Game of Thrones: The Black Dragon King

At Meereen Harbor, the last disassembled and stacked counterweight catapult component was slowly hoisted into the ship's hold by pulleys, marking the day when Reed and Damon would depart for Tidehead Island.

Noticing Reed's heavy dark circles, Damon teased, "Even if you're starting to fantasize about married life, there's no need to be this panicked, is there?"

"I've spoken more in the last few days than I have in the last few years. The amount of government affairs I've handled and the amount of writing I've done is equal to all the words I've written in the first half of my life. So please don't talk to me. I don't want to communicate right now..." Reed yawned and mounted the dragon saddle with a tired look on his face.

"I'm questioning whether you're in this condition for a long-haul flight?" Damon asked.

"Fly to Pentos first. I have a small estate in the suburbs. I'll rest there before heading to Tidehead Island."

"We'll split up. I'll fly straight," Damon said.

Reed didn't want to talk, he just gave a question mark face.

"Show your portrait to your future marriage partner!" Damon pointed to the square package trapped behind Corakshyu's dragon saddle.

Reed gave an OK sign listlessly.

The mechanics spent five days dismantling and shipping the engineering machinery promised to Damon: two days for dismantling and three days for loading. Correspondingly, Reid also spent five days intensively handling administrative affairs. He spoke with the newly recruited former slave owners, promoted talented individuals among the slaves, perfected the personnel structure needed to govern Meereen, set the tone for his rule, and outlined the various tasks to be completed by those remaining in Meereen during his absence: including distributing money, housing, and land; arranging production; restoring trade; and repairing the city walls…

This resulted in Red appearing listless and half-dead when he set out. In just five days, Red hastily constructed a ruling structure that resembled a Frankenstein's monster.

Slavery was the least desirable system in Reed because of its inefficiency. In the medieval context, Meereen, a slave-owning city-state with a population of over 300,000 in the city and over a million in the surrounding area, had an alarmingly low army support rate of only 0.4% during peacetime (5000 city guards / 1.4 million population). Even under maximum mobilization during wartime, it was less than 1.5%, far lower than the 1% to 3% peacetime level and 5% to 10% maximum mobilization level in its homeland during the same period.

However, any governing structure needs to be adapted to the level of productivity, and the superiority of the homeland's governing structure stems from its more advanced level of productivity.

In a primitive trading city-state like Meereen, with its primitive and inefficient agricultural production methods, weak competitiveness of handicrafts, and reliance on the distorted slave trade for commerce and economy, one shouldn't expect it to develop any good governing structure. Where could one find so many literate officials in an era where 250 oxen and horses toiled, and even some had to be sold off, just to support one full-time soldier?

In the hometown of the control group, 100 cattle and horses could support 1 to 3 full-time soldiers. In extreme cases, some people could be selectively starved to death, and up to 10 could be supported. There was also a black technology like papermaking, which drove the price of paper, the main carrier of cultural dissemination, down to rock bottom. The literacy rate of the population was dozens of times higher than that of Meereen. Such a level of productivity and the number of talents could naturally support a more complex and efficient ruling structure.

In Meereen, with very few literate people and an even greater shortage of capable administrators, even the risky move of stuffing former slave owners into the bureaucracy failed to replicate a centralized system. Therefore, Reid opted for a shortcut: purchasing lords from the system to serve as administrators.

Abbas bin Abdul Rahman, nicknamed "The Jackal," though this subordinate preferred to be called the Caliph, was ruthless and vengeful, adept at inflicting suffering on his own people and those of his enemies. If he set his mind to it, his insidious cruelty would continue to sting everyone. A natural-born spymaster, he was used by Red to guard against unstable elements like the "Son of the Harpy," and was worth 20 gold dragons.

Saladin Ayyubid, nicknamed "The Wise Man," preferred to be called Sultan. He was highly skilled in desert economic management, a master of farming, and the governor of Meereen left behind by Reid. His net worth was 30 gold dragons.

Schmidt Wolff, nicknamed "The Wolf," is a man who champions iron-fisted rule, and his passion for battle makes him a formidable opponent. Cunning and shrewd, he will use any means and trickery to achieve victory. Reid appointed him Commander-in-Chief of Meereen's garrison, granting him command of a newly formed army of 2000 gladiators and fewer than 3000 Unsullied, as well as the power to mobilize Reid's troops in his absence. His worth is 25 gold dragons.

Dark Thorstoy. Nicknamed "Fat Pig." Skilled with a chain mace and also adept at herding. Reid appointed him to manage the city of Kael'thas, expanding its farmland, pastures, and weapons workshops.

