Chapter 412: The Bonfire Feast

On the banks of the Greenblood River, over a hundred bonfires blazed. Skinned cattle and sheep rotated slowly on spits, filling the air with the irresistible aroma of roasting meat.

Tonight, nearly all the citizens of Sunspear had gathered by the river to celebrate Nathalie Dayne's appointment as the new ruler of Dorne.

To bolster Nathalie's reputation and win the people's hearts, Samwell had arranged for his fleet to deliver an abundance of food specifically for the occasion.

On the beaches outside Sunspear, thousands of long tables were piled high with bread, vegetables, fruit, and freshly roasted meat, ensuring that every attendee could feast to their heart's content.

Even the wine and ale were provided without limit.

For the people of Dorne, who had recently endured a grueling famine, this was nothing short of a divine blessing.

As they enjoyed the delicious food, they continuously praised Storm King Caesar and Duchess Nathalie for their generosity and kindness.

Samwell also hired several traveling troupes to perform at the banquet, offering acts like acrobatics, animal taming, and dances. The Greenblood Riverbanks resounded with laughter, music, and the tantalizing scent of food, transforming the area into a grand festival for thousands.

Since it was an open-air event meant to highlight camaraderie with the people, the nobles dressed relatively casually, and the atmosphere felt light and celebratory.

Nathalie wore a sleeveless short dress that left her fair, flawless shoulders and arms exposed. A silver sash cinched her waist, while her brown hair was casually draped over her shoulders. Her delicate feet were adorned with high-heeled sandals, giving her an air of charm and relaxed elegance.

A group of Dorne nobles surrounded their new duchess, engaging her in friendly conversation, though Nathalie herself seemed a little uneasy.

She hadn't yet adjusted to the changes in her status.

Fortunately, Samwell stood by her side, helping her manage the enthusiastic Dorne lords.

"You don't need to worry about food supplies," Samwell reassured the nobles, fully aware that this was their primary concern. "The Reach will soon lift its grain embargo on Dorne, and you'll soon be able to buy reasonably priced grain."

"Your Grace, what about the price of grain?"

"It will be slightly higher than before."

This response immediately made the Dorne nobles anxious. Many of them asked in unison:

"How much higher?"

"Barley and wheat will cost three more copper coins per pound than before. Beans will cost five more copper coins per pound. As for meat and wine, their prices will increase even more. However, since they are not essential items, you can purchase them according to your means."

This price adjustment wasn't excessive, especially considering the impending arrival of winter. Such increases were actually quite reasonable.

Still, many Dorne nobles frowned and hesitated.

After years of continuous warfare, Dorne was now deeply scarred, with some smaller houses struggling to make ends meet. For them, rising grain prices were a dire prospect.

Samwell carefully observed their expressions and then smiled slightly.

"Given the difficulties you face, I have a proposal for grain exchanges."

"Grain exchanges?"

"Yes, by trading grapes for grain," Samwell explained. "In fact, Starfall has already established such an agreement with Eagle's Nest. For details, you can ask Duchess Nathalie."

Noticing that everyone's eyes were now on her, Nathalie, who had been momentarily distracted, was startled. Quickly gathering herself, she nodded and said:

"Yes, the exchange agreement has been in place for almost two years. Starfall grows grapes and sends them to Eagle's Nest in exchange for grain. Each pound of grapes can be exchanged for three pounds of oats, four pounds of wheat, or one pound of beans. We can even trade for brandy."

The nobles immediately realized how advantageous this agreement could be for them.

Dorne's climate was poorly suited for growing grain but ideal for cultivating heat- and drought-resistant crops like grapes, which thrived under prolonged sunlight.

Most importantly, the exchange rates were based on pre-inflation grain prices.

Someone quickly asked, "If we sign this agreement, will the exchange rates remain the same?"

"They won't change," Samwell assured them. "If you agree to sign this exchange agreement, you won't be affected by the rising cost of grain."

This statement elicited mixed reactions.

Those who already grew grapes on their lands were delighted and immediately expressed their willingness to sign similar agreements.

However, those whose lands didn't currently cultivate grapes began to worry.

The exchange agreement was undoubtedly attractive, and as winter approached and grain prices continued to rise, its benefits would only grow more apparent.

These nobles silently resolved to return home and instruct their tenants to switch to grape cultivation.

A small number of shrewd individuals, however, discerned the hidden trap in the agreement.

If Dorne significantly expanded its grape cultivation, grain production would inevitably decrease, leading to a growing reliance on Reach grain.

Should relations between the two regions sour in the future, the Reach could simply impose another grain embargo, and Dorne would face a devastating famine.

Clearly, this seemingly generous agreement was a calculated move by Caesar to tighten his grip on Dorne.

But even knowing this, the Dorne nobles found it impossible to reject the agreement.

After all, as long as Dorne didn't oppose Caesar, the deal was undeniably beneficial.

For years, Dorne's relationship with the other Six Kingdoms had been distant due to cultural and geographical divides. Bridging this gap would not be easy.

Yet, if Dorne came to depend on the Reach for its agricultural needs, this divide might gradually fade.

Realizing this, the Dorne lords became even more in awe of the young Storm King before them.

"Your Grace, we've heard that you're gathering an army to march on King's Landing. Will Dorne need to contribute troops to this campaign?"

Samwell smiled.

"I understand that Dorne has suffered through years of war, and many of you may struggle to muster sufficient forces. I sympathize with your challenges, so for this campaign, contribute whatever you can. Participate within your means."

Relieved, the Dorne nobles quickly expressed their gratitude for Caesar's understanding and praised his wisdom.

"If you're still struggling to afford gold or grapes for grain exchanges and are concerned about famine breaking out in your lands, you can gather the peasants you can no longer support, and I'll arrange for them to be sent to the Stormlands," Samwell added.

"I'm sure you've heard that I'm constructing an artificial canal, and I need a large labor force. Moreover, with the campaign for King's Landing approaching, I'll need people to handle logistics for the army.

"So rather than letting them become a destabilizing factor in your lands, send them to the Stormlands. As long as they work, I can promise they won't starve."

"Your Grace, you've solved a huge problem for us."

"Your Grace, your kindness is boundless!"

The Dorne nobles beamed with joy, showering Caesar with praise.

(End of Chapter)