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Regarding the massive reparation of one million Gold Dragons, Euron Greyjoy didn't even convene a meeting to discuss its distribution. Instead, he announced the plan directly:
"The Iron Islands take sixty percent. Dorne and the Arbor take twenty percent each."
This meant that overnight, six hundred thousand Gold Dragons entered the Iron Islands' treasury, while Prince Oberyn and Lord Paxter Redwyne would each return home with a massive sum of two hundred thousand Gold Dragons.
Furthermore, Euron explicitly stipulated that from this point forward, all trade commissions, tariff revenues, and other income generated in the Stepstones would be permanently distributed according to this "6-2-2" ratio.
Faced with this plan dictated by the conqueror, Prince Oberyn of Dorne merely raised an eyebrow lazily, a predictable smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, offering no objection. He knew well that under this new order, obtaining such a clear share was already generous; Euron's "generosity" had deeper meaning.
Lord Paxter Redwyne of the Arbor reacted more visibly. This distribution ratio far exceeded his most optimistic expectations. He had thought that as an auxiliary force, getting any share would be good enough; he hadn't expected Euron to be so bountiful.
Amidst the surprise, feeling a trace of unease, Paxter Redwyne stepped forward. His posture was humble and sincere, his voice carrying a hint of caution. "My Lord, your contribution to this war is the greatest. The Iron Islands bore all the major risks and sacrifices. My Arbor contributed limitedly... perhaps we shouldn't take such a rich share. We are willing to voluntarily reduce our portion to show fairness."
This humble stance stemmed from a merchant family's precise calculation of risk and reward, but also hid a genuine awe for this new ruler. He preferred to retreat to advance, giving up some immediate profit in exchange for longer-term stability and trust.
Hearing this, Euron's gaze lingered on Paxter's face for a moment, seeing through the calculation in his heart. He did not accept this "goodwill." Instead, he shook his head slowly and firmly. "No need."
"Distribute it according to this ratio." Euron paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over the mountain of Gold Dragons as if looking into the distant future, adding with a smile, "The days ahead... are still long."
It was not only the final ruling on this distribution but also a clear signal: Euron valued lasting cooperation and loyalty over temporary gains and losses. This seemingly "generous" share was actually an investment in future value, binding his allies to him.
---
Three months passed like a tide, enough for the new order to take deep root in these once-chaotic waters.
The Iron Islands Alliance's rule over the Stepstones had firmly transitioned from the bloody conquest phase to a period of substantive control.
Trade routes were redrawn, tariff laws strictly enforced, and all transactions proceeded orderly under the gaze of black sails. The once lawless land now flowed with a cold, efficient order.
The changing of seasons did not shift for human will.
The breath of the North quietly moved south. The warmth in the sea breeze was gradually replaced by biting chill, and the sky grew grayer by the day. Winter's footsteps were approaching.
Whether warriors from the Iron Islands, shrewd sailors from the Arbor, or sand knights from Dorne, they had all been stationed in this foreign land for too long. Homesickness and responsibilities to their homelands made it impossible for the core figures to stay away for long.
Prince Oberyn could not be absent forever from the affairs of Sunspear and the sands of Dorne; Paxter Redwyne needed to return to his family castle to prepare for the coming winter trade; Balon, the heir to the Iron Islands, though enamored with these days of constant battle, also had to return to fulfill his duties.
The evacuation of some personnel became an inevitable choice.
Fleets began their final resupply and preparation, ready to carry accomplished soldiers and rich spoils on the journey home.
The massive coalition began an orderly withdrawal and rotation. The mighty momentum of their arrival had now turned into pragmatic deployment after success.
The Ironborn warriors completed their reorganization first.
Of the two thousand elite Ironborn who arrived, over two hundred were lost in the naval battles. Now, Heir Balon Greyjoy personally led one thousand Ironborn to board ships and return north, carrying glory and spoils back to the Iron Islands.
The remaining Ironborn warriors were all placed under the joint command of the seasoned Balfour Greyjoy, his son Floyd Greyjoy, and the fierce general Dagmer. They would continue to be stationed here, becoming the backbone force suppressing these waters.
Prince Oberyn of Dorne made similar arrangements. Half of his sand knights and spearmen boarded ships back to Sunspear, while the other half, led by his most trusted lieutenants, remained stationed at Blood Sail Point and various strategic locations to ensure Dorne's influence continued.
Lord Paxter Redwyne of the Arbor embarked on his return journey. A shrewd and reliable member of a branch of House Redwyne was appointed as representative to lead the remaining Arbor sailors and soldiers stationed at Serpent's Tooth Island, responsible for maintaining House Redwyne's interests and trade routes.
Although the three main forces each took half of their original troops, the defensive strength of the Stepstones was not weakened.
Through the series of thunderous conquests and recruitment, a large number of surrendered pirates and new recruits attracted by fame had long been continuously replenished. Their numbers not only completely filled the vacancy left by the withdrawal but even exceeded it.
New flags flew over new lands. A new legion, blending various bloodlines but loyal to a single will, had taken shape.
---
The fleets were about to part ways; the course north and the path south converged at this moment.
Surprising some, Euron Greyjoy did not board a longship returning to the Iron Islands. Instead, he chose to travel with Prince Oberyn Martell to the sweltering Dorne.
His brother Balon Greyjoy was not surprised by this. Before parting, the fiery-tempered Iron Islands heir walked up to his younger brother and patted Euron's shoulder heavily with his rough, large hand.
No excessive words were needed; tacit understanding flowed between them. Then, Balon took a small box wrapped in thick sealskin from his bosom and stuffed it into Euron's hand.
"Take this." Balon's voice was still raspy, but it revealed a rare, almost imperceptible warmth. "Consider it... a blessing."
The box was lined with soft velvet. Lying on it was a set of meticulously crafted jewelry—a necklace containing ancient runes of the Iron Islands, and a pair of armbands carved with kraken and wave patterns.
Their style was rugged yet exquisitely crafted, carrying the unique style of the Ironborn. Every line bore an ancient prayer from the Drowned God, invoking safety and strength.
Euron accepted this heavy gift filled with Ironborn style without declining, simply giving his brother a deep look.
Balon said no more, turning and striding onto his flagship. He understood his brother's choice. Calculating the days, Elia Martell—Oberyn's sister—was not far from her due date in Sunspear. Inside her was Euron's child, his own niece or nephew, the blood of House Greyjoy.
The next morning, before the mist was fully dispersed by the sun, Euron Greyjoy embarked on the journey to Sunspear with Prince Oberyn.
On the dock, Balfour Greyjoy stood still, his gaze complicated as he watched his nephew's ship slowly leave the harbor.
Unknown to anyone, beneath the deep blue water behind Balfour, a heart-palpitatingly massive shadow lurked silently. Like a dragon guarding treasure, it patrolled loyally beneath the nearby seabed.
Late the night before departure, Euron had gone alone to the shore. In some ancient and obscure way, he summoned the terrifying sea beast—the "Giant Sea Spider." After a silent exchange of wills, this deep-sea monster capable of annihilating an entire fleet was given a new command: From now on, obey the orders of Balfour Greyjoy.
Recalling the soul-shaking scene from last night and the unquestionable will Euron displayed when transferring control to him, Balfour couldn't help but rub his hands together, letting out a low chuckle. Feeling the faithful and terrifying "guardian" in the waters beneath his feet, the seasoned pirate instantly felt his back straighten, filled with unprecedented confidence.
With this beast here to guard the newly conquered seas, he felt incredibly reassured.