Chapter 462: The Fall of the Sea Lord's Palace

*Boom, boom, boom—*

The sound of the Sea Lord's Palace collapsing echoed far in the still night.

If the dragon's fire upon the Titan and the armory had been in the outskirts of Braavos, affecting the city center little, now nearly all the people of Braavos were awakened from their slumbers.

Everyone came to their windows or stepped out of their homes, lifting their heads in disbelief at the sight before them, even pinching themselves to see if they were dreaming.

Had Braavos truly been invaded?

Near the Flooded Town, the Ragman's Harbor was filled with merchants and sailors from all over the world. Some were from Meereen, some from the Stormlands, Volantis, and even the Summer Isles and Ibben.

They had all sorts of hair and skin colors and cultures, all having traveled far by ship to Braavos to exchange goods and trade.

As the most powerful free trade city-state, with its abolition of slavery and unique geographical location at the junction of the Shivering Sea and the Narrow Sea, Braavos welcomed merchants from all over the world.

Braavos was seen as the center of world trade, a beacon of civilization, order, and freedom, a place that people from less developed areas longed for.

But now, these people of various colors and civilizations were all gathered in the open area of the harbor, watching the wreckage of the invincible fleet burning on the surface of the Great Lagoon, lighting up the sky.

They looked in terror at the faint shadow overhead and the dragon's roar coming from somewhere.

The night had become the black dragon's best camouflage. Balerion roared through the sky, its massive silhouette only visible in the moonlight, blocking out the sun.

It spread its wings and raised its head, then a torrent of dragonfire rained down. The Sea Lord's Palace moaned under the dragon's flames, then collapsed with a thunderous crash.

With the fall of the Sea Lord's Palace into the sea, the high and mighty image of Braavos, symbolizing freedom and the glory of civilization, also collapsed in the hearts of these merchants from all over the world, of various hair and skin colors.

Then, the Braavosi guards, finally recovering, launched a counterattack. Countless giant crossbows roared at the sky, their screeching filling everyone's ears.

But they did not hit Balerion. The black dragon's eyes were sharp, clearly distinguishing the weapons on the ground that could threaten it, and a rain of dragonfire fell, with explosions and screams ringing out continuously.

If Braavos was a fierce tiger with fangs, Balerion was now playing the role of a dentist, pulling out these threats, turning it into a toothless sick cat.

"It seems Viserys is determined to destroy Braavos," someone said.

Below the Sea Lord's Palace, the rumbling of the collapse echoed, and the First Swordsman, Quillro Valentin, supported the Sea Lord of Braavos, Cleon, following at his side.

"Braavos has been established for nearly a thousand years. Is it to be buried in my hands today?" the Sea Lord, Ferrego Antaryon, once a wise and steady man, lamented. Since falling seriously ill, his strategic planning had vanished, replaced by a series of erratic actions.

Cleon shook his head slightly. "Destroying a city is far easier than building one, and he is now in the key process of conquering the Seven Kingdoms."

"Viserys may not want to destroy Braavos, just to put us to death, to give the people of Braavos a stern warning."

"For his future grand cause... submission or death."

Cleon's words made the Sea Lord's face even more unsightly.

However, at that moment, from the tunnel extending below the Sea Lord's Palace, noisy footsteps approached, and torches illuminated the dim environment.

A group of soldiers in Braavosi uniforms surrounded a red-haired man. He wore a black velvet robe, a golden belt, and shiny leather boots. His face was neat, his beard clean and tidy, looking gentlemanly and elegant.

His name was Tormo Fregar, a noble member of Braavos, highly esteemed in the city, managing many industries, and possessing unimaginable wealth.

Tormo was also charitable, often donating large sums to help the poor of Braavos, thus earning a great reputation.

With the current Sea Lord Ferrego Antaryon seriously ill, and rumors of his impending death, Tormo Fregar had a high chance of becoming the next Sea Lord of Braavos.

But unfortunately, Ferrego, though ill, clung to life, and Tormo could only wait.

However, unexpectedly, Tormo Fregar appeared in the tunnel below the Sea Lord's Palace, leading a group of soldiers, blocking the three who had escaped from the Sea Lord's Palace.

"Tormo! What do you mean to do?" the First Swordsman, unable to bear it, stepped forward and accused loudly.

"What to do?"

Tormo Fregar sneered and then spoke, "Because of the Sea Lord's obstinacy, the dragon has attacked. Braavos' great invincible fleet is half-sunk in the Great Lagoon."

"Now the Sea Lord's Palace, the House of Black and White, have all collapsed under dragonfire. What do you think I am here to do?"

The First Swordsman, once considered the best swordsman on the continent of Essos, had the advantage in one-on-one duels but could not face too many enemies at once.

Tormo Fregar now had dozens of skilled soldiers, armed and ready. Even the brave Quillro Valentin would not be their match, especially since he had to protect the Sea Lord, who was barely alive.

Tormo, protected by many soldiers, showed no fear in the face of the First Swordsman, then turned to the Sea Lord and accused loudly.

"Look at what you've done!"

"If I don't do something now, Braavos will be buried by your hand!"

Ferrego Antaryon's face turned pale, trembling with anger. He was about to retort, but Tormo did not give him a chance to speak, instead stepping back behind his soldiers and ordering them forward.

"While Braavos can still be saved."

"Seize this man!"

Tormo Fregar's soldiers rushed forward, heading straight for their once-loyal Sea Lord.