Visitors from Crab Island

After yesterday's heavy rain subsided, Dragon's Roost Port was shrouded in a thin layer of morning mist.

The pine forest, ravaged by the fierce winds the night before, gradually came back to life, and dripping water droplets splashed on the newly turned black soil, creating tiny water droplets;

The water in the drainage ditch slowly flows into the Narrow Sea, and the turbid muddy water gradually settles, revealing smooth pebbles on the bottom;

The wooden and stone walls of the temporary fortress gleamed even brighter after being washed by the rain. The craftsmen had already resumed work under the morning dew. The sounds of hammering iron, ramming earth, and waves mingled together, becoming the prelude to the awakening of this land.

Just as Daemon finished looking at the newly drawn port plan at the top of the High Hermitage, he heard a long horn sound from afar. It was not the copper whistle commonly used by the craftsmen of Dragon's Roost Port, but a deep-sea conch shell with the characteristics of the Narrow Sea shipping. The deep sound pierced through the morning mist and echoed along the coastline.

"Your Highness, it's a fleet!" Jarman Waters's one eye suddenly lit up. He strode to the lookout point, his finger lightly touching the short sword at his waist. "Look, their sails have white backgrounds with red crabs—it's the flag of Colin's House Celtigar from Crab Island!"

Daemon raised an eyebrow, his fingertips tracing the hilt of the Blackfyre. As agreed, Bartimos Celtigar was supposed to travel with him to King's Landing tomorrow, but he arrived at Dragon's Roost Port today ahead of schedule, clearly unable to contain his eagerness for the House Celtigar to return to the center of power.

He turned to Gael behind him and smiled, "Our angel investor has arrived, and he's even more eager than expected."

With the help of Mysaria and Johanna Swann, Gael smoothed the wrinkles in her light purple dress, a gentle smile playing in her light purple eyes, "Earl Bartimos is quite sensible, knowing that offering his allegiance now will only increase his influence in the Crownlands in the future."

As the two walked down the High Hermitage side by side, the House Celtigar's fleet slowly approached the shore.

Three white-painted speedboats were moored side by side at the temporary dock. The gunwales were carved with intricate crab patterns, and the decks were piled high with heavy wooden crates, from which the glint of gold and silver could be faintly seen.

The flagship at the head of the fleet had a huge conch shell hanging from its prow, and several guards in silver armor were busy lowering the gangplank. Their breastplates were inlaid with the red and white crab emblem of the House Celtigar.

Bartimos Celtigar Earl was the first to step onto the dock. He wore a deep red velvet robe embroidered with golden crabs, and a ruby-inlaid scimitar, a symbol of his status, hung at his waist. His face was full of enthusiastic smiles, and he swayed slightly with excitement as he walked, but he did not look embarrassed at all.

Behind him followed Colin Celtigar, who was temporarily serving in the Joint Fleet. He was dressed in light white armor and held an exquisite bronze box in his hands, which was the keepsake that Daemon had left on Crab Island.

"Your Highness Prince Daemon!" Bartimos shouted from afar, his voice booming and drowning out the sound of the waves, "Congratulations on successfully weathering the storm! After last night's battle, Dragon's Roost Port will surely be even more solidified and will become the most dazzling jewel of the Narrow Sea in the future!"

Daemon stepped forward and gave him a symbolic hug, his nose brushing against the rich ambergris emanating from the other man—a fragrance that, apart from the royal family, only a select few wealthy nobles in Westeros could afford. Mixed with the saltiness of the sea, it now seemed to exude a deliberate display of affluence.

"Earl Bartimos, you must be tired from your journey. As agreed, you were supposed to travel with me tomorrow, but you've come early today. Is there something important?"

"Naturally, it's to present Your Highness with a small gift to show the loyalty of my House Celtigar!" Bartimos clapped his hands, and the guards behind him immediately opened the wooden box at the front. Inside were dozens of rolls of parchment neatly stacked, as well as several seals engraved with the Celtigar crab pattern. "This is the register of all the House Celtigar's strongholds on the Crab Claw Peninsula, the private army dispatch orders, and the land deeds accumulated over the generations."

From this day forward, all the power of the House Celtigar within the Crab Claw Peninsula shall be at Your Highness's command!

Gael added softly from the side, "The House Celtigar has claimed control over the Crab Claw Peninsula for generations. Now, Earl Bartimos has voluntarily relinquished control. This sincerity is truly rare."

