If the purge leads to larger-scale maritime conflicts or trade disruptions, the royal family can blame Redd for "excessive means."
Moreover, the king specifically mentioned "as the husband of Rhaenyra", which is not only to win over (we are a family),
It is also a subtle reminder (you are helping the kingdom and you are also helping your wife's future kingdom).
Otto added on the side with a sincere tone, "Sir Redd, this will be of great benefit to both public and private parties.
For the public, it will eliminate harm to the kingdom and stabilize the sea; for the private, if you can seize Tormund's wealth and ships, it will be very helpful to you in consolidating your rule in the East.
Your Majesty sincerely hopes to work with you to tide over the difficulties together."
Redd sneered in his heart. These two old foxes, one was a good guy and the other was a bad guy, they were quite good at calculating, and they completely used themselves as guns.
Let them fight to the death with Tormund, the sea lord who can grow up under House Velaryon's nose and rescue Corlys in time? Help them draw chestnuts from the fire?
There was just the right amount of contemplation on his face, as if he was really thinking about it.
"I am deeply honored by your Majesty's trust. It is indeed in my interest to destroy pirates and maintain smooth trade routes."
He paused and changed the topic slightly, "However, Stepstones's situation is complicated. If Tormund can run rampant for many years, it must have someone to rely on.
I have limited knowledge of that sea area and the specific situation of my opponent. If I attack rashly, I may not be able to achieve full success.
It may even be possible to alert the snake and allow him to escape into the depths of the Summer Sea, making it difficult to pursue him."
Viserys said quickly, "Of course! The royal family will provide all necessary intelligence support!
Sea charts, Tormund's usual activity areas, possible lairs... Otto will fully cooperate with you!"
"It would be great to have Master Otto help me."
Redd nodded slightly, but did not agree immediately, "It's just that large army expeditions, especially cross-sea operations, logistical supplies and fleet coordination are not easy.
My main force is still in the east, and I need time to mobilize and assemble. And..."
He raised his eyes and looked at Viserys calmly. "Your Majesty, I heard that Corlys Earl's navy is most familiar with that sea area.
If the Driftmark fleet can assist, or even just provide accurate navigation and intelligence, the success rate will be greatly increased.
I just don't know if Corlys Earl is willing to cooperate?"
He kicked the ball back deftly.
You want me to fight Tormund? Yes, but you have to let Corlys also contribute.
Either you force Corlys to cooperate, further exacerbating the conflict between the king and Master of Ships, and possibly even forcing Corlys to rebel;
Either Corlys disobeyed or directly refused, which would solidify the suspicion that he had an affair with Tormund and give the king more reason to deal with him.
No matter which outcome, the relationship between House Velaryon and the royal family will worsen, and Redd can use this to observe and even operate secretly.
Viserys and Otto obviously did not expect that Redd would propose this condition, and they exchanged a look.
Viserys frowned. Corlys's attitude in the meeting just now was very obvious. Ask him to cooperate fully to eliminate Tormund who may have contact with him?
This is almost impossible. But if you refuse, it will appear that the king has no control over the navy.
Otto smoothed things over. "The Driftmark fleet shoulders the heavy responsibility of coastal defense of the entire kingdom, and it may be difficult to deploy it at full strength.
However, to provide chart and intelligence support, I think Corlys Earl, as Master of Ships, should cooperate."
"Having charts and information will naturally save you a lot of trouble." Redd Stop when you feel good and stop pressing.
"In this case, I will arrange manpower as soon as possible to contact Mr. Otto, evaluate the situation in detail, and formulate a strategy.
Once you're ready, you can take action. But the time... I'm afraid there's no rush.
After all, Tormund has been entrenched for many years and needs to be addressed slowly."
He gave a response that seemed positive but was actually procrastinating. He promised to go to suppress it, but needed time to prepare.
Moreover, the responsibility for intelligence and logistical support was handed over to the royal family (especially Otto).
As for when it's "ready", that's up to him.
Viserys Although I am a little disappointed with this answer that does not suggest immediate action,
But Redd did not refuse directly after all, and even showed a cooperative attitude, so he could not force it anymore.
"Then... I'll help you. Otto, fully cooperate with Master Redd."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Leaving the throne room, Redd had a sneer on his lips.
Want him to be a gunslinger? It's not that easy.
However, Tormund... this "pirate brother" of Corlys is really an interesting variable.
Perhaps, before "annihilating", we can try to "contact" first?
Let's see what this "Lord of the Tide" thinks about the current situation in King's Landing and his brother who is at the center of the whirlpool.
Mysaria's intelligence network may need to be extended deeper into Stepstones.
Sometimes, the enemy of the enemy may not be a friend, but an independent and powerful third party can often play an unexpected key role in multi-party games.
Since Redd had promised King Viserys to help destroy the pirates, he took action immediately.
He is well aware that time is running out and he must quickly mobilize sufficient strength to meet this severe challenge.
Therefore, Redd sent Mesalia to Dragonstone and Braavos to deliver important information and asked them to mobilize more than 100 powerful warships from their respective jurisdictions.
These warships will be gathered near Dragonstone and Driftmark, ready to obey the orders of Redd.
At the same time, late at night, the "Broken Anchor" pub in a remote corner of King's Landing was filled with the turbid smell of low-quality ale, sweat and the smell of the sea.
In the darkest cubicle in the corner, the oil lamp was like a bean, barely illuminating Daemon·Targaryen's sinister face and Corlys·Varyrian's face as cold and hard as a reef.
In this secluded tavern, Daemon and Corlys were meeting quietly.
The atmosphere of this meeting was extremely tense, and the conversation between the two was full of gunpowder.
The air was almost solid, and there was only the sound of Daemon's knuckles tapping on the rough wooden table, and the faint noise of drunkards coming from outside.
Daemon's face was as heavy as water, and he stared at Corlys with sharp eyes, and asked unceremoniously, "I want to know what is the relationship between you and that Tormund!"
Facing Daemon's aggressive momentum, Corlys seemed a little embarrassed, but still responded calmly:
"There's no special relationship. We just had business contacts a few times."
However, such an understatement obviously could not satisfy Daemon's curiosity, and he continued to pursue:
"Is it really that simple? Are there no other ulterior deals or tacit understandings between you?"