“Yes, yes, it is all a misunderstanding, it is all a misunderstanding.” Governor Corio also hurried to stand and advise, “Lord Talvey, please hear me finish speaking before making your decision.”
“Hah!” Talvey let out a cold sneer, then sat back down in his original seat and said, “Then let me hear what else the two of you have to say.”
The moment Talvey sat down, Terentius, hovering above the Old Palace, flew back outside the city to peacefully enjoy the flock of sheep prepared by Sunspear.
Only then did Governor Corio reveal the purpose of his trip with a smile: “Lord Talvey, as you know, back on Tarth, it was the Myrians who murdered Prince Aemon Targaryen, which has nothing to do with us in Tyrosh. My visit to Dorne this time is actually to forge an alliance with you. We in Tyrosh wish to join forces with House Valthorn and House Martell to occupy the Myr City-State. Once it is done, the wealth of Myr shall be yours to divide at will, while we in Tyrosh only want the Myr City-State itself. How does that sound?”
Hearing Governor Corio’s proposal, Talvey lowered his eyelids, concealing the amusement in the depths of his eyes.
As expected of a Free City that forgot all righteousness at the sight of profit, their abacus was indeed loud.
No wonder that in the end, even after reoccupying The Stepstones, the Triarchy still disintegrated and fought endlessly among themselves.
However, this played right into Talvey’s intentions, though he would not send a single soldier to help Tyrosh.
After pondering for a moment, Talvey replied: “House Valthorn has no intention of intervening in the disputes between the Free Cities, nor do we have any interest in the continent of Essos. Occupying The Stepstones is merely to ensure the smooth and safe waterways of the Narrow Sea. Please understand, Governor Corio, I have no interest in this proposal.”
Talvey first established an image in their minds of having no interest in Essos, making them lower their guard.
This was also the truth; in the short term, Talvey’s reach was indeed too far from Essos, the distance was too great, and The Arbor did not have enough citizens to emigrate.
However, if he could make the Triarchy descend into internal chaos first, it would naturally be even better.
Thinking of this, Talvey changed the subject: “However, we can still reach some cooperation. If war breaks out, the fleet of House Valthorn can provide Tyrosh with the weapons and equipment, grain, and warhorses needed for the war. I will be responsible for the transportation and safety of these supplies, and I guarantee that the prices will be very fair and reasonable. As for whether you and Dorne ally, I have no intention of intervening. What do you think, Governor Corio?” Follow the newest chapters on novelping . com.
Whether in terms of military strength or wartime potential, Tyrosh was far inferior to Myr.
Though it was unknown what other allies they had found, one thing was certain: the Pentos City-State must be among them, otherwise they would never dare to make an enemy of Myr.
But it did not matter; whichever side fell into a disadvantage, Valthorn would support them.
Governor Corio did not rush to agree, instead glancing at Prince Qoren, who gave a slight nod.
After some deliberation, Qoren said to Talvey: “Lord Talvey, can the transit tax for Tyrosh be lowered somewhat? As for how the two sides will specifically cooperate, feel free to speak your mind; Governor Corio is no outsider.”
Talvey did not care what agreement they had reached between themselves, directly stating the cooperation plan he had prepared in advance: “Regarding our bilateral cooperation, I have come with sincerity. First, the transit tax: I will not take a single penny of transit tax from the fleet of House Martell. Second, I will propose to the Small Council to open the port of King’s Landing to you. Third, at a monthly salary of 10 silver stags per person, I will hire Dornishmen to build the port and towns of Bloodstone. All food will be provided by Bloodstone, and an additional silver stag will be given to each person per month. My request is very simple: we coexist peacefully and open our ports to each other for trade.”
Then, turning his gaze to Governor Corio, he said: “As for the transit tax for Tyrosh, as long as you publicly announce your withdrawal from the Triarchy, I can make the decision to lower Tyrosh’s transit tax to the same level as Myr and Lys, and ensure the safety of the Tyroshi fleet in the waters of The Stepstones.”
“In fact, everyone’s demands are very consistent, which is simply to guarantee the safety and interests of our respective fleets. When Craghas controlled The Stepstones previously, Dorne must have suffered greatly. Although Tyrosh temporarily reaped exorbitant profits, everyone is well aware of what happened afterward; it brought no benefits other than triggering a war. A favorable trade environment is what is most beneficial to everyone. I can guarantee to you today that all merchant ships passing through The Stepstones in the future will be under my protection, and the transit tax will always remain at the proportion I set. We can completely cooperate and achieve a win-win situation together.”
Hearing Talvey’s sincere cooperation plan, Prince Qoren’s lips curled up unconsciously.
House Martell neither contributed money nor effort; obtaining tax-exempt rights and trade rights already exceeded expectations, not to mention the reward of 10 silver stags per person per month.
Sending these people to Bloodstone could not only ease Dorne’s food pressure but also continuously generate money.
If they went to war with Talvey, Sunspear and Saltshore would certainly not be saved, and Dorne did not have a large enough fleet to fight House Velaryon and House Valthorn simultaneously.
Raising his cup and standing up, Prince Qoren said with a smile: “Hahaha, House Martell is extremely satisfied with Lord Talvey’s sincerity. Shortly, I will have someone prepare the agreement. Now, let us drink to the friendship between Valthorn and Martell!”
Putting down his wine glass, Talvey looked at Governor Corio, who was deep in thought at the moment, rubbed the newly grown stubble on his chin, and asked with a sincere tone: “Governor Corio, what do you think of my proposal?”
“I am very sorry, Lord Talvey. Regarding the matter of announcing our withdrawal from the Triarchy, I need to report it to my elder brother, the Archon of Tyrosh. I have no authority to decide on this matter, but I strongly agree with your proposal, and I believe my brother will also vigorously promote it. Please stay in Sunspear for a few more days, and we can talk again after receiving a reply from Tyrosh.” Governor Corio apologetically expressed his lack of authority to make decisions on this matter.
At the same time, he was also weighing the pros and cons in his heart.
However, upon hearing that House Valthorn had no interest in Essos, his guard against Talvey had already been let down.
As for Myr, an age-old enemy close at hand, their hatred could be traced back to the rule of the Valyrian Empire and was completely irreconcilable.
Talvey accepted his invitation without hesitation: “No problem, Governor Corio. This is also my first time coming to Prince Qoren’s Sunspear, and I intend to stay here for a few more days to enjoy the local customs and traditions of the Dornish land. I am just afraid that these few days will put Prince Qoren to too much expense, given that Terentius’s appetite is indeed rather large.”
Prince Qoren waved his hand generously and said with full confidence: “Although House Martell is not as wealthy as The Arbor, we still do not care about a mere few livestock. Lord Talvey, please rest assured and stay here. I have already instructed the servants to prepare a sumptuous banquet. Tonight, Lord Talvey must taste our Dornish delicacies, as well as our Dornish’specialty’.”
He even deliberately emphasized the word “specialty”, though it was unknown what it actually was.
“Lord Talvey, please stay. It is just a minor expense. If Prince Qoren does not mind, these expenses will be covered by us in Tyrosh.” Governor Corio said with equal financial boldness.
Talvey laughed heartily: “Good, then I shall stay for a few more days. Thank you both lords for your hospitality.”
“Cheers!”
“Cheers!”