As one of the nine Free Trade Cities, it is not surprising that the governor of Pentos would send gifts to Viserys.
Andalos is a newly built city, only five years old, but it has attracted a large number of Andal people to take refuge. Now Andalos has a city size of 80,000 people.
Although Andalus has not solved the problem of poverty, it still has a large number of poor people. Its main exports rely on traditional animal husbandry and planting. The vast plains and mild climate are suitable for growing crops and raising livestock.
However, Andalus has a huge population of specialized races, and its war potential has grown to a point that cannot be ignored, which makes Pentos, a close neighbor, also have to become nervous, which is why Illyrio's envoy was sent this time.
One goes down and the other goes up.
The strength of Pentos has long been at the bottom among the nine free trade city-states.
The reason is that a war broke out between Pentos and Braavos over the issue of slavery. Braavos asked Pentos to abolish slavery in the name of freedom, but Pentos refused to accept it.
Subsequently, a total of six wars broke out between the two sides over a period of two hundred years, and Braavos won four of them.
The last time happened ninety-one years ago, when Pantos slit their throats and sacrificed four princes to the gods within a year, but still could not change the deteriorating situation of the war.
The armada of Braavos blocked the port of Pentos, which eventually forced the governors of Pentos to sign the Treaty of Shame and kneel down to sue for peace.
He publicly declared that slavery was abolished, the slave trade was prohibited, and the number of warships owned was greatly reduced, allowing only twenty ships to be retained. The remaining Pentos warships were all scuttled and sunk into the sea.
Pentos is also prohibited from hiring mercenaries, contracting with free mercenary bands, or maintaining any troops beyond the city guard.
Since the war ninety-one years ago, even though Pentos has a huge city wall, it is still generally considered to be the most vulnerable among the Free Trade Cities.
It is for this reason that the governors of Pentos maintain a friendly attitude towards other Free Cities and the Dothraki Horse Kings, as well as all surrounding forces that may pose a threat to them.
Over the years, Pentos cultivated relationships with a series of powerful Khals, giving them gifts and gold and silver to ensure that their khalasar would not invade Pentos, and could provide for Pentos at critical moments in their activities east of the Rhoyne.
Protect.
Illyrio's trip was with this mission in mind to establish a friendly and cooperative relationship with the newly built city of Andalos.
Commonly known as making friends.
And Pentos' way of making friends is also very unique.
Illyrio clapped his hands and filled ten carriages with gold, silver, jewelry, various gifts, and fine wines, all listed in the hall, including four slaves given in Illyrio's personal name.
Two strong slaves who have won five consecutive victories in the gladiatorial arena, and two female slaves with good figures and looks.
Viserys was slightly stunned while sitting on the throne, looking at the hall filled with gold, silver, jewelry, various gifts and four slaves. Although he had long known that Pantos had a very special way of making friends, this kind of
Throw money at it...
Wouldn't that be too disrespectful?
Viserys was silent for a long time, looking at everything in front of him, and finally waved his hand.
"Take it."
The construction of Andalus consumed too many gold dragons in the early stage. Although the balance of payments has been reached, it is not known that firewood, rice, oil and salt are expensive. Viserys saw that the wealth in the treasury has shrunk by more than half, and he was naturally heartbroken.
Based on the principle of saving whatever you can, you can only accept this wealth.
As for the four slaves, Viserys ordered the guards to tear up their contracts. If they were willing to stay, they would stay in Andalus, and if they were not willing, they would be let go.
Because of the proximity to Braavos, Viserys did not want to find trouble for himself. He once wanted to send the Red Viper Oberyn to Astapor to purchase the Unsullied to expand his military strength and protect the city. However, in the end
Due to pressure from Braavos, the purchase order was canceled.
As a city-state built by slaves, Braavos opposes all slavery in the world.
However, Viserys did not directly refute Illyrio's face because of this. Although the other party was polite, the governor of Pentos still held the power, so Viserys directly accepted these slaves and then dealt with them.
When Illyrio saw Viserys accepting these gifts, a smile appeared on his face. Accepting the gifts meant that he had accepted Pentos' goodwill, and most of his mission in this line had been completed.
Then the chubby governor made a new invitation.
"His Majesty."
"One more thing."
Illyrio stood in front of the chair and saluted slightly with his big belly, and then said.
"The governors of Pentos have long admired your name and hope to invite you to Pentos as a guest. At the same time, the governors have also prepared more generous gifts for you."
"Visiting Pentos?"
"A more substantial gift?"
Viserys frowned slightly while sitting on the throne, then turned his head and glanced at the attendants beside him, while Bessie also glanced at the little king on the throne, not understanding what Governor Pentos' intention was.
Since I don’t want to give gifts directly this time, why do I have to go to Pentos myself?
Could it be...
"Dragon egg."
Illyrio, who was standing under the hall, said directly.
"really."
Viserys' beautiful eyes narrowed and he understood. He knew that Illyrio had a dragon egg in his hand, and only a gift of this level as the finale could induce him to leave Andalus and go to Pentos.
In fact, Viserys also wanted to acquire dragon eggs over the years. However, dragon eggs are as hard as a beautiful stone before they are hatched, and it is difficult for ordinary people to distinguish the authenticity from the fake.
"I once acquired three dragon eggs in the Shadow Land east of Asshai, although they have turned into fossils due to long years."
Illyrio stood still and said respectfully.
"I'm not sure if it can still be hatched, but I believe His Majesty might be interested in it."
"Indeed, you are right, Lord Governor."
"I am indeed very interested in dragon eggs."
Viserys also stood up from the throne, then walked down the steps and came to Illyrio. He looked into the eyes of the wealthy merchant governor in front of him and spoke in a calm voice.
Because of his proficiency in exercise, the little king's height has now jumped up again, and is only about a head lower than Illyrio.
And Illyrio looked at the little king who walked in front of him, especially when he was stared at by that pair of lavender eyes, and he felt a little nervous for some reason.
"I agreed."
But then Viserys' calm voice was heard.
"His Majesty?"
Bessie, who was standing behind the throne, was shocked when she heard Viserys's words.