Chapter 191 Bad news about the Stepstone Islands
Menas and Shiliu went up to the terrace, and Rhaegar waited for a long time.
Menas was the first to speak: "Prince, I will arrange the craftsmen on the slave ship to work in the dragon's lair, and take in those children to learn their crafts."
"As well as the bachelor training you ordered, I also took the time to teach the children. There are one or two with good talents."
Rhaegar nodded and asked, "How many craftsmen are there in King's Landing?"
Before he left, he laid out several long-term planning strategies.
The craftsmen who control King's Landing are one of them.
Menas said: "Including but not limited to blacksmiths, carpenters, masons and other craftsmen, there are probably thousands of people in the city."
Craftsmen rely on their craftsmanship to make a living, so making ends meet is not a problem.
It is a common mass occupation at the grassroots level.
"Choose some highly skilled craftsmen to expand into the Dragon Cave, and leave the rest alone." Rega said calmly.
It is enough to know how many craftsmen there are.
They can be dispatched at any time when needed, and the craftsmen dare not disobey.
After Menas finished his report, he stepped back consciously and maintained a humble attitude.
Xiliu stepped forward consciously and said with a smile: "Prince, I found an outstanding girl and plan to teach her myself."
"It's up to you, just don't forget your mission."
Lei Jia was very assured of Xi Liu's work efficiency and did not explain much.
"I'll take the girl with me later and you can meet her in person."
Shiliu showed a mysterious smile.
Rhaegar said no more and waved for them to leave.
He turned around and continued to watch his younger siblings training their dragon.
…
noon.
The armies of the Riverlands enter King's Landing.
Soldiers had clan crests painted on their armor and shields.
Silver trout leaping on the red and blue striped background, a group of crows surrounding the dead weirwood on the black shield on the scarlet background, scarlet horses on the golden shield, red salmon...
Every house in the Riverlands sent soldiers to King's Landing.
Leonor and his eldest son Harwin sat on their war horses, accepting the cheers of the people and becoming the focus of the scene.
Viserys, who was in good health, walked out of the gate of the Red Keep and met the army in person with Rhaegar.
Seeing the king and the crown prince, the army stopped advancing, and representatives of each family came forward to pay tribute.
Viserys exuded a calm demeanor as he entertained the nobles of the Riverlands.
Rhaegar was also assigned to two noble representatives to receive him.
"The Blackwoods send their regards, noble prince."
A thin, dark-haired young man knelt on one knee and gave a solemn greeting.
"Get up, what's your name?"
Rhaegar looked at the other person. He was a few years older than him, and his hands were covered with calluses.
"Samwell Blackwood, His Royal Highness."
The black-haired young man puffed out his chest and his eyes were bright.
Rhaegar asked in surprise: "The Samwell who killed Lord Bracken in a duel?"
He also remembered that Samwell had been one of Rhaenyra's suitors.
For this reason, he dueled with Earl Bracken and killed him.
Samwell's face flushed with excitement and he whispered: "It's me, prince."
"You should be proud of a boy who killed an adult man?"
Rhaegar noticed that the other party seemed a little shy.
Samwell smiled coquettishly: "It's the idiot of the Bracken family who is too useless and bumped into my sword with his belly full."
"Haha, I like your modesty."
Rhaegar was amused by him and invited him to return to the Red Keep.
Also accompanying him were many young nobles, most of whom were second sons or illegitimate sons, who came to seek a future.
Rega welcomes everyone who comes, remembers everyone's name, and speaks freely.
After learning about their situation, don't rush to win over them and give them some encouragement.
It is deeply rooted in people's hearts.
…
The welcome banquet is held.
The nobles went to the Red Fort, and the soldiers were given food and wine.
Rhaegar sat at the same table with the noble children, with a smile on his lips and a gentle demeanor.
Listen to them talk about their dreams and pick out the materials they can build.
Taking a sip of sake, Rhaegar sat back in his chair and played with a ruby in his hand.
The ruby is about the size of a dove egg and carved into an octagonal shape.
Rub it in the palm of your hand, it will be warm and smooth.
This ruby comes from the Red Witch.
The red robe witch avoided being burned by the dragon flames, and the ruby was indispensable.
Rhaegar thought the ruby would be some kind of precious magical treasure.
But the Explorer didn't trigger.
"It can absorb flames and needs to be developed."
Rhaegar cursed secretly.
Ruby shouldn't be that simple, but he doesn't know how to use it.
In the middle of the banquet, Archmaester Melos hurried over.
The old Grand Master panted and handed Viserys a secret letter.
"Your Majesty, you must be mentally prepared for the urgent report from the Stone Steps Islands."
Melos' face was ugly, and his voice revealed concern.
Viserys took the secret letter, looked around at the ministers below, and read it calmly.
From beginning to end, the original friendly expression gradually disappeared and he frowned.
Seeing this, Rhaegar left his seat, walked through the crowded hall, and walked to his father who was at the head.
"What news, father?"
Rhaegar asked quietly.
"News from the Stepstone Islands."
Viserys said solemnly: "The Dornish fleet attacked Bloodstone Island and destroyed all the defenses together with the Three Daughters. The Sea Serpents suffered heavy losses."
Rhaegar took the secret letter and read it line by line.
Just two days ago, Prince Martell of Dorne once again joined forces with the Three Women Kingdom to attack the Sea Serpent army on Bloodstone Island.
Rhaenys drove Melias to the starry night to help, and burned a large number of enemy warships with Lannino's sea smoke.
After hearing the news, the patrol fleet from Storm's End came and repelled the combined forces of Dorne and the Three Kingdoms.
The sea snakes were injured, more than half of the soldiers were injured, and Bloodstone Island was no longer safe.
"Damn it, the Dornishmen really got involved."
Rhaegar cursed secretly and said seriously: "Father, the troops from the Riverlands have been assembled. Tomorrow I will control the dragon and lead the army to the Stepped Stone Islands."
Yesterday, King's Landing received news that the White Harbor fleet had arrived at the Stepstones.
The fleets from Old Town and Qingting Island have also set off and will arrive in the near future.
The Grafson family in Seagull Town is consolidating its forces and has sent half of its fleet to support.
The kingdom currently has the combat power to conquer the Three Women Kingdom.
Viserys had a sullen face and said thoughtfully: "The Stepstone Islands need support. The army in the Riverlands has never participated in naval battles. You must follow the advice of the sea snake and don't be impulsive."
Rhaegar's eyes flickered and he nodded solemnly.
He understood what his father meant.
The kingdom has been peaceful for a long time, and the army in the Riverlands has never experienced even ordinary wars, let alone naval battles.
The combat effectiveness exerted is open to question.
"Aegon is still having fun in Mead City. You have to go to the battlefield alone. Remember to be careful."
Viserys was still worried, despite repeated warnings.
Rhaegar agreed one by one.
After experiencing the ambush of the Gaoshan clan, his casual temperament changed a lot and he became more cautious.
Viserys summoned Leonor to discuss the situation with him in detail.
After a brief discussion, Rega was the first to leave.
As he walked out of the hall, the second sons and illegitimate sons looked at each other and stood up to follow him one after another.
In a short exchange, they were convinced by Rhaegar and were willing to risk their lives.
Rhaenyra noticed something strange, apologized to the female guest she was talking to, and held up her skirt to follow.
Also leaving together was Harwin Strong, who was always paying attention to the princess's movements.
