Green appeared on the dock, surrounded by his guards. Herschel, who had been eagerly waiting, immediately went up to him, saluted Green, and said excitedly, "Good day, my lord!"
Green smiled and nodded, observing Herschel before speaking, "My loyal Herschel, long time no see."
Green took the reins from Matier Baker and mounted his horse. "Herschel, take me around."
Green led everyone on a tour of Mermaid Port.
Mermaid Port could only be described as small and exquisite. All the buildings were predominantly white, not grand in scale but meticulously crafted.
Although the dock inevitably carried the scent of salted fish, the cleaning crew arranged by Herschel kept the area very tidy.
Mermaid Port had detailed regulations for sanitation management and strict rewards and punishments, making it unique in Westeros.
Beautiful mermaids naturally preferred a clean environment... The pristine sanitary conditions further confirmed Mermaid Port's reputation as the origin of mermaid legends... Mermaid Port was Green's face to display the Klaeb Territory to the outside world.
In most people's perception, Claw Isle was a land of uncivilized barbarians. Green's goal was to gradually improve the entrenched image of Claw Isle through Mermaid Port.
Whether expanding west or north in the future, after achieving military victory, Green would immediately face the problem of governance.
Feeling ruled by a semi-barbarian noble would inevitably lead to internal dissent, increasing the cost of rule. It was even possible that newly acquired territory would not strengthen House Clebber but become a burden, tying its hands and feet.
Green did not want to fall into an endless quagmire of war, exhausting his Claw Isle. In Westeros, he had to use Westeros's methods.
While focusing on military strength, political maneuvering at the lower, middle, and upper levels could absolutely not be ignored.
The task was arduous, but it suited Green, the 'roll king'... Mermaid Port already had a hint of prosperity, with new stone buildings still under construction with great fervor.
Herschel introduced, "My lord, according to your command, I posted a notice for stonemasons at the dock, and now many stonemasons from outside have joined the construction of Mermaid Port."
Green nodded and said, "Herschel, you've done very well. We urgently need to recruit more people. You must remember, Mermaid Port represents the face of House Clebber."
Herschel respectfully acknowledged the order, then added, "Rest assured, I will bear it in mind."
At this moment, Herschel felt a surge of emotion. The Klaeb Territory was changing with each passing day under Green's hand, and he felt he was witnessing the rise of the Kleber Family.
He felt that Claw Isle was already within the grasp of the Kleber Family. The other nobles of Claw Isle, already weakened by the War of the Usurper, could only choose to submit to House Clebber's strong rise... With 150,000 gold dragons in hand, plus income from King's Landing and Highgarden, Green temporarily felt very confident.
Riding on his horse, Green surveyed his surroundings, his heart for infrastructure itching to act.
Green suppressed the impulse in his heart. Given the territory's situation, the construction of Mermaid Port was already a taut bowstring. Steady!
A thought struck Green; he suddenly felt he was still too upright. He bore a heavy responsibility; how could 150,000 gold dragons be enough?
Young dragons would also grow. As long as the Targaryens were across the Narrow Sea, as the King's personally appointed head of the dragon extermination project, to cope with an increasingly complex situation, he had to make the Red Keep increase its funding.
What would happen after Robert's death? Would the Red Keep cancel the hunt for the young Targaryen dragons?
Absolutely not! This was King Robert's dying wish, and the immensely loyal Green would carry it out to the end. At that time, Green's loyalty would shame everyone in the Red Keep!
Green remembered that in the original plot, King Robert seemed to have personally canceled the hunt for the young Targaryen dragons on his deathbed, with Eddard Stark as a witness.
If such a situation arose, Green would attribute it all to milk of the poppy, which made the lifelong brave king lose his mind.
Queen Cersei's position was special; politics in the Red Keep could not do without Cersei and needed her support. Green still had to cling to boss Cersei's thigh.
Green secretly declared that the biggest cost of the dragon extermination project was to please Queen Cersei. Time for a big shopping spree in Essos!
...Green reservedly met some of Mermaid Port's new and old inhabitants.
"My lord, may the old gods bless you!"
"My lord, outsiders always relieve themselves anywhere! They..."
"My lord, there are too few men! I want..."
"Lord Green, we haven't had a battle in a long time! When will..."
