Chapter 433 Determination

  After night fell, the small town that had just experienced the baptism of war finally regained its calm.

  Samwell was eating dinner while listening to the post-war statistics report.

   This battle can be regarded as a complete victory. Not only did they regain the outpost camp, but they also wiped out an elite team from the Western Region.

   At this point, everything south of the Blackwater River is included in Samwell's sphere of influence.

   Next, it is time to consider crossing the Blackwater River and enter King's Landing.

  If, as Varys the "Octospider" said, turmoil broke out in Braavos and forced the Aquaman's fleet to return, then it shouldn't be a problem for the army to cross the river.

   Attacking King's Landing is a matter of course.

  Of course, Samwell will not easily believe the promise of a **** who once betrayed him. Whether there is turmoil in Braavos, he is too far away to confirm, but whether the Sea King’s fleet has left, he will go to confirm it himself.

  However, before that, Samwell received another unexpected news.

   "A letter from Sunspear City said that the Ironborn did not attack the empty Reach, but came to the Blackwater River. Therefore, Earl Lucas Dayne, who got the news, has led the Stormland fleet back."

  When Samwell announced the news at the military meeting, the nobles looked at each other, obviously quite surprised.

  After a brief silence, Earl Leighton Hightower asked:

   "Your Majesty, how did Earl Lucas learn that the ironborn are coming to the Blackwater River?"

   "Known from the surviving Redwyne population."

  As soon as this remark was made, the nobles of the River Bend immediately shouted:

   "Redwyne may not be credible!"

   "Redwyne may not be credible, but they have a deep hatred with the Ironborn, so they shouldn't help the Ironborn to deceive us on this point."

   "But why did Euron Greyjoy give up the rich Reach Land that is close at hand instead of plundering it, and instead ran to the Blackwater River?"

   "It should be an alliance with Lannister."

   "If they had made an alliance, Euron wouldn't have killed Paxter Redwyne before."

   "Euron is a lunatic, can you use the thinking of a normal person to understand a lunatic's thinking?"

   "Even if he's a lunatic, Euron must have a reason for coming all the way to the Blackwater River."

  …

  Listening to the quarrel of the crowd, Samwell remained silent.

  He knew very well that what these people, especially the nobles of the river bend, were really worried about was their own territory.

Earl Lucas decided to lead the fleet back without authorization, and the safety of the Reach would not be guaranteed, so they seem to be arguing here whether Redwyne's information is accurate, but what they really want to discuss is the behavior of Earl Lucas Is it reasonable.

  In Samwell's view, Earl Lucas's decision is of course extremely correct.

   Giving priority to ensuring that the army crosses the river is in line with his core interests.

  Even if it turns out that the intelligence was wrong and the Reach was plundered, as long as King's Landing is captured and the Lannister family is wiped out, the rebellion of some shabby Ironmen will not matter at all.

  Of course, this is from Samwell’s own perspective,

   But in the eyes of these river bend nobles, it is obvious that their own territory is more important.

  You may say that this is short-sighted or disregarding the overall situation, but this is the reality, the objective reality caused by the enfeoffment system.

  At this moment, a certain idea hidden in Samwell's heart became clearer.

   The distaste for enfeoffment has also reached an almost unbearable level.

  Perhaps this is the natural desire of a monarch, the desire for centralization.

  But Samwell is also very clear that now is not the time to "reduce the domain".

  Jun's Landing has not yet been conquered, the Seven Kingdoms have not yet been unified, and there is still the threat of aliens. Challenging the enfeoffment system now will only lead to the betrayal of all relatives, and the situation is completely out of control.

   We must find the right time for this matter, and plan it slowly.

  Samwell was thinking about it, but the smile on his face became brighter and brighter.

   This scene confuses the people who are arguing fiercely.

  Many Riverbend nobles who accused Earl Lucas of withdrawing his troops inside and outside their words began to feel anxious, and they dared not say some things anymore.

  The discussion in the camp gradually became quieter.

"Okay, I know what you are worried about." Samwell finally spoke, "Earl Lucas's behavior is indeed inappropriate, but it is also understandable. Of course, I know that some people are worried about the land of the Reach. Well, let me promise you here, if the Ironmen really plunder your territory, all losses will be borne by the Caesar family."

  Samwell knew that he had to make a compromise at this time, but the more he made concessions to these nobles at this moment, the stronger his desire to centralize power became.

   "Your Majesty, you are so merciful." All the nobles in Hewan praised, unaware that the young king in front of him had secretly recorded their names in a small notebook.

  After stabilizing a group of river-bend nobles, the content of the military discussion finally turned to discussing how to cross the river.

  Now that they knew that the Ironborn might be heading for the Blackwater River, everyone thought there was no need to rush across the river.

   It is safest to wait for the Stormland Fleet to come, control the course of the Blackwater River, and protect the army from crossing the river.

  Samwell obviously thought so too, so he stopped worrying about whether the Braavos really withdrew their troops.

  After discussing some details of crossing the river, Samwell announced the end of the meeting.

  But just when he was about to take a break, the guard came to report that Varys' "little bird" had come again.

   "Bring him in."

   Soon, Marius walked into the camp and saluted.

   "What's your business?" Samwell asked directly.

   "Your Majesty, Lord Varys asked me to remind you that the withdrawal of the Braavos was deceitful."

   "Oh?" Samwell had a playful smile on his face, "Could it be that there was no turmoil in Braavos?"

"No. There has been turmoil in Braavos, but the news was intercepted by Duke Tywin. At this time, the withdrawal of the Sea King's fleet is just a show. They want to lure you to lead the army across the river, and when the army is halfway through, Return suddenly."

  Samwell was not too panicked after hearing this.

   After all, he had already decided to wait for the Stormland fleet to return before crossing the river, so he didn't pin all his hopes on the actual withdrawal of the Braavosi troops.

  However, Varys sent someone to inform Samwell of the news, which surprised Samwell.

   It seems that this "octospider" is really determined to join him.

   "Okay, I know, thanks for reminding Varys."

  Marius bent down and saluted:

   "It is our honor to serve you."

   After finishing speaking, he was ready to leave.

  But Samwell stopped him:

   "By the way, can you send a letter to Lord Varys for me?"

"sure."

   "Okay." Samwell returned to the table after speaking, picked up a pen and paper and quickly wrote a letter, then handed it to Mario.

  Mario took the letter, but didn't read it. After hiding it carefully, he turned and left.

  (end of this chapter)