Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 435 Asia—Dare You Go?

With the three cities of Lei Island successively submitting, this land, which had been turbulent, finally ushered in a period of apparent peace, and the power structure was silently reorganized.

As the situation began to stabilize, a warship flying the Greyjoy family's sea monster flag broke through the waves and arrived at the port of Rei.

Floyd Greyjoy, weary from his journey, stepped onto the dock. Euron's cousin, who had been left behind in the Summer Isles to stabilize the rear, had finally come back.

Freud's voice was as crisp as a sea breeze as he laughed, "Commander, the situation in the Summer Islands has stabilized, and my sister is pregnant. There is no need for me to stay there any longer."

Euron surveyed his increasingly composed brother, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes, and nodded with a smile. He needed a reliable blood relative to consolidate his control over Thunder Island, and the exceptionally capable Freud was undoubtedly the best choice.

Euron was straightforward: "In that case, Ray Ie is yours."

Before making this decision, Euron had already thoroughly investigated the current city lord, Haihan, through various channels. The results were disappointing; aside from being adept at flattery and greedy for money, this man had accomplished almost nothing in governing the city or commanding the military and civilians.

A hint of coldness flashed across Euron's eyes. According to his usual style, such a mediocre person didn't deserve any position.

However, newly surrendered territories are most vulnerable to turmoil. Although Haihan is incompetent, he has nominally submitted and surrendered. If he is dismissed immediately, it will inevitably arouse suspicion among other surrendered territories.

After careful consideration, Youlun suppressed his displeasure and made a decision: "Haihan will remain as deputy city lord. He is familiar with the affairs of this place and can assist you. But you must keep a close eye on him."

This appointment served both as reassurance to the other converts and as a test for Freud—he needed to both utilize talent and guard against it.

With the redistribution of power on the Isle of Rath, the Turani's ruling system gradually came into shape. After Jonathan Wagner was appointed lord of the city, the selection of a deputy for this northern fortress became Euron's next key consideration.

Glenn Gubler and Grimmd Gubler, two of the Gubler triplets, were appointed as deputy lords of Tulani. This decision was made after careful consideration: the two young generals represented the power of the Gubler family and could ensure that Euron's will was carried out while maintaining stability in Tulani.

For the native inhabitants of Turani, it was indeed easier to accept having the Gubler brothers, who were also from Rath, in key positions, compared to the completely unfamiliar rulers of the Iron Islands. Their familiar language and similar customs made this appointment from the conquerors less oppressive and more of a subtle reassurance based on continuity.

Upon hearing the news, the head of the Gubler family showed a satisfied expression on his wrinkled face. He gently stroked the ring that symbolized the family's authority, expressing his approval of Euron's arrangement.

With the power structure of the three cities of Lei Island now settled, the final move was to make a crucial move: a marriage alliance.

Victalion Greyjoy, the Iron Islands general renowned for his bravery, forged an alliance with Roya Remus, the Queen's daughter and a woman of royal blood, in the palace hall of Rey-Ma.

The symbolic significance of this marriage goes far beyond personal feelings. When Victalion's powerful hand clasped Roya's slender fingers, it symbolized the formal union of the Greyjoy family's iron-fisted power with the legitimate bloodline of the Isle of Thunder royal family.

During the solemn ceremony, Euron personally placed a governor's crown, inlaid with thunder gems unique to the Isle of Thunder, on the head of his younger brother, Victarion.

Euron's voice resounded throughout the hall: "From this day forward, Victalion Greyjoy shall be the Governor of Thunder Isle, ruling over the three cities on my behalf, and protecting this land and its people."

This is not just a wedding, but a meticulously planned transfer of power.

Through this marriage, the Greyjoy family not only gained a legal basis for ruling the Isle of Thunder, but also achieved a perfect fusion of Iron Islands conquerors and native rulers of the Isle of Thunder through Victalion.

Inside the deepest chamber of Rey Ma Castle, a tycoon who had conquered the eastern seas sat at a heavy oak table.

The sea breeze blew through the stone windows, causing the nautical charts hanging on the walls to flutter. Euron Greyjoy leaned back in the main seat, his fingertips lightly tapping the table, his gaze sweeping over everyone present—his brother Baron and the Lord of the Six Islands.

"Our flag has been planted on the last island of our eastern expedition."

Euron's voice echoed among the stone walls. He slowly rose and walked toward the huge map filled with unknown seas. His finger passed over Thunder Island and Summer Islands, finally stopping at a distant area marked "Shadow Land".

He turned to face the crowd, his eyes gleaming with the fervor of an explorer, and grinned, "Next stop, I want to visit Assassin."

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Euron watched their reactions, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "That is the most remote and daunting city in the known world. We have only glimpsed fragments of it in ancient nautical logs and fragmented texts. It is said that its walls are higher than mountains, and its harbor is filled with ships from other worlds."

"Now that we've sailed so far, wouldn't we regret it for the rest of our lives if we didn't visit that mysterious, shadowy land and walk beneath the walls of Asshal?"

The council chamber was silent, with only the sea breeze still blowing gently, carrying the scent of the distant sea, as if responding to this crazy and tempting plan.

Baron burst into loud laughter first, his rugged face full of approval. He slammed his hand on the table, making his glass rattle: "Of course! The legendary City of Shadows—even if you hadn't mentioned it, we old sea wolves have been itching to go for ages!"

"That's right!" an island lord with a full beard exclaimed excitedly, his eyes gleaming with adventurous light. "If we come here and don't go see Assassin, we've lived a damn wasted life! Where would we put our faces if we went back to the Iron Islands, back to Westeros?"

Another island owner raised his glass and shouted boldly, "We have to go! Otherwise, how will we brag to those brats? Are we supposed to be cowards who went to the edge of the world?" He looked around at everyone, his voice booming, "When I'm old, I'll definitely tell my grandson—'Your grandpa has been to the farthest and most dangerous city in the known world!' That's enough for me to brag about for the rest of my life!"

The entire council chamber was instantly filled with the laughter and shouts of these maritime heroes, the air thick with excitement and pride as they embarked on a great voyage. Even the nautical charts hanging on the walls seemed to tremble gently in the sea breeze, as if responding to this decision destined to be recorded in history.