Bartimos's smile widened, and he quickly waved his hand, "Your Highness, you are mistaken! Although Crab Claw Peninsula was once claimed by my House Celtigar, only in Your Highness's hands can it truly be transformed from barren land into fertile soil."

My ancestor, Earl Lys Celtigar, was Master of Coin of His Majesty Aegon the the Conqueror.

His great-grandfather, Earl Alton Celtigar, also served as Hand of the King under King Aegon.

His grandfather, Earl Will Celtigar, served successively Hand of the King under His Majesty Maegor and as Master of Coin and Treasurer under His Majesty the current the Conciliator.

What an honor! Now that His Highness has been willing to promote me and appoint me as Minister of Intelligence, allowing me to return to the Small Council, my House Celtigar, will never forget this kindness!

As he spoke, he gestured for Colin to hand over the bronze box. Colin stepped forward, opened the box, and inside was a small crab-shaped seal with intricate Old Valyria runes engraved on its base.

"This is a family heirloom of our House Celtigar. Holding this token allows one to mobilize all the secret agents and merchant ships on Crab Island. Your Highness will surely find it useful when you conquer the Narrow Sea in the future."

Daemon took the seal, his fingertips tracing the cool bronze surface. The runes were rough yet clear, exuding the aura of ancient Valyria.

He recalled the House Celtigar's background—as Valyria descendants sharing ancestry with the Targaryen and House Velaryon, and as a maritime family, although they could not tame dragons, they amassed enormous wealth through trade on the Narrow Sea.

Their castle on Crab Island was filled with Myr carpets, Volantis glass, jeweled goblets, and even a legendary horn that could awaken sea monsters. This rich heritage was indeed a much-needed asset for him to build Dragon's Roost Port.

"I accept Earl Bartimos's sincerity." Daemon carefully put away the seal, his tone steady. "Once Dragon's Roost Port and even the Prince's Castle are completed, the House Celtigar will be the first vassal of the Crownlands, and I will give House Celtigar priority in participating in the trade routes Narrow Sea."

Once I conquer overseas, the glory of your ancestors will surely be restored in your hands, and even more prosperous.

These words were exactly what Bartimos wanted to hear. He smiled so broadly his eyes narrowed, and he bowed repeatedly. "Thank you, Your Highness! I have already had half of Crab Island's wealth transported to Dragon's Roost Port, including that ancestral Valyrian steel, a chest of fine rubies, and enough wine to supply the entire Crownlands three years. I will have the guards unload the goods shortly, and then hand them over to Lord Rayford for inventory and allocation."

Rayford Rosby stepped forward and respectfully replied, "Earl Excellency, rest assured, I will properly register the funds, ensure they are used for their designated purpose, and prioritize their investment in port and workshop construction."

As they were talking, Gael had already had hot tea prepared and invited everyone to the temporary meeting tent.

Although the tent was simple, it was tidy. The floor was covered with a coarse woolen carpet brought from Tyrosh, and the table was set with fresh honey cakes and warm ale, all of which Gael had specially ordered to be prepared that morning.

After taking his seat, Bartimos picked up his mead but didn't drink it. He merely swirled the glass gently, a shrewd glint in his eyes. "Your Highness, that old fox Otto Hightower will surely make things difficult for us on our journey to King's Landing."

"After I take over as Minister of Intelligence, I will definitely help His Highness firmly control the intelligence network in King's Landing's Dragon's Roost Port are ready to be used by His Highness at any time to spread false information and confuse him."

Daemon picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes. "Maester Maron and Ellyn Beesbury are useful for now. When you return to King's Landing, simply do as I instructed: speak on my behalf at the Small Council, keep Otto calm, and gather his secret correspondence with the Reach, the Vale, and the lords of the Westerlands. Nothing else is required."

"Your Highness, rest assured!" Bartimos, once again presumptuously guessing Daemon's thoughts, confidently assured him, "I have already prepared generous gifts and sent them to the residences of the ministers of the Small Council, especially Lord Corlys House Velaryon. He and my House Celtigar are both of Valyria descent; he will surely remember our past relationship and support Your Highness."

Colin added, "Uncle has ordered that Crab Island's fleet participate in the Joint Fleet operations from today onwards, but specifically to ensure the safety of the shipping routes between Dragon's Roost Port and King's Landing's Landing and Dragonstone, ensuring the smooth flow of supplies and intelligence."

