From the age of five, Daenerys gained a reputation for loving money throughout the Seven Kingdoms. In the years following her successful dragon-riding, her ability to manage her territory also began to be praised.
The small Holy Flame Island, under Daenerys's management, took just over three years to achieve an output that surpassed that of a typical large earldom. This is why many heads of major families in the Seven Kingdoms fully supported their family members, going to great lengths to curry favor with Daenerys.
Especially after the news spread this year that Daenerys could control dragons, the top-tier nobles completely focused their attention on her. Although she personally destroyed Yangwu City and the Hightower Family this time, the various nobles of the Seven Kingdoms also witnessed this Princess's passion for territory.
Especially with the royal heir still undecided, they were already carefully weighing which way the wind was blowing. The astute Royce Boton was naturally among them.
So Royce Boton immediately understood Daenerys's intention, and once again adopted his stoic expression, his mind racing as various plans began to take shape in his head.
The Lonely Mountain Range combined with the land on the East Bank of Long Lake is quite extensive, already the size of a large earldom. Although no one dares to easily set foot in the Lonely Mountain Range, the land on the East Bank of Long Lake, though not very fertile, is lush with water and grass and teeming with wild beasts, thanks to the influence of the hot springs flowing from the Lonely Mountain.
While no one settled there, during the summer, the Stark Family, Bolton Family, Amber Family, and their vassals would drive their livestock there for grazing and hunting.
"Holy Flame Island has been conducting research on high-yield crops for the past few years, and it has been very successful. The barley yield in White Sheep Town has already reached about two hundred kilograms per mu. Next, we need to continue experiments in places like Long Lake and Cailin Bay, where the land is barren but the hydrological conditions are still good."
Daenerys knew that the biggest problems in the North were insufficient food and the harshness of winter, which severely restricted population growth, so she continued to press, saying,
"If successful, these high-yield crops can then be promoted and planted throughout the North. By then, the vast North will no longer be a bitter and barren land."
"Two hundred kilograms per mu?"
Royce Boton's eyes widened in disbelief; his facial expressions today had probably changed more than in the past few years combined.
"What? Hasn't Lord Royce heard? The yields of various high-yield crop varieties on Holy Flame Island have doubled since last year. This year's harvest is expected to be even greater, with barley likely reaching three to four hundred kilograms per mu."
Daenerys knew how tempting high-yield crops were to the nobles of this world. So, while benefiting all, she also wanted to maximize her own interests.
Although she could now control dragons and her combat power was at the pinnacle of this world, if she wanted to establish her own kingdom and empire in the future, her fundamental base and basic livelihood would naturally need to be as solid as possible.
Therefore, in the coming years, her focus would still be on developing the economy and population in Westeros, which naturally required more territory.
After all, it is easier to conquer a kingdom than to rule it. If her foundation was not strong and her economic base was not large enough, even if she controlled dragons and conquered the entire world, it would be difficult to manage.
At that time, Valyria had forty Dragonlord Family and thousands of dragons. Even so, there were endless problems in governing the empires they had conquered.
"Lonely Mountain and Cailin Bay?"
Royce Boton had understood Daenerys's meaning; it seemed this Dragon Princess had her eyes on these two places. Although acquiring territory in other kingdoms was not easy, if planned properly, unclaimed territories like Lonely Mountain and Cailin Bay were not too difficult to obtain.
Because compared to the other major kingdoms, the Stark Family of the North was considered the most generous in granting territory. After all, they themselves truly lacked the energy to manage it, and rather than leaving it abandoned, it was better to hand it over to others to manage, and they could still receive a portion of the taxes.
"Royce understands what Your Highness means. The Bolton Family will certainly assist the Princess in achieving her wishes."
Royce Boton, who was always meticulous and cautious in his dealings, uncharacteristically and readily expressed his stance today. This is the brilliance of smart people. When the situation is unclear, the greatest ability is to be able to protect oneself wisely.
But when an opportunity arises, being able to decisively seize it and firmly execute it requires even greater capability.
Not to mention Daenerys's current ability to control dragons, her own intelligence and talent, and her relationship with King Jaehaerys, had already caused many people to seek opportunities to build connections with her.
So, the shrewd Royce Boton naturally would not miss this rare opportunity. The Bolton Family had been suppressed by the Stark Family for too long, and if they could establish a relationship with Princess Daenerys, it would undoubtedly be very likely to allow the Bolton Family to advance further.
Communication between intelligent people does not require much wasted words. Afterwards, everyone leisurely enjoyed fine wine and delicious food in a pleasant atmosphere.
After eating and drinking their fill, Daenerys sent the main members of the Bolton Family and their vassals to Winterfell in several batches.
Dreamfyre and the others consumed two to three hundred livestock outside Dreadfort that day; their appetite was truly astonishing. However, after this meal, it didn't matter if they didn't eat for the next few days.
Upon arriving at Winterfell, Royce Boton went to have a private discussion with Duke Ellard. However, it seemed no results were reached even as night fell. After all, it was a matter of great importance, and even the generous Stark Family would not easily promise away two pieces of land equivalent to large earldoms.
Moreover, Cailin Bay was a strategic stronghold guarding The Neck, and naturally could not be easily controlled by others.
Dreamfyre and the others had eaten their fill at Dreadfort today. So, upon returning to Winterfell, they all flew to the base of the Three Broken Towers to sleep.
After drinking dragonflame wine, Roger Bolton's body had greatly improved. So, upon arriving at Winterfell, he also accompanied Daenerys and Benard to the kennels to feed the small Lizard Lions.
And Andarel, who hadn't seen Vada all day, would not be absent either. He had even managed to get a Purple Sable cub from somewhere, intending to give it to Vada.
"Look, this is a little something I found at Wintertown today. Don't let its silly, cute appearance fool you; its attack power is not weak when it grows up. How about it? Do you like it? If you like it, I'll give it to you!"
Vada didn't even bother to look at Andarel, only saying coldly,
"If you can get me a Shadow Mountain Cat, I might be interested."
However, Daenerys sensed a trace of magical fluctuation within the little Purple Sable. So, she quietly whispered in Vada's ear,
"This little Purple Sable is quite extraordinary. You can use it to train your warging talent."
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Greyhounds
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"