What are the advantages before Ironborn?
Hundreds of ships are scattered across the vast Sunset Sea infesting the coast, leaving at the drop of a hat and moving quickly.
Once the attack was successful, he escaped before dawn.
Now more than half of the Ironborn longships have gathered together to attack Stepstones.
Baelon turned his purple eyes and thought seriously for a few seconds.
Can Iron Fleet's crossbow shoot through Vermithor's scales?
It can't, or in other words, according to Vermithor's current size, there is nothing that can scratch the dragon's scales and make him bleed.
Except what's in the ruins of Old Valyria.
Since Iron Fleet cannot counter the dragon, can Iron Fleet's canvas sail and wooden long boat resist Dragonfire?
It can't, and in the eyes of the dragon, hundreds of ships are much more conspicuous than one or two ships.
Council Chamber fell into silence.
No one spoke, and the eyes of all the important ministers fell on Baelon, waiting for his reaction.
According to the Westeros culture, reaching adulthood means mastering military power, but similarly, if someone has already reached this standard, even if he is still young.
Everyone will think that he is mature.
"You are indeed far-sighted, Lord Otto." Baelon said in a calm tone, but still praised him according to etiquette.
"Although everything in Ironborn is built on plunder, there is no need to worry about Iron Fleet."
"But I believe that the loot gained from Stepstones, coupled with the honor of fighting with the dragon and serving Prince, will definitely satisfy them."
Baelon chuckled and said, "They will definitely be satisfied. Of course I can guarantee my fleet."
He looked at Viserys, the only king who could make the final decision.
"Your Majesty, please listen to my opinion."
"War is imminent, and hastily raising taxes will only cause domestic instability."
In Council Chamber, the flames crackled and exploded.
Otto frowned, "Promise?"
"Your Majesty!" Corlys·Velaryon sounded like a bell.
He glanced at Otto·Hightower lightly, "I agree with the prince, Your Majesty."
Baelon followed the sound and looked over, "Sea Snake" Corlys·Velaryon was smiling and nodding at him.
Daemon's eyes wandered between the two of them, half smiling but not smiling.
Lyonel raised his head, "Since Prince Baelon said so, we should believe him."
"But, Ironborn is really fickle, they are guys without honor!" Lyman Bisbury Earl said with disgust, "If they really plunder the coast, they will become a disaster to Seven Kingdoms!"
Baelon did not hesitate, "No harm can survive Dragonfire, Earl."
He stood on the moral high ground and used moral kidnapping to point fingers at everyone, "But now, Iron Fleet is working for Iron Throne and will soon bleed for Seven Kingdoms. Don't make malicious speculations or slander them."
"This..."
Lyman Bisbury shut his mouth helplessly, his sense of honor forcing him to speak no more.
Indeed, Ironborn is fickle, but Iron Fleet is now fighting for Seven Kingdoms.
Larys sat quietly in the corner, quietly scanning the crowd.
Among the eight people, five have silver hair and purple eyes, and have similar faces.
The three giant dragons of House Velaryon will arrive at King's Landing soon. By then, the six giant dragons will be hovering in the sky of King's Landing.
His eyes were in a trance, as if he saw the shadow of Old Valyria in its heyday.
Watching a group of giant dragons preparing to move is really... frightening and exciting at the same time.
Larry realized very clearly that he was fortunate to be in a period of historical turmoil. Countless people will study this period in future generations!
He silently clenched his cane, blood boiling in his chest.
Daemon's purple eyes moved and landed on Otto and Baelon.
Both are annoying things.
He snorted coldly, "The beasts in the forest always speculate on the power of the dragon."
"But it's been too long, and no one has truly understood how powerful the dragon is."
"Even if Seven Kingdoms lords join forces, to the dragon... ha!"
Daemon sneered and did not continue.
He turned to stare at Baelon, "You control the biggest dragon."
"As long as you are willing, you can make anyone who opposes you, and countless families that have been passed down through the ages disappear completely."
"If you weren't such a wimp!"
Baelon raised his eyelids, "No one is Vermithor's opponent, and no dragon can fight with him."
On Small Council, Baelon is unwilling to expose the discord within House Targaryen, even if it is already known to everyone.
He did not say Caraxes's name, but simply said, "Even if "Balerion the Black Dread" Balerion is still alive."
"Uncle."
Daemon sneered, Caraxes is not afraid of Vermithor.
But he glanced at the crowd and said no more.
"Baelon." Viserys doesn't want Baelon to be like Daemon, who attaches too much importance to the power of the dragon and thinks that Targaryen can control the dragon.
He spoke with sincerity, "We are indeed far better than many mortals and above exceptions, but we are also very fragile."
Otto still wants to persuade, "Your Majesty..."
