Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 359 Green Pavilion Island – The Redwin Family's Reception

At the dock, the Qingting Island garrison and officials, who had already received the news, lined up to wait, both on guard and maintaining the necessary etiquette.

Baskets of fresh bread, buckets of clean fresh water, and various kinds of cured meats and dried fruits, local specialties of the island, began to be loaded onto the ship—this was the pre-arranged supply.

In the shimmering harbor of Qingting Island, the massive fleet of the Iron Islands is now anchored, the scene harmonious, as if the bloody past had never happened.

Five years ago, Greyjoy's longship docked here, not for supplies, but to start a war.

The memory of that great battle is still etched in the bones of the veterans who experienced it. The Iron Islands won an indisputable victory. The Redwyn family's banner was torn down, the father and son were imprisoned, the golden dragon in the storeroom was looted, and even the grapevines that symbolized the family's honor and livelihood were uprooted, leaving only a desolate wasteland.

Euron Greyjoy understood that pure plunder was far less desirable than sustainable exploitation, and he never hesitated to share the spoils with his former enemies when there was something to gain.

The turning point in relations between the two sides occurred at the Stone Steps Islands.

When shared interests are laid out, former enemies fight side by side. As the smoke clears, the deep-seated grudges seem to fade, at least on the surface. But Euron knows full well that this is not due to the healing power of time or the forgiveness of his adversaries, but rather to the invincible fleet under his command capable of crushing any thought of revenge, and the sea king-like behemoths he controls that dominate the oceans.

The decision to jointly establish a bank later thawed the ice between the two sides. Through the Golden Dragon and the contract, they were closely bound together, transforming from enemies into partners with intertwined interests.

"If you can't beat them, join them!"

Earl Adrian Redwin gradually came to understand the decision his sister, Lady Olenna, the Queen of Thorns, had made. The supplies purchased at bargain prices from Highgarden at the docks were the most direct proof of this new relationship.

After the Iron Islands fleet arrived, Qingting Island was bustling with activity, a scene quite different from usual.

Earl Adrian Redwin and his eldest son, Pexel Redwin, stood personally before the red-carpeted steps, their faces bearing impeccable, businessman-like warm smiles, to welcome their "allies" from afar.

Euron and the Greyjoy family members, along with the lords of the various affiliated islands, led by members of the Redwyn family, passed through the ranks of guards, walked on the red carpet, and headed towards the magnificent castle hall overlooking the harbor.

A maid dressed in the Redwin family attire respectfully presented bread and salt, representing "guest privileges," on a silver platter.

Euron took a small piece of bread, dipped it in a pinch of salt, and calmly put it in his mouth. The other Greyjoy members and island lords followed suit, performing this ancient and sacred ritual to complete this ceremony symbolizing peace and protection.

"Please," Count Adrian stepped aside, making an inviting gesture, his smile sincere. "A banquet has been prepared in the hall. I hope you all have a pleasant evening on Green Pavilion Island."

Led by the castle owner, the group of island lords and nobles from the Iron Islands stepped through the city gate. The heavy oak doors slowly closed behind them, shutting out the hustle and bustle of the shore and the smoke from the camp, and they entered the brightly lit castle hall.

With a force of nearly 20,000 Iron People soldiers, it was impossible for them all to enter the city.

Most of the soldiers set up camp in designated areas on the shore, and campfires lit up like stars.

The servants of Qingting Island moved about, delivering cartloads of beer exuding the aroma of malt, barrels of wine renowned throughout seven countries, and golden-roasted suckling pigs and whole roasted lambs to the camp, soothing these valiant sailors who had traveled from afar with delicious food and fine wine. The air was filled with the aroma of food and the rugged laughter of the Iron People.

Inside and outside the city walls, on one side, soldiers were feasting and drinking in the open air, while on the other side, nobles were engaging in polite exchanges in the grand hall. Together, they created a subtle yet realistic picture of allies during the peaceful period in Westeros.

The main hall of Qingting Island Castle was brightly lit, with crystal chandeliers casting warm golden light onto the long table covered with deep red velvet.

Euron Greyjoy, holding a gilded goblet, the deep red wine swirling gently within, nodded slightly to Earl Redwin, who sat at the head of the table, and said with a smile, "Thank you for such a warm welcome, Your Excellency." His voice was not loud, but it carried clearly throughout the hall. "Fine wine, delicious food, and this rare tranquility are the best sustenance for my warriors."

Upon hearing this, Earl Adrian Redwin, seated at the head of the table, let out a hearty laugh, the lines at the corners of his eyes smoothing out.

"Your Grace, you are being too polite," Adrian said warmly, his gaze sweeping steadily over every Greyjoy present. "The Iron Islands and Greenwood are now both under King Robert's peace, and should naturally look after each other—"

"Yes." He paused slightly, a perfectly timed hint of shame on his face: "To be honest, I am ashamed. You all have shouldered heavy responsibilities on this long voyage. All we at Qingting Island can do is provide you with a place to stay for one night and some basic supplies. It is truly insignificant."

Inside the hall, crystal glasses clinked and echoed, the two leaders smiled, and the crackling flames in the fireplace illuminated the intertwined sea monster and grapevine emblems on the wall, making them flicker.

Baron Greyjoy sat at the banquet, his rough fingers tracing the base of a gilded goblet. He silently observed the glittering guests filling the hall, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. This Southern-style, languid banquet, the insincere toasts, seemed utterly tedious to him. Had he known it would be like this, he would have preferred to be on deck, munching on cured meat in the salty sea breeze, rather than being trapped in this cloying clamor.

In the center of the hall, Ashara Dayne was the most dazzling presence. She didn't try to be ostentatious, simply sitting quietly beside Euron, her simple long dress concealing all the brilliance in the hall. She cradled the newborn Alexander in her arms, the occasional glimpses of his violet eyes drawing frequent glances. One-year-old Daren nestled obediently against her knees, curiously observing the unfamiliar clamor. The mother and her two children became the most eye-catching focus.

The shrewd Earl Adrian Redwin, of course, wouldn't miss this opportunity. He smiled and left his seat, personally bringing over two silver platters lined with velvet. On one plattered a miniature silver dagger inlaid with amethyst from Qingting Island, and on the other a bracelet woven from rare deep-sea pearls.

"May the sea breeze forever protect the bloodline of Greyjoy," he gently handed the dagger to Daren, and then lightly placed the pearl bracelet beside Alexander's arms. "A small token of my appreciation, may our friendship endure." This gift was both a courtesy to an ally and a reaffirmation of the strong alliance between the Redwyn and Greyjoy families in front of all the guests.

By the time the banquet ended, the sky was filled with stars.

The guests and hosts parted ways in what seemed like a pleasant atmosphere.

At dawn tomorrow, the fleet will set sail, and everyone, led by their servants, will go to the guest rooms that have been prepared in the castle to rest.