Chapter 161: Littlefinger Appears, the Seagulls Take Flight
The Vale, Gulltown, Council Chamber of House Grafton
"Our business has been severely affected. Those captains are taking the opportunity to raise prices; the freight costs are terrifying!"
A richly dressed merchant shouted loudly at the long table in the center of the council chamber.
"Stannis Baratheon's fleet has blocked our communication with King's Landing. He won't even allow us to head south along the Narrow Sea. This must be resolved; we can no longer afford such losses."
This was spoken by another bearded merchant who specialized in maritime trade.
Due to Jon's interference, the situation in the Seven Kingdoms had fallen into a complete stalemate. Although King's Landing gained a brief respite through the alliance of House Lannister and House Tyrell, its maritime trade had ground to a complete halt due to Stannis's blockade.
Stannis's goal was clearly to force the Vale to submit to him. Although he had Jon's help and possessed powerful dragons, in his view, that power was not something he could fully control. Therefore, he continued to seek more support and validation.
Stannis knew very well that Lady Lysa Arryn of the Vale had perfectly inherited the stubbornness and timidity of House Tully. When facing a turtle shell like the Vale, the best method was to break it from the inside.
Stannis's idea happened to coincide with Jon's. At almost the same time, Stannis and Jon both acted to cut off the Vale's foreign trade. Currently, the Vale was completely isolated from the outside world.
Normally, a castle would have many ravens. However, as the war continued, many had been sent out. Eventually, because of the land and sea blockades, the major castles of the Vale exhausted all their foreign-bound ravens, leaving the Vale like an isolated island.
"We have reached a very dangerous point. I propose we form our own army and fleet to ensure stability in this increasingly deteriorating situation."
Just then, a radical merchant stood up, and his words caught the attention of Lord Grafton.
"The Vale still has its own army. Lord Robert Arryn is simply not of age yet. What are you trying to do?"
Lord Grafton did not dare to be too harsh with these merchants who brought prosperity to Gulltown.
Most of the merchants in Gulltown had marriage ties with the nobility of the Vale. Sometimes, their will represented the voices of the noble houses they were allied with.
Lord Grafton knew he had to consider this issue seriously. But at the thought of Lady Lysa Arryn, who only hid in the Eyrie, he felt a headache. He knew that Lady Lysa would only listen to one person, and that person was her close friend, Littlefinger, Petyr Baelish.
The two had always maintained secret contact. In the last letter received, Littlefinger told Lord Grafton that he would return soon. However, given the current situation, if a stance wasn't taken, these merchants might incite the nobles behind them to rebel.
"Alright, alright, everyone calm down. We haven't reached that point yet. The Seven Kingdoms have been at war for some time now. What truly affects us is the overall situation, not just the war on the High Road and the blockade of the Narrow Sea."
Jon, disguised as Ben Leer, suddenly stood up to smooth things over. During this time, he had already won over some merchants in Gulltown to his side.
In the past, these merchants might have hesitated, but now Jon controlled the North and the Three Daughters. Coupled with the lure of council seats and new policies, these merchants, who had little loyalty to begin with, mostly joined his ranks.
"Lord Ben Leer is absolutely right. I think we should reconsider this. What truly restricts us now are the mountain clans on the High Road. Once we clear the High Road, many problems will be solved."
A fat merchant who had already sworn fealty to Jon spoke up. Jon's current public identity was an envoy of Aegon Targaryen, specifically responsible for affairs in Gulltown.
"I think we can form a mercenary unit and march toward the Bloody Gate under the guise of protecting merchant caravans!"
This was a suggestion from another merchant.
"I think that works..."
"Yes, exactly. As long as our numbers aren't too large, many things can be resolved..."
"The matter of the High Road cannot be delayed any longer!"
...
Amidst the discussions of these merchants, a plan was laid directly before Lord Grafton.
"I need to consult the Eyrie on this matter; otherwise, our troops cannot leave Gulltown at all!"
