Corlys sighed helplessly, thinking that the son-in-law in front of him was too shrewd and it would not be easy to fool him.
But he didn't want to make the matter a big deal, after all, everyone was pointing at each other to fight the pirates together.
So, he gritted his teeth and said, "Well, to tell you the truth, I did deal with Tormund, and more than once.
But those are all trivial things, really not worth fussing about."
Hearing this, Daemon couldn't help but sneer in his heart - How can such a poor excuse be convincing?
"...'How many times of cooperation'?" Daemon finally broke the silence, his voice was very low, but it was like a blade scraping a stone,
"Father-in-law, do you think I am a three-year-old child, or one of those drunkards who listen to sailors bragging on the dock?
Tormund was able to grow to this point under the eyes of the Valery family. Stepstones has almost become his backyard.
Is it possible without 'internal' acquiescence or even support? You told me it was just 'a few cooperations'?"
Corlys picked up the strong drink in front of him and drank it down in one gulp. The burning sensation rushed from his throat to his stomach, but it could not dispel the chill and irritability in his heart.
"Daemon, knowing too much about some things is not good for you.
Things at sea are far more complicated than your political maneuvering at King's Landing.
Tormund... He has his own way of survival, and I also have my bottom line.
Between us, we are limited to non-aggression and the occasional exchange of... intelligence." He avoided the most important and never mentioned the blood relationship.
"Mutual non-aggression? Exchange of information?"
Daemon sneered and leaned forward, the light dancing in his eyes, "Then why did he suddenly appear this time and 'just happen to' save you?"
Is it also part of the exchange of information?
Father-in-law, the way the king looks at you right now is not right. Otto·Hai Tarth That old fox wants to eat you alive.
If we let them know that Master of Ships of the Kingdom and the biggest pirate leader are not just 'cooperating'..."
"Are you threatening me?" Corlys's eyes suddenly became sharp, and the majesty belonging to "Sea Snake" was instantly released.
"No, I am stating the facts." Daemon said without flinching, "We are in the same boat now, father-in-law.
The king asked me to form the Blackwater Bay fleet, which is to share your power and to test your and my reaction.
If we don't stick together, we will only be defeated by them individually.
Rhaenyra and that oriental bastard are watching covetously, Otto wants to help his daughter and grandson rise to the top...
We need strength, real power that can make people fearful!"
He stared at Corlys, with naked ambition burning in his eyes:
"Give me half of the command of the Driftmark fleet, and then allocate 'Sea Snake' and the three fastest longships to my new fleet.
With these, Blackwater Bay is in our pocket. The king and Otto have to think carefully if they want to touch us!"
Corlys looked at him, and the last faint hope in his heart due to marriage was completely extinguished.
What Daemon wants is not "together", it is clearly to take advantage of the situation and to divide the maritime foundation accumulated by House Velaryon generations!
Half of the command power? And the most elite flagships and clippers? This is simply taking away the backbone of the Driftmark fleet!
He remembered the promise made by Viserys when he proposed the marriage - to jointly develop Stepstones, share benefits, and consolidate the two alliances. What was the result?
Daemon is only content to occupy a few islands and gain immediate wealth and fame.
He doesn't care about House Velaryon's real interests and potential threats in the Narrow Sea (such as his brother Tormund), and may even be jealous for a long time.
Now when the king exerts a little pressure, he can't wait to share the biggest cake.
"Daemon," Corlys's voice was as cold as ice, "Driftmark's fleet is the foundation for House Velaryon's survival. It is the barrier to the kingdom's waters and is not a cargo that can be divided at will.
It is the king's order for you to form a new fleet. I will provide the necessary 'assistance' and training in accordance with your majesty's will.
But you want to take half of it directly? You also want my flagship? I'm sorry to say that."
Daemon's face instantly darkened. "Father-in-law, are you going to watch me being ignored by the king, and then wait for him to deal with you?"
Without my support, you will only be more isolated on Small Council!
Don't forget, Laena is having trouble with me now, but she is still my wife!
The future grandson of the Velaryan family may also need a strong father and uncle!"
He moved out Laena and possible future grandchildren (although his relationship with Laena was strained and there were few heirs), trying to exert family pressure.
Corlys sneered in his heart. Now you think of Laena and your future grandson?
Why didn't you think about it when you ignored her and hung out with other women?
He felt more and more that marrying his daughter to Daemon might have been a mistake.
This man only sees power and conquest, family affection, and responsibility as tools that can be used and discarded at any time.
"There is no room for negotiation regarding the fleet." Corlys said firmly, "As for Laena... that is a matter between you and your husband.
House Velaryon, The fleet will not be used as a dowry or bet.
It's getting late, Daemon, just take care of yourself."
After he finished speaking, he stood up and was about to leave. It was a foregone conclusion that this meeting would end on bad terms.
"Corlys!" Daemon also stood up, with suppressed anger and a trace of imperceptible panic in his tone, "You will regret it!"
Without me, you can't stop the king and Otto, let alone that monster from the east and his dragon!"
Corlys paused, did not look back, and just dropped a cold word. "House Velaryon has survived on the sea for hundreds of years and experienced countless storms.
Don't bother the prince."
He pushed open the creaking wooden door, and his figure quickly disappeared into the deep night outside.
Daemon was left alone in the dark cubicle, slamming his fist on the table, causing the oil lamp to shake violently.
Corlys's strong refusal disrupted his calculations.
Without the substantive support of the Driftmark fleet, his "Blackwater Bay fleet" is just an empty frame. It is difficult to form combat effectiveness in a short period of time, let alone check and balance other forces.
"Old stubborn..." He whispered through gritted teeth, a fierce look flashing in his eyes.
Since the father-in-law refuses to give it, he should get it himself, or... find another way.
He thought of the task given by the king to Redd to destroy Tormund, and his heart moved.
Maybe... we can make some articles here?
If we can find a way to completely expose the relationship between Corlys and Tormund, or even prove that they colluded to commit treason,
Then the king has sufficient reason to deprive Corlys of his position and fleet...
When the time comes, as the prince and new admiral, will he Daemon have the opportunity to take over more?