Seeing the previous scene, Daenerys walked anxiously towards her residence. When she learned that Gavin was at the military camp, she turned around and walked swiftly in that direction without hesitation.
The sun shone brightly over the military camp, and the raised dust danced in the golden light.
When Gavin saw Daenerys suddenly arrive, he hadn't even asked why she was there before she spoke, her words rushing out in a torrent. She couldn't wait to express her anguish over the miserable sight of the slaves she had witnessed earlier. Her eyes were full of longing and helplessness, deep pools of pain that stabbed at his heart.
Her eyes burned with conviction as she said, "Gavin, we must give these slaves their freedom! Look at them! They live in inhuman conditions, suffering endless torture. How can we simply stand by and do nothing?"
Gavin frowned slightly, his gaze becoming deep and thoughtful. After a moment of contemplation, he responded, "Actually, I've been thinking about this for some time. Slavery breeds inefficiency. It stifles both motivation and progress. It severely limits the development of our territory. It's a dangerous future if we continue this way. But abolishing slavery outright would lead to chaos. I originally planned to establish industries where slaves could work, following the model of the Stepstones Islands. Any slave who works for five years would earn their freedom, and those who perform well would see that time shortened. But now, with slaves migrating in large numbers and unrest rising, we must announce this change quickly to calm the masses."
Upon hearing this, Daenerys' face lit up with a smile, her joy evident. "Then let me do it!" she said excitedly. "I want them to know that hope is about to enter their lives."
Looking at Daenerys' face, filled with determination, Gavin couldn't help but recall her previous acts of kindness in her past life, when she gave so much of herself to others. He knew the risks but, now that he was in control, he could afford to fulfill her desires. He nodded. "Alright, you can handle this, but ensure the wording is clear. Everyone must understand that this is a gift from the lord."
With a look of unbridled joy, Daenerys turned quickly and left, eager to spread hope to the suffering slaves.
Daenerys traveled to several slave settlements, spreading the news of the freedom policy. She ordered the soldiers to unshackle all the slaves.
At first, the slaves were silent, as though they couldn't believe what they were hearing. But soon, the disbelief turned into overwhelming excitement and astonishment. The air was filled with cheers as some slaves cried with joy, their tears falling freely. Others hugged one another, cheering, while a few even knelt to thank Daenerys and Gavin, murmuring praises.
Just as Daenerys made her last announcement, an older slave stepped forward, holding the heavy shackles that had just been removed from his body. He respectfully presented them to Daenerys, shouting, "You and Lord Gavin are our saviors, the breakers of shackles!" The crowd responded in unison, their voices ringing out: "The breakers of shackles!"
In the midst of this warm, electric atmosphere, some soldiers hurried over and shouted to the crowd, "Anyone who volunteers to join the army will be granted freedom after three years! The wives, sons, and daughters of those who enlist will also be granted this policy, and those who perform well in battle can earn their freedom immediately! They may even rise through the ranks, becoming officers. Their children will be sent to the academy for training!"
This announcement fueled the flames of enthusiasm, and the crowd's fervor exploded in an instant.
Many young, strong men stepped forward, eyes alight with determination. They moved quickly through the crowd, eager to sign up.
One particularly tall, muscular young man, who had looked worn and haggard from years of enslavement, now stood with his back straight and his voice ringing out: "I want to join the army and fight for my freedom!" His words echoed through the crowd, inspiring others to join.
A thin boy, his body still unformed with youth, pushed his way forward. Despite his fragile frame, there was courage in his eyes as he shouted, "I want to join too! I want to use my strength to earn true freedom!"
A middle-aged slave, his face lined with the marks of time and suffering, stepped forward resolutely. "Though I am no longer young, I still have the strength to fight for freedom!" His words were firm, and the crowd responded, many now voicing their own willingness to join the army.
The voices of the slaves signing up rang out, resounding in unison and filling the air.
As the last of the supplies and slaves were transported to Lys Island, order was gradually restored to the once-chaotic docks. The shouting ceased, and the frenzied pushing and fighting began to subside, the chaos retreating like a receding tide.
Despite the slaves' eagerness to join, only 5,000 were selected after a rigorous screening. Most of these recruits had no prior combat experience, their faces a mixture of confusion and anticipation for what was to come. With no formal training or battle experience, they were not yet prepared for combat.
Gavin gazed at the 5,000 new soldiers, deciding to train them first before sending them on more crucial missions. For now, they would be tasked with defending the city. As this was his first true army, Gavin officially named them the First Legion.
At that moment, Hassan hurried in, breathless. "My lord," he said, bowing deeply. "The messenger from Volantis has arrived on Lys Island. He requests an audience with you. He claims to be acting under the orders of Malachor Meguya, the consul of Volantis, and that he carries a message on behalf of the coalition forces of Volantis, Myr, and Tyrosh."
In the spacious hall, Gavin sat upon a heavy wooden chair at the center, with Jorah and Hassan seated to his left and right. The room was quiet, tense with anticipation, as though the calm before a storm.
Outside, the breeze gently swayed the military flag, the fabric rustling softly in the air.
Soon, the envoy from Volantis entered, striding confidently into the hall. His posture was regal, his gaze sharp and calculating. He was adorned in a magnificent silk robe, intricately embroidered with Volantis' distinctive patterns. The gold thread glinted in the sunlight, highlighting his noble status. His eyes locked on Gavin, studying him closely as though trying to peer into his very soul.
Gavin narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression neutral but vigilant. The envoy bowed just enough to show respect, though there was a hint of insincerity in the gesture. Straightening, he cleared his throat and spoke in a low, steady voice, "Respected Dragon King Gavin, I come on behalf of the three cities—Volantis, Myr, and Tyrosh—by the order of Archon Malachor Meguya. Archon Meguya currently commands the united forces of our coalition."