"My lord, may you always be well!"
"My lord, I want a strong husband!"
"..."
The lord cared for his people, and the exceptionally patient Green maintained the image of a lord that his people expected.
Whether they were met by the lord in person or not, the people felt relieved: Our lord is still healthy.
Bellicosity was a tradition of Claw Isle, but the simple new and old people of House Clebber were like docile cats in front of Green.
The reason, first of all, was due to Clarence Clebber, the legendary hero of Claw Isle, who gave Green the inherent hidden attribute of being able to become the leader of Claw Isle.
According to the traditions of Westeros, plus the special traditions of Claw Isle, as the heir of House Clebber, as long as Green was strong enough, the Mountain Barbarians could easily integrate into the Klaeb Territory, 'reverting' to being a part of House Clebber.
Secondly, the continuous suppression of Claw Isle by the Vale Nobles led by Duke Jon for more than ten years made the living environment of Claw Isle even more brutal.
As people desired, Green appeared at just the right time. At this time, the people of Claw Isle were more willing to attach themselves to a strong person. Claw Isle, under brutal conditions, formed the conditions for the emergence of heroes.
Thirdly, most areas of Claw Isle were Mountain Barbarians existing in tribal forms. Following tribal chiefs was a tradition for thousands of years, deeply ingrained.
Therefore, there were very few misnomers. It was not wrong to call the nobles of Claw Isle 'semi-barbarian nobles.' At least in the hearts of House Clebber's new people, Green was their tribal chief... Green looked up at the sun, pulled the reins, and turned his horse around, saying, "Mason, let's stop the inspection here for now. We're heading to Whispering City."
Hearing this, Herschel spurred his horse to Green's side and said, "My lord, I'll arrange it immediately!"
...Anguy, who was right beside Green, straightened his back. As a natural archer, he was exceptionally keen.
Ever since he got off the ship, Anguy had noticed many gazes examining him. He could feel that these gazes came from the opposite sex.
Feeling good about himself, Anguy subtly scanned the surrounding crowd... Not bad, no need to rush yet!
Monton Wei Shui stared blankly at the stiff Anguy, then retracted his gaze.
Monton's reinforced plate armor would take three months to complete. His heart was already filled with the new armor, and other matters temporarily failed to pique his interest.
Samwell Tarly had been grinning broadly the entire way, enthusiastically observing everything he could see.
Samwell had already learned a lot about the Klaeb Territory from Monton.
Mermaid Port was not large, but it was vibrant. He couldn't imagine that just a few months ago, it had been a small fishing village.
Buildings were under construction everywhere, and Samwell believed that in a while, it would be a new sight again.
Samwell increasingly felt that his choice was correct. There were so many places where he could apply his talents in House Clebber; he only regretted not having more knowledge.
The happiest thing for Samwell was that he believed he would soon be able to write to his mother, and he would certainly make his mother proud.
It was just... the gazes from the opposite sex were becoming more and more intense, making Samwell increasingly embarrassed, and a little scared.
Monton looked at Samwell again and chuckled.
Samwell's face was shy, and he said, "I... I'm just not used to it."
Monton blinked his honest eyes and said, "Sam, spearwives like strong men. You'll be more popular than Anguy."
Samwell cautiously glanced at the distant crowd and whispered, "Monton, I'm just fat. I've been like this since I was little."
Monton said honestly, "Lord Green told me to choose two guards for you. Take them wherever you go from now on."
"Guards? My guards?"
Monton nodded his big head and said, "Lord Green said you are an important talent for House Clebber, and he told me to choose formidable guards."
Green's attention to detail was always so meticulous; Samwell's eyes immediately welled up... Mother... Pentos, Governor Illyrio's mansion.
Daenerys Targaryen's fair little hand gently stroked the fabric, which was soft as water, seemingly flowing through her fingers. She had never seen such soft fabric.
Daenerys suddenly thought of something that made her feel scared.
"Brother, is this another... gift from Governor Illyrio?"
Daenerys hastily corrected herself, her heart trembling, hoping Viserys hadn't heard her slip of the tongue.
Daenerys instinctively felt that Governor Illyrio could not be trusted, but she dared not say it, nor dared to warn Viserys Targaryen.
Viserys was lost in Governor Illyrio's sweet words, already beyond salvation.
