The air in the hall seemed to be frozen.
Stannis Baratheon sat behind the stone table, his dark blue eyes staring at the eye-catching number on the parchment, unable to look away for a long time.
Ten thousand pounds of wheat.
How many men are left in his army?
Two thousand three hundred, maybe less. This ridiculous number is almost a naked irony for a "king".
After the Bitterbridge mutiny, most of the lords and knights of the Stormlands, as well as a small number of the nobles of the Reach, turned to surrender to him, the only Baratheon.
After gaining the allegiance of the Stormland lords, the number of Stannis's troops once exceeded 20,000, and most of them were knights and Free Riders, which is a high-spirited force.
At the same time, King's Landing's capital garrison numbered only a few thousand at that time, and the strength gap was very disparate.
However, the battle that was supposed to be a sure win turned into a huge defeat. Stannis only led more than 2,000 people and one Hollow Fleet back to Dragonstone, and the team was literally reduced to ten.
The most terrible thing is that under the Lannister's strong blockade, Dragonstone's food consumption has become increasingly serious, but there is no replenishment at all. If this consumption continues, even Stannis is beginning to consider whether to abandon his base and look for a way out elsewhere.
And this 10,000 kilograms of wheat, based on the ration of half a kilogram per person per day, is enough to last for nearly ten days!
For an army that has been without decent supplies for two months, this can almost be regarded as a reassurance for the soldiers.
But what's the cost?
Even Stannis knows that everything in the world has a price tag.
"How much do you want, Vito·Corleone."
Stannis's voice echoed in the hall. He did not use the honorific "Ser". This was a subtle signal. He would not give any unnecessary respect to the person before he confirmed his true intentions.
"You know very well that the average price of food has not come down yet, sir."
Hearing this, Corleone replied calmly, "Since the War of the Five Kings, the Riverlands have been reduced to scorched earth, and the grain routes in the Reach have been blocked by the flames of war. However, Duke Tywin has implemented strict control for the stability of King's Landing."
"The official grain price is three Copper Penny per catty, but that is just a figure on paper. In actual transactions, the price has risen to one Silver Moon per catty of wheat, and all transactions are in cash. No one will take over the credit account."
As soon as these words came out, a suppressed intake of breath sounded in the hall.
One Silver Moon is one pound of wheat!
Ten thousand kilograms equals ten thousand Silver Moon, which is equivalent to more than three hundred Gold Dragon!
This amount of money is enough to maintain a decent life for a small noble family for ten years in peacetime, or to hire a Mercenary team of one hundred people for a whole year!
But now, the money is only enough to buy ten days of food rations.
"This number is very reasonable." After a moment of silence, Stannis nodded slightly and ordered the knight on the side, "Go and notify Ser Axell and go to the warehouse to get three hundred Gold Dragon."
He didn't counter-offer, but he took the initiative to wipe out the fraction after the three hundred Gold Dragon, and his tone was very natural.
But neither of them bothered with this detail.
Soon, the side door was pushed open.
A tied-up Alester Floren, a middle-aged man who looked similar to him but had a completely different temperament strode in.
He was wearing the standard armor of the Dragonstone garrison, with the crest of a crowned stag embroidered on the breastplate. He was none other than Assel Florent, the younger brother of Alester.
But it seems that unlike his brother Alester's eyes, which are always calculating gains and losses, Assel Floren's eyes are burning with paranoia and determination.
As Acting Lord of Dragonstone, it was Assel who managed the island for Stannis during the years he served as Lord of the Sea in King's Landing.
And when Stannis was defeated at the Blackwater River and retreated to Dragonstone, it was Assel who personally arrested his brother who was trying to negotiate and seek compromise with King's Landing and threw him into the dungeon.
"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!"
Seeing his younger brother appear, especially when he came into contact with Assel's cold and ruthless eyes, Alester Floren struggled wildly as if he had been burned by a soldering iron.
With his blocked mouth, he could only let out a muffled groan of despair, but anyone could hear the panic in his voice.
He knows this brother too well!
