EBE #301 - Chapter 35: Negotiations with the Iron Bank
#301 - Chapter 35: Negotiations with the Iron Bank
Arya was already so hungry that her stomach was sticking to her back. Seeing the table full of sumptuous food, she started gobbling it down without a second thought. For her, these delicacies were long overdue, as it had been a long time since she had tasted such delicious food. Looking at her, Liu Yuan couldn't help but sigh inwardly, thinking that Arya must have suffered a lot in the past few years.
After the meal, Liu Yuan asked Arya, "Why did you think of coming to Braavos?" Arya told him about her experiences in detail.
Liu Yuan nodded and said, "You did well, Arya. You've grown up and become stronger and braver."
Arya hesitated and asked, "Teacher Galon, did you come to Braavos this time specifically to find me?"
Liu Yuan smiled and said, "Not entirely, but the most important thing now is to find you and ensure your safety. What are your plans for the future?"
Arya thought for a moment and said, "I want to become a Faceless Man, learn skills, and then seek revenge." Her eyes were firm.
Liu Yuan was silent for a moment, then said, "I don't think the path of the Faceless Men is suitable for you. Their rules are very strict. Revenge is not the only way. Besides, Joffrey is dead. Who are you planning to take revenge on?"
Arya bit her lip and said, "I know, but those people killed my father. I want them to pay the price. Joffrey is dead, but there's Cersei, the Kingslayer, Tywin, Ilyn Payne..."
Liu Yuan looked at her and said, "I can teach you some things, but you have to promise me not to let hatred blind your heart."
Arya nodded and said, "I promise you, Teacher Galon. Although I really want to learn, I still have to go back to the House of Black and White for evening lessons."
Liu Yuan said, "Go! I'll be staying in Braavos for a few more days. You can find me at the headquarters of the Sun and Moon Legion."
The Iron Bank is the most important bank in the city of Braavos, and even in the entire known world. It not only possesses huge wealth, but also frequently lends money to others.
Although each Free City has its own banking institutions, the Iron Bank's financial strength surpasses all other banks, and its power is extraordinary. It is especially worth mentioning that the Iron Bank's reputation for debt collection is terrifying.
If any prince or king dares to default on their debts, or foolishly disregards the contracts they have made with the Iron Bank, then a new batch of princes or kings (thanks to the financial support of the Iron Bank) will emerge like a tide.
To consolidate their position, these emerging forces must acknowledge the outstanding debts and repay the principal and interest that they borrowed from the Iron Bank to seize power, so as to avoid repeating the mistakes and following in the footsteps of their predecessors.
There is a Braavosi proverb: "The Iron Bank is not to be trifled with."
At this moment, the headquarters of the Iron Bank is welcoming a special visitor - Stannis Baratheon.
Stannis Baratheon was in the reception hall of the Iron Bank, surrounded by no one, only Davos faithfully accompanying him, silently enduring the long wait. Obviously, the Iron Bank was not very welcoming to his arrival. He paced around the room irritably, knowing the purpose of his visit and understanding the rules of the Iron Bank.
Stannis had a very difficult year. Due to his stubbornness and rigidity, it was difficult for both allies and subordinates to accept him. In addition, his widespread promotion of the Red God faith on Dragonstone and the burning of idols touched their religious bottom line.
Until he lost the entire Stormlands, many nobles from the Reach and the Stormlands had their homes occupied by the Targaryen Restoration Army. Stannis listened to Melisandre's advice and prepared to use sacrifices to continue cursing those who claimed to be kings. He even executed lords who opposed him by burning them at the stake, including his Hand, Alester Florent. He was the maternal grandfather of Samwell Tarly.
By this time, a large number of lords were very disappointed in him. They withdrew from Dragonstone and no longer supported him. Stannis's army suddenly dropped from 16,000 to less than 8,000. This is also one of the reasons why Stannis has been trapped on Dragonstone. He couldn't defeat any force on the continent. Fortunately, he had plundered a lot from Renly before. Otherwise, he would not have been able to last for a year. Even so, in order to maintain the consumption of this army, he almost emptied the savings of Dragonstone. Now he has reached the end of his rope, so seeking the help of the Iron Bank is his only option.
Davos looked at Stannis pacing back and forth and said, "Your Majesty, why don't you sit down for a while? People in the East have a different sense of time than we do..."
Stannis said irritably, "We've been waiting here since noon."
Just as Stannis was about to explode, the closed door slowly opened. Three representatives of the Iron Bank, also the highest decision-making body - the Keyholders, are direct descendants of the 23 founders, each holding a key that can open the Iron Bank. (Equivalent to executive directors in modern banks) They went straight to the three stone seats and sat down.
The one in the middle said, "Welcome to the Iron Bank, please sit down!"
"Lord Stannis, what can we do for you this time?" the representative of the Iron Bank asked, his voice neither humble nor overbearing, appearing very calm.
Davos spoke, "Before you is Stannis of the House Baratheon, King of the Andals and the First Men, Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm."
The Keyholder reached out and invited him to sit down, "As far as we know, the one who occupies the Iron Throne now is Tommen of the House Baratheon, King of the Andals and the First Men, Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm."
Stannis: "Tommen is not my blood relative, just like his dead brother. They are both bastards born of incest. I will never hand over the kingdom to them."
The Keyholder: "I've heard this story, but the King's grandfather has another version. It tells the story of a jealous uncle who attempted to usurp his nephew's throne, for which the Seven Kingdoms paid countless blood and gold."
Davos immediately said, "His Majesty Stannis is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne..."
"Alright, there's no need to argue about this matter." Stannis raised his hand to interrupt them. He took a deep breath, straightened his body, and said, "I need funds to support my war."
The representative of the Iron Bank narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing Stannis. "We know your predicament, but loans are not without a price. Can I understand that you believe your bloodline gives you the qualification to apply for a loan from us?"