, repair, and upgrading of the castle's fortifications, overseeing the stonemasons...

Teams of craftsmen, including carpenters and blacksmiths.

Food Steward: Iron Islands, Remiel. Manages food reserves and distribution to ensure the castle can withstand sieges for months (or even years).

Each name on this list represents a key cog in the vast machine of Harrenhal.

With its sophisticated structure and clear division of labor, Harrenhal was already running smoothly. Watching all matters proceed in an orderly manner on the established track, Euron made a decision: he would be a hands-off manager.

Euron clearly recognized that even if he sat in this giant castle all day, his influence on specific affairs would be limited. The truly important matters that required his decision as lord would be presented to him; and entrusting professional matters to professionals was the key to efficient governance.

The Seven Kingdoms are now relatively stable under the rule of King Robert and the King's Hand. As far as Euron knows, there will be no major wars or conflicts for the next fifteen years. His father, King Coron, is the Lord Commander of the Seas of the Seven Kingdoms, and with him in King's Landing, he can seek his help in resolving any problems.

For Euron, something more important was on his mind at that moment—Ashara was about to give birth, and their child could be born at any time. He wanted to be by her side at all times.

Once the child is born safely, Euron will set sail without any worries to pursue his long-established goal—to conquer the distant Summer Islands.

At a dinner gathering all the core members, Euron formally announced his decision. He reaffirmed his entrustment of authority and responsibility to the leadership team headed by Jon Clinton, and instructed them to fulfill their duties and safeguard the legacy.

Having finished his explanation, Euron left the castle the next day without lingering or delaying.

During his time in charge of Harrenhal, Euron gradually realized one thing: he simply lacked patience for the complicated and trivial daily affairs.

Euron often sat on the high throne, his brows furrowing more and more deeply.

A farmer got into a dispute with others over the ownership of a chicken and a sheep, and the matter even reached the duke, who demanded that the lord preside over "justice".

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"Isn't Judge Orton Marives able to make a ruling on such a trivial matter?"

Euron felt inexplicably annoyed—but he still had to show sympathy and reply kindly: "I will investigate this matter and give you a fair answer."

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A minor nobleman under Harrenhal petitioned for a reduction in tariffs for the coming year. Euron looked at the lengthy parchment, his temples throbbing, but he maintained a smile and said, "Your request is reasonable and well-founded, but it must comply with the law. I will consider it and give you a reply."

Inwardly, however, he was thinking, "Shouldn't the tariff rates and fiscal impacts be calculated and assessed jointly by Finance Officer Taichu and Academician Geman, and then they could give their recommendations directly?"

A merchant applied to set up a stall at the newly established "Sea Monster Market" outside the castle, which required his personal approval. Euron then handed the matter over to the Minister of the Interior.

"Market planning and stall allocation should be decided by the head steward, Irwin Snow."

Even the local church bishop's request for funding to repair the dilapidated chapel—a purely expenditure item—was placed on his desk.

"If you need money, go to the Chief Executive Officer and the Treasurer. I have already authorized them to make their own decisions on allocations below 100,000 gold dragons." Euron remembered giving such clear instructions.

During his tenure at Harrenhal, all these matters, which should have been handled by officials at various levels according to their respective powers and responsibilities, converged on him without exception, like countless small streams, awaiting his stroke of the vermilion pen.

This made him realize that establishing an efficient system of governance is one thing, but breaking the old habits of relying on the lord for everything and making the system truly function smoothly on its own is quite another. His very existence as the lord seemed to be the biggest obstacle to efficiency. This realization strengthened his resolve to be a "hands-off manager."

Euron of Ironwind leaned down, carefully pressing his ear to Ashara's high, swollen belly, feeling the throbbing of new life within. His voice held a hint of exasperation: "Those trivial matters, can't they really be resolved without my personal attention?" He raised his head slightly and chuckled, "Now I understand why Robert spends his days drunk on the Iron Throne—dealing with these things every day is pure torture."

Asara's fingers gently ran through his dark hair, a tender smile playing on her lips: "What's wrong? Our mighty Lord of the Seas, after only a few months of peace, can't stand this mundane life anymore?"

"No, that's not it," Euron immediately retorted, his arms naturally encircling her waist, burying his face in the warm crook of her neck, his voice becoming muffled as he earnestly said, "If it were like this every day, this kind of monotony," I could endure it even a hundred years from now.

Asara felt his restless hand begin to wander, and two red clouds instantly rose to her cheeks. She gently slapped away his mischievous "paw" and scolded him in a low voice, "Behave yourself! They're all watching."

Rachel, Neytyl, and Zoea stood side by side in a row, six clear eyes fixed intently on the two women, as if observing a very important ceremony. Euron sighed helplessly.

Asara gently grasped Euron's hand, her fingertips tracing delicate circles in his rough palm. Looking at Euron with clear and honest eyes, she said, "When it comes to vision and foresight in handling political affairs, Princess Elijah is actually far superior to me."

Euron's body stiffened almost imperceptibly, and he fell into a brief silence: "————"

Seeing this, Asara wrinkled her delicate nose, her tone slightly coquettish but not displeased: "Don't think I don't know you secretly went to see her. Do you think I'm the kind of jealous and unreasonable woman?" She guided his hand to her pregnant belly, her voice softening as she sighed, "No matter what, that's your child."

"To be able to marry you is truly the greatest blessing I have ever received," Youlun said sincerely.

"Stop with the sweet talk!" Ashara spat lightly, then her expression turned serious. "I'm telling the truth. Princess Elia is exceptionally intelligent, and she's been growing up alongside her mother, the wise Princess of Dorne, deeply influenced by her. When it comes to handling complex situations, she'll definitely be a great asset to you."

Euron didn't say anything more. He simply gazed deeply into his wife's clear, embracing purple eyes, his heart filled with indescribable emotion. He leaned down and placed a gentle yet solemn kiss on Asara's forehead.

All the gratitude, guilt, and promises were contained in this kiss.

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