Daemon nodded, his gaze sweeping over the busy crowd outside the tent— Black Hill Tribe warriors were helping craftsmen move giant stones, Tyrosh refugees were building textile workshops, Berna Brune was patrolling the coastline with his private army, and Rupert Crabb was directing workers to lay slabs on the dock; everything was progressing in an orderly manner.

The addition of the House Celtigar undoubtedly injected even stronger momentum into this flourishing economy, especially their control of the Narrow Sea trading network, which would allow Dragon's Roost Port to integrate into Westeros's trading system more quickly.

"Oh, Your Highness," Bartimos said, as if suddenly remembering something, pulling a roll of parchment from his robes, "This is a map of the Narrow Sea pirates that I had compiled, along with a trade price list of the Free Cities."

"Now that Racallio Reinden is king of the Summer Isles, he has blocked the trade routes of King Gorne of the Iron Islands. If Your Highness wishes to interfere in the affairs of the Summer Isles, my House Celtigar's merchant ships can transmit intelligence to Your Highness at any time."

Daemon took the parchment, unfolded it, and saw that it was densely marked with the pirate strongholds and their distribution of power in various parts of the Narrow Sea, as well as the market prices of silk, spices, and wine in Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh, and even indicated which city-states' nobles were colluding with the pirates.

The level of detail in this intelligence report is in no way inferior to the information compiled by Larys before, demonstrating the depth and influence of the House Celtigar's long-standing operations in the Narrow Sea.

"This intelligence is very useful." Daemon handed the parchment to Rayford for safekeeping. "The Summer Isles matter is not urgent for now. The primary task for Dragon's Roost Port is to consolidate its foundations. We will discuss overseas matters after I return from King's Landing."

As they were talking, a slight commotion arose outside the tent. Jarman Waters strode in and whispered in Daemon's ear, "Your Highness, Maester Maron and Ellyn Beesbury are loitering outside the tent, seemingly wanting to come and pay their respects to Earl Celtigar."

A hint of amusement flashed in Daemon's eyes. "Let them in."

When Maester Maron and Ellyn Beesbury entered the tent, their faces wore deliberate obsequiousness.

Maester Maron straightened his grey scholar's robes and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, I heard that Earl Celtigar has come from afar, so I have come to pay my respects. I will need your guidance on the education and conduct of Dragon's Roost Port Earl the future."

Ellyn Beesbury, holding an account book, smiled and said, "Earl Excellency, I have completed the inventory of supplies for Dragon's Roost Port. Some of these supplies came from Crab Island. Please review and confirm them, Earl Excellency."

Bartimos glanced at them, already knowing their true nature, but feigned enthusiasm and waved his hand, saying, "You two are too kind! His Highness and I are wholeheartedly devoted to serving the Iron Throne. In the future, the affairs of the Crownlands will require your utmost efforts, and His Highness will certainly not treat you unfairly."

His words were loaded with meaning, both revealing the two men's identities and implying that they would be rewarded if they served loyally.

Maester Maron and Ellyn Beesbury's expressions changed slightly, but they dared not say anything. They could only bow in agreement and hurriedly take their leave.

After the two men left, Jarman said coldly, "Those two must have been trying to find out His Highness's movements through the Earl and relay the information to Otto."

"Let them investigate," Daemon chuckled dismissively. "It'll be perfect for them to make Otto think I'm so engrossed in building up the Crownlands that I'm completely oblivious to the power struggles in King's Landing."

Lord Bartimos, after you go to King's Landing, you could deliberately mention at the Small Council that I've been undertaking massive construction projects at great expense, thus lowering his guard.

Bartimos immediately replied, "Your Highness is brilliant! That old fox Otto will surely think that Your Highness's foundation is not yet stable and will not take action against the Crownlands for the time being. Your Highness can take this opportunity to strengthen your power."

In the afternoon, sunlight pierced through the morning mist, bathing Dragon's Roost Port in its glow. The wealth brought by Bartimos was gradually unloaded; chests of gold, silver, jewels, precious carpets, weapons, and armor were moved into temporary warehouses, eliciting gasps of amazement from the refugees and artisans.

The House Celtigar's private soldiers also joined the construction team. They were seasoned seafarers and skilled at building docks and fortifications, and they quickly became adept at working together with Berna Brune's men.

With Mysaria and Johanna by her Gael, Gerald personally distributed clothing and food to the House Celtigar's guards. Her gentle manner only strengthened Bartimos's resolve to place his bet.