For the so-called "purification of the King of Light", Axell is willing to sacrifice everyone, and has even publicly declared on Small Council many times that "those who waver must be purified, and compromise is a sin deeper than betrayal"!
Not only that, he also suggested to Stannis time and time again to use fire to "purify" his brother who "has no strong faith"!
However, Alester's struggle did not attract Axell's attention at all. He did not even look at him, but bowed slightly towards Stannis: "Your Majesty."
Then he walked up to Corleone and handed the wallet containing Gold Dragon to him.
Hua la la~~~Hua la la~~~~
Corleone weighed it, and three hundred Gold Dragon made a crisp and sweet sound in the money bag, and a smile appeared on his face.
He is indeed a greedy guy.
Looking at his expression, Stannis felt very disdainful.
However, the next second, Corleone's actions made him frown.
With a flick of the opponent's wrist, he actually threw the money bag back to Ser Axell!
"What do you want to do, Vito·Corleone?" He asked sharply, "Do you think my price is too low?"
"No, no, dear lord."
Under Stannis' gaze, Corleone spoke slowly, with even a gentle smile in his voice, "I said, this is a gift."
"So... these ten thousand kilograms of wheat are completely free."
Free!!
As soon as this word came out, everyone present was shocked.
The gift of tens of thousands of kilograms of grain is truly a generous gift.
"Gift?"
Stannis muttered and repeated, but in the face of such a huge gift, his voice became colder and colder, and his eyes stared at Corleone: "Ser, in my life, the so-called gifts are often marked with the most expensive prices."
"What on earth do you want to do? Serve as a lobbyist for Tywin Lannister and use food to persuade me to give up my resistance and recognize the legitimacy of the false king?"
"If that's the case, then I can tell you directly, it's impossible!"
His voice gradually rose to almost a growl.
However, Corleone just shook his head slightly.
"No, Your Majesty."
"There are no strings attached to these ten thousand kilograms of wheat."
"It is just a proof that my channels really exist, that my promises are not castles in the air, and that every word I am going to say is based on a practical basis."
Saying that, Corleone took a step forward.
"What we're going to talk about next...
In just a short moment, his voice suddenly became clear and powerful, and every word seemed to hit Stannis's heart. "It's a business of... one hundred thousand kilograms of wheat per month!"
"One hundred thousand catties!!!"
As soon as these words came out, everyone present exclaimed in surprise.
Everyone's eyes were full of disbelief.
What does so much food mean?
That means that every soldier, craftsman, Sailor, noble and even commoner on Dragonstone can have enough to eat!
The days of being unable to sleep due to stomach cramps at night are about to be gone forever!
But amidst the exclamations, Corleone hadn't finished speaking yet.
"It's not just that."
He continued, his eyes slowly scanning every shocked or doubtful face in the hall. "Medicines, clean gauze for dressing wounds, wool to keep out the cold, tung oil and wood for repairing ships."
"Even...
Corleone Every time the words are spoken, the hearts of everyone present will speed up even more.
Speaking of this, he deliberately paused until everyone listened with their ears pricked up, and then he spoke word by word, "Weapons, armor, horses, ships!"
"As long as it's something you and your army need, there's nothing I, Vito·Corleone, can't get."
"You just need to remember one thing, I, Black Hand Mafia, dare to sell what others don't dare to sell, and I, Black Hand Mafia, dare to sell what others don't dare to sell!"
Boom!
The shock caused by this sentence was stronger than all the previous words combined.
One hundred thousand kilograms of food per month is enough to change the living conditions of Dragonstone Island, but weapons and armor?
That is shaking the balance of war!
With these food, weapons, equipment and logistical supplies, Stannis Baratheon can completely pull out an army of nearly ten thousand people!
If they can really do it, they will no longer be limited to being trapped on an isolated island!
Assel's breathing was obviously rapid. He looked at Stannis, with some kind of fiery light burning in his eyes.
Part of that light comes from faith, and the other part is the most primitive desire for survival.
"Such a big business...
