บท 7: Chapter 7
Four Years flew by in quick succession. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the capital, I began to work on a Project I knew would gain me much influence, fame, and gold. My family was already one of the wealthiest Houses in the Freehold, but this would be something tied down to my Name in history and something that hadn't been seen before.
You see, most people, especially wealthy people, only drink wine here in Essos. In Westeros, the peasants also drink Beer—black Beer, Brown Bear, Autumn Bear, etc. Nobles drink it as well, but this is more so for the North than the Southern Kingdoms. But this world lacks a high-percentage alcohol drink like whisky or rum.
The idea came to me after reading a book about the differences between different cultures and thinking about how I could innovate in our current market. I knew that introducing a new, stronger type of alcohol would be groundbreaking. However, I also knew it wouldn't be easy. Whisky, for instance, takes years to mature and develop its unique flavors.
But it was something I loved in my previous life, and I will see to it that I can drink it here as well. And If I can earn some coin on the side? All the better.
First, I approached my father, Lord Aelor, with the proposal. He was initially skeptical, as such a venture required significant resources and time. Ultimately, he gave in and gifted me the necessary gold for it. It was probably more out of curiosity than actually thinking I had put much thought behind it. I was a child of 10, and while I have always been rather mature and intelligent and acted beyond my age, in his eyes, I was still a child.
Not that the 'meager' amount I requested was anything noteworthy for him.
With my father's approval, I began the monumental task of setting up the distillery. The building he provided was spacious and sturdy, with enough room for all the equipment and storage casks I would need. I quickly began sourcing the best grains available, knowing that the quality of the ingredients would directly impact the final product. I also sought out skilled craftsmen to help build the necessary distillation equipment.
Setting up the distillery was no easy task. We had to construct large copper stills, build mash tuns, and create a system for malting and fermenting the grains. The maturation process required sourcing high-quality oak casks, which were not readily available and had to be specially crafted.
The easiest part was finding a reliable workforce to manage the distillery's day-to-day operations. I simply arranged for slaves to be trained in the various processes involved in whisky production. They learned how to manage the malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, and maturation stages, ensuring that each step was carried out precisely and carefully.
I have planned to sell the first batch when they have aged for at least five years. After such a short time, they may not yet compare with even the cheapest whisky one could buy in my old world, but they will still be the best that exists in this world. I will continually store a larger portion of the production so that the whisky can mature, and later, I can sell it for much more money to the wealthiest of the wealthy.
Another thing that happened was.....hormones, yeah, Wuhu. Gods, I hate them. You'd think having gone through them once would have been enough to become controllable, but no! This was a second time around, and while, thanks to a variety of sources, I was far more prepared for it, I am still unable to control them.
And then there was my sister. I mean, I knew that I was likely to marry her, and while it was weird, I came to accept the possibility. But this changed when we grew up.
I am eleven years old and as tall as any fifteen-year-old. But the same was the case for my sister. She not only looks older, but she looks stunning as well. And she knows it—she doesn't even try to hide it!!!
The fact I hadn't succumbed to her doe-eyes and enticing words shocked me, hells it still shocks me now how well I'd resisted her!
I don't know what mother teaches her or what she and her friends are up to, but I am telling you this isn't normal.
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I looked up from my pile of reports and groaned. I had been sitting there for the last few hours going over sales figures, production reports, and many other things dedicated to my future business—those I found boring. As much as I enjoyed building a Whiskey empire, the paperwork was something I could do without.
When my business is up and running, I will make sure that someone capable and loyal to me will run it. I don't want to waste all my good years doing paperwork that anybody with a good head between his shoulders can do just as well or even better.
I groaned as I stood up. I arched my back until I heard it pop. Letting out a satisfied sigh, I walked to the door and opened it. Standing before me was Alyra, one of Uncle Vaelor's daughters. At seventeen, she had grown into a striking young woman.
She was tall and slender, her curvy figure stirring something inside him. I had to admit, she was a good-looking woman. I groaned internally as my hormones acted up again. Mother nature sure was generous when we Vaylrians were made.
"Kaelarys," Alyra said with a smile, her eyes sparkling as she looked around the chamber I was currently occupying. "Father asked me to check on you. You've been holed up in here for hours."
I forced myself to keep my composure. "Yes, just going over some reports. It's all rather tedious."
She stepped inside, peering at the papers on my desk. It was pure Chaos. Books, parchments, and quills were lying everywhere. "I can imagine."
"Anyway, I came here not only to check on you but also because Father asked me to invite you to our mansion in Elyria." She said as she took a seat at my desk, shamelessly grabbed an apple from the Bowl, and took a bite.
At first, I wanted to deny her request. Yet, as I thought about it, I never ventured outside the Capital and needed a break from work. They can survive a few moons without me. And even then, with Dragons, I can be back before anything can go disastrously wrong.
"Come one now, Kaelarys. You've been working so hard for the past past moons, and you deserve a little break." Alyra replied cheerfully as she looked up from the books she had been previously overlooking.
I sighed loudly. How can I deny her when she makes such cute eyes." Okay, I will come with you."
The air was abruptly forced out of my lungs as she sprung from the chair and rushed into me, engulfing me and pressing my head to her chest." Yeah, this will be so much fun, I promise."
