章節 64: 64. Dealing with Tyrells
Oleena Tyrell took the ship to Winterfell. This would not have been possible if not for the sudden discovery of the new route on the White Knife river. While heading towards the White Harbor, she noticed a big city in the distance. It was supposed to be the biggest city of Westeros, Norgold. It wasn't open though.
She had brought her eldest grandson, Willas Tyrell, with her. The boy had accidentally injured his leg in a tourney and now couldn't walk without a cane. He mostly indulged in reading and gazing at stars nowadays as he knew that he would not be the next Lord of Highgarden. She wanted to bring him out for a while as he was her favorite grandson.
A day later, they arrived at Wintercity. It was truly beautiful. Big beautiful buildings, fountains, no smell of overflowing sewage like the King's Landing. By far the biggest attraction of the city was the big tall tower in the center of the city. It was the new Citadel from what she knew.
The wildfire accident at Citadel was truly a saddening thing, but none the less a blessing in disguise. The Citadel was a leech that only sucked money out of Reach and gave nothing in return. Then she, with her servants, walked towards the big tower, the top floors of the tower was supposed to be a high-quality Inn and also the second residence of Lord Stark.
She was quickly taken to the 64th floor where her residence was booked. It was quite scary to travel in the box thing to so high in the air, but still exciting. The residence was also amazing. The rooms were even better than the highest quality Inn in King's Landing. The best thing was the amazing view from there. Because the weather was clear. She could also see a small part of the wall up north.
"This is so amazing, Grandmother. To think that it was made by men, in just a year is unbelievable. Northerners are really hard workers." Willas said, looking out of the window.
"Yes, they are very dangerous," Olenna said.
"Dangerous?"
"Didn't you see the hustle and bustle in the city? There were well-dressed guards, people happily talking about their lord, some even calling him god. Imagine the amount of money that comes into their coffers. And there are supposed to be 2 more cities like or even bigger than this. There's also talk that the Iron Bank is going to open their new branch in their new city, Norgold. I won't be surprised if the Starks are already the richest house in the seven kingdoms." Olenna explained with a contemplative voice.
*Knock Knock*
Their guard opened the door, "Greetings, Lady Olenna. I am Kreed, Squire of Lord Stark. Lord Stark has invited you to lunch at the terrace. If you are free, I can take you right now, or you can come later" Kreed respectfully said.
"We will join right now," she said and followed behind.
Soon, they reached the magnificent terrace restaurant. There was no roof, many artificial trees were placed to provide some shade. There was also a sliding retractable roof for rainy and snowy days. They were taken to a spot reserved for house Stark.
Olenna saw Alexander for the first time. Talking to what seemed like a servant and laughing with them. Just that, spoke leaps and bounds about that man and why everyone respects him. He still looked quite handsome even after being so old. She imagined what he would have looked like in younger days. No one in Westeros knew much about the new Lord Stark. They only know that he's strong and smart.
As she moved forward, Alexander stood up. She was again surprised to see a man so old and yet look so fit.
"Welcome to the North, Lady Olenna. I hope you like the view and will also like the food," Alexander spoke.
"The view is certainly marvelous, and the food is yet to be tasted," she replied.
"Haha... Then let's get to it." Alexander sat down on the table by the railing.
When they sat down, they were given menus. She was baffled by the number of dishes available. They ordered their food and waited.
"My Lord, forgive me for asking but what is that red cross sign?" Willas asked, pointing to the hospital, down in the distance.
"Oh, that is a hospital. Any man and woman can go there to get treated for a very cheap price. All kinds of diseases and damages are healed there. The Red Cross sign has been adopted by the healers guild. You will find them all across the North in certain buildings. It shows that there's a healer." Alexander explained.
"Why spend so much money on smallfolks?" He inquired.
"I won't say too much but 'Happy smallfolks means happy kingdom' that's what I believe in. If you want to know more, you can go to our schools. All kinds of subjects are taught there. The Maesters also teach there." Alexander replied.
"I will surely pay a visit. Oh, the food has arrived," Willas exclaimed.
After eating, it came to serious business talks.
"I am sure you didn't just come here to sightsee, Lady Oleena. I won't drag this but I was very upset when my vassal lords told me that they received threats from Lord Tyrell," he straight up said.
"Oh, that stupid oaf. He doesn't even know the 'B' of business. All he has is handed to him in inheritance," she replied.
"Then why isn't Willas the Lord? He certainly is smart and honest," Alexander asked.
