The Mountain of Ice and Fire

Chapter 530: Eating Crabs

(Guaranteed chapter, 5800 words.)

*

Captain Butler was in the cargo hold checking the goods, accompanied by two recording apprentices and a knight with a sword.

The sailors had already weighed anchor, the rowers were all in position, and the sails were fitted, just waiting for a favorable wind after leaving the harbor to raise the sails.

The whore ship came from the Free City of Myr across the Narrow Sea. The first deck below the deck was full of Riverlands wheat beer, the second deck was apple cider, dried freshwater fish, gold and silver ware; lion, shadow lynx, bear, wolf and other wild animal furs, and various smoked wild animal meats.

The unloading point for this ship's cargo was not the free trade city-state on the other side of the Narrow Sea, but the Summer Islands in the southern sea.

The Summer Islands have several small kingdoms, and the islanders love all the goods from Westeros. Riverlands wheat beer is the best-selling in the Summer Islands, surpassing the wine brewed by the Redwyne family of the Arbor in Oldtown.

The Redwyne family's wine sells well in the free trade city-states and distant eastern cities, but the islanders in the south do not like it.

Rows of cargo ships beat the drums at 'slow' speed, lining up, slowly leaving the harbor.

Once all the goods are loaded on the ship, they have to hurry up and leave the harbor, otherwise they will lose a lot of money every day.

This batch of goods is okay, there is no need to worry about spoilage, but the hired Clegane mercenaries, experienced sailors, two hundred rowers, and dozens of handyman and porters are all in place, and their daily living expenses and wages are all costs.

After the whore ship unloads in the Summer Islands, it has to hurry up and load goods in the Summer Islands. The Summer Islands are the hottest place. The skin of the islanders is as black as night. The islands are rich in various fresh tropical fruits, many of which are not found anywhere else, and are bestsellers in the nine free trade city-states.

After the captain finished counting the number of wheat beers, he went down to the second floor to count the apple cider, furs, smoked meat, gold and silver ware and other goods. Suddenly there was a thumping sound on the deck. Someone was running fast, followed the sound of footsteps down the stairs, came to the first deck, and continued down to the second deck.

Butler looked at the person who came, it was the first mate, Wester.

Captain, the naval fleet will not give us permission to leave the port.

Why?

Butler's voice was loud.

Is there a problem with the tax?

The first mate next to him asked, "The tax is now paid to the Clegane Bank, not to the naval fleet's government officials."

There is no problem with the tax. It is paid in full according to the previous rules.

The captain roared, "Where is Ulf? Call Ulf here quickly. How did he pay the tax? Did he pay it to the Clegane Bank?"

Captain, I inquired. It seems that you need to deposit a sum of money in the Clegane Bank to get the bank's priority release slip.

The second mate said in a low voice.

Deposit? Priority release?

The captain walked to the small window and looked out. Outside, the cargo ships were lining up to leave the port. "Have those ships deposited money in the Clegane Bank? Isn't this forcing people to pay money to the bank?"

Captain, there is interest.

The second mate said in a low voice, "And next time you come to the Westerlands to purchase goods, the captains, merchants, and bosses who have savings in the bank will have priority in getting their goods out of the city, into the city, onto the dock, onto the ship, out to sea, and hiring mercenaries."

I didn't hear the lord and Lady Jeyne mention this at the meeting.

The captain shouted, his eyes widened, his eyebrows stood on end, and his face was full of anger.

It wasn't mentioned at the meeting. I heard it privately. If you don't deposit money, you can get priority to leave the port if you have a loan.

What if I refuse to deposit money or take out a loan? What will happen?

You have to wait until the ships with priority rights have left before we can get approval to go to sea.

How long will I have to wait?!

Butler still didn't believe it. He was a famous hothead.

I don't know, Captain...

Butler was furious and slapped the recording apprentice in the face with the notebook: "I'll apply for the port clearance myself. Damn it, no other port has such harsh conditions. Is Lannisport trying to stop people from trading goods here?"

Captain.

The first mate said, "If depositing a small amount of money can give us priority in purchasing goods, handling, and going to sea, I think we can give it a try. Anyway, we have to make another trip next year."

Damn it, what if I don't run anymore?

Butler said stubbornly.

If you don't run, the ticket can be transferred to another captain, or someone can be designated to inherit it or come to receive it, or the bank can send the money to the designated person. Captain, if you don't want to do it anymore, I...I...I want to...continue doing it...

The first mate stammered.

Butler glared at the first mate and went up the stairs.

The knight he hired followed him all the way, not falling behind.

