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#446 - Chapter 180: Sea Monster Enters the Game (Part 2)

Typically, this would have been a sign of a full-scale Ironborn invasion, immediately triggering the highest alert status for the Shield Islands. Ravens and swift ships would have been dispatched to Highgarden to warn them, but just as they were preparing for battle, the Ironborn fleet surprisingly veered around and continued south. Upon receiving the news, the fleets of Oldtown and the Arbor hastily moved to intercept them in Whispering Sound.

This time, the Ironborn came with all their forces, displaying an intimidating presence with a vast number of ships, totaling nearly a thousand of various sizes. In contrast, the Reach fleet possessed over three hundred warships, a force not to be underestimated. Lord Paxter Redwyne, the Lord Admiral, personally took command, establishing a confrontational stance against the Iron Fleet.

However, unexpectedly, an Ironborn envoy arrived before Lord Paxter, bearing a writ from the Iron Throne. It turned out that Queen Cersei had reached an agreement with Euron Greyjoy to secure the Iron Islands' support for the Iron Throne. In return, Euron would receive the Iron Throne's recognition, legitimizing his claim as King of the Iron Islands. Furthermore, Euron pledged to help Queen Cersei quell the domestic rebellions and reclaim her lost territories.

This news shocked everyone in Highgarden: House Tyrell, House Hightower, and House Redwyne. Lord Paxter was infuriated by Cersei's actions, his heart filled with anger and resentment. Cersei had bypassed him, the Lord Admiral, and secretly recruited Euron of the Iron Islands, promising him the position of Lord High Admiral. Clearly, she held him in utter disregard.

The Ironborn not only demanded that Lord Paxter clear the way but, even more outrageously, insisted that he provide supplies for the Iron Fleet, and for free.

Euron triumphantly brandished Cersei's writ, mocking Lord Paxter with a provocative tone. He even claimed that Cersei had accepted his marriage proposal, and that future kings would call him father, acting as if victory was already in his grasp. Faced with Euron's taunts, and mindful of the Targaryen fleet blockading Blackwater Bay, Lord Paxter could only suppress his anger and endure. He sneered inwardly, thinking, 'Ignorant fools!'

Since the Ironborn were not there to cause trouble, Lord Paxter decided to let them pass. He even provided some supplies, demonstrating his goodwill. After all, there was no need to haggle with those about to die. The current situation was complex and volatile, and remaining calm and rational was paramount. Whether these raiders would clash with Dorne as they sailed south was of no concern to Paxter. However, if a conflict did arise, he would secretly welcome it.

After the Iron Fleet departed, Paxter Redwyne did not remain idle. He sent notifications to Highgarden and King's Landing, stating that the Iron Fleet had left the Iron Islands and was heading towards the Stepstones. At the same time, he submitted his resignation to King's Landing, declaring that he would no longer serve as Lord Admiral. He found the position disgusting and was happy to let anyone who wanted it take over!

Garlan Tyrell couldn't help but laugh when he learned of this news. He shook his head, chuckling, and said, 'Don't worry about those pirates. Letting them fight the Targaryen fleet is good for us. Either way, they are enemies to us, so it's best if they destroy each other. As long as they don't infringe on our interests.' Then, he mentioned Cersei, his tone tinged with mockery, 'I find what the Queen Mother did quite interesting, actually using herself as a bargaining chip. I wonder how the Kingslayer will react when he finds out about this?'

Hearing this, Margaery's eyes flashed with excitement. She immediately understood Garlan's meaning and expressed her support. She said, 'That's a great idea. I'll immediately send people to spread the news, letting everyone know that the Queen Mother is willing to sacrifice herself for the safety of King's Landing. She has won over the brutal Ironborn, who will soon arrive at King's Landing.'

Garlan nodded, then lowered his voice and said, 'We can use this event to show those wavering families Cersei's true colors. This way, they might choose to stand with us, and you can take the opportunity to consolidate your position.'

Margaery smiled slightly, feeling secretly pleased. She thought this plan was perfect, as it could both harm the enemy and enhance her own reputation.

So, she considered how to spread the news. Margaery nodded in agreement, 'Okay, let's do as you say. I'll contact those families, and you'll be responsible for the city's defenses.' Her voice was calm but carried an undeniable sense of authority.

With their roles clearly defined, they both got busy. Soon, rumors about Cersei colluding with the Ironborn spread throughout King's Landing. There were rumors that Cersei had agreed to let the Ironborn loot King's Landing, which was why the pirates were willing to help. The rumors grew stronger and stronger, causing some families who were previously taking a wait-and-see attitude to become suspicious of Cersei, and they expressed their willingness to support Margaery; at the same time, Cersei's situation became even more awkward.

However, Cersei didn't care about this. Her mind was focused on how to deal with the current crisis, and she chose to ignore the rumors from the outside world. At the moment, she was more concerned with how to gather enough craftsmen and resources to build dragon-slaying crossbows. This was her last hope and the only weapon she had to fight against the dragons.

At the same time, Cersei firmly believed that Jaime would never abandon her, his sister and lover, because of such a thing. They had a deep bond, and even in the face of great difficulties, he would stand by her side.

As for Euron of the Iron Islands, Cersei decided to put aside personal feelings for the time being and take a longer-term view. If he could really help her solve the predicament in King's Landing, then what was the harm in marrying a man older than herself? As long as she could win this war, everything would be worth it.

While King's Landing was in a state of tense preparation, everyone was preparing for the upcoming war. However, unexpectedly, the Queen's army, which had been unstoppable, stopped not far from King's Landing and did not continue to advance. The Queen's army chose to garrison in the four cities of Rosby, Duskendale, Stokeworth, and Tumbleton, which were only half a day's journey from King's Landing. These places became their bases, and patrol teams would occasionally wander around King's Landing, keeping the defenders of King's Landing on high alert at all times. This tense situation continued, keeping the people of King's Landing in a state of unease.

At the same time, another part of the Queen's army marched towards the Riverlands and directly approached the border of the Westerlands. Since the Westerlands and the Riverlands were blocked by a continuous mountain range, the eastern border was strategically important and difficult to defend. Jaime knew this well, so he deployed his troops in the key locations of Golden Tooth, Riverspring, Crakehall, Deep Den, and Silverhill to guard the vital transportation routes. The three thousand men who had been sent to King's Landing for support were the last of the troops he could spare. Jaime, who had participated in the war in the North, had a deep understanding of the huge gap in military strength between the enemy and himself.