Chapter 50: The Myr Foothold and the Duke's Ambition
The meticulous work of consolidating Ergos County had consumed Maegor for weeks. Under Hand Aegon Duskryn's astute guidance, Rylora, Droseo, Nemarro, and the newly appointed masters of the conquered baronies had woven a complex tapestry of administration. Trade routes were being formalized, tribute systems established, and resources tallied. The local populations, observing the stability and fairness of Maegor's rule (as opposed to the previous plundering), slowly began to shift from fearful compliance to cautious loyalty. The continuous training of the expanding Myrosh Light Cavalry and Infantry, now bolstered by Dilora's men, proceeded without fault under Lord-Commander Gareth Blackwood and Commander Brundo.
Then, a chime, sharp and triumphant, resonated in Maegor's solar.
[ Mission Complete: Establish County Governance ]
Objectives Fulfilled:
Formalize administration across Ergos County, appointing permanent governors for each barony (Vyrodos, Paenerion, Dilora). (✓)Integrate Dilora Town into the Myrosh administration, leveraging its unique resources and industries. (✓)Recruit and integrate new local forces (Myrosh Light Cavalry/Infantry) from the conquered baronies, expanding your standing army. (✓)
Reward Granted:
Ability Upgrade: Royal Authority (Uncommon) - Enhanced ability to enforce laws, collect taxes, and maintain order across larger territories.Special Unit Access: Myrish Spearmen (Minor Unit - Requires Recruitment)Reputation Gain: +500 (The Unyielding Count) - Total Reputation: 16001 Legendary Game of Chance Card (plus 8% chance to get non-common items)
Maegor felt a subtle, yet profound, shift within him. His Royal Authority (Uncommon) solidified, making him feel a deeper, more inherent connection to the lands and peoples he governed. He now had access to Myrish Spearmen, a specialized unit type known for their discipline and effectiveness in formation, a perfect counter to cavalry charges. And then, the shimmering, golden outline of the Legendary Game of Chance Card. This was the moment.
He touched the card, his heart hammering with a rare excitement. The card spun, blinding him with light, before slowly settling to reveal its incredible reward.
[ Game of Chance Result: Epic Item Acquired! ]
Reward: Land Property - Epic
Description: A large, strategically vital Land Property in the Free City of Myr, the capital of the entire realm (referred to by its ruler as the 'Great City of Myr'). The property includes a substantial merchant's guildhall, several warehouses, and a discreet, fortified townhouse. Its strategic location offers unparalleled access to Myr's trade networks and political circles.
Size Calculation (Epic Tier): Equivalent to a sizable district or block within a major city's commercial and diplomatic quarter, typically encompassing 10-15 prime buildings (guildhall, warehouses, residences) and extending over several acres (approx. 5-10 acres) of prime urban land. It's not a single estate, but a cluster of integrated properties forming a significant footprint within the city.
Maegor stared at the notification, a slow, grim smile spreading across his face. An entire block of prime property in Myr itself! Not a castle, but a foothold in the very heart of his enemy's power. This was far more valuable than a fortified keep in a distant county. This was an eye in the storm, a dagger at the throat of the Highest Magister. This was a direct extension of his influence, camouflaged within the very fabric of trade.
He immediately sent for a raven. His thoughts turned to Captain Jorah. The grizzled sailor, still in Lys, was the perfect man for this.
To Captain Jorah, wherever this raven finds you, Maegor dictated, his words precise, his voice holding a cold satisfaction. Your diligence has yielded unexpected rewards. I have acquired a significant Land Property in the Free City of Myr, comprising a large merchant's guildhall, warehouses, and a townhouse. This will be the headquarters of your expanding fleet and your new base of operations.
You are to proceed to Myr at once. Take command of this property. Recruit reliable guards, proficient accountants, and astute local agents. Integrate yourself into Myr's complex trade networks. Your primary mission is to expand our influence discreetly within Myr. Join political parties, cultivate relationships with key merchants and influential figures, and increase your reputation within the city. Hire capable diplomats who can represent our 'trading interests'. You are to present yourself as a wealthy, independent merchant, not a vassal of mine. Your true allegiance is to be kept an absolute secret. Your success in this will open doors to resources and intelligence that gold cannot buy.
More gold will be sent to fund this venture as needed. Do not fail me, Jorah. This foothold is crucial.
With the Myr foothold secured (at least on paper) and Jorah dispatched, Maegor received the next, most ambitious quest yet.
[ New Quest: ]
Objective: Annex the Duchy of Qehes
Conquer the County of Drasaho, bringing Magister Andrio Vallel's territory under Targaryen control.Conquer Mogho County, including Noronos City (Magister Erando Drahar's seat) and its surrounding baronies.Integrate all remaining territories and populations of the Duchy of Qehes into your burgeoning kingdom.
Reward:
Ability Upgrade: Conquest Aura (Epic) - Vastly increased morale and discipline of all units in battle; causes significant morale drain in enemy forces.System Rank: Duke2 Epic Game of Chance Cards (plus 6% chance to get non-common items)1 Divine Game of Chance Card! (plus 10% chance to get non-common items)Reputation Gain: +1000 (The Dragon Duke)
Maegor's eyes glittered as he read the quest details. The entire Duchy of Qehes. This was the true prize. The Conquest Aura (Epic), the rank of Duke, and the promise of more Epic and a Divine Game of Chance card. The Dragon Duke. It resonated deeply with the ancient Maegor within him, a destiny undeniable.
He had already set the wheels in motion for the Drasaho County. His personal, covert visit with Ser Kaeto had been a success, laying the groundwork for a peaceful, bloodless annexation through the Duskryn family. Now, he would leverage their connections, their reputation as shrewd merchants, and their hidden lineage to bring Drasaho under his sway.
Mogho County, however, would be a different matter. Noronos City, with its medium castle, was the seat of Magister Erando Drahar. Drahar, as his recent letter proved, was arrogant and underestimated the Dragon. This would be a battle, a demonstration of absolute power.
Maegor knew his strategy. He would use a combination of his overwhelming military might, his newly upgraded abilities, and the subtle influence of his agents to crush all resistance. He would strike swiftly, like a lightning bolt, leaving no doubt about the Dragon's return.
The first step, however, was to integrate his new human and system-summoned assets fully, ensuring every piece of his intricate army was ready for the conquest of a Duchy.