The mercenaries on the deck were all Clegane warriors, indifferent to the captain.

No matter how bad Butler's temper was, he knew that he couldn't vent his anger on the Clegane warriors. They were mercenaries who made a living by selling their lives.

The bank belonged to Lady Jeyne, not the Clegane mercenaries. Once they encountered pirates at sea, Butler needed these mercenaries to protect his life and goods.

*

Butler came to the naval fleet government affairs office on the pier, and the knight and second mate stayed outside the gate.

This was a large stone house, divided into several small rooms inside.

Butler came to the port dispatch room, where several captains were lined up, and Butler had to wait in line.

The people in front were all new captains who had entered the port and came to review and report. Everyone spoke Westerosi Common Tongue with a half-baked accent.

Westeros goods were very popular on the other side of the Narrow Sea, but there were not many commercial captains from this continent.

Finally it was Butler's turn.

His anger had subsided a lot, and he decided to control his temper and communicate well with the government official.

Sir, the whore ship is applying to leave the port.

Show me your tax payment certificate.

Butler handed it over with both hands, and added, "Sir, we paid the tax in the Clegane Bank according to the new regulations of the lord."

You are from the Free City of Myr, and now you are going from Lannisport to the Summer Islands?

Yes, sir.

For the sake of your and your crew's safety, the whore ship will leave the port in three days.

Butler's face turned ugly, and anger burned in his heart: "Why, sir."

We received news that pirates have appeared on the sailing route from Lannisport to the Summer Islands. Delaying your departure by three days will better protect your safety.

Sir, the sea route from Lannisport to the Summer Islands is wide. Many merchant ships are going south together today. Everyone is traveling together, and the strength of the mercenaries is very strong. Pirates are also afraid. Please approve the release!

Captain, you have paid the tax, and we must be responsible for your safe travel. There are many ships in front of you, so we cannot cause congestion. It is reasonable to leave the port in three days.

Sir, is it because of pirates or because there are too many ships leaving the port?

Both. Next.

The government official waved impatiently.

But Butler did not give way: "Sir, I heard that as long as you deposit money in the Clegane Bank, you will have priority to leave the port."

Captain, please get out immediately.

The government official's eyes widened and he shouted sternly.

The sound came out, and two soldiers immediately came in, with their hands on the hilts of their swords, glaring at Butler.

Butler looked at the faces of the two soldiers, looked at the government official's tyranny, and said, "If you do this, I will never come to Lannisport to trade again. I swear."

Get out!

The government official shouted.

The two soldiers immediately stepped forward and grabbed Butler. Butler wanted to pull out his short knife, but the government official was also wearing a suit of chain mail. He was an officer in the naval fleet and had a short sword on his waist, staring at Butler, waiting for his reaction.

If Butler dared to draw his sword, he believed that the government official would draw his sword and kill him.

Butler was forcibly dragged out of the gate by two soldiers.

The second mate and the hired knight hurried forward. The two soldiers shouted loudly, suddenly used force, pushed Butler to the ground. Several soldiers rushed over, and long swords were unsheathed with a clang.

The second mate and the hired knight were both from Myr. They did not dare to use force here and hurriedly helped Butler up.

Butler got up, pointed his finger at the gate of the government affairs office, and burst out with the swear words of the Myrish people. The soldiers did not understand the Myrish language.

The soldiers pointed their long swords at the knight, the second mate, and Butler. A centurion saw it in the distance and strode over with the soldiers.

Several soldiers' long swords were pointed at Butler. Butler was furious, but had to shut up.

The soldiers stared at Butler with condescending contempt. The contempt was undisguised, looking at Butler as if they were looking at a pile of dog shit.

The centurion came over, ordered the soldiers to release Butler and his party, and ordered Butler and his party to get out.

Butler could only get out, there was no other way.

The second mate persuaded in the Myrish language: "Captain, if we come here to do business again next time, I'm afraid we will be even more embarrassed."

We will never come here again.

Butler swore.

But their wheat beer is the black beer that the Summer Islanders like the most.

The second mate said.

If we don't come, this port will decline.

Butler asserted.

No...it won't...

The second mate said hesitantly, "The Clegane Bank has opened up lending. Captain Pherimos bought a new big ship three days ago and is purchasing the same goods as our ship."

Is Pherimos also going to the Summer Islands?

Butler shouted.

Yes, Captain. Some captains from Pentos and Lys have also borrowed money and are increasing their goods in Lannisport. With more capital, they will unload their goods in Oldtown and Plankytown and then buy more goods. Those captains all hope to establish a good relationship with the Clegane Bank and have priority rights.

