Chapter 84

"The war is over?"

"Yes, Your highness. The rebellion has been destroyed by the combination of both Dorne and the Royal Fleet."

That is good. After I give him a choice, Doran decides to take the first option and go on the offensive. I don't blame him for it. I really don't want Bakir and my hard work to go to waste by going to war against Greyjoy.

I did not have Casus Belli to declare war against Greyjoy. I have a reason to help the Martell because they are my allies, but to go on offense, I need more reasons to do it. If I decide to attack them, it will be considered an invasion, and I will have a massive kingdom to fight against.

And I have a feeling that my ally will not join this war because I don't want a justification to go for an invasion.

Well, I can say that I have a claim to the Iron Throne, but I already told my ally that I have already released my claim to the throne unless the people of Westeros want me as their king. So I cannot use that as my reasoning for invading the Seven Kingdoms.

"That is good. That means we can continue our trade and not be afraid of the Greyjoy getting in the way."

"Hmmm, I don't think it will stop the rest of the Ironborn to continue their old way, your highness. They will continue to raid and pillage the world not only because it was their way of life but also because their home did not have anything in it."

"Ah, the Iron Island… Yeah, I agree."

The Iron Islands are a harsh place. Not as harsh as the north, but it was a harsh place to stay in. The place is not very fertile, with most of the land being filled with rock. Only a few places can be used as a fishing ground because the waves are too chaotic for a safe fishing place.

This place can be used as a trading hub between Westerland, Riverland, and the North, but because of its reputation since ancient times, not many people have trusted the Ironborn with their ships and the goods inside.

"Anyway, let's move on. Is there anything else?"

"The people of Stormfist send their yearly tax. There are around seven hundred thousand golds and some precious gems inside."

Stormfist. The city I thought would be my ally but instead became part of Lunaria Kingdom after they begged for me to accept their city into part of my kingdom. I have never seen someone celebrating the day when they are under the rule of someone.

"Take them to the vault. We will use it to expand and create more cities for the people."

The expansion I'm talking about is the expansion to the Disputed Land. I created a small town near Lunaria Island to create a land route to Myr. I spent a lot of money to create a road between Myr and the new town I called Rainwall.

I know it was an unoriginal name because I took that name from the Suikoden game, but it was a fitting name for this place.

The area is the place where it mostly rains for a certain time of the year. It is a place that can shield you from rain, which is why it was called Rainwall. It was a stupid reason, but I liked it.

"Should we put the money on the road building project, your highness?"

"Yes. They should be finished this year, right?"

"That is right."

After talking and debating with many engineers in Lunaria, we finally managed to create a good and durable road. I take a concept of a road from the Roman. A multi-layered road that can have a smooth surface for a more comfortable journey.

It takes a little more money to construct than a regular road, but it was worth it for it to last for multiple generations. I also changed the road in Sol-Luna city with this type of road but with stone blocks on top to make it pleasant to see.

"Good. What is the people's opinion on this road?"

"They are excited, your highness. I have already received many letters saying that they want to make a village around the road. The merchant sings praise about you and the people from Pentos want to ask you to build another road from Stormfist to Pentos."

Hmmm. I want to connect Lys, Stormfist, Pentos, and Braavos eventually, but not at the moment. It will cost me a lot of money; maybe later, when this road already gives us profit, I will build the road.

"Tell them that I will think about it. We did not have enough money to build it at the moment."

"Ah, your highness, they owe us money to build it."

"Truly?"

"Yes. They gave us one and a half million gold to build this road."

"That is… a lot… Tell them that we will think about it because we still have many projects to do."

"Of course, your majesty."

"Next"

"The last thing is the letter from the north, your highness."

"Oh? What is it?"

"They are asking for more food."

"Really? Again? They just increased their trade for food last month and they are asking for more?"

"It looks like winter this time is even more harsh than before."

"Sent them a letter telling them that we will sell more food with the usual price."

"Ah, there is another thing in the letter, your highness."

"What is it?"

"Lord Eddard Stark wants to talk to you about lowering the price of food for them, your highness."

"Oh?"

This is interesting. I never thought that the Stark wanted to talk to me, a Targaryen. My father kills his father and his brother, and my brother kidnaps his sister. Is the winter so bad that he is willing to discard his revenge to help his people?

"Bakir, what do you think? Will the stark try to kill me?"

"Kill you? I don't think Eddard Stark will try to kill you, your highness. Not only was it against his honor but also he did not have a grudge against you."

"Pardon? He did not hold a grudge against me? My father killed his brother and father and my brother kidnaps his sister before r*ping her. That is how the war started."

I can see Bakir smile slightly and take out a piece of paper from his robe.

"I want to give you this later when we are in private but I guess I can give it to you."

I take the letter and read it.

"I got this letter two days ago from one of the guild members in Westeros."

I continue to read it for a few seconds before my eyes widen.

"Is this real?"

"Yes. It was real."

In my hand is the marriage certificate of my brother and Lyanna Stark. I look at Bakir for a few seconds before saying.

"Bakir prepared the food and the ship for our journey. I need to see my Nephew."