Game of Thrones: The Red Dragon Lord.

Chapter 51 Littlefinger Visits

As the news of Gavin's complete conquest of the Stepstones spread, merchant ships traveled more frequently. Envoys sent by Dorne also arrived at the Stepstones at this time. Compared with the Kingdom of Three Daughters, the other party's attitude was quite friendly.

Gavin understood it immediately. Dorne's entire naval force was almost crippled by the Black Shark "Earl" and it no longer had an organized fleet. Dorne was even more eager to stop the dispute than Gavin. Under such circumstances, the two sides hit it off and the cooperation agreement was easily signed.

After sending off the Dornish envoy, Gavin began a major reorganization of the entire Stepstone Islands. He appointed Hassan as the fleet commander. In fact, Gavin also understood that Hassan's ability might not be up to the task, but Gavin currently had no one available. Hassan was at least loyal enough to manage the fleet.

Gavin also promoted soldiers who performed well in many battles to officers, and promoted those who had made meritorious contributions to positions such as captain and first mate. With clear rewards and punishments, his control over the army became increasingly stable.

Later, Boris was appointed as the governor of Bloodstone Island. During their previous interactions, Gavin found that Boris was quite fair and worked very hard. As the people on the newly conquered Grey Gallows Island were unstable, Gavin planned to take charge personally, so he handed over the management of Bloodstone Island to him.

The severe shortage of talent has made Gavin consider whether he can open a school to train his own people. As for those people who are good at management that he knows in the plot, they are now hard to find.

That day, Gavin was busy discussing the opening of a school with Boris, but suddenly received news of an unexpected visitor - Littlefinger Petyr Baelish. According to the guards, Petyr claimed that he came under the orders of the Royal Council.

Gavin's face became solemn and cautious when he heard the visitor. He knew that this was an ambitious conspirator who would do anything to achieve his goals. In the future, he would use his conspiracy to stir up chaos in the whole Westeros. After thinking for a moment, he ordered someone to take him to the study for a meeting.

In the study, Gavin looked at Petyr in front of him. He was wearing a decent green robe and had a humble smile on his face. He was secretly alert in his heart, "I have to be careful later, don't let him plot against me."

Gavin's face was full of enthusiasm. He poured a glass of wine and handed it to Petyr. He said, "Welcome to the Stepstones, Ser Petyr. I am deeply sorry that I could not greet you in person."

Petyr took the cup politely with both hands and said, "Thank you for your presence, Lord Gawain. Please don't do this. I am sorry for interrupting you."

Gavin sat up straight, his eyes full of admiration, and continued, "I heard that during the years you served as the tax officer in Seagull Town, you increased the tax revenue there by ten times. For this, you have won the attention of the Prime Minister, who intends to let you serve in the Imperial Council. I really admire your extraordinary ability."

Petyr bowed slightly and said, "My achievements are nothing compared to your brilliant achievements in developing the Stepstones, Lord Gawain."

Feeling that the business exaggeration was almost over, Gavin asked politely, "I wonder why Lord Petyr came here this time?"

Petyr said, "Lord Gawain, I have come here at the order of the Council to discuss some important matters with you."

Gavin thought to himself that Jon Arryn had the final say in the current Council of Kings, but he still responded politely: "If the Council of Kings has any instructions, I will do my best to meet them." Petyr smiled and looked at Gavin: "Lord Gavin, have you ever heard of the tax collector system in the five major port cities of Westeros?"

Hearing Petyr's words, Gavin had some guesses in his mind. You know, the five major port cities in Westeros usually refer to King's Landing, Oldtown, Lannisport, White Harbor and Gulltown.

Since these ports were extremely prosperous in commerce, after Aegon conquered Westeros, he brought the taxes of the four major ports except King's Landing under the direct management of the Iron Throne. Tax officials sent by the Iron Throne were responsible for collecting and managing the taxes, and then distributed a portion to the corresponding lords. As for King's Landing, it was also gradually developed in the later period of Aegon's conquest and was directly under the jurisdiction of the Iron Throne. Obviously, the huge trade taxes brought by the Stepstones attracted the attention of Jon Arryn.

Gavin raised his eyebrows and said bluntly, "So Lord Petyr is planning to make the Stepstone Islands follow the model of the five major ports? But as far as I know, according to the tradition of the Seven Kingdoms, I have been issued a development order by Lord Mace Tyrell, Duke of Highgarden, and I only need to pay the taxes generated by the corresponding population and land in the territory directly to Highgarden. Lord Petyr, is your intention against the tradition of the Seven Kingdoms?"

Petyr hurriedly explained, "I personally support tradition. It was the Prime Minister's idea. Before I set out, I also advised Lord Jon, but the financial situation of the Iron Throne is quite severe, so Lord Jon did not listen."

Gavin put away his smile and turned serious: "The financial problems of the Iron Throne have nothing to do with me. Taxes should be collected directly from the High Court, not from me."

Petyr sighed helplessly, "It is true, but Lord Jon insisted. Now everyone in the royal council obeys the orders of the Hand."

Gavin was skeptical after hearing this. Petyr did not bring any direct orders from the Council of Ministers. Apparently, his so-called Jon's insistence on doing so did not work. Thinking of this, Gavin bluntly asked, "Really? But as far as I know, the Council of Ministers is not a one-man show for Prime Minister Jon. Many things also need to be decided in meetings. Lord Petyr came here only for negotiations this time and did not bring any orders from the Council of Ministers. It seems that there is still room for discussion on this matter?"

Petyr smiled and suddenly changed the subject: "I heard that Lord Gavin is buying dragon bones at a high price?"

Petyr's question puzzled Gavin, but he said without hesitation: "It is true."

Petyr couldn't help but sigh: "Dragons are so powerful and mysterious. Even though they have been extinct for a long time, their remains still attract many people. Unlike our king, who abandoned many dragon bones in the underground of the Red Keep and ignored them."

Gavin was moved after hearing this, and hurriedly said, "I heard that Lord Petyr has a wide range of friends and knows many merchants on the other side. I wonder if he can buy some dragon bones for me."

Petyr nodded and said, "I can ask around for you. If the price is right, there will surely be many people willing to sell it."

Gavin continued, "The price will definitely satisfy your friend, and I need a huge quantity. However, Lord Petyr, can you help me persuade the Prime Minister to set up a tax collector?"

(End of this chapter)