Chapter 122

I look at the people in front of me and nod my head.

"Very well. We will besiege the entire coastline of the Crownland and make sure no ship gets out to buy supplies from Essos."

It is the right plan to use. As much as I don't want to admit it, Westeros has greater land-based soldiers. They are a land-based culture. From their military to their economy, it all happens on land. Some lords have quite good marine power, but it is not enough. The proof is how Greyjoy manages to wreak havoc on the entire kingdom before they get defeated.

However, once the Greyjoy gets on land? They get destroyed.

That leaves us with only a few choices left.

"We will starve them and make them surrender or at least do something stupid, like attacking us."

My generals and admirals nod their heads. However, one person did not nod his head.

"Bakir? Is there something wrong?"

He looks at me and says.

"It is nothing, your highness. I just thought that this plan will take a long time."

And it is. However, the other says that the other plan involves a direct attack and besieging King's Landing. That will not only consume a lot more resources but also kill a lot of our men. That is the worst outcome in the long run.

"Then do you have a different plan?"

One of the generals says.

"Yes. However, we need to ally with Baratheon for this plan to work."

"What?"

I look at Bakir in shock. Baratheon and Targaryen are eternal enemies. My stupid brother kidnapped their heir's betrothed, and my mad father spits on his father's grave by not saying anything.

"You know that our house is a sworn enemy, right? My father and brother did something idiotic, which is why they dethroned my family."

Bakir nods his head and says.

"I know, your highness. However, I have an offer that he cannot refuse."

"Oh? Tell me."

"What do you know about Stannis Baratheon?"

"Not much. I know that he is a great general and sailor. He is the reason why he and his small army did not fall against his brother Renly even though they have a larger army."

"That's right. However, from the guild members in Westeros, they will fall if it continues like this. Even quality cannot beat an unending army."

"Yes, his number is the problem. If only he had three to five thousand more soldiers, he could win the war against his brother."

"That's right. Anyway, what I want to tell you is that he is stubborn, serious and has a strong sense of duty and justice. We can use this."

"What do you mean?"

"The reason why he fights is that it is his duty to preserve his brother's dynasty. In his mind, it is within his right to inherit his brother's throne."

"Fair enough. He is the second son after all."

"However, what you did not know is that he did not want the throne."

"What?"

"Yes. After the White Cat heals his wife and daughter from sickness, he is content with life. He did not want to get involved in politics and only wanted to spend his life with his family. I guess something happens when he sees both his wife and daughter on the brink of death and decides to spend his life with them."

"But I thought that his marriage is not really great."

"I also thought so. However, it looks like he truly loves Lady Selyse."

"Huh. You learn something new everyday. Anyway, what is your plan?"

Bakir nods his head and continues.

"My plan is to ask Stannis for an alliance between us in exchange for us to give him Storm's End. I also have a backup plan to let Storm's End be an independent kingdom."

"Independent kingdom? That will be a problem in the future."

"That may be a problem, but we can prepare for it. It will not happen in a couple of years but it may happen in a couple generations away. Even then, we can make sure it will not happen. Marriage contracts or maybe a blockade of food will do the job to make sure they join the kingdom. There is nothing more agreeable than people who starve."

Jeez, dark much, Bakir? I release a sigh and think about it for a few seconds.

"Very well. We will follow your plan. However, we still blockade King's Landing while doing your plan."

"Of course. This will give us a bigger chance of this plan working."

I nod my head and look at the people in the room.

"We will start to blockade King's Landing in a week. Repair the ship, and restock all of our ammunition. We will bring this war to their territory."

~Four days later~

"Stannis? That fast?"

Bakir nods his head and gives me the letter. I take the letter and start to read it.

"Stannis agrees with our proposal, your highness. However, he made a few demands. The first is for us to kill all Lannister, the second is to kill Petyr Baelish, and the third is to let him kill Renly Baratheon in a duel. He wants his brother to survive the war so he can be the one killing him."

"I understand killing all Lannister because the current queen cuckold the king but why Petyr Baelish?"

"He is the one who started the war, your highness. He weakens the kingdom by getting the kingdom deep into debt and he is the one who whispers the suggestion of executing Lord Stark."

"Truly? He is the one creating this mess, huh? Not the spider? I thought he would be the one creating all this mess."

Bakir nods his head and says.

"Petyr is the one creating all this mess. The spider is surprisingly clean in this mess. However, he and his little birds are rather busy here in Essos."

"Will he become a problem in the future?"

"I'm afraid, yes. I have yet to know his plans because he is a professional, and even the guild has difficulty knowing his plan in Essos."

"Keep an eye on him and his spy, will you? I don't want him to cause any problem when we are about to sail to King's Landing."

Bakir nods his head.

"Of course, your highness."

"Good. As for Stannis, I'm willing to grant his demand. The last wish is a little weird, but I will grant it. Does he want to be labeled as a kin-slayer?"

"I don't know what he is thinking but I think he wants to be the one punishing his family members. I think he thinks that it is his duty to perform the judgment upon his brother."

I nod my head and say.

"I see. Oh, well. It makes our plan easier, and we get a competent ally for the incoming war. Anyway, sent a letter to Stannis and, when he answered back, sent a supply for him and his men. We still have a lot of them, right?"

"We still have a lot of rice and wheat, your highness."

"Good. Sent some of them to Stannis and his men. This will be the opening gift for this alliance."

"Of course, your highness."