The diehards of the Crab Claw Peninsula

The morning mist Blackwater Rush had not yet dissipated when it was shattered by the sound of the fleet's horns.

The Targaryen's black and red three-headed dragon banner fluttered in the wind, intertwining with the red crab banner of House Celtigar King's Landing, the white triple spiral banner of House Massey with red, green and blue, and the silver swordfish banner of House Bar Emmon, which were being presented to King's Landing today, like an unfolded scroll of the Seven Kingdoms' coats of arms.

On the dock, the Dark Blade Guard stood in black robes and Gold Cloaks on either side. Rayford held a scroll and checked the list. Colin Celtigar stood at the front today, the Blue Crab pattern on his silver armor gilded with a warm gold by the morning light. He was much more composed than he was on Crab Island half a year ago, even the way he held his sword was more relaxed.

Daemon stood on the welcoming pier, holding Rhaenyra in his arms. The little girl, dressed in a light pink dress, clutched his silver hair with her tiny hand and stared curiously at the approaching Celtigar fleet in the distance.

The flagship had a huge red crab carved on its prow, and its sails were embroidered with countless tiny crab patterns that were faintly visible in the mist. Without even looking, one could tell that Earl Bartimos Celtigar of Crab Island had arrived.

"Old Crab's here early this time." Daemon Targaryen leaned closer, the shoulder armor of his golden robe brushing against Daemon's arm. He glanced at the fleet, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "I heard that ever since you finished your cruise on Crab Island, he's been bragging all over the Narrow Sea, making it known to all the nobles of the Seven Kingdoms that you're going to ride the Glutton across the sea to Essos, conquer all those Free Cities, become ' the Conqueror Alive,' and become the Lord of Essos."

Daemon smiled helplessly, glancing down at Rhaenyra in his arms—the little one was reaching for the Blackfyre at his waist, babbling softly.

"He's exaggerating," Daemon gently pressed Rhaenyra's hand. "I merely mentioned to him during a visit to Crab Island that I had the idea of venturing across the Narrow Sea. Westeros may be vast, but the world is much bigger than this," and he spread the word throughout the entire Westeros.

No sooner had he spoken than Celtigar's fleet docked. Earl Bartimos Celtigar, dressed in a blue robe embroidered with pearls and with a gold chain shaped like a crab claw around his waist, was helped off the gangplank by his eldest son, Clymont Celtigar.

The old crab's face was even more "spirited" than it had been six months ago. His eyes swept across the dock, and after greeting Viserys and the others, they quickly landed on Daemon, immediately plastering a fawning smile on his face, "Your Little Daemon!"

My great lord! You have kept this old minister waiting for quite some time!

He strode over and nearly tripped on the diving board; Clymont quickly caught him.

But Bartimos paid no heed to these words, bowing deeply to Daemon, the pearls on his gold chain jingling. "Your Highness, I heard firsthand the deeds you accomplished after your tour of the Seven Kingdoms on Crab Island —leading the Vale coalition to relieve the siege of Moon Gate Keep, twice burning the Ironborn longships during the plunder, exposing the treason at Highgarden —each one a momentous event! I told my old friends before that our Little Daemon would surely surpass even Aegon the Conqueror in the future!"

Before Daemon could speak, Colin strode forward, grabbed Colin 'Clymont arm, and said with a smile, "Uncle, cousin, you must be tired from your journey. I've prepared some fresh crabs from Crab Island at the Red Keep. Shall we go in, eat, and chat?"

As he spoke, he winked at Bartimos —clearly wanting to discourage the old Earl from continuing his "exaggerations" at the dock.

Bartimos, being astute as he was, immediately understood and patted Colin on the shoulder with a smile, "My good nephew is so sensible! In the past six months, you've become much more composed since you started following His Highness."

He bowed to Daemon, "Your Highness, this old minister will first go inside with my nephew to catch up, and will come to the Red Keep to pay my respects to you later."

Daemon nodded, watching Colin lead Clymont and Bartimos into the city.