Now, Daenerys could only protect herself by obeying her brother. At least her brother, immersed in his dreams, wouldn't make her too afraid.
"Another?"
Viserys retorted, which made Daenerys, who had held a glimmer of hope, tremble all over, involuntarily stepping back half a pace.
A strange smile immediately appeared on Viserys's face.
Viserys approached Daenerys, his smile deepening, "My sister, Daenerys, what are you worrying about now?"
Daenerys dared not move, because any further movement would ignite Viserys's anger, as he would perceive it as a provocation.
Daenerys looked at Viserys in terror, then quickly lowered her head.
Viserys showed a hint of satisfaction. He felt that Daenerys had finally learned how to behave with the true King of the Iron Throne.
Viserys's eyes fixed, his gaze lingering on Daenerys, his brows deeply furrowed.
"I just realized how flat you are? Stand up straight! Look, you're too thin!"
As Viserys's words fell, Daenerys, like a well-trained soldier, immediately straightened her back.
Viserys glanced at her with a hint of pickiness, then said, "Daenerys, we actually possess enough wealth to fill a city, it's just temporarily stored in a thief's house. When I reclaim the Iron Throne, the wealth that rightfully belongs to me will also return to my hands.
Illyrio is no fool. He understands very well that only by continuously flattering me, when I reascend the Iron Throne, will I not forget a friend who helped me in my time of need."
Daenerys had admonished herself countless times and made countless resolutions never to defy Viserys's every word and action.
But she still couldn't help but advise, "Brother, Governor Illyrio is cunning and cannot be fully trusted."
Viserys laughed and said, "Am I a fool then? Are you trying to awaken the sleeping dragon's wrath again?"
Daenerys hastily replied, "I, I don't want to!"
Today, Viserys was in a very good mood. Governor Illyrio's matters had progressed, and he decided to show his sister the mercy of a great true king.
"My good sister, when I reclaim the Iron Throne, think of all the jewels and silks; you will have more than you can ever use."
As Viserys spoke, his hand would uncontrollably tremble: "I have considered it, just ten thousand soldiers, I think that will be enough! With ten thousand soldiers, I can command them to sweep across the entire Seven Kingdoms.
At that time, the great nobles will surely raise their armies one after another, following their true King. The Tyrell, Redwyne, Darry, Greyjoy families, and others, hate the Usurper as much as I do. The Dornish have long been filled with rage, seeking revenge for Princess Ilia and her children.
In the farmsteads and villages throughout the Seven Kingdoms, men secretly yearn for House Targaryen, and women secretly sew true dragon banners. When I lead my army across the Narrow Sea, they will let out a righteous roar and fight for the true Targaryen King."
Viserys's face suddenly turned grim: "I will personally slay the Usurper, just as he killed my brother. I will also not spare that 'Kingslayer' of Lannister. I will personally avenge my father."
This Viserys terrified Daenerys even more. She would rather be punched and kicked by her brother; she always felt that if this continued, she would lose her only relative.
After her father and elder brother died, her mother died in childbirth when she was born. If not for Viserys, Daenerys wouldn't even know their names. Viserys was the only remaining relative she had in this world.
Daenerys's eyes welled up. She grabbed Viserys's hands and pleaded, "Viserys, I'm scared. Please, can we go home? Let's leave this place!"
As Daenerys's words fell, the air seemed to freeze.
"Home?" Viserys murmured, then suddenly laughed.
"Daenerys, tell me, our home was stolen from us long ago! Which home do we go back to? After Ser Willem died, besides the Seven Kingdoms, where else do we have a home?"
Daenerys weakly let go of Viserys, wiping away the unshed tears with the back of her hand... Her brother had just been there.
Viserys's slender fingers stroked the purple fabric, saying, "This color perfectly complements your eyes. Pentos's best tailor will use this fabric to prepare the most beautiful clothes in the city for you."
Viserys pinched his chin, his eyes flickering, his tone serious and solemn: "And all sorts of jewels must also be prepared. These things will make you look like a princess."
Viserys again scrutinized the dazed Daenerys, frowning as he said, "Why are you like this again? Lift your head. Look at your timid expression; it doesn't look like a princess at all! If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would even doubt your true dragon blood!"