Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 352 Official Announcement – ​​Expedition to the Islands

Most islanders were uninterested in the reasons why Jalabar Sole went into exile and why he fought back. Stories of justice, reform, and the suffering of the people were far less compelling to them than a shot of strong ale.

What they craved was a triumphant conquest, the dull thud of swords piercing bone, the spectacular sight of enemy ships capsizing before their eyes, and the abundance of jewels, spices, and hardwoods to fill their hold. Whether the original inhabitants of this rich sea followed an "uprising" or an ancient "ritual war" was merely irrelevant background noise.

Now that Jalabah Zor has allied himself with House Greyjoy by marrying a girl from the Iron Islands, in the rough logic of the island lords, he's practically one of their own. This relationship makes supporting his reclaiming of the throne seem more like a matter of kinship than justice.

That ideal of freedom and change—to hell with it! The longships of the Iron Islands sail only for plunder and conquest.

A deafening roar of applause echoed through the hall, carrying the ruggedness and enthusiasm characteristic of the Iron People. Whether they truly understood or cared about Jalaba's ideals or not, they all gave their marriage partner ample respect at this moment.

When the uproar subsided, Jalaba Sol stepped forward, raised his hand as if to press down, and his gaze swept over the resolute faces of every island lord present. His voice was not loud, but he clearly suppressed the last echo.

"Gentlemen," Jalaba began slowly, his tone firm, "I reiterate once again that this uprising is not for my personal power, nor even to don a crown."

Jalabar paused for a moment, then solemnly declared, "I hereby promise that if, with everyone's help, we successfully unify the Summer Islands," his light finally falling on Euron, as if making a vow to him and to the entire Greyjoy family: "From this day forward, the golden kraken flag of the Greyjoy family will forever fly over every island of the Summer Islands, alongside the islands' own flag!"

This means complete submission and allegiance, binding the future of the entire Summer Islands firmly to the Iron Islands.

Jalabah gently grasped his wife Tessia Greyjoy's hand, raising their clasped hands high above him as he delivered a more impactful and sincere guarantee, his voice crystal clear: "And, any child I have with Tessia Greyjoy, regardless of gender, will be the rightful and sole heir to the Summer Isles! He or she will rule that land in the name of Greyjoy, and walk the earth bearing the Greyjoy surname!"

Upon hearing this, the entire hall fell silent for a moment, then erupted in cheers and shouts that were more fervent and sincere than ever before.

This is no longer just a matter of agreeing to save face, but a heartfelt recognition and fervor.

Jalabah Thal tells all the Ironborn in the most direct way: this is not a war for the throne of another prince, but a great conquest by House Greyjoy to expand their territory and forever imprint their bloodline and banner on the rich southern islands!

Jalabar Zor's earth-shattering promise caused a flicker of undisguised surprise in Euron's eyes. This was completely outside the plan, and Jalabar had not revealed a single word to him or anyone else beforehand.

Amidst a sea of ​​intense gazes, King Balon turned his head and asked in a low voice, "Euron, what do you think?"

Before leaving for King's Landing, King Coron had bluntly warned Balon: "Your muscles are strong enough, but your brains are far from sufficient. In the future, when you encounter important matters that you cannot decide, you must let Euron make the decision. He is much smarter than you." These words still sting Balon to this day, but his self-awareness prevents him from refuting them.

Euron snapped out of his momentary reverie. He stood up and walked steadily to Jalaba, his deep gaze meeting the dark-skinned prince's resolute eyes.

He did not directly comment on the promise itself, but accepted this weighty entrustment with the same solemn attitude: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your unreserved trust in the Greyjoy family."

Euron's voice was clear and powerful, echoing in the silent hall: "I, Euron Greyjoy, hereby pledge that the power and oath symbolized by the golden krait banner will forever protect the unified Summer Isles and all the people who live under that sun."

This is not a simple acceptance, but a reciprocal promise made in the name of the Lord of Greyjoy.

"The Thor family is ancient and distinguished; they should not be buried in obscurity."

Euron chuckled, stepped forward, and, under everyone's gaze, firmly grasped Jalabar Zor's wrist, raising the prince's arm high as if displaying a victory flag.

Euron's voice boomed, clearly echoing throughout the hall: "I declare that from this day forward, the offspring of Jalabah Thal and Tessia Greyjoy shall inherit the blood and glory of both parents! They shall, in the name of Thal Greyjoy, become the bridge connecting the Summer Isles and the Iron Islands, ruling that sun-drenched land!"

Upon hearing this, Jalaba Sor smiled sincerely and gratefully, and nodded slightly in acknowledgment to Euron.

Euron not only accepted his allegiance but also reserved a place for his ancient family in the names of future rulers. This subtle respect was of great significance. At the same time, he understood that Euron fully grasped the profound meaning behind his actions: he was offering not only loyalty but also the future of the entire Summer Isles in exchange for the strongest possible guarantee.

Jalaba achieved his goal.

Because Jalabar knew better than anyone that on this vast ocean, order had already been written by the sea monster lord who rode the behemoth.

If Euron Greyjoy agrees to place the Summer Isles under his wing, then neither the greedy Rhys, the cunning Tyrothy, nor any other force will dare to easily interfere in the internal affairs of the islands, much less extend their reach to the free people of the Summer Isles and enslave them.

"Thal Greyjoy!"

"Thal Greyjoy!"

The frenzied shouts, like thunder, echoed through the ancient stone hall, as if trying to lift the roof off.

Amidst the clamor, Euron subtly nudged Baron beside him with his elbow and said in a low, teasing voice, "My dear brother King, it's time to announce the expedition to the Summer Islands."

Baron rolled his eyes at him, his expression a mixture of annoyance at being reminded by his brother and excitement for the impending conquest. But he didn't hesitate; he abruptly stood up from his seat, his massive frame rising like a suddenly appearing rock. He grabbed the battle axe from the guard beside him, raised it high, and then slammed the heavy back of the axe down on the oak table in front of him with a resounding "thud!"

A deafeningly loud bang suddenly drowned out all the other noises, splinters flew everywhere, and the entire hall fell silent instantly, all eyes fixed on him.

"In the name of the King of the Iron Islands!" King Balon's voice boomed like thunder, carrying unquestionable authority and pride: "I declare that two months from now, when the east winds are at their strongest, our longships will be laden with the courage and blades of the Ironborn, sailing south! We will cross the Summer Sea, set foot on the Summer Islands, and with the blood and cries of our enemies, accomplish an unprecedented unification!"

After a brief silence came a deafening, all-out outburst of fury.

Countless battle axes and longswords were raised and pounded wildly against shields, the ground, and tabletops, creating a deafening roar that seemed to yearn for war and plunder.

"For the Iron Islands!"

"For the Golden Sea Monster!"

"conquer!"

In this symphony of war and savagery, the servants, who had been prepared beforehand, surged in like a tide, carrying buckets of bubbling mead and platters of sizzling, fragrant roasted meat.

The grand banquet officially began amidst the frenzied atmosphere of fighting spirit and intoxication.