She sadly pulled me out of her delightful bosom, took my face into her hands, and grinned." We will fly there tomorrow, so be ready for it."
I rolled my eyes as I heard her skipping away behind me and out of the doors. I was about to sit down again when I felt cool air against my skin, and looked back, only to see the door still open.
"Good dammit, even in this world. The door was closed before, so close it when you exit the room," I angrily said and shut the door close with a heavy push.
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I mounted Ancalagon, feeling the familiar surge of power and connection as I settled into the saddle. I gently stroked his skin and whispered," You excited already? This will be the first time away from Home."
In response, he gave a light growl. It was meant to say something along the lines of ' I don't care. ' I laughed at that. It seems like I am the only one of us to be excited.
With a synchronized roar, the dragons took to the sky. The powerful beats of their wings created gusts of wind that rustled the trees below. As we ascended, the capital quickly shrank beneath us.
The flight was exhilarating. The wind whipped past my face, and the landscape below changed quickly. Soon, the volcanos, the mountains, and the dark atmosphere were gone and were replaced by the sea.
Alyra flew close to me, her laughter carried away by the wind. "You see the small island there, Kaelarys?" she called out, and I looked ahead to see a small sand island that would barely allow all three of our Dragons to land." I dare you to race me there!" She challenged
I grinned at that. " See you there, Alyria," and with a mighty roar, Ancalagon raced ahead.
"W-Wait!" she exclaimed, but her voice was lost in the wind as Ancalagon surged forward with a burst of speed.
Alyra quickly followed suit, racing after us. Her dragon, Viserra, was much older than Ancalagon, but somehow mine was just as big and much faster and stronger. Something she didn't know, apparently. We left her behind, the distance between us growing rapidly.
As we neared the island, Ancalagon made a sudden, thrilling skydive. The sensation was like nothing else, the rush of air and the rapid descent exhilarating. We plummeted towards the tiny island, and at the last moment, Ancalagon spread his wings wide, breaking our fall with a graceful landing.
I dismounted, turning to watch as Alyra and Viserra approached. They landed a few moments later, and Alyra slid off her dragon.
"You didn't give me a fair chance!" she protested as she tried and failed to hide the fun she had with our race.
"You wouldn't have a chance even if I were to give you a minute headstart," I countered, earning a glare from her.
"How is he even this fast?" she said, her focus turning to Ancalagon as she got over her shock.
"Time, effort, and a steady supply of raw meat." That earned an enlarged smile and a nod from the girl.
After a short break, we took to the skies once more, resuming our journey to Elyria. As we flew over the sea, the landscape began to change again. The coastline of Elyria came into view, and soon, the city itself appeared on the horizon.
From the air, Elyria was a breathtaking sight. Situated on a large island, it was an enormous city surrounded by high walls, its vast expanse spreading out like a jewel set in the sapphire sea.
Elyria's architecture was a marvel of white stone buildings, their roofs gleaming under the sun. The city was adorned with intricate carvings and statues, large plazas dotted with fountains and gardens, and towering walls.
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As the sound of dragon roars drew closer, she knew that her father and sister were near. "You know, I hear they call him the Black Dragon because he wears nothing but black," Lysandra says to her older sister. Her sister was the eldest of three sisters, with her being quite a bit taller than Lysandra. They all had about one year's difference between them. Alyra was the middle child, and Vaelaera was the oldest. Lysandra, of course, is the youngest.
Both of them were currently standing in front of a small group of people, wearing expensive but revealing clothes. Mother, as well as a number of servants and other important people waited for the arrival of Father, sister, and Kaelarys, the young Dragon.
"You've just made that up now," Vaelaera muttered back, her expression not changing as she stood straight, her eyes locked onto the big double doors." No one calls him that, and you have no idea what he wears."
Lysandra merely shrugged in response." Maybe, but it could be true. I also heard he is very, very handsome as well, dear sister." she teased.
Vaelaera nodded as she heard that bit too. Lysandra continued as she leaned in closer to her and whispered." Apparently, he is blessed by the Gods as well. His Dragon is supposed to be growing at a rate that has not been seen before. Ancalagon, a fitting name, I suppose."
She does wonder what Gods have blessed him though. Maybe it was Arrax - Ruler of Gods, law, order, justice, governance, and strength. Or Gaelithox - God of fire, stars, moon, sun, and the dawn, rival of Meraxes. But with how handsome he is supposed to be, it could be Meleys as well - Goddess of love and fertility. She chuckled lightly at that, ignoring the look her sister sent her.
The sound of clip-clipping hooves on stone drew her attention away from her musings as she looked ahead. A few moments later, the big double doors creaked open. The first people that Lysandra noticed were her father and sister walking in, but the one that drew her attention was the young man that walked in with them, and she felt her heart stop.
He was beautiful, with his striking silver hair that cascaded down to his shoulders, catching the light with every movement. His eyes were a piercing blue, reminding her of the deepest oceans, framed by thick, dark lashes that gave him an intense gaze. High cheekbones, a strong jawline, and his tall, well-built physique made him a dream come true.
Yes, definitely blessed by Meleys.
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A little Time SKiperuuuu
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