Humph!

Butler snorted heavily.

Captain, I heard that if you have a lending or storage relationship with the Clegane Bank, you will also have priority in docking, purchasing goods, and hiring porters at King's Landing Blackwater River Port.

King's Landing Blackwater River Port?

Butler refused to believe it.

Yes, Captain.

Those captains are all liars, they are deceiving you!

The second mate was silent.

Captain, when can we leave?

The knight said.

Three days later.

In three days, we might as well take a day's money and deposit it in the Clegane Bank in exchange for priority.

The knight said.

Butler couldn't stand this kind of compulsion: "Does it work no matter how much money you deposit?"

I don't know, let's try it, or borrow a sum of money, and then we won't come here again.

The second mate's eyes flickered.

I can't do that kind of thing. Even if I don't run the sea, if my son wants to continue doing it, this money still has to be repaid. Even if we only run this once, if we cheat the money, it will always be a hidden danger. You don't know when someone will come to your door and kill you. The best thing for a businessman is to have no ghosts in his heart when he sleeps and feel at ease.

Butler sternly taught the second mate, "Westeros has the Stranger, and Essos has the Faceless Men and the Disappointed. They are all people who specialize in killing people for others."

Yes, Captain...

The second mate's face turned red.

I'm going to the Clegane Bank to see and talk to Lady Jeyne. I don't believe that a duchess would do such a deliberately embarrassing thing.

Butler strode towards the city, and the knight and the second mate hurriedly followed.

What followed the three of them was the booing of the Westerlands naval warriors.

*

Clegane Bank.

Madam, I want to see Lady Jeyne.

Captain Butler said.

Tobho Mott's wife, Lady Addie, received Captain Butler.

I'm sorry, Captain, Lady Jeyne is not here. She has returned to Clegane Village.

Will Lady Jeyne be back tomorrow?

No, the lady will not be here for some time.

May I be so bold as to ask - what is it that made Lady Jeyne leave here?

Lady Addie was very disgusted by the captain's question, which was very rude. But the person who came was a customer, and she needed to treat the customers with a very good attitude. - This was Lady Jeyne's new rule, as long as it did not touch on core secrets and key affairs, try to answer the customers' doubts.

Lady Jeyne hopes to do something beneficial for the various families. The Westerlands are poor because of three consecutive years of war. The nobles have no money or food, and the lady hopes to lend some money to the difficult people and nobles to help them through the difficulties.

Butler refused to believe it: "Lady Jeyne went in person?"

Yes, the duchess is a person I admire.

Butler felt a burst of disappointment in his heart. He wanted to ask Lady Jeyne in person about the regulations on priority to leave the port, which...was a bit...bullying.

Lady Addie, I heard that you must store a sum of money in the Clegane Bank to obtain priority to leave the port.

Yes, Captain.

Lady Addie did not hide anything and said in a calm voice.

Madam, we are not Westerosi.

Then you should know the rules of Lannisport even more. The Clegane Bank has never had it before. We need any means to promote the development of the bank and let more people know about the Clegane Bank. People who are willing to deposit their spare money in the Clegane Bank trust Lady Jeyne and Lannisport, and it is reasonable for them to have priority to leave the port.

Madam, are you not afraid that no one will come to Lannisport to do business in the future?

If there is an opportunity to make a fortune, people will not be able to stop it from coming. Captain, you can stop coming, but more captains are willing to come because Lannisport also provides loans. May I ask, Captain, what should I call you?

Butler.

"Captain Butler, if you encounter a storm and escape with your life, but your ship and cargo are lost, and many of your sailors and crew die, can you find someone in any other port to lend you money to buy a large ship and load it with cargo to return home?"

Butler was stunned!

"You can't, but you can in Lannisport, because there's a generous Clegane Bank, sincerely helping anyone with honesty, integrity, and responsibility to get back on their feet. Lending money to foreigners, Captain Butler, would you dare? Not one gold dragon, but a hundred gold dragons, a thousand gold dragons. Our Lady is willing to risk being deceived by foreigners to help anyone willing to cooperate with her. You won't find anyone like that in any other port city."

"The Lady's interest rate isn't high at all. She's not greedy." A voice came, it was Acting Lord Bancroft. He stood on the second-floor corridor, looking at Captain Butler with a peaceful expression.

That was true!

The interest rates on the money the Clegane Bank lent to the captains were far lower than those of loan sharks.

"Captain, do you have a copper star on you?" Bancroft asked Butler.

Butler nodded.

"Deposit a copper star and get priority departure," Bancroft said.