After swallowing, Stannis finally spoke, and everyone could hear him clearly.
He didn't look at Corleone, but stared at his hand that was placed on the armrest of the stone chair, with veins popping out due to excessive exertion.
"Ser Corleone." Stannis raised his head suddenly, his dark blue eyes like the sea before a storm.
He was not stunned by the sudden happiness, but remained calm enough and asked, "Do you understand what you are talking about?"
"One hundred thousand kilograms of food and other logistical supplies, and even weapons and equipment, are shipped from King's Landing, under the nose of Tywin Lannister, to his mortal enemy every month?"
"Are you crazy, or do you think I'm a fool who doesn't understand anything?"
"Still...
Speaking of this, his eyes became extremely sharp. "Is this Tywin's conspiracy?"
"Sending a batch of harmless grain to gain trust, and then poisoning a certain batch of goods?
"Or at the appointed time, let the warships hide among the merchant ships and land on Dragonstone quietly to wipe out all my troops?"
As soon as these words came out, the expressions on the faces of everyone present changed again.
To be honest, what Corleone just described was so overwhelming that they almost lost their minds and agreed immediately.
Now that Stannis said this, they calmed down and thought carefully.
Your Majesty is right!
That was an enemy under the nose of Tywin Lannister. How could Old Lion allow such a thing to happen!
That guy must be lying to us!
For a moment, the guards held the hilts of their swords and glared at Corleone, as if they were about to cut the deceiver sent by Lannister into pieces in the next second.
Even Axell Floren said at the right time, "Show me the flame, Your Majesty."
"There are too many shadows surrounding this person's words. The gift he promised may be the bait that leads to destruction. The enemies of the Lord of Light always pretend to be friends!"
"I suggest burning him to death now!"
"Burn him!"
"Burn him!!!"
As soon as these words came out, everyone present echoed in agreement, and the sounds of armored boots and spear soles hitting the ground came and went.
Stannis also looked at Corleone coldly, but did not issue the order immediately.
Faced with numerous accusations, Corleone did not immediately refute.
He just stood there, the light of the torch reflected on his face, half of the outline was completely in shadow, while the other half was in the light.
When he spoke again, [Dignity Iv3]'s aura was once again at its maximum, and people suddenly discovered that there seemed to be something strange in this strange man's voice, which made him appear extremely confident.
"I never promise something I can't do, my lord."
This sentence was said very softly and calmly.
There were no impassioned oaths or complicated explanations, just a simple statement that was almost arrogant.
However, when this sentence came out of Corleone's mouth, it had a strange persuasiveness.
Stannis stared at him and said nothing for a long time.
Time seemed to have frozen in the hall.
The torches on the wall were crackling, and the muffled sound of waves crashing against the cliff could be heard in the distance.
That sound, day after day, year after year, has almost become part of the blood of Dragonstone.
Melisandre's red lips pursed into a line. She was silently observing the man standing at the intersection of light and shadow, and seemed to have a slight interest in him.
Finally, Stannis' eyes narrowed.
Did he believe it?
Not fully convinced.
But at least he began to allow himself to consider whether what the other person said was true.
However, Stannis Baratheon was never one to be dominated by impulse.
He believed in law, order and prudence throughout his life.
Facing the huge temptation, he needs a more cruel trial, and needs to confirm whether the person standing in front of him is Emissary who brings life, or whether he is the devil who leads to destruction.
What's more, this person needs to understand that Dragonstone is not a King's Landing market where one can play business tricks at will.
But... how to do it?
"Assel·Floren Ser."
At this moment, Melisandre on the side suddenly raised her voice and called out, her voice full of an undeniable sense of command.
Assel Kneel down on one knee.
Red Woman didn't talk nonsense, but raised his finger and ordered in a cold voice, "Burn him to death."
This command was concise and cold. Axell turned around and saw that the direction Melisandre's hand was pointing was not the arrogant Vito·Corleone, but his brother-Alester·Florent!
Seeing Melisandre pointing at him, Alester felt that his blood was freezing, and he quickly struggled and made a "woohoo" sound to Stannis.
