Game of Thrones: The Bronze and Fire Lord.

Chapter 284 Valerian Setiga

Upon receiving Imon's promise, Corliss smiled.

He knew the other party would agree.

Aemon had greater ambitions and aspirations than he did.

“The Dornish messengers are coming soon; send more patrol boats to patrol the throat.”

After giving a brief explanation, Imon prepared to get up and go upstairs.

Kolis remained unmoved, then suddenly said, "Oberon is a cunning man. He secretly sent someone to see me, wanting to trade for more iron."

Upon hearing this, Imon paused, nodding to indicate that he understood.

Dorne does not produce iron.

After the Fjord was blockaded, Dorne was almost cut off from its steel supply.

Coollen's secret contact with the sea serpent was not only malicious, but also intended to sow discord.

It’s his mother’s fault!

……

I went back upstairs to the study.

The twins, dressed in white nightgowns and each holding a thick book, were already sitting in a row, waiting.

"Let me see, what are we going to talk about today?"

Imon was very active and sat down unceremoniously between the twins.

Benedict, holding a copy of "The Complete Book of Ancient Valyria," exclaimed excitedly, "This book is about many dragon kings."

"Mmm." Renia held a book with similar content in her arms and nodded her little head.

"Yes, my two little princesses."

With his two daughters in his arms, Eamon told stories in a humorous and engaging manner.

It was very different from what was written in the book, but the twins didn't notice anything amiss.

As her father vividly described the scene, a longing for the ancient Valyrian era welled up in her large, purple eyes.

Although what Aemon told was less bloody and cruel.

But it is indeed a version more suitable for children.

"Father, after Grandma's name day, shall we go to Dragonstone Island to climb Dragon Mountain, and then go back to River Valley Town?"

Benedictine snuggled into her father's arms and obediently made her request.

Rhaenia was a little sleepy. She tugged at her father's clothes and muttered softly, "I want to go back to see Grey Shadow and fish for it to eat."

Gray Shadow: Gaa!

Benedictine: ...

Even without mentioning fishing, we're still best friends.

"Okay." Eamon patted the twins' heads and smiled, "But now someone has to go to sleep."

Renia jumped off the small stool and walked back in a daze.

Benedictine snuggled in his arms, wanting her father to carry her back.

The two girls have contrasting personalities: one is outgoing and the other is introverted, but their vulnerable sides are also quite different.

Imon took the twins back to their room to sleep, covered them with blankets, and then turned and went into Lannar's boudoir.

Renilla's pregnancy eased his sense of crisis.

Lana is a gentle older sister; even if she's wronged, she needs to be comforted and coaxed.

They fight at the head of the bed and make up at the foot...

……

For the next two days, Imon stayed on Tidehead Island, spending time with his wife and daughter just as he had in Riverdale.

With Aunt Renis's name day approaching, dozens of noble and merchant ships are landing every day.

It adds a bit of busyness to what was originally a leisurely life.

Aemon occasionally appeared to entertain distinguished guests, his aloof expression and noble demeanor inspiring awe in those who considered him "the king on the bronze throne."

Some nobles with ulterior motives didn't even dare to look him in the eye with their violet eyes.

They were like mice seeing a cat, cowering and avoiding it.

At these moments, Imon would sigh softly to himself.

He didn't mean to scare anyone; he just had such a strong, innate presence.

Actually, he's quite abstract behind the scenes.

“Your Highness, I am a merchant from Braavos, and I have also purchased lime and honeycomb briquettes in Seagull Town.”

A stout, bald businessman greeted him timidly.

Aemon glanced at him and said calmly, "Hmm."

"Your Highness, farewell."

With just one glance, the bald businessman shuddered and, clutching his large belly, made his escape.

It's so scary.

The regent's eyes were like knives, and his attitude was so arrogant and unruly.

The same idea has taken root in the minds of many people.

But they didn't think there was anything wrong with it.

The Targaryen dragon king, noble and arrogant, has almost become a stereotype among people on both sides of the fjord.

In reality, Aemon was just daydreaming.

Hunting Day in Runestone City is coming soon, and the deer meat that Mom hunted is the most tender.

They were certain that the Dornes would not dare to act recklessly.

He wanted to take his family home so that his mother, Mrs. Leia, could make him some meat pies.

The chefs at Hongbao are too skilled, while the food on Chaotou Island is mostly seafood.

He still prefers his mother's down-to-earth cooking.

Even though his mother didn't love him that much, he often complained about it.

But there was nothing they could do; after all, they were mother and son.

Imon smiled, pursing his lips.

It's all because of the Royce family's consistent rebellious spirit.

His laugh nearly made the passing guests kneel down in fright, their faces turning deathly pale and their disheveled state accelerating.

"Hiss!"

Suddenly, a sharp dragon roar echoed from the horizon, and a brownish-black stain appeared on the blue sky and white clouds.

The sheep thief, with his bright brown vertical pupils, slowly descended, flapping his strange wings.

"Cousin, we're here."