"A copper star?" Butler asked in disbelief.

"Yes, a copper star. Even if I'm deceiving you, just consider it as treating me to a loaf of bread and a glass of milk. But, next time you come, maybe you'll be my good friend."

Butler was speechless.

"Lady Jeyne hopes to let you understand and become familiar with Clegane banking business, and also hopes to let you remember that if you encounter any misfortune, as long as you have the ambition to sail the seas, and your honesty is admired by your peers, you can come to Lannisport and cooperate with Clegane Bank. A copper star, a firsthand experience of making a deposit, and priority departure."

A copper star, an experience of understanding the Clegane Bank's deposit process.

Butler looked at Lady Edie, at Bancroft, the first mate, the knight beside him, and he suddenly said, "By the Seven, I will come to Lannisport again next year. I've decided to deposit a sum of gold dragons, for next year's goods and return expenses. To prevent any misfortune at sea, can I write the names of some authorized persons on my deposit slip?"

Lady Edie looked at Butler with surprise in her eyes.

This captain came with dissatisfaction, but suddenly expressed his willingness to deposit money. Why? What touched his heart? Lady Edie didn't understand.

Grand Maester Bancroft smiled on his face: "Captain, your request complies with the Lady's bank regulations. According to Lady Jeyne, you will be qualified for Clegane Bank's support if you encounter any difficulties in trade in the future. You can also write the names of your heirs on this sum of money. In the future, if there are any changes, Clegane Bank will send someone to deliver the money to your heirs."

"Lord, please give my regards to Lady Jeyne. I am willing to establish a cooperative relationship with Clegane Bank. I also hope that my family can receive the support of Clegane Bank in the future." Butler was a man with great ambition and honest character. He wanted to build a caravan, a large fleet. He suddenly realized that the sudden appearance of Clegane Bank might be a response from the God of the Sea to his ambition.

"Captain, the trust and support you receive in Lannisport can also be obtained in King's Landing's Blackwater harbor."

The first mate and the knight were both stunned.

The *Whore's Boat* indeed had a lot of money, packed in boxes. It was the money earned from unloading and loading goods all the way from Myr, to Pentos, to the Blackwater, to Plankytown, to Oldtown, to Lannisport, with both capital and profit in many boxes.

Half an hour later, several boxes of gold coins were pulled by a carriage and sent into Clegane Bank.

Captain Butler became the first of those from across the Narrow Sea to try crabs in Lannisport. He was hot-tempered, daring, far-sighted, upright, honest, and ambitious.

*

In fact—since Bancroft held the captains' conference, Clegane banking business had begun to pick up. The number of captains and some merchants borrowing money was increasing day by day, and wealthy merchants settling in the city also began to tentatively deposit some idle money that they didn't need in Clegane Bank. They hoped to use this to establish a certain power relationship with Lady Jeyne and the Lord's family.

Putting idle money in their own homes would not generate money, but putting it in the bank would. Putting idle money in the cellar at home would not open up relationships with upper-class nobles for the wealthy merchants, but there were rumors that storing money through the bank could allow them to meet the Duchess and the Acting Lord, and have the opportunity to eat, chat, and make friends with them.

Then let's give it a try.

Wealthy merchants, captains, and workshop owners were not of high status and were looked down upon by traditional nobles. Because Jeyne's mother was the daughter of a spice merchant, the carefully cultivated Jeyne could not smoothly marry into a great noble family. Instead, she was repeatedly ridiculed and despised by the nobles because of her mother's background. She was still unmarried at the age of sixteen, and then the Mountain, the Hound of the Westerlands, got a big advantage.

*

Grand Maester Bancroft in Lannisport, using the power in his hands, coupled with his mathematical talent and Lady Jeyne's insight into people's hearts, strongly promoted the development of the banking business.

As Jeyne expected, once the conference with hundreds of captains was held, the banking business started, the momentum was good, and everything was going smoothly.

Captain Butler deposited a thousand gold dragons in Clegane Bank.

A thousand gold dragons, a sum of money that was neither large nor small.

And in King's Landing, Lord Olyver of Lannisport quietly approached the Mountain, hoping to cooperate with the Mountain again. The two had made a lot of money opening a noodle shop. If it hadn't been for the war, the money the noodle shop earned for them would have increased many times over. And this time, Lord Olyver was aiming to make a fortune, a heart-stoppingly lucrative opportunity. The Hand of the King had already joined, and Lord Olyver had heard about it from the Hand of the King. He couldn't resist the itch and decided to get involved and invest.

Thanks to [For People and For People] for the reward, thank you, handshake!