However, his king just sat on the chair and did not move at all.
It was only now that Alester suddenly realized that he had become a sacrifice for Stannis to show this guy the rules of Dragonstone!
The chicken that was killed to show the monkey!
He was dying, not because of treason, not because of wavering, but because the king needed to announce to a stranger the consequences of betraying or fooling Stannis!
Faced with such an outrageous request to burn his brother to death with his own hands, Assel's eyes instantly erupted with a joyful light that was mixed with piety and cruelty.
He lowered his head without hesitation. "I obey your order, the King of Light will witness this Fire of Purification!"
"The traitor's flesh and blood will be reduced to ashes in the flames, and if his soul remains, it will be redeemed in purification!"
After saying that, he stood up quickly, with unusually quick movements, and signaled the guards to drag out the almost limp Alester.
Two sturdy soldiers set up Alester on the left and right. His legs were so weak that he could not stand. The dark water stain on his crotch expanded rapidly, emitting a pungent odor.
He is incontinent.
When passing by Corleone, Alester used his last strength to turn his head, staring at Corleone with his eyes filled with fear and despair, as if pleading and cursing.
Maybe he was thinking that if it weren't for the arrival of Corleone, he would never have been punished like this.
It's all your fault!
But facing this malicious look, Corleone just looked back at him calmly.
Sympathy, disgust, fear, excitement.
There are no unnecessary emotions at all. After all, to Corleone, Alester is just a completely ordinary person.
How and when this guy will die has nothing to do with me.
He just stared at the other person calmly, like a the Doctor examining a specimen that was about to be dissected, thinking about where to make the most appropriate cut.
Assel followed, and when passing by Corleone, he glanced at the outsider coldly, as if to warn him that the price of deception, wavering, and betrayal is fire.
No matter who you are.
Stannis' eyes were always fixed on Corleone's face.
He was observing whether there would be other reactions on the other person's face, allowing him to see clearly what kind of person this Vito·Corleone was.
However, Corleone only turned slightly sideways to let the dragged Alester and the escorting soldiers pass. His movements were natural and polite, like making way for the waiter serving food at a banquet.
Then he turned back to face Stannis and nodded slightly. "As you please, my lord.
"I am honored to witness justice on Dragonstone."
His voice was steady, his expression was calm, and his eyes were crystal clear.
This kind of calmness is more incomprehensible than any strong reaction.
Because it means that this person has inner strength and control far beyond ordinary people's imagination, and can completely hide his true emotions.
This makes Stannis very difficult.
In the courtyard, a blazing fire soon lit up.
The light poured into the hall through the tall stone windows, casting swaying and ferocious shadows on the walls and floor.
The shadows danced and twisted, and with the crackling sound of firewood exploding, Alester's miserable howl penetrated.
The wailing lasted for a long time. Even though many sacrificial rituals had been carried out, everyone in the hall still looked more or less uncomfortable with the strong aroma of barbecue.
Even Stannis couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his eye.
Every time he heard people screaming in the fire, he felt that something he held on to in his heart was being burned along with it.
Assel was the only exception. He stood by the window, facing the direction of the courtyard, his lips moving as if in prayer, with a look of morbid satisfaction on his face.
Melisandre is watching too.
Her eyes were unblinking, and the fire was reflected in her fiery red pupils, as if the flame was not only burning in the courtyard, but also burning deep in her soul.
When the last sob disappeared, Stannis finally spoke again.
"Vito·Ser Corleone." His dark blue eyes were like the ocean, looking very deep in the dancing light and shadow. "You saw it."
"On Dragonstone, the price of deception, wavering, and betrayal is fire."
"Whether this man is the Hand of the King or a nobody."
"The same fire would consume those who would try to tease me and exploit my predicament for their own purposes."
"Whether they're from King's Landing, Casterly Rock, or wherever."
The firelight flickered, illuminating Stannis's face in and out of light.
The light and shadow cut hard lines on his face, making him look more like a god carved from stone than a living... person.