Imond jumped off the dragon's back, his increasingly flamboyant personality making him walk with a swagger.

Imon was not surprised.

He was way more arrogant than this kid during the two years he tamed Vomisol and pioneered the town of River Valley.

Even if the Duke of Yijing said something unpleasant, he would still slap him across the face.

...

Jenny, far away in the Eagle's Nest, suddenly sneezed.

"Have you caught a cold?"

Janssf dropped what she was doing and rushed over to check on things.

Jenny looked puzzled, her hands unconsciously covering her shapely backside, and said nonchalantly, "It's nothing, it's probably just some backstabbing person talking about me behind my back."

...

Soon, Dreamfire pierced through the clouds and landed not far away.

Eamon grabbed Eamon and obedient Helena, ordering the siblings to help entertain the guests.

Dreamfire and the sheep thief flew away one after the other.

The two giant dragons were so large that they occupied most of the space in front of the High Tide City, frightening the guests who came and went.

Time flies.

The naming day officially began around noon.

Imon and his entourage took their seats in Hall 9.

"The Peach Knight wrote to me that Durstonbury is under renovation. How is White Garden City?"

Once seated, Imond could no longer contain himself.

"Here's some advice: tell people to raise more sheep, so your dragon can eat more."

After answering, Amon shared some insights with his younger brother.

Dragons grow larger as they age.

The larger the dragon, the more it eats at each meal.

Normally, one meal can last for ten to fifteen days, but when physical exertion is high, the intervals between meals are shortened.

Young dragons like Syracuse, Sea Smoke, and Yangyan are alright.

They eat a lot and consume quickly, but there's always a supply.

Dragons like Vomisol and Menghuo, who are nearly a hundred years old, can eat twenty or thirty plump and strong sheep in one meal.

With the current productivity of the seven countries, it would be difficult to feed them.

If the treasury hadn't been so tight, his uncle Viserys wouldn't have tolerated his blatant land grabbing under the guise of quelling the rebellion.

They're so poor they can barely afford to host a banquet.

Imond nodded repeatedly, carefully remembering his cousin's words of experience.

Things like avoiding extravagance and waste, increasing grain production and reducing alcohol consumption within the territory, and encouraging herders to raise more livestock...

Although there were some parts he didn't quite understand.

For example, based on the current prices in the seven kingdoms, brewing wine is far more profitable than processing grain.
A truckload of grain may not be worth a single gold dragon.

But a barrel of fine Qingting Island wine can sell for dozens of gold dragons.

"oh oh."

Helena's eyes shone, and she lost interest in the live octopus crawling on her plate. She was a bit silly, but quick-witted.

Abundant grain means a large population.

A larger population means a larger livestock population.

Only when the supply of basic productivity is guaranteed can the dragons at the top be assured.

If you think sugar beets are valuable, and you make all farmers grow sugar beets, then where will the wheat for baking bread come from?
Brewing wine is profitable, but doing business is even more so.

Then who will farm the land and provide food for brewing and daily life?

Perhaps it can be purchased from the territories of other nobles.

However, the seven kingdoms had a fixed amount of grain.

The dragons and nobles are well-fed, while the lower-level productive forces are exploited.

It reduces food supplies, leaving farmers hungry. It causes prices to skyrocket, drastically lowering people's living standards.

If this continues, things will get bad.

"Don't think too much."

Fearing they were slow-witted, Aemon changed his approach: "What I mean is, let you be self-sufficient within your territory and establish a healthy internal system."

At the very least, a member of the royal family with a rich territory must be able to support himself, the dragon, and the people under his rule.

Don't make things so bad that the royal family has to clean up the mess.

"I probably understand."

Imond seemed to understand, but not quite.

He learned about the dragon kings' philosophy of life from the books of the ancient Valyrian dragon kings.

They purchased fertile land in the Land of Long Summer to produce and sell their own produce to feed their families and dragons.

That's what the Targaryen family did back then.

However, this only applies to the weaker Dragon King families.

The truly powerful Dragon King family has better and more efficient means of survival.

Slavery!

Slaves have no human rights; as long as they don't starve to death, they'll work themselves to the bone.

Conquering and enslaving along the way.

Hundreds of thousands of slaves serve a handful of dragon king families, and the profits they generate can support dozens of dragons at a time.

Otherwise, the thousands of dragons that Ancient Valyria had at its peak could not have been sustained.

Unfortunately, their rise and fall were both due to slavery.

Inhuman methods are destined for destruction.

"Treat the people under your rule better. Although people are not born equal, life deserves respect."

Imon offered a kind reminder.

Whether he listens or not is up to him.

Since the common people are ignorant anyway, they can be exploited as they please. If they are not pushed to the limit, they will become numb to the fact that suffering is normal.

Always.

"Thump thump thump—!!"

The musicians' drums began, and Renis arrived in her finest attire.

There were no formalities.

The guests ate and drank as usual, and when they had nothing to do, they would try to get close to Renis and the sea serpent.

"Haha, my cousin looks absolutely radiant today!"

A large, fat man with a full beard walked out and approached, laughing loudly.

