Game of Thrones: I am Dothraki, not a barbarian

Chapter 191 War Resumes
The palace immediately descended into chaos.

Doctors rushed into the palace, servants ran around in panic, and messengers were sent out to inform other council members and important figures.

Thormo stood in the corridor with a grim expression, watching the guards of the Iron Vault arrive one after another. Besaro was the first to arrive, his anticipation for the Sea King's throne barely concealed.

A few hours later, just as dawn was breaking, the hall was packed with Braavos dignitaries, most of them with the marks of wine and hangovers on their faces.

Aquaman's chief advisor, an old man with white hair, held up a scroll of parchment, his voice clearly reaching everyone's ears.

"The following is the will of Lord Ferrego Antalion."

He read aloud, "I, Ferrego Antalion, Sea King of Braavos, in a state of perfect sobriety, hereby make this will. I designate Thormo Freygar as my successor, to become the next Sea King..."

A sudden uproar erupted in the hall.

Besaro's face turned deathly pale instantly, and the other guards of the Iron Vault exchanged bewildered glances.

Thormo suppressed the urge to burst into laughter, feigning a shocked and humble expression:
"I never expected Lord Neptune to choose me. I'm just a banker, not a politician. Lord Neptune is too kind to me..."

The chief advisor then turned the parchment over so that anyone could see it. "Lord Neptune believes that, in the current situation, in order to maintain the prestige of Braavos as the premier free trading city-state, we must remain absolutely dominant and not tolerate the slightest appeasement!"

Thormo lowered his head, pretending to think for a moment, then looked up again, his eyes gleaming with confidence: "For Braavos, for our shared future, I accept this responsibility!"

Then, a cold glint flashed in Thor's eyes. "In that case, I'd like to announce my first order." He looked around to make sure everyone could hear him clearly, "Assemble the Iron Fleet and march on Pentos!"

...

Dragonstone Island.

Gargoyle statues crouched atop the tower, while thousands of ferocious dragons bared their fangs and brandished their claws. The sea breeze howled across the city walls, as if emanating from their mouths, adding to the terror.

When the Valyrians built this fortress, they deliberately sculpted each tower in the shape of a dragon, intending to instill fear in their enemies.

The sea breeze was as cold as a knife, but Stannis's mood was even colder than the sea breeze.

When news of Renly's death arrived, he had expected that the lords of Stormlands would all submit and bow down in submission. However, to his surprise, apart from his wife's family, the Florent family, and the Morrigan family of Stormlands, they all pledged allegiance to Renly's widow. His heart sank to the bottom.

He considered himself a just and impartial king, superior to both Robert, who neglected state affairs, and Renly, who was all talk and no action, in terms of political awareness and military talent. Yet none of the lords could understand this!
Just then, a servant came to report that guests from the Iron Treasury had arrived, which cheered him up.

He arrived at the Picture Table Hall, followed by Davos the Onion Knight, and saw Tetsu Nestos standing at the window gazing at the scenery.

In the very center of the hall was a huge map table, which Aegon Targaryen had ordered built before his conquest.

The fifty-foot-long table was carved in the shape of the continent of Westeros, with bays, peninsulas, rivers, and mountains all depicted on it, and was covered with varnish that had been used for centuries to maintain its shine.

“Your Majesty.” Tychu turned around at the sound of footsteps and bowed deeply to Stannis. “The Iron Bank greets you, the rightful sovereign of the Seven Kingdoms.” Stannis remained unmoved by the flattery. His face was stern and expressionless. “The Iron Bank doesn’t come to Dragonstone without a reason. Speak, what do you want?”

Taichu smiled slightly. "Your Majesty is wise. The Iron Treasury has two purposes for this trip." He paused for a moment. "First, I am here regarding the royal family's debts:"

"That's Robert's debt, it has nothing to do with me," Stannis said coldly.

“But this is still a debt of the Baratheon dynasty,” Tychu corrected. “Three million gold dragons. I went to King’s Landing two months ago to ask Queen Cersei to repay the debt.”

"What did she say?"

"The Queen Mother said that it was Robert's personal debt and had nothing to do with the Iron Throne. She refused to repay the debt." Tychu changed the subject, "The Iron Treasury does not tolerate delays! Therefore, the Iron Treasury has decided that as long as you acknowledge this debt, the Iron Treasury will support you in sitting on the Iron Throne."

Stannis maintained his usual expression. "Tell me, what are your terms?"

“We need Your Majesty’s assistance in resolving a trade dispute,” Techo said. “There is a barbarian named Rahalo across the Narrow Sea, whom you must have heard of. His wife also claims to possess the Iron Throne,” he emphasized, “and that is indeed the case. But his actions have harmed the interests of the Iron Treasury.”

Stannis's grip on the armrest tightened involuntarily. He had certainly heard of Laharo, and not only had he heard of him, but he had also helped him get rid of Renly. However, Laharo was also a formidable opponent, one that had to be eliminated as soon as possible.

“Rahalo married Daenerys Targaryen, and they have four dragons. If His Majesty waits until the dragons come of age, he will have no chance of ever touching the Iron Throne again.”

"The Iron Bank wants me to eliminate them?" Stannis smiled helplessly. "Although I control most of the royal fleet, Dragonstone's strength is ultimately no match for Laharlal. Don't laugh at me, I have that much self-awareness."

“Of course!” Tychu waved his hand dismissively. “Your Majesty can lead the fleet to join forces with the Braavos Iron Fleet to attack Pentos. Once the Targaryen threat is eliminated, the Iron Treasury will surely provide sufficient funds to support Your Majesty in seizing the Iron Throne.”

“Moreover,” Techo added, “once you defeat Rahalo, Your Majesty will gain the wealth of Pentos and four young dragons. When you return to King’s Landing with the dragons, what could be more convincing than that?”

Stannis remained silent for a long time, his gaze sweeping across the map of Westeros.

He was tempted. The Iron Treasury's prestige extended all over the world, and if he could obtain their support, he would have the world's strongest army.

Moreover, the Targaryen family is an inevitable rival on the path to the Iron Throne. Facing the powerful army of R'harlow alone, it would be better to bring the Iron Bank along for a greater chance of victory.

Just then, a look of worry appeared in Davos's eyes. "Your Majesty, the expedition to Pentos is very risky. Even Robert died at sea. Besides, if King's Landing takes the opportunity to launch an eastern expedition..."

“That boy king is nothing to fear,” Stannis interrupted him. “The real threat lies in Pentos. If the Targaryen problem is not completely resolved, the Seven Kingdoms will never have peace.”

He then looked at Taichu, “Fine! I agree, but I need the Iron Treasury to allocate a portion of the initial loan, and I need to recruit soldiers.”

Taichu nodded in satisfaction. "The Iron Treasury will allocate funds immediately. Your Majesty, this will be a glorious expedition!"

After Tychu took his leave, Stannis stared at the map table in thought for a long time. Just then, a girl pulled Jester into the room.

(End of this chapter)