"Her Highness is kind; no wonder she cherishes her so much," Bartimos exclaimed to Daemon. "With Her Highness and the Princess in charge, the Crownlands will surely be the support of the people and unbreakable."

Daemon stood atop the High Hermitage, watching the busy yet orderly scene before him. Glutton lay beside him, their dark dragon scales gleaming with a dark gold hue in the sunlight. Dreamfyre hovered above the harbor, and pale blue Dragonfire occasionally swept across the sea, startling seabirds that tried to approach and causing them to scatter in all directions.

The Grey Ghost curled up at his feet, a piece of honey cake that Bartimos had "given" to him, munching away happily.

"Your Highness," Rupert Crabb approached, holding a schedule of the dock construction, "With the assistance of the House Celtigar, the paving of the dock's slabs can be completed at least ten days ahead of schedule, the reinforcement of the drainage ditches is also finished, and in another half month, the first batch of salt-tolerant crops can be sown."

"Very good." Daemon nodded, his gaze turning towards King's Landing's Landing. "Tomorrow we will head to King's Landing. The affairs of Dragon's Roost Port will be handled by you and Berna."

Maester Maron and Ellyn Beesbury, as planned, have them "pass on intelligence," without arousing their suspicion.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Rupert replied, bowing deeply, his eyes full of respect.

As evening fell, the bonfire at Dragon's Roost Port was gradually lit again.

The refugees sang around the campfire, the craftsmen worked hard by the firelight, and the House Celtigar's guards and Daemon's followers gathered together to drink and chat, the atmosphere harmonious.

Bartimos pulled Rayford along, inquiring in detail about Dragon's Roost Port's financial situation and resource needs, wishing he could immediately move all the resources of Crab Island to provide support;

Colin then chatted with Rupert. The two good buddies, who hadn't seen each other for several days, talked about their respective experiences over the past few days. After a few cups of hot wine, they began to spar with swords, just like when they were traveling with Daemon.

Daemon held Gael's hand as they strolled along the beach. The waves gently lapped against the shore, and the moonlight spilled across the sea like a layer of shattered silver.

Brienne and Budimir Tarth secretly guarded them, Tarth Mysaria and Johanna also pulled Lia Osgre along to follow them discreetly.

"Otto will definitely cause trouble at the Small Council's King's Landing tomorrow, so be careful," Gael said softly, with a hint of worry in her voice.

"Don't worry." Daemon squeezed her hand, the warmth of his palm seeping through her fingertips. "Bartimos has taken over as Minister of Intelligence; he can help me stabilize King's Landing's intelligence network."

With Larys returning and cooperating from the shadows, Otto's petty tricks couldn't cause any major trouble.

"On this trip to King's Landing, I not only need to finalize the official investiture of the Crownlands, but I also need to let him know that Dragon's Roost Port is not a place he can interfere in at will."

Gael looked up at him, her light purple eyes reflecting the moonlight, like two stars hidden within. "I will guard Dragon's Roost Port here and wait for you to come back."

Alys told me last night that the celestial alignment next month is auspicious for the castle's foundation stone laying ceremony, and I've already had High Hermitage chosen, a place overlooking the entire harbor.

"Okay." Daemon lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "When I return, we'll lay the foundation stone for the new city together, and let the name of Dragon's Roost Port resound throughout Westeros."

In a distant tent, Bartimos was looking at a map of the Narrow Sea, conversing quietly with Colin, who had just finished sparring with Rupert, his finger repeatedly tracing the location of the Summer Isles.

He had already begun to imagine how much profit the House Celtigar could gain from Daemon's conquest of overseas territories.

In the shadows of the tent, Alys Rivers stood in the corner, her gaze passing over the crowd and landing on the backs of Daemon and Gael. Her fingertips gently stroked the herb pouch at her waist, a glint of something unfathomable flashing in her eyes.

As night deepened, the hustle and bustle of Dragon's Roost Port gradually subsided, leaving only the sounds of the waves and the low murmurs of the dragons.

Daemon knew that tomorrow's journey to King's Landing would be another war without gunfire, but as long as Dragon's Roost Port was firmly established and as long as Gael and his loyal followers were by his side, he had nothing to fear.

Under the moonlight, the outline of Dragon's Roost Port became clearer, like a lurking Black Dragon, ready to spread its wings and soar over the Narrow Sea at any moment.

And Daemon's legend is gradually reaching its peak in this land that is considered a wilderness by the world.