Game of Thrones: The Red Dragon Lord

As Hassan left, Willas couldn't help but exclaim:

"I said Gavin was a talent! He should have been kept in Highgarden at all costs."

Olenna glanced at Willas, a touch of disdain in her eyes, before turning to Margaery, who was still stunned and speechless. Gently, she stroked Margaery's hair and spoke softly:

"It seems my pearl of Highgarden has a good eye."

Margaery, now regaining her composure, looked up at Olenna and, like a child seeking comfort, clung to her arm and asked:

"Grandmother, do you think we should agree?"

Olenna smiled, her tone both amused and wise:

"Agree? Why agree, my child? If it's just a piece of paper, and if it grants you the support of a fleet and the tax revenue of a territory, there's no better deal in the world."

Her expression darkened slightly as she added:

"But this boy is clever. He clearly doesn't want to tie himself to the Tyrell family's chariot."

At this, Willas, eager to assert himself, interrupted:

"Why don't I go to the Stepstones? I got along well with Gavin before. Maybe I can convince him to fully align with Highgarden."

Olenna sighed, her hands going to her head in exasperation.

"Oh, my self-conceited grandson, do you know how many warships the Redwyne fleet has? Fewer than fifty. The entire royal fleet has only 110, and that boy commands seventy ships of his own. Even without this piece of paper, he controls the Stepstones. He wants this paper simply to avoid legal trouble with others."

She turned back to Margaery, her expression softening. She stroked Margaery's forehead and said:

"At least, you're the one who gave him the title. So, do as he asks. Your father is not here, and you can sign the expropriation order in his name. Just follow his lead."

Hassan's Meal and the Awaited News

Though Hassan's heart was filled with unease, his stomach could no longer wait. Already famished, he began devouring the food in front of him. Grabbing a piece of bread with one hand, he bit into it without concern for the crumbs falling from his mouth. With the other hand, he piled meat into his mouth, his cheeks puffed out like a squirrel as he ate with gusto.

Just then, the servant who had brought him here earlier returned with a message:

"Miss Margaery would like to see you."

Without a moment's hesitation, Hassan wiped his mouth and followed the servant, his anxiety rising. He couldn't help but wonder—was this good news or bad? His steps quickened, as if speeding up would somehow reveal the answer sooner.

The Message from Highgarden

Hassan entered the pavilion again, where Margaery greeted him with a smile and handed him a rolled parchment. With trembling hands, he eagerly took it and unfurled the letter, reading aloud in his mind:

To the brave Knight Gavin Belleris:

In the name of Mace Tyrell, Governor of the Reach, Duke of Highgarden, and Guardian of the South, I hereby grant my daughter Margaery Tyrell and Guardian Knight Gavin Belleris the right to settle and claim lands.

I hope you will venture into the uncharted lands beyond the Seven Kingdoms with courage, rid them of bandits and pirates, and open new territories for the benefit of the Seven Kingdoms. In doing so, you will achieve unprecedented glory.

Once these lands are established, you will need only to protect my daughter, Margaery Tyrell, in exchange for regular taxes to Highgarden. The lands will become the hereditary domain of the Belleris family, passed down through the generations.

This decree is unassailable, and all should obey it.

Hassan's excitement surged. As he looked down at the parchment, he noticed the date was over three months old. This piece of paper gave Gavin the legitimacy he needed, ensuring his actions were now aligned with the laws of Westeros. It would be invaluable in avoiding future complications, especially from Dorne.

He carefully rolled the parchment back up, secured it with a ribbon, and placed it into a bamboo tube designed for safe storage.

After watching Hassan store the letter carefully, Margaery turned to him and asked:

"Can you tell me what happened when Gavin first arrived at the Stepstones? How did you meet?"

Hassan, eager to share the story, nodded enthusiastically:

"Of course, Miss. When I first met my master, we were still in Oldtown. At that time, he was on my ship, planning a journey to Essos."

He went on to recount the events: how Gavin had been kidnapped by pirates aboard his ship and forced into Shipwreck Bay. Hassan told Margaery how Gavin had cleverly escaped the pirates' control and, with remarkable bravery, taken down the Black Shark "Earl" with a single strike. He also detailed how Gavin had swiftly seized control of the pirates and Bloodstone Island, exploiting the information gap to outmaneuver his enemies.

Margaery listened intently, her face a picture of disbelief and amazement. Her wide eyes and slightly parted mouth revealed her astonishment, while her brows occasionally furrowed in concern as she imagined the dangers Gavin had faced. It was as if she could feel those moments of peril happening right before her.

Margaery's Reflection

After Hassan left, Margaery sat alone in her room, still processing the thrilling story she had just heard. She replayed Gavin's feats in her mind, unable to shake the image of the daring man who had done the impossible. In a soft murmur, she spoke to herself:

"Queen? Daemon Targaryen, who conquered the Stepstones, was crowned King of the Narrow Sea and the Stepstones."

Gavin's Fleet: The Belleris

Meanwhile, Gavin was inspecting his flagship, the Belleris, docked at Grey Knuckle Island.

Originally the Black Shark "Earl's" flagship, the Belleris had been nearly completed before Gavin captured Shipwreck Bay. Now, after a month of finishing touches, the ship was fully functional.

The Belleris was a formidable sight. At 80 meters long and 20 meters wide, it boasted three towering masts, the tallest of which reached 50 meters. The sails bore Gavin's family crest: a fiercely burning flame. The hull, made of sturdy oak, was reinforced with copper, gleaming in the sunlight. The bow jutted out like a sharp blade, cutting through the waters with ease.

The deck was expansive and meticulously crafted, with polished wood exuding the fragrance of fresh timber. The railings were finely carved, adding a touch of elegance to the mighty vessel.

On either side of the deck, eight three-bow crossbows had been mounted. These crossbows, specially engineered by Gavin, could fire projectiles three times farther than standard crossbows. With these formidable weapons, Gavin had the power to command the seas and scout the surrounding islands with confidence.