Chapter 85: Invitation

As one of the nine Free Cities, it was not surprising that the ruler of Pentos would send gifts to Viserys.

Andalos was a newly established city, only five years old. Nevertheless, it had attracted a large number of Andals, and now the city had a population of eighty thousand.

Though Andalos had not solved its poverty problem and still had a large impoverished population, its main exports relied on traditional livestock and agriculture. The vast plains and mild climate were suitable for farming and raising livestock.

But Andalos had a huge population of a single race, and its war potential had grown to a level that could not be ignored. This caused neighboring Pentos to become uneasy, leading to the dispatch of Illyrio on this diplomatic mission.

As one grew stronger, the other waned.

Pentos's strength had long been at the bottom of the nine Free Cities.

The reason was that Pentos had once waged war with Braavos over the issue of slavery. Braavos, under the banner of freedom, demanded Pentos to abolish slavery, but Pentos refused.

Subsequently, the two sides waged six wars over the course of two hundred years, with Braavos winning four of them.

The last conflict occurred ninety-one years ago. Pentos sacrificed four princes to the gods in a single year, but it still could not change the downward spiral of the war.

Braavos's invincible fleet blockaded the port of Pentos, ultimately forcing the rulers of Pentos to sign a humiliating treaty and beg for peace.

They publicly declared the abolition of slavery, prohibited the slave trade, and drastically reduced their warships. They were allowed to retain only twenty vessels, with the rest of Pentos's ships sunk in the sea.

Pentos was also forbidden from hiring mercenaries, signing contracts with free mercenary companies, or maintaining any military force beyond the city guard.

Since that war ninety-one years ago, despite its massive walls, Pentos had been widely regarded as the most vulnerable of the Free Cities.

It was for this reason that the rulers of Pentos maintained a friendly attitude towards other Free Cities, the Dothraki Khals, and any other forces that might pose a threat.

Over the years, Pentos had cultivated relationships with a series of powerful Khals, giving them gifts and gold to ensure that their Khalasars would not invade Pentos and could operate east of the Rhoyne to provide protection when needed.

Illyrio's mission was to establish a friendly and cooperative relationship with the newly built city of Andalos.

In other words, to make a friend.

And Pentos had its own unique way of making friends.

Illyrio clapped his hands, and ten carts filled with gold, silver, jewelry, various gifts, and fine wine were displayed in the hall, including four slaves personally gifted by Illyrio.

Two were strong slaves who had won five consecutive battles in the arena, and two were attractive female slaves.

Viserys, sitting on the throne, stared blankly at the hall filled with gold, silver, jewelry, various gifts, and the four slaves. He knew that Pentos had a unique way of making friends, but this method of using money to impress...

Wasn't it a bit disrespectful?

Viserys was silent for a while, looking at everything before him, and finally waved his hand.

"Accept them."

.

The construction of Andalos in its early stages consumed too many Gold Dragons. Although it had long since reached a balanced budget, Viserys couldn't help but feel the pain of seeing their wealth dwindling. He decided that it was best to be frugal and save as much as possible.

As for the four slaves, Viserys ordered the guards to tear up their contracts. If they wished to stay in Andalos, they could; if not, they were free to leave. Due to the proximity of Braavos, Viserys didn't want to create any unnecessary trouble for himself. He had once considered sending 'Red Viper' Oberyn Martell to Astapor to purchase Unsullied to bolster their military defenses, but ultimately canceled the order due to pressure from Braavos.

Braavos, a city-state built by former slaves, opposed all forms of slavery.

However, Viserys didn't directly refuse Illyrio's offer, as he was still the powerful Magister of Pentos. Instead, he accepted the slaves and dealt with them later. Seeing that Viserys had accepted the gifts, Illyrio's face broke into a smile, which signified that he had achieved the majority of his mission.

The rotund Magister then extended a new invitation.

"Your Grace."

"There is one more matter."

Illyrio, standing before the chair with his protruding belly, bowed slightly and continued.

"The Magisters of Pentos have long admired your name and wish to invite you to visit our city. They have prepared even more lavish gifts for you."

"Visit Pentos?"

"Even more lavish gifts?"

Viserys, sitting on his throne, slightly furrowed his brow and glanced at his attendant. Bessie, too, looked puzzled, unsure of the Magister's intentions.

If they wanted to give gifts, why not do it now instead of insisting that he visits Pentos?

Could it be...

"Dragon eggs."

Illyrio, standing in the hall, spoke bluntly.

"I thought so."

Viserys' beautiful eyes narrowed in understanding. He knew Illyrio had dragon eggs, and only a gift of such caliber could entice him to leave Andalos and visit Pentos.

In fact, Viserys had been trying to acquire dragon eggs over the years, but un-hatched eggs were as hard as decorative stones, making it difficult for ordinary people to discern their authenticity.

"I once acquired three dragon eggs from the Shadow Lands beyond Asshai. They have turned into fossils due to the passage of time."

Illyrio, still standing in place, spoke respectfully.

"I cannot be certain if they can still hatch, but I believe Your Grace might be interested in them."

"Indeed, you are right, Magister."

"I am indeed very interested in dragon eggs."

Viserys rose from his throne, descended the steps, and approached Illyrio. Staring into the eyes of the wealthy Magister, he spoke calmly.

Thanks to his consistent exercise, the young king had grown taller, now standing only a head shorter than Illyrio.

Illyrio, feeling the intense gaze of Viserys' pale purple eyes, inexplicably grew nervous.

"I accept."

Viserys' calm voice followed.

"Your Grace?"

Bessie, standing behind the throne, was startled by Viserys' decision.