Wolf's fiefdom was located on the main road from Meereen to Yunkai; Saladin's fiefdom was to the north of Meereen, defending against the Dothraki; and the Caliph's fiefdom was situated in the area between the Kaiser Pass and Meereen.

In addition, Reid spent funds to upgrade and strengthen elite units within his army, and ennobled several viscounts and hundreds of knights in large numbers. The territories these newly ennobled viscounts and knights received encompassed more than a dozen knightly domains. Each knightly domain typically included a moderately sized village with a population of about a hundred, and surrounding land within a one-mile radius. These domains were not concentrated in one area, but rather strategically scattered across the vast surrounding region of Meereen, forming a vast network that effectively consolidated Reid's rule in the region.

However, this system of fiefdoms was not a traditional one. Although the vassals did possess absolute rule over their respective territories, they were bound by the mandatory obligation of systemic loyalty. When Rhett needed them, he could mobilize their manpower and resources without hindrance. More importantly, these vassals would not disobey orders or engage in obstructive games such as "my vassal's vassal is not my vassal," thus avoiding the attrition of power through layers of transmission and the attrition caused by internal conflicts. Although the efficiency of this system was relatively low, with a support rate only slightly higher than that of slavery, it effectively extended and consolidated Rhett's sphere of influence, ensuring the stability and controllability of the entire system, especially given the extreme scarcity of "educated men."

Within Meereen, Rhett Butler implemented a centralized system combined with tax farming. While establishing a central administrative body composed of trusted confidants and elites to handle various affairs within and outside the city, he packaged up positions such as clerks, tax collectors, city guards, small merchants, and workshop managers in the city and its suburbs and assigned them to surrendered members of the slave-owning class. This was essentially a disguised tax farming system. These individuals received substantial rewards for undertaking grassroots management and tax collection, while also bearing corresponding responsibilities. They were responsible for collecting taxes and remitting them to the central administrative body, which used these revenues to maintain the city's operation and fund the army's expenses.

This complex system, comprised of feudalism, centralism, and a de facto tax-farming system, could, if functioning smoothly, raise the army's support rate to 1% to 1.5% in peacetime, and even 2% to 3% in extreme circumstances. While still far from true centralism, it represented the best compromise based on current conditions. Reid was fully aware of this, and his efforts in the short term, though somewhat crude, represented the best achievable under the existing circumstances.

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Westeros, King's Landing at the Red Keep.

"An army of 30,000 men, a black dragon second only in size to Vaghar, and in less than two months they took down Meereen, which was guarded by nearly 8,000 Unsullied, and also defeated two Dothraki raids..." Grand Master Runetel was the first to receive the news from across the Narrow Sea, and he was now introducing the "Black Dragon King" to the ministers of the Imperial Council.

"There is another situation that requires special attention: Prince Damon is deeply involved in this war and is directly commanding the Black Dragon King's army. According to reports from Slaver's Bay, the two seem to have reached some kind of agreement. At least ten giant catapults, which proved their power in the siege of Meereen, and seventy giant crossbows have been disassembled and loaded onto ships, along with more than two hundred mechanics and apprentices. They have already left port, and on the same day, the Black Dragon King and Prince Damon left Meereen together on their dragons."

"This is clearly preparation for a new war. Damon? Or the Black Dragon King? What have they set their sights on this time?"

"Daemon, without a doubt, it's him. If the Black Dragon King wants to wage war, it must be to expand his territory. It will inevitably be around the areas he has already occupied. Neither Yunkai nor Astapor need to go by water," added Ser Harold Westerling, captain of the Kingsguard.

"So what does Damon want to do? Attack King's Landing with a few dozen catapults and ballistae?" Lord Lynn Bisbury, Chancellor of the Exchequer, quipped.

This was clearly a joke meant to lighten the mood, and the king and his ministers all laughed in unison, making the atmosphere of the royal meeting a little more relaxed.

"Absolutely not. Damon may be reckless, but he is by no means lacking in wisdom."

"The news is delayed; dragons are faster than ships and ravens," Otto Hightoar stated calmly. "But fortunately, we have received the latest news from Tidehead Island."

"Otto?"

"My informant reported two pieces of information: Earl Corliss the Sea Serpent is resentful that the Valerian family lost their queen's position; Prince Damon and the Black Dragon King have landed on the island and met with Earl Corliss several times." Sir Otto paused, pondering, and continued, "Combined with the fact that the Imperial Council repeatedly rejected Lord Corliss the Sea Serpent's proposal to suppress the pirates on the Steps Islands, I suspect that Damon and the Sea Serpent are secretly plotting to wage war against the Three Cities Alliance entrenched on the Steps Islands."