The old Earl took a few steps, then turned back and shouted to the other lords on the dock, "You have no idea! Our Prince Daemon's Glutton can burn through three iron ships with a single Dragonfire! When he goes to Essos, all those Free Cities will have to kowtow to our Prince!"

The surrounding lords all turned to look, and Daemon Targaryen couldn't help but laugh out loud, "This old crab, he really is your ambassador."

Daemon shook his head helplessly, but he knew in his heart that Bartimos's "big mouth," though seemingly exaggerated, had actually saved him a lot of trouble.

During the six months that followed his travels through the Seven Kingdoms, most of the traitors who had tried to urge him to seize the Iron Throne gave up their ideas after hearing the rumors that "Daemon, the Black Dragon, is going to Essos to expand his territory." After all, no one was willing to risk their life and fortune with a prince who "aimed overseas."

Not long after, several ships in the Celtigar fleet also sailed toward the port.

It seems that thanks to the flapping of the wings of Daemon, this Black Dragon from the future, the relationship between Celtigar, who claims to be the guardian of Crab Claw Peninsula, and the lords of Crab Claw Peninsula has eased considerably.

The flags on the later ships were all the coat of arms of the nobles of the Crab Claw Peninsula —a white background with a brown bear's claw from the Brune family.

The marsh marigolds of the House Crabb, along with the banners of several minor lords, fluttered in the wind.

After the lead ship docked, Crabb Earl disembarked with his eldest son, Raynavor. The old Earl, dressed in black armor, looked more weathered than he had six months ago, but still spirited. Upon seeing Rupert standing among the Dark Blade Guard, he immediately strode over and embraced him tightly. "Rupert! You've been following His Highness all the way here, truly bringing honor to the House Crabb!"

Rupert's eyes instantly reddened, and his voice choked with emotion. "Father, I've been doing quite well in King's Landing these past few days. His Highness and my brothers have treated me very well along the way, and His Highness has even taught us swordsmanship sometimes."

Raynavor also came over and patted his younger brother on the shoulder. "Little brother, Father reads your letters every day. He says you're now a squad leader in the Dark Blade Guard, much more promising than me, the eldest son and heir."

Kingsguard Clymont Crabb, a member of the Royal Guard, approached, his white robes gleaming in the morning light. He bowed to Earl Crabb: "Brother, it's been half a year since we last met."

The old Earl patted him on the shoulder, his eyes full of satisfaction, and joked with a smile, "As Kingsguard, you must be loyal to the King. Don't imitate your nephew's little daughter and bring shame to the House Crabb."

Just then, a young man wearing brown armor stepped off the diving board.

He was tall and had several shallow scars on his face; he was Berna Brune, who had inherited the title of Count Bren.

Half a year later, Berna had shed his previous naivety, and his eyes had become more composed. However, when he saw Daemon, he couldn't hide the excitement in his eyes.

Unlike the other lords, he did not go to see Viserys first. Instead, he walked straight through the crowd to Daemon, knelt on one knee with a thud, and respectfully bowed with one hand on his chest, saying, "My lord Daemon! Berna Brune reports to you on the achievements of governing the Crab Claw Peninsula!"

The dock fell silent instantly. Viserys, who was talking to the Earl Massey, nearly dropped his wine glass upon hearing this.

Daemon Targaryen's hand, which the Dark Sister were wiping, froze in mid-air, his golden robes' shoulder armor brushing against the attendant beside him;

Leonno Strong frowned, his bald head gleaming in the morning light;

Otto Hightower was furious, his face turning ashen. Pointing at Berna, he roared, "What kind of behavior is this! His Highness Viserys, the chief envoy, is here, and you dare to address Daemon Highness Damon as 'my lord'! Do you have any respect for seniority, hierarchy, or the rules of the Iron Throne?"

Earl Crabb panicked and rushed over to help Berna up. "Berna! You've lost your mind! Get up and pay your respects to Prince Viserys!"

