Chapter 51 Littlefinger Visits

As the news of Gavin's complete conquest of the Stepstone Islands spread, merchant ships came and went more frequently. The envoy sent by Dorn also came to the Stepstone Islands at this time. Compared to the Three Daughters, the other party's attitude was quite friendly. .

Gavin understood as soon as he thought about it. Dorne's current maritime power was almost crippled by the black shark "Earl", and it no longer even had an organized fleet. Dorne was even more eager to stop the dispute than Gavin. In this case, the two parties hit it off immediately and the cooperation agreement was easily signed.

After sending away the Dornish envoy, Gavin began to vigorously reorganize the entire Stepstone Islands. He appointed Hassan as the fleet commander. In fact, Gavin also understood that Hassan's ability may not be up to the task, but Gavin currently has no one available. , Hassan is at least loyal enough and can barely manage the fleet.

Gavin also promoted soldiers who performed well in many battles to officers, and appointed those with meritorious service to positions such as captain and first mate. Under clear rewards and punishments, the control of the army became increasingly stable.

Later, Boris was appointed as the governor of Bloodstone Island. In their previous interactions, Gavin found that Boris was quite fair and very attentive to his work. Due to the instability of the newly conquered Gray Gallows Island, Gavin planned to take charge personally. So the management of Bloodstone Island was handed over to him.

The serious shortage of talents has made Gavin consider whether he can open a school to train himself. As for the people he knows in the plot who are good at management, it is now difficult to find them.

On this day, Gavin was busy discussing with Boris about opening a school, but he suddenly received news of the arrival of an unexpected guest - Littlefinger Petyr Baelish. According to the guards, Petyr claimed that he was under the influence of The order from the Royal Council came.

Gavin's face was solemn when he heard about the visitor, and he became cautious. 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 cause chaos in the entire Westeros. After thinking for a moment, , ordered someone to take him to the study for an interview.

In the study, Gavin looked at Petyr in front of him. He was wearing a decent green robe, with a humble smile on his face, and he was secretly warning, "You have to be careful, don't be tricked by him."

With enthusiasm on his face, Gavin personally poured a glass of wine and handed it to Petyr, saying, "Welcome to the Stepstone Islands. Sir Petyr, I'm deeply sorry that I couldn't go to greet you in person."

Petyr took the wine glass with both hands politely and responded: "Thanks for your interview, Lord Gavin, please don't do this. It's me who has taken the liberty to interrupt this time."

Gavin sat up straight, with admiration in his eyes, and continued: "I heard that during the few years you served as the tax collector in Seagull Town, you actually increased the tax revenue there by ten times. For this reason, you have won the attention of the Prime Minister. , I am interested in letting you serve in the Imperial Council, and I really admire your extraordinary abilities."

Petyr bowed slightly and said, "The few achievements I have achieved are nothing compared to your glorious achievements in developing the Stepstone Islands, Sir Gavin."

Feeling that the business exchanges were almost done, Gavin asked politely: "I wonder why Lord Petyr came here this time?"

Petyr said: "Lord Gavin, I am here under the order of the Royal Council, and I want to discuss some important matters with you."

Gavin secretly thought to himself that Jon Arryn had almost the final say in the current Council, but he still responded politely on the surface: "If the Council orders something, I will do my best to satisfy it."

After hearing this, Petyr looked at Gavin with a smile: "Lord Gavin, have you ever heard of the tax collector system in the five major port cities in Westeros?"

Hearing Petyr's words, Gavin had a vague suspicion in his mind. You know, the five major port cities in Westeros usually refer to King's Landing, Oldtown, Lannisport, White Harbor and Seagull Town.

Because the trade in these ports was extremely developed, after Aegon first conquered Westeros, he brought the tax revenue from the four major ports except King's Landing under the direct management of the Iron Throne. The tax collectors sent by the Iron Throne were responsible for collecting and Management, and then allocate part to the corresponding lords. As for King's Landing, it was gradually developed in the later stages of Aegon's Conquest and is itself under the direct jurisdiction of the Iron Throne. Apparently, the huge trade tax brought by the Stepstones attracted Jon Arryn's attention.

Gavin raised his eyebrows and said bluntly: "So Lord Petyr is planning to make the Stepstone Islands imitate the model of the five major ports? But as far as I know, following the tradition of the Seven Kingdoms, I am under the influence of Lord Mace Tyrell, Duke of Highgarden. To issue a development order, you only need to pay the taxes generated by the corresponding population and land in the territory directly to the High Court. Lord Petyr, is this contrary to the tradition of the Seven Kingdoms?"

Petyr hurriedly explained: "Of course I personally support tradition very much. It was the intention of the Prime Minister. Before setting off, I also gave advice to Lord Jon. However, the current financial situation of the Iron Throne is quite serious, and Lord Jon failed to listen. Gotta go in."

Gavin put away his smile and turned serious: "I have nothing to do with the Iron Throne's financial problems. Tax collection should be directed to Highgarden, not to me."

Petyr sighed helplessly: "That's true, it's just Lord Jon's insistence. Now everyone in the Royal Council also obeys the Prime Minister's orders."

After hearing this, Gavin had doubts. Petyr did not bring a direct order from the Royal Council. Obviously, what he called Jon's persistence was unsuccessful. Thinking of this, Gavin bluntly asked: "Really? As far as I know, , The Royal Council is not a one-word meeting for Prime Minister Jon. Many things need to be decided at the meeting. Lord Petyr came here just for discussion and did not bring an order from the Royal Council. It seems that there is still room for discussion on this matter? "

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

Petyr's question made Gavin confused, but he did not shy away: "It is true."

Petyr could not help but sigh: "Dragon! How powerful and mysterious, even if it has disappeared for a long time, its remains still attract many people. Unlike our king, who abandoned many dragon bones in the underground of the Red Castle and ignored them."

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

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

Gavin continued: "The price will definitely satisfy your friends, and I have a great demand for quantity. It's just that Lord Petyr, can you help me persuade the Prime Minister to set up a tax officer?"