"Okay!" Viserys said directly, "Otto, you should focus on discussing alliances and preparing supplies."
Otto hesitated for a few seconds, and finally chose to speak, "Prince Baelon, if Ironborn really plunders the coastline, you can bring the dead back to life with just one word..."
"If that day comes, I will personally avenge my subjects." Baelon said firmly.
Otto sighed helplessly, "Okay, okay."
He straightened his back and said, "Your Majesty, please allow me to report."
"Now, Pentos Governor has agreed to the alliance. Once Triarchy sends the fleet, they will go south to attack Tyrosh."
"But Volantis and Qohor... are still hesitating."
"Twelve years ago, Volantis was unable to resist Triarchy's massive attack and negotiated peace with Triarchy."
"As for Braavos, Meereen and other places that are further away from Triarchy, the attitude is indifferent."
"In addition, Second Sons has been hired and is departing from Free Cities to gather at Storm's End."
Baelon nodded with satisfaction and breathed a sigh of relief in his heart.
Not bad, not bad.
The current situation is very good.
Corlys·Velaryon grinned and said confidently, "Your Majesty, Stepstones is an easy trophy to win."
"We can win with Velaryon's fleet and dragon alone."
While Viserys recruited the vassals of Crownlands, he ordered Borros·Baratheon to return to Storm's End and recruit the vassals of Stormlands.
"But after we capture Stepstones, Triarchy and Dorne will definitely send troops to stop us." Viserys looked worried.
Is it right or wrong to involve Seven Kingdoms in a large-scale war?
Larys rolled his eyes, "Kingdom of the Three Daughters's fleet is like a wooden knight on the stage. It looks powerful but is actually vulnerable."
"No matter how large the fleet is, it will never come from one country."
"Conclave, composed of thirty-three Governor, will have a long discussion about how many fleets each city-state will dispatch and who will serve as fleet commander."
"Even if they dispatch the fleet and cross Narrow Sea, once the Triarchy fleet loses different numbers..."
His tone was strange and pointed, "I think the fleet commander will face the accusation of letting the troops of other castles die in order to preserve his own strength. By then..."
Viserys breathed out, "I hope so."
He had a hunch that even if Kingdom of the Three Daughters fought internally, the Narrow Sea naval battle would still be bloody.
Seven Kingdoms Once a war breaks out, there may be no peace for decades. Pirates, knights, bandits, and rebellions may continue incessantly.
Finally, Viserys sighed.
He glanced at everyone one by one, "After Aegon's celebration day, we will officially set off for the expedition."
"Everyone, hurry up and make the final preparations!"
Small Council's important ministers all stood up, but Baelon did not move. He planned to present to Viserys the harvest of his Iron Islands trip.
A new Driftwood Crown.
The ironborn carved a crown for him out of driftwood washed ashore on the seven main islands.
Daemon saw this and sat back down.
Otto was just about to shut himself back into the study and sent out ravens one after another.
He thought about how the promise of benefits and his wording could be more clever to make Free Cities attracted.
Oh, and he also needs a new bottle of ink.
Suddenly, he heard Viserys's voice, "Otto, you stay."
"Exactly, Baelon, Daemon, you should know about this."
Baelon suddenly had a bad premonition in his heart.
Bronze Gate closed tightly, Council Chamber fell into silence.
Viserys licked his lips and said tentatively, "I plan to marry a new queen. She comes from an ancient and wealthy family and will make the royal power even more powerful."
Otto raised his eyelids suddenly, with a strange light shining in his eyes, "This is a good thing, Your Majesty."
He thought of Alicent's slightly bulging belly and the circling and roaring dragon.
And... he glanced at Baelon without leaving any trace.
Relying on the power of the dragon, Targaryen can trample everything but gain submission.
If Alicent has a girl in her belly, she can marry Mund's child and bring a dragon to House Hightower.
Hightower's flames will be embroidered with dragons.
Otto slowly clenched his fist. By then, he will be forever remembered in the history of Hightower. His achievements and his contribution to the family will be passed down forever along with the family emblem!
Baelon glanced behind him, Rhaenyra turned his back to everyone, lowered his head in silence, and stared at the dining table.
She didn't even say a word during this meeting.
Strange.
Daemon only asked one word, "Who?"
Viserys opened his mouth and spit out a name, "Alerie·Hightower."
"Sir Three Daughters, Mund of Hightower Earl has escorted her to King's Landing."
Otto looked up suddenly.
Daemon's eyes were bright, and he sneered, like a giant dragon finally catching a satisfactory prey, "It seems like you don't know?"
He looked at Otto, admiring his pale face with interest, "Didn't your brother or nephew send a letter to inform you?"
Baelon:...