Governor Otherys had managed to extricate his two allied houses with nothing more than an earnest, theatrical speech, and had even won the sympathy of many keyholders present.
The other members of the Nine Great Houses, led by Sealord Utherys, exchanged meaningful glances, pondering how to deal with House Otherys in a way that would strike at their rival without alienating the people of Braavos.
Danyla could no longer sit still.
Clap, clap, clap!
Smiling and applauding, she rose from her seat and declared in a clear voice,
"Governor Otherys, no wonder you have kept your house firmly seated as the foremost house in Braavos. Your methods are ruthless indeed, and your cunning and eloquence are truly astonishing!"
"As citizens of one of the Free Cities that dominate the world's maritime trade, I imagine every Braavosi knows this saying: every treasure from the Jade Sea is stained with blood and tears, and every piece of gold from Sothoryos carries a curse."
"I think there is much truth in that saying. Indeed, when people compete for their interests, there is often no right or wrong, only opposing sides. Every victor may have risen by treading on the blood, tears, and bones of their rivals."
"But what I cannot understand is this: House Otherys has already attained its present standing in Braavos. Why must you still scheme so tirelessly and stop at nothing, even putting all of Braavos in danger? What are you truly plotting?"
"Doesn't that rather contradict your claim that your conscience is clear and that everything you did was for Braavos?!"
By now, Danyla had walked up to Governor Otherys. Though he stood more than half a head taller than her, her commanding presence made her seem taller than him.
"You just said that without my involvement, the outcome