It appears vulgar and out of place in a tranquil atmosphere.

When Rhine saw the person who came, she smiled helplessly and said, "Boros, don't you care about your figure at all?"

Despite saying that, I opened my arms and gave him a hug.

Boros, a rough and tumble man, laughed loudly, “I have a great appetite, I can eat anything, and I can still swing a ten-kilogram warhammer.”

You could tell from the prominent muscles on his arms.

The Baratheon family is naturally exceptionally strong.

"Lord Boros."

Lannino greeted him with a smile.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his fiancée Cassandra standing next to his mother, Lady Elena, her eyes sparkling as she looked in their direction.

"grown ups!?"

Boros was furious upon hearing this and said in a deep voice, "What sir?"

Lannino quickly corrected himself, addressing him as "father-in-law."

Upon hearing this, Bolos's expression changed instantly, and he laughed heartily: "That's right, that's how you should address me."

Lannino could only manage a wry smile as a rough, large hand patted his shoulder.

no way.

Who told him to end up with a future father-in-law who doesn't read books and only knows how to drink and fight?

Since the two families are engaged, it's not considered impolite to address each other by name beforehand.

At this moment, Corliss approached and, out of politeness, asked, "How is Lord Beaumond's health?"

"Don't even mention it, it's still the same as always."

Boros's face darkened immediately, and he waved his hand irritably.

A man can control the warhammer in his hand, but a woman in her bed cannot control the life and death of her loved ones.

He was almost driven mad by the torment.

Mrs. Elena reluctantly stepped forward: "My father's health is very poor. He has been bedridden for the past six months. All we can do is pray to the Seven Gods."

"What a load of bull! The Seven Gods are completely useless."

Boros cursed under his breath.

Aemon heard this and clapped quietly.

very good!

The Seven Kingdoms need fighters like you who fight against feudal superstition.

Seeing this, Corliss and Renis offered words of comfort and reconciled their children and in-laws.

The Valerian family is bustling.

Meanwhile, Imon was also busy.

"Your Highness, congratulations on the birth of your child with Princess Renella. May the Holy Mother bless you."

Count Batimus Setiga of Crab Island approached and bowed respectfully in blessing.

"Get up quickly, you're too kind."

Imon reached out to help him up, and politely greeted him.

Bartimos, quite unceremoniously, plopped down at his table and, taking advantage of their acquaintance, asked, "Your Highness, I've heard that Lord Corliss is recruiting soldiers. Are you aware of that?"

Amon's eyes flashed, and he nodded, "Of course."

The Valerian family has been expanding its military in recent years.

The Battle of the Strait and the annihilation of the remnants of the Three Women's Kingdom resulted in heavy losses for the Valerian fleet.

The sea serpent knew which was more important, money or the hilt of a knife, and thus transferred most of its wealth to excellent sailors.

To date, the Valerian fleet has not only recovered to its former strength, but is even stronger.

The only force comparable to that of the seven kingdoms is the combined fleets of Qingting Island and the Shield Islands.

But they only managed to catch up.

After the two discussed it the night before, the sea serpent expanded its military equipment once again.

On the one hand, they strengthened themselves, and on the other hand, they were wary of Dorne.

Bartimos looked around and whispered, "Lord Corliss invited me to serve as his naval advisor."

Imon frowned.

The Setiga family is no pushover.

The Setiga family, in particular, was already wealthy during this period, and with the help of the Vale and the Iron Throne, they made a fortune at sea.

Crab Island trained at least a convoy of more than three thousand men.

Meanwhile, the Setiga family, as a long-established Valyrian noble family, held a very high status and influence.

“Your Highness, I believe Lord Corliss harbors ill intentions and plots rebellion.”

Battimos directly filed a false accusation.

Imon remained silent.

Whether the sea serpent harbored any rebellious intentions, none of the seven kingdoms didn't know the answer.

Even if there was no opportunity or success, the kingdom still had to continue using him.

Seeing that he remained silent, Barthemos offered himself up: “If you trust me, I can keep an eye on his every move, and I can also send my eldest son to serve in King’s Landing.”

What position would you like your eldest son to hold?

Even Imon was too embarrassed to expose his little scheme.

Barthes pretended to be deep in thought and said solemnly, "The Dornish envoys are about to land, and the Queen's brother has been relieved of his post as deputy commander of the Gold Robes. My son can share the burden with you and the King."

Amon chuckled to himself; so this was what he was waiting for.

Since Harwin Strong was dismissed, the position of Commander of the Golden Robes has been held by a knight named Ross Lagate.

The Lagate family was a fallen noble family in the royal domain.

Ross himself came from humble beginnings, but he was tall, almost seven feet tall, and was a decent person.

Most importantly, he was Damon's old subordinate.

Uncle Viseris felt somewhat at ease with it.

The position of deputy commander seems dispensable, but the Green Party is powerful, and Garwin has also won over a large number of Gold Robe supporters.

Now that he's gone, it's time to find someone to take his place.

(End of this chapter)