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Upon hearing this, Gavin remained as calm as still water and responded, "The Saan family has been eliminated. As far as I know, their fleet is currently stationed in Lys. As for how many ships remain, I'm sure you know better than I do. Now that I govern the Stepstones, I will establish a new order, and this will not affect our cooperation."
The envoy from Myr sneered, his bloated face contorting with disdain, and his loose golden brocade robe struggled to conceal his rotund figure. "Hmph, a new order? We don't see it that way."
The envoy from Tyrosh quickly intervened, his face adorned with a forced smile, his tone gentle as he spoke, "Gentlemen, there's no need to escalate matters. I am certain that Lord Gavin will ensure the stability of the trade routes and safeguard all our interests. We should prioritize peace and sit down to discuss a proper solution together."
The envoy from Lys, observing Tyrosh's attempt to smooth things over, silently thought, 'It's not surprising that you Tyroshi are so reliant on the trade routes.'
The envoy from Lys continued, "Lord Gavin, as I understand it, Gray Gallows Island, once the Saan family's territory, has now been blocked off by you. Do you not intend to return it?"
Gavin showed no sign of backing down, responding firmly, "The entire Stepstones Archipelago is now under my control, and the fate of Gray Gallows Island is mine to decide. If the Saan family has the capability, they are welcome to send ships."
The envoy from Lys' face darkened, his tone becoming sharper, "So, Lord Gavin, you are completely disregarding Lys' position? Aren't you concerned this might lead to conflict?"
Gavin replied indifferently, "I have no intention of becoming your enemy, but there is no room for negotiation regarding Gray Gallows Island. If Lys intends to support the Saan family in seizing the Stepstones, I am more than willing to engage in that conflict."
At this moment, the envoy from Tyrosh spoke again, his expression a little anxious, "Gentlemen, severing the trade route would be detrimental to all of us. Why not set aside our differences for now and focus on the benefits we can gain from the trade route? If the trade is disrupted, the losses won't only affect us."
The envoy from Myr retorted sarcastically, "Trade routes? Without our support, can these routes even remain stable? Lord Gavin, you'd better think carefully."
Gavin's voice turned serious as he said, "I am willing to honor the profit-sharing agreement that the Saan family had with all of you. I'll only charge half the toll for merchant ships flying the flags of Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh, but I advise you all not to entertain any thoughts of using the Saan family to meddle in the Stepstones."
The envoy from Tyrosh quickly agreed, "Lord Gavin speaks wisely. It's just a group of pirates; why bother with them?"
However, the envoy from Lys remained unmoved, coldly stating, "Naturally, we have no intention of meddling in the Stepstones Archipelago. But how the Saan family chooses to act is beyond our control."
Gavin calmly responded, "In that case, I look forward to the war with the Saan family."
As the banquet ended on a sour note, Gavin immediately returned to his study and gave orders to Hassan to prepare the fleet and seize Grey Gallows Island in two days.
Hassan, upon hearing the orders, did not act immediately. Instead, he looked worried and asked Gavin, "My lord, it seems that Lys and Myr also want to meddle in the Stepstones Islands. Could they send their navies against us?"
Gavin poured himself a glass of wine and, with a faint smile, replied, "Not just them—Tyrosh as well. The Three Daughters Kingdom has always wanted control of the Stepstones Islands, and this is undoubtedly an opportunity for them. What they don't know is whether I have the Iron Throne backing me. They are likely wary of escalating the conflict themselves. For now, their best course of action will be to provide support to the Saan family with ships and money."
He paused for a moment and then added, "While these three envoys are still here, we will seize Grey Gallows Island and crush their ambitions before they have a chance to act."
Hassan frowned deeply and said, "My lord, won't this move completely anger them? If they decide to go to war with us at all costs, then..."
Gavin sipped his wine and replied calmly, "They are not a united front. Tyrosh, for instance, may not fully support Lys and Myr; it relies too heavily on the trade routes. We need to exploit this. As long as we act swiftly and seize the initiative by capturing Grey Gallows Island, they may be furious, but they'll have to weigh the costs of reclaiming it."
Hassan took a deep breath and nodded. "Understood, my lord. I will begin preparations immediately."
With that, Hassan turned and left the study, while Gavin gazed out the window, lost in thought.
---
Two Days Later – Grey Gallows Island
The night sea stretched out like an endless expanse of black silk, smooth and tranquil. Stars dotted the heavens, their shimmering reflections dancing on the rippling water, like dazzling jewels sinking into an eternal abyss. A gentle sea breeze whispered through the air, carrying the faint scent of salt.
Five small boats glided silently across the serene waters, drawing closer to Grey Gallows Island. Aboard them were Gavin and his Blood Dragon Guards.
As the boats neared the island, Gavin looked up to see a cliff rising over ten meters high, towering imposingly before them.
One of the Blood Dragon Guards, agile and skilled, began climbing the cliff. His movements were swift and precise, and in no time, he reached the top, where he secured a rope and tossed it down for the others. Without hesitation, Gavin and the remaining guards climbed up after him.
Once on the island, they checked their equipment and moved swiftly toward the high cliff where the trebuchets were positioned. Their journey was shrouded in silence, broken only by the faint sound of their footsteps against the ground.
By the time they reached their destination, the first light of dawn was beginning to creep across the horizon.
A few sentries, drowsy and inattentive, were stationed near the trebuchets. Gavin moved like a shadow, his figure blending seamlessly with the dim light. The dagger in his hand gleamed briefly under the faint moonlight before swiftly ending the life of one sentry.
The Blood Dragon Guards followed his lead, efficiently and silently dispatching the rest of the guards without raising an alarm.
As the first hints of dawn began to light the horizon, Gavin prepared his men for the next phase. He signaled to one of the Blood Dragon Guards, who promptly lit a torch and began waving it in wide, deliberate arcs toward the sea below.
---
Meanwhile, aboard the Belleris, the envoys from the Three Daughters Kingdom gathered on the deck, their expressions dark and filled with displeasure.
The envoy from Lys scowled impatiently. "What is this nonsense? Waking us in the middle of the night to watch some performance? Is Gavin deliberately toying with us?"
The envoy from Myr chimed in, equally irritated. "Exactly. This cold sea breeze is unbearable. Does he expect us to stand here and freeze all night?"
Though less agitated, the envoy from Tyrosh also looked perplexed, his expression betraying a hint of unease.
Hassan, ever courteous, smiled and reassured them, "Gentlemen, please be patient. The results will reveal themselves shortly."
Despite his reassurances, the envoys continued to grumble in low voices. But suddenly, in the distance, a flickering torchlight appeared on Grey Gallows Island.
Hassan's eyes lit up, and he bowed respectfully. "Gentlemen, the show is about to begin."
The fleet, having received the signal, immediately set course for Grey Gallows Island.
As they approached, the alarm bells on the island began to ring. However, the guards on Island quickly realized that the cliffside alarm had not sounded. They sent a group to investigate, only for Gavin and his Blood Dragon Guards to swiftly and decisively eliminate them.
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[Chapter End's]
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