Berna refused to rise, looking up at Daemon with a firm voice. "My lord, since you pacified Crab Claw Peninsula, Berna has sworn allegiance to you. In the past six months, I have worked with Earl Crabb to restore farmland, pardon the Wildlings, and establish the Crab Claw Guard. Now, the Crab Claw Peninsula will no longer be easily invaded by Wildlings, and the people can cultivate and reclaim wasteland in peace."

As he spoke, he stepped aside, revealing a young man in gray armor behind him. "This is my cousin Rosso Brune, heir to the House Bren of Brown Burrow Mountain. He has come with me to pledge his loyalty to you."

Daemon, holding Rhaenyra, was filled with surprise. Although he was startled by her actions, he quickly regained his composure. He gently patted Rhaenyra's back and extended his hand to Berna: "Berna, please stand up and speak."

Berna then stood up, still bowing.

Daemon, noticing the surprised looks of the surrounding lords, slowly spoke, "Gentlemen, Berna was not being rude, but rather keeping his promise. Half a year ago, on his deathbed, Old Count Bren of Crab Claw Peninsula entrusted Berna to me, asking His Highness to protect the people of Crab Claw Peninsula." Berna and I fought together against the Wildlings who occupied Whispering Castle. To protect the people, he was stabbed three times but refused to retreat. After pacifying Crab Claw Peninsula, he volunteered to accept the royal appointment to govern the area, saying he wanted to bring a better life to the people of Crab Claw Peninsula."

Although there was some exaggeration and praise involved, it was nonetheless a heartfelt statement to others.

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Otto, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable authority. "Berna pledged allegiance to me not to Daemon Blackfyre, but to the one who promised to protect Crab Claw Peninsula. Now that Crab Claw Peninsula is at peace and its people are healthy, isn't this the loyalty the Seven Kingdoms need?"

The surrounding lords nodded in agreement, and the Earl Massey said with a smile, "Your Highness is right. The Earl of Berna is a man of honor and a rare and good lord."

Earl Bar Emmon chimed in, "Yes, upholding the loyalty of the people is more important than anything else."

Otto's expression remained grim, but he remained silent—after all, Daemon's words were reasonable, and the other lords echoed them; if he were to refute them further, he would appear to be making a mountain out of a molehill.

Viserys walked over and patted Berna on the shoulder. "Berna Earl, you've done a great job. The stability of Crab Claw Peninsula is thanks to you, and also to Daemon."

He smiled at Daemon. "Little Daemon, you know how to talk."

Daemon chuckled and shook his head, glancing down at Rhaenyra in his arms—the little one had woken up sometime earlier and was staring at Berna with her round eyes, waving her little hand at him.

Berna saw Rhaenyra, a gentle smile spreading across his face, and bowed to the little princess. "Greetings, Princess Rhaenyra."

O

The sunlight gradually dispelled the morning mist and shone on the dock. The black robes and Gold Cloaks of the Dark Blade Guard remained impeccable. The lords walked into the city in twos and threes. Berna was talking to Rosso about the Crab Claw Peninsula, with Earl Crabb adding his comments. Rupert also joined in, listening to his brother talk about life in the Kingsguard.

Daemon held Rhaenyra in his arms as they stood on the pier, gazing at the Red Keep in the distance. The morning breeze carried the salty tang of Blackwater Bay, but also a hint of warmth.

He knew that Berna's loyalty was not only a personal trust in him, but also an affirmation of his role as "protector of the people." And this affirmation was more precious to him than any title or power.

Rhaenyra stretched out her small hand and gently touched his cheek. Daemon looked down, met her clear eyes, and couldn't help but smile.

Perhaps, in the future, the Targaryen will not need to rule through Dragonfire and war, but can cultivate the hearts of the people with this belief in "protection" to bring peace to the Seven Kingdoms and ensure the well-being of their people.

The distant chimes of the Red Keep mingled with the horns of the fleet, bringing a warm conclusion to this welcoming spectacle on the Blackwater Rush.