Over the next few months, the New Valyrian Empire entered a relatively stable period of "peaceful development." Armies everywhere continued to expand and train, preparing to launch a war at any moment.
Under Duke Arthur's effective administration, Free Bay Province gradually consolidated the gains of the previous war. Training for the Unsullied legion and the Free Folk militia continued day after day, while new recruits kept joining their ranks.
After an initial period of adjustment, the incorporated Dothraki cavalry also began adapting to a new tactical system. Their mounted archery gradually revealed terrifying potential.
Free Bay did more than train troops. It also worked vigorously to restore and develop production and clear trade routes, allowing wealth to truly circulate and turning the province into the empire's solid financial and logistical base.
Duke William's naval expansion advanced by leaps and bounds. With the ships seized from the former Three Cities of Slaver's Bay and a fleet of fast vessels "contributed" by Salladhor Saan, the framework of the imperial navy quickly took shape.
Through forceful measures, William reorganized Salladhor himself and his band of experienced pirates into a "naval auxiliary rapid-response force," though their current targets remained merchant ships from Westeros.
Hammering rang out from the newly built shipyards day and night, and new warships were continually launched. Everything was flourishing.
In Valyria itself, construction at Dragonwing Castle and its surrounding areas progressed further. More immigrants were properly settled, reclaiming farmland and establishing villages and towns.
Earl Jon oversaw homeland defense and internal security, ensuring the rear remained stable.
Viserys himself, meanwhile, devoted a considerable portion of his energy to researching how to hatch dragon eggs.
This was the core of his future strength: a weapon that surpassed ordinary armies and possessed truly decisive power.
He no longer wanted to passively wait