Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Within the territory of Westeros, no one can rival the Lannisters in terms of wealth and power.

Their family crest is a proud, roaring golden lion against a crimson background, and their family motto, "Hear my roar!" is solemn and powerful.

However, what is more well-known and more feared within the Seven Kingdoms is the informal maxim that is not engraved on the coat of arms: "The Lannisters always pay their debts"—the promise and threat contained in this simple sentence are far more famous than the orthodox proverbs. It represents an unquestionable fulfillment: whether it is a favor or a grudge.

Lord Tywin Lannister may have made many enemies and possessed a ruthless, even harsh, nature, but he never lacked two things: unparalleled wealth and the ruthless efficiency to use that wealth to achieve his goals. He was never stingy with money, especially when he intended to demonstrate his family's power, win over, or intimidate others through grand displays.

Therefore, this grand gathering, which he personally organized and brought together almost all the nobles of Westeros, was so extravagant that it was astonishing.

The century-old golden wine of Greentree Island was served in unlimited quantities, just like any other ale, while the tables were piled high with exotic delicacies from around the world: from Dorne's fiery peppers and the plump trout of the Riverlands to spices and candied fruits that had sailed from the East. Even the maids who moved among the guests, serving the delicacies and wines, were all handpicked. Dressed in uniform, each one was beautiful and elegant, becoming a flowing, pleasing spectacle in themselves at this grand banquet of power, silently testifying to the Lannister family's unfathomable wealth and their meticulous attention to detail.

Tywin Lannister's initial plan was a marriage most closely tied to the Iron Throne—marrying his daughter Cersei Lannister to Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, thereby completely binding the bloodline of Casterly Rock with the True Dragon Dynasty.

However, at the banquet meticulously prepared by Tywin in King's Landing, after a hearty meal and drinks, the Mad King Aerys, in front of the entire court, resolutely rejected the proposal in an extremely contemptuous and humiliating manner, and subsequently announced the news of his marriage alliance with Dorne.

This public slap in the face caused the already growing rift between the Lion Family and the Dragon Family to completely break apart.

At this moment, Tywin sat upright in the main seat, his usual cold and hard face showing no emotion, but everyone knew that the humiliation must be burning in his heart like lava.

Now, he has turned his attention to the other top nobles in Westeros, seeking suitable marriage partners of equal value for his heir Jaime and daughter Cersei, in order to weave a new power network.

Beside him, the young lords who would one day shake the foundations of the dynasty were conversing amiably with him: Rickard Stark, father of Brandon and Eddard Stark, representing the North; Lord Jon Arryn, representing the Vale; Corinth Greyjoy of the Iron Islands; Lord Hoster Tully of the Riverlands and his children; and Robert Baratheon, the young lord of the Stormlands who already displayed a bear-like physique and a bold spirit.

They surrounded Tywin, their conversation low and sustained, each smile and nod potentially concerning the future of a river, a valley, or an ocean.

Euron Greyjoy stood a short distance below, calmly observing the scene on the high platform. Suddenly, a cold and clear thought flashed through his mind like lightning, almost making him hold his breath: Wait, sitting up there, engaged in a heated conversation with Tywin... aren't they some of the most central leaders of the "War of the Usurpers," which would later sweep across the Seven Kingdoms and ultimately overthrow the Targaryen dynasty?

At this moment, the lavish banquet before him seemed to lose its luster, revealing the turbulent undercurrents of history beneath. He felt as if he were standing before the loom of fate, watching those crucial threads being quietly woven together in Tywin Lannister's hall.

The banquet was in full swing, with melodious music flowing through the dazzling hall. Suddenly, Ser Arthur Dayne walked through the crowd and came before Euron. Beside him was a graceful and serene woman with violet eyes similar to Arthur's, as deep and captivating as the starry night.

"Euron Greyjoy," Arthur's voice was steady and solemn, "please allow me to introduce you to my sister, Ashara Dayne."

Euron paused for a moment, then quickly regained his composure. He bowed gracefully to Ashara and extended his hand in invitation: "It would be my pleasure. Miss Ashara, would I have the honor of dancing with you?"

A faint blush instantly spread across Asara's cheeks. She shyly placed her hand gently in Euron's and nodded. The two stepped onto the dance floor. Euron's steps were unexpectedly fluid and precise, guiding Asara as she twirled to the melody. When the song ended, Asara's blush deepened. After a soft thank you, she quickly returned to her brother's side like a startled fawn. After whispering a few words, Asara Dayne ran away shyly.

Euron looked at Arthur Dayne, a self-deprecating smile playing on his lips: "Sir Arthur, you should know very well that I am only the second son of the Iron Islands. If you were to marry my sister, the jewel of Starfall City, to me, it would be too much of a disservice to her."

Arthur Dane shook his head, his gaze sharp and sincere, as if he could see through appearances: "No, you are a gem that has not yet been fully discovered by the world. They only look down on you because of your background and age, but they have never seen your true brilliance."

"Don't you think much of my sister?" Arthur Dane's tone was calm, yet carried an unyielding sharpness.

Euron immediately shook his head, his answer sincere and cautious: "No, absolutely not. Miss Ashara is like a pearl fallen from the stars, beautiful, gentle, and with extraordinary grace. To marry her would be the greatest honor for any man, and I am no exception." He then changed the subject, his tone becoming more pragmatic, "However, marriage is ultimately a matter of mutual affection. Moreover, such an important decision also requires the approval of my father, Lord Coron..."

A flicker of understanding crossed Arthur Dayne's deep purple eyes. He reached out and patted Euron's shoulder firmly and solemnly, interrupting him. "I understand." His voice deepened, revealing a profound love for his sister. "Our parents died young, and Ashara is my beloved family member. Even though I raised her myself, I must respect Ashara's wishes in this matter. My only hope is not to find her a husband of the highest social standing, but someone she truly loves and who will love her just as deeply."

These words transcended the cold calculations typical of aristocratic marriages, revealing the warmth and principles deep within this legendary knight's heart. The two raised their glasses and shared a drink, everything understood without words.

Just then, a loud, hearty laugh shattered the momentary tranquility. Robert Baratheon, heir to Stormlands, rushed over like a whirlwind of joy, his bear-like arms wrapping around Arthur Dayne's shoulder.

"Ser Arthur! Westeros's first swordsman! A true paragon of chivalry!" Robert's voice echoed throughout the area, filled with pure passion and a thirst for battle. "Enough with the drinking and chatting! Come, let's go out to the courtyard and have a go! Let me see just how powerful the 'Sword of the Morning' truly is!"

Without a word, he laughed and half-pushed, half-pulled the somewhat helpless Arthur Dayne away from Euron, leaving Euron standing alone. Robert Baratheon seemed to completely ignore himself standing next to the "Sword of the Morning".