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As Hassan departed, Willas could not help but exclaim, "I knew Gavin was a talent! We should have spared no expense to keep him in Highgarden back then."
Olenna glanced at the loudly speaking Willas but didn't respond, instead turned her attention to Margaery, who was still in shock and unable to speak. Gently stroking her hair, Olenna said softly, "It seems my jewel of Highgarden has a good eye after all."
Margaery, having recovered from her shock, looked at Olenna and, in a childlike tone, clung to her arm and asked, "Grandmother, do you think we should agree?"
Olenna smiled faintly and replied, "Agree? Why agree? My dear, if a mere piece of paper can secure the support of a fleet and the taxes of a territory, there's no better deal to be made in this world."
She continued, "However, this young man is quite shrewd; he clearly doesn't want to hitch himself to the Tyrell family's chariot."
At this point, Willas interjected, "Perhaps I should visit the Stepstone Islands. Gavin and I got along well before; maybe I can persuade him to fully align himself with Highgarden."
Hearing Willas' suggestion, Olenna sighed, placed her hands on her head, and said helplessly, "Oh, my self-conceited grandson, do you even realize how many warships the House Redwyne fleet possesses? Fewer than fifty. The entire royal fleet has only one hundred and ten ships, yet this young man commands seventy. Even without this document, he already holds dominion over the Stepstone Islands. What he seeks is merely a legal shield to avoid trouble from others."
After saying this, Olenna paid no more attention to Willas. Instead, she gently brushed Margaery's forehead and said, "At least it was you who titled him. Very well, let's grant his request. Since your father is not here, sign the charter in his name, as he wishes."
Although Hassan felt anxious and worried in his heart, it was clear that this had nothing to do with his appetite. Famished, he eagerly devoured the meal set before him. Grabbing a piece of bread in one hand, he bit into it, crumbs scattering from his mouth without a care. Meanwhile, his other hand tirelessly shoveled meat into his mouth, his cheeks puffing like a squirrel's as he savored each bite.
Just then, the servant who had escorted him earlier returned, informing him that Lady Margaery wished to see him. Without paying attention to the food still in his hands, Hassan quickly wiped his mouth and impatiently followed the servant.
As he walked, Hassan's heart raced, and his mind relentlessly speculated whether it was good news or bad. His steps unconsciously quickened, as though he believed walking faster would bring him the answer more quickly.
Hassan arrived once again at the pavilion, where Margaery smiled and handed him a rolled-up piece of parchment. Without hesitation, he unrolled it and read the words written on it:
◇◆────────────────◆◇
To the Brave Knight, Ser Gavin Belleris:
In the name of Mace Tyrell, Paramount of the Reach, Lord of Highgarden, and Protector of the South, I hereby grant to you, Ser Gavin Belleris, the authority to bestow the Charter of Expansion upon my daughter, Margaery Tyrell.
May you, with fearless spirit, venture beyond the Seven Kingdoms into unclaimed lands, sweeping away all robbers and bandits, and expanding new territories for the glory and benefit of the Seven Kingdoms.
Upon your expansion, you need only respond to the guardianship of my daughter, Margaery Tyrell. However, regular taxes must be paid to Highgarden.
The territories gained through your expansion shall become the hereditary domain of House Belleris, passed down through generations, lasting forever. This charter, once issued, shall be irrefutable, and all shall obey and adhere to it.
◇◆────────────────◆◇
Hassan was overjoyed as he gazed at the parchment in his hands. When he saw the date—more than three months ago—his excitement only grew. With this document, he knew that all of his lord's actions would now be in accordance with the laws of Westeros, and the troubles from Dorne would at least be significantly reduced.
Hassan carefully rolled up the parchment and tied it securely, then took out a round bamboo tube specifically designed to hold it. He treasured the document, placing it inside with great care.
Once Hassan had put the document away, Margaery turned to him and asked, "Could you tell me the story of what happened when Gavin arrived at the Stepstones? How did you two meet?"
Hassan, eager to oblige, quickly responded, "Of course, my lady. I first met the Lord in Oldtown. At that time, he was aboard my ship, planning to travel to the continent of Essos."
As he spoke, Hassan recounted the events following his encounter with Gavin. He told Margaery how Gavin had been captured by pirates and forced to sail into Shipbreaker Bay. He described how Gavin cleverly escaped their grasp and single-handedly conquered the entire bay, even decapitating the infamous Black Shark Erl with a single strike.
Hassan went on to explain how Gavin used the knowledge he gained to swiftly overpower the pirates outside, seizing control of Bloodstone Island.
Margaery listened intently, her face full of astonishment. Her large eyes widened in disbelief, and her cherry-red lips parted slightly, as though struggling to believe the tale. Concern occasionally crossed her face, and her brows furrowed, as if the dangers Gavin faced were unfolding right before her eyes.
After sending Hassan away, Margaery returned to her room, still lost in the gripping story of Gavin. She found herself lingering on memories of his appearance and softly muttered, "A queen? The last person to conquer the Stepstones, Daemon Targaryen, was granted the title of King of the Narrow Sea and the Stepstones."
[P.S. My favorite character in HOTD.]
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At the same time, Gavin was aboard the Belleris flagship, conducting reconnaissance around Grey Gallows Island.
The Belleris had originally been the flagship "Black Shark", a ship that Black Shark Erl had prepared for himself. However, after Gavin conquered Shipbreaker Bay, he took this nearly finished vessel as his flagship. Just a month ago, the ship was finally completed.
The ship measured 80 meters in length, with a 20-meter-wide deck. Three towering masts rose high into the sky, the main mast reaching 50 meters. Huge, three-sided sails were raised, adorned with Gavin's House crest—a blazing inferno of flames.
The hull was made of sturdy oak and wrapped in thick copper plating, gleaming coldly in the sunlight. The bow jutted out like a sharp blade, as though it could cut through any obstacle in its path.
The deck was spacious and flat, finely polished to release a pleasant wooden fragrance. The railings were intricately carved with patterns that symbolized the owner's noble status.
On both the front and rear sides of the deck were eight of Gavin's specially modified ballistas. Their brilliant design allowed them to shoot three times farther than standard ballistas. With specially designed arrowheads, the ship's crossbows were exponentially more lethal against other vessels. Gavin had ordered all ships to be retrofitted with these three-bow slings, and with this formidable power, he confidently surveyed the surrounding islands.
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[Chapter End's]
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