"Because of my leg. Just like what people named my uncle 'Garth the Gross', they would name me 'Willas the crippled flower' or something like that. My father doesn't want that," Willas sadly replied.
"Well, what if I can get your leg healed?" Alexander asked.
"Even if I believe that you can do it. Why would you?" Oleena questioned.
"Because I will not take back my blockade from trading with you unless Mace gives his lordship to someone more intelligent. I don't believe that Mace won't do something stupid like this again. I know it, you know it, Willas knows it and probably the whole Westeros knows it. Your son probably has an IQ of 70 or below." Alexander said.
"IQ?" Willas asked.
"It's a test I've made which lets us assess people's intelligence. A score of 70-79 means cognitively impaired. A score of above 130 means very gifted." Alexander briefly explained.
"I would like to take that test," he said excitedly.
"Sure, but the point stands. Do you want to let your house go to ruins because of one bad fish or will you work to change it." Alexander asked.
"What's in it for you?" She asked.
"Peace. I hate it when smallfolks die because some foolish lord got too ambitious. Peace also means flourishing population and trade. But there's one condition, Willas will stay here in the North. He will get healed and also study in the new school in the Tower of Knowledge. He will learn how to govern and do business," Alexander clearly said.
~He will also be taught the benefits of a Democracy~ he added under his breath.
"So you want him as hostage" Oleena replied with a slightly angry tone.
"Why would I do that? If I wanted to harm the Reach or the house Tyrell, I'd just send my navy and army. I want the Reach and the North to have good relations in the future. Doing this can help us a lot, Willas will also befriend many heirs of northern lords here. They all study at school. Not just northern lords, many Heirs from Vale and Riverlands study there. You have a lot to gain and I have nothing to lose."
"What about this blockade and how do you expect to get Mace to give up his lordship?" she asked.
"Well, you should come to the opening of the Iron Bank of Westeros in Norgold in a few days. They have a new plan that can help your ships to easily trade as far as Asshai in the Jade Sea. If it's about lord Mace, I think you can deal with him." He said, looking straight into her eyes.
~He knows about my late husband~ she thought for a split second.
"Okay, I will visit Norgold next time. Willas will live here from now on. Please tell someone to sell him a house here."
"Sure, it will be done. Now, please excuse me, I have to go back to Winterfell" Alexander said and left.
...
Alexander returned to his office in the Winterfell castle, he had just sat down and received a call from Jaqen H'ghar.
"What happened?" He asked.
"All-father, we just received a contract for you." He informed.
~Oh, this seems interesting~
"Who was it?" He asked.
"We tracked down the man who brought the request. Someone by the name of Petyr Baelish was the one behind it," Jaqen answered.
"Okay, thanks for telling me. I'll deal with him," Alexander said.
"It is my honor to be useful" the faceless man replied and hung up.
Alexander then called Varys "How are you, my boy,"
"I am fine, but I can't say the same about kings landing. The streets are ramping with dirt and rats. People are dying of hunger and disease. The king has gone back to his old ways, for some reason he thinks that his kids are bastards. I can't really complain though, if you saw the kids even you would doubt it." The baldy blabbered.
"Haha... I know they are most probably Cercei and some other Lannister man's. Anyway, I didn't call you for this. Is there a man named Petyr Baelish working in Red Keep?" He asked.
"Petyr Baelish... Hmmm... Yes, there seems to be a man named that. He works for Lord Jon. He also owns some brothels in the city. Why suddenly so interested in him?"
"He hired faceless men to assassinate me. Don't worry, they serve me and told me about this. I want you to keep an eye on him. Also, I am sending you a potion. It increases the chances of siring a child. Give it to both Lord Jon and his wife and then lock them in a room. That Petyr Baelish has some fishy relationship with the Tully daughters." Alexander instructed.
"Are you suggesting... House Arryn is in danger"
"Yes... Jon is foolish but still a good man at heart. He cares about smallfolks, I'll help him this time. I also want you to send me a full list of all the problems faced by smallfolks in King's Landing. I might visit soon," Alexander seriously said.
"Yes, I'll personally do it. I also have a request if it's not too much. Can you give me something that can protect me in case someone attacks? This place is becoming too dangerous day by day. No one can be trusted. Everyone is playing their own game and I would like to have some insurance," Varys said.
Alexander nodded, "I'll send it with the potion."
Then he laid back on his chair and thought about how to improve the lives of people all around.
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