Game Of Thrones : Merchant of Two Worlds

This was a prime example of modern industry's unmatched capabilities—an almost magical force in a land like Westeros.

Jason Liu stood before the soldiers, his expression serious yet encouraging. "Each of you will now choose a sword," he declared. "This sword will be yours to carry from now on. During training, it must stay with you at all times. The only exceptions are when you sleep or visit the privy. Otherwise, it stays with you—always!"

The young soldiers, mostly in their late teens and early twenties, straightened their backs and stepped forward in small groups. Jason observed them with quiet satisfaction. Weeks of rigorous training had reshaped them. Gone were the awkward movements and hesitant stares of farmhands. In their place stood budding warriors, their confidence growing day by day.

The first group of 22 approached the table, where rows of gleaming swords lay neatly displayed. Their