Faced with a group ready to force his hand, Lord Grafton could only resort to stalling tactics.
This matter could be seen as large or small. Externally, it could be called protecting caravans, but in the eyes of those with ulterior motives, it would look like Gulltown was rebelling.
House Grafton was already disliked by the Iron Throne. If they caused such an incident now, Lord Grafton felt his entire family might be implicated.
"I think this matter is very feasible!"
Just as the merchants were about to voice their protests, a voice suddenly echoed through the hall.
When everyone turned around, they saw Littlefinger, Petyr Baelish, dressed in a magnificent robe. Although his clothes and hair were slightly disheveled, he must have tidied himself up before entering.
"Lord Petyr!?"
"How did you get here?"
"Why would he come here?"
...
Most of the merchants here had dealt with Littlefinger. They both loved and feared him; they feared him because he was shrewd, and they loved him because he was very good at business.
In the eyes of many merchants, Littlefinger didn't look like a Westerosi noble at all, but more like a Braavosi merchant—which made sense, as he did have Braavosi blood.
"My apologies, everyone! Recent events have prevented the Crown from focusing here, but please believe that the Iron Throne still cares for the Vale. Now that I have arrived in Gulltown, I will handle this matter."
After calming his emotions, Littlefinger walked to the high seat. After exchanging a look with him, Lord Grafton quickly yielded the position.
Lord Grafton had long ago experienced how difficult these merchants could be. If the power dynamics in Gulltown weren't so complex, he probably would have used force long ago!
"Alright, honorable gentlemen, please be seated!"
Upon hearing Littlefinger's words, Jon also signaled his people to sit down, while looking at the famous Littlefinger with interest.
The man's appearance was similar to his image in that poorly ended television series, though he looked somewhat older. Putting aside martial prowess, he indeed had a very pleasant and handsome face. It was no wonder Lysa Arryn maintained a secret relationship with him, even going so far as to poison her own husband.
"I understand everyone's feelings, and we do indeed need an army to deal with the mountain clans who took the Bloody Gate. I will handle the communication with the Eyrie regarding this."
Littlefinger's voice was full of confidence, as if his words would definitely receive approval from the Eyrie.
In fact, it wasn't that complicated. Since the death of Lord Jon Arryn, Littlefinger had been infiltrating the houses of the Vale. His prostitutes not only gathered intelligence for him in King's Landing but also served as his eyes and ears in many castles throughout the Vale.
"Furthermore, I must tell you all that we have contacted House Redwyne's fleet from the Arbor. I believe their fleet will soon break Stannis's maritime blockade and reopen our trade routes."
If the previous statement had removed everyone's doubts, this piece of news completely stabilized their emotions.
"Since Lord Petyr has agreed, we shall go and prepare. Everything for Gulltown!"
"Everything for Gulltown!"
...
Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Jon didn't make further arrangements. He signaled the surrounding merchants to agree to the plan. To his surprise, Littlefinger seemed to have noticed these things as well.
With Littlefinger's final word, Jon and the other merchants left the council chamber one by one. Watching them depart, Littlefinger fell into deep thought.
"Phew... these fellows are really hard to deal with! Petyr, when did you arrive? Why was there no word at all?"
Seeing everyone leave, Lord Grafton breathed a sigh of relief. After sitting down, he turned to Littlefinger and asked.
"Who was that young man? I haven't seen him before."
Littlefinger stared at the doorway as if he hadn't heard Lord Grafton's complaint.
"That is Lord Ben Leer, a merchant from Lys. His father died at the hands of the Beggar King. Because he didn't want to swear fealty to the Targaryens there, he came to Gulltown."
"A Lysene merchant?"
After hearing Lord Grafton's explanation, Littlefinger repeated the keywords.
"Don't think too much. Now that you're here, things will be easier. That madwoman Lysa Arryn has no idea how to manage the Vale. If this continues, I fear it will be hard for you to take over power smoothly!"
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