Rhaenyra's handwriting is clear and slightly hurried, describing King's Landing's dilemma in detail: Due to Iron Bank's sudden austerity and debt recourse, the royal family's finances were suddenly tight.
The Kingsroad loan left by the previous government has become a stone weighing on Viserys's heart - especially when the new creditor is Redd.
She bluntly said that Viserys was unwilling (or dared not) to worsen the already delicate relationship with Redd by defaulting on the loan at this juncture.
Although strictly speaking, this debt was not lent by Redd himself, but whoever holds Iron Bank now is the creditor.
"So, it's not that I'm generous, it's that I have no money." Redd put down the letter and chuckled.
This reason is both realistic and somewhat ironic.
A potentially protracted and costly Dorne war, with the bottom of the royal family's treasury and the subtle gaze of potential creditors (and the new overlord of the East), had to end hastily, and even the land needed to be ceded in exchange for a temporary respite.
This unexpected episode made Redd's strategy against Norvos clear.
He walked to the window and looked at the streets of Qohor, which were gradually returning to order but still filled with trauma.
Viserys's predicament gave him a revelation: pressure and fear do not necessarily need to be applied directly with swords and Dragonfire.
The economic lifeline, the debt chain, and the deterrent force controlled by him that may affect the entire known world trading system are also invisible but heavy weapons.
Norvos relies on trade, and the wealth and influence of its monastic order are closely tied to commercial networks.
"It seems that the letter of surrender can be written with more 'sincerity'."
Redd turned around and told the clerk standing aside, "In my name, send a letter to Norvos the Governor's Council and the bearded monk leader.
There is no need to mention the word 'surrender', just say... I am willing to discuss 'future trade agreements and security guarantees' with Norvos.
At the same time, attach a copy of Iron Bank's latest creditor's list, and... a sketch of the ruins of Qohor's altar."
He paused for a moment, and a cold light flashed in his eyes. "At the end of the letter, he added a sentence: I heard that your city has a long history of thousands of temples and solemn statues.
I have recently become very interested in the restoration of antiquities, and I may send specialists to 'observe and learn' to ensure that such cultural heritage is properly... placed in the new era."
This letter will be a soft knife.
It reminds Norvos: If you resist, you will face the fate of Qohor; if you delay, their economic lifeline and religious symbols may be strangled or "watched" by invisible hands.
The "trade agreement" and "security guarantee" are another path beyond destruction - a path that they need to choose themselves.
Soon, a letter containing a mixture of olive branches and veiled threats was delivered to Norvos by the messenger.
Redd wants to see how long the calculating governors and the monks who protect the faith need to argue this time between the substantial pressure and the seemingly decent steps.
And he is ready to mobilize the army at the same time to slowly put pressure on the border.
Dorne's ceasefire unexpectedly provided him with new tactical ideas.
Sometimes, letting opponents come to the negotiating table on their own is less laborious and more interesting than dragging them up by force.
Redd's fingers tapped lightly on the smooth obsidian tabletop. Lorath's document of unconditional surrender was spread out aside, and Norvos's reply with pleading and calculation was placed in the center.
Two documents, two gestures, but pointing to the same result - Free Cities's fortress was being opened one by one in front of him, with almost no soldiers wasted.
Marcus has already taken the personal guards to Lorath for "rectification", and the next step is to receive Norvos.
Everything seems to be progressing smoothly along the track he expected, and the territory of power is expanding silently.
However, the gilt invitation from King's Landing was like a pebble thrown into calm water, causing completely different ripples.
Celebration. A celebration for an unborn prince.
Redd picked up the exquisitely crafted letter, and Viserys's passionate (or, in other words, deliberately passionate) words appeared on the paper.
Invite "honored allies and blood relatives" Redd to King's Landing, share the joy and witness the opening of a new chapter for the Targaryen Dynasty.
"A new chapter?" Redd repeated in a low voice, with a cold curve at the corner of his mouth.
The gender of the child in Emma Arryn's belly is unknown, but Viserys's move is already a clear-cut attempt to build momentum.
He couldn't wait to celebrate and invited all the princes (especially his "blood relative" who was far away in the east but whose influence was growing),
It is all paving the way for a possible male heir and declaring his expectations and will to Seven Kingdoms.
This is almost blatantly paving the way for possible reneging in the future.
Once the prince is born, the previous promises to Rhaenyra and "Iron Throne heir" will become fragile in the face of grand celebrations, everyone's congratulations and "the king's legitimate expectations".
Viserys may want to use hospitality and family ties to tie him onto this celebratory carriage, making him acquiesce or even support this potential shift.
Redd put down the invitation and looked out the window at the street scene that Qohor was rebuilding.
Although affairs in the East have not been completely settled, the general trend has been determined.
It is not impossible to leave now and go to Westeros, and it may even be... it may be just the right time.
He didn't go just for Rhaenyra.
The inheritance turmoil of Iron Throne is an excellent stage for observing the positions of the major Westeros families and weaving their own relationship networks.
Iron Bank's debt chain has made Viserys feel the pain, so at the core of King's Landing's power, he may be able to exert a more direct and subtle influence.
Besides, he really needs to see the Iron Throne with his own eyes and see the "players" competing on the chessboard.
But, in what capacity? Just a supporter of Rhaenyra, a relative of Viserys? No, this is not enough.
"Reply King's Landing," Redd told the clerk, his voice steady and unquestionable, "Thank you His Majesty the King for your kind invitation. I am honored to participate in celebrating the arrival of the new member House Targaryen.
At the same time, inform them that I will go as 'the ruler of Free Cities'."
He paused briefly and added, "In addition, in the name of the main holder of Iron Bank, I would like to extend my greetings to the royal family,
He also mentioned that in view of the recent successful recovery of several important historical debts, Iron Bank is evaluating the possibility of credit support for Westeros, especially the royal family's future projects.
I hope this meeting will promote stronger trade and financial ties between the East and the West."
This is not just a reply to an invitation, it is an announcement and a reminder.
Declare his substantial power in the east - ruler of trading city-states, not just "Redd with a dragon".