The conquest and annexation of the Stepstone Islands by the "Three Daughters' Kingdom" was initially tacitly approved by the lords of Westeros, thus replacing chaos with order. Even though the "Three Daughters" levied taxes on all passing ships, it was an acceptable price compared to the plundering by pirates. But soon these people went too far, raising taxes again and again, even resorting to outright robbery, and arbitrarily conscripting women, girls, and handsome boys from passing ships to send to their brothels and pleasure quarters. Among those enslaved was even fifteen-year-old Miss Johanna Swan.

Therefore, Damon and Corliss's unauthorized war was, in a sense, a just act.

"Let him be," Viserys said softly.

"But Your Majesty, diplomacy and declaring war are the King's prerogative. Damon and Corliss, this is a serious matter..."

"Let Damon play his war games! As long as he doesn't cause me any trouble in King's Landing." Viserys was peaceful by nature, enjoying banquets, balls, and tournaments, and hating trouble. This private war, with its certain degree of righteousness, wouldn't affect his homeland and would also rid him of his troublemaking brother—a win-win situation for him. "After all, it's a righteous act. While the Iron Throne can't directly send troops to support him, funding some golden dragons is still possible. Linman?"

"Three thousand gold dragons per month is a suitable amount. We can prepare it in advance, but we can't give it to them ahead of time. After all, the situation regarding the war is just speculation right now, and we..."

"Alright, what you say makes a lot of sense. We'll do as you say. I trust you as always, my Chancellor of the Exchequer," Viserys said with a smile.

"Your Majesty?" Otto's brows remained furrowed.

"Any further questions, my Prime Minister?" Viserys asked, somewhat displeased.

"It's not about that topic, but another consideration and concern. As the Prime Minister, I have a responsibility to consider all possible risks and consequences for His Majesty the King."

"Please speak."

"The royal family currently has only two dragons: Princess Renis's 'Golden Beast' Syracuse and Prince Damon's 'Bloodworm' Corakshyu; while the Valerian family has three dragons: Princess Renis's 'Red Queen' Melias, Sir Lannino's Sea Smoke, and Miss Lannar's Vaghar. Both in number and size, they far surpass the royal family, and besides, Damon and the Valerian family are far too close..."

"What exactly are you trying to say?" King Viserys asked with a dark expression. He trusted and protected his brother.

"Miss Lannar is now free in marriage, and marriage is an important means of effectively establishing a war alliance."

"Damon is married. His legal wife is Lady Rhea Royce of Runestone. This is a sacred marriage ordained and witnessed by the late King."

"I meant 'Black Dragon King'—Reid Seris," Otto said worriedly. "He is a spirited young monarch, and he is very likely to participate in the private war on the Steps Isles at Damon's instigation. If he marries into the Valerian family, then the Valerian family will have five dragons, the largest navy in the Seven Kingdoms, the most wealth, and a powerful army stronger than a first-realm guardian duke."

Viserys accepted the wine glass from Princess Rhaenyra, his face expressionless. The words of the Prime Minister echoed in his ears: the Black Dragon King's exploits and the possibility of a marriage alliance with the Valerian Empire undoubtedly brought new challenges and uncertainties to King's Landing. Everyone knew that power originated from war, and dragons and powerful armies were always the most direct means of control.

Viserys, with a slightly trembling hand, brought a sip of wine to his lips and slowly asked, "Do you have any suggestions?"

"Count Corliss of the Sea Serpent has been working hard to arrange a marriage between you and Miss Lannar, but your engagement with my daughter is currently only at the engagement stage, and the wedding has not yet taken place. The Hightoar family is willing to consider the greater good..."

"Impossible! This is an insult to honor, a disgrace to the royal family and the Hightoar family! I will never accept this!" Viserys roared. Even the good-tempered had his temper; on the matter of his marriage, a matter that was both public and private, he had already made his decision: to remarry, but not to twelve-year-old Lannar, not only for the sake of the country, but also for himself, and for that gentle and kind lady who had given him meticulous companionship, comfort, and care.

"Then, Your Majesty, we are left with only one other option." Sir Otto, the Hand of the King, deliberately lowered his head, obscuring his expression. After his request to smash the ceiling was rejected, Otto offered the suggestion of opening a window: "Our Kingdom's Light, the youngest dragon rider in history, Princess Renera."

A long silence fell over the imperial council meeting.

Viserys' face was expressionless, but those who knew him well knew he was deep in thought.

Princess Renella stood quietly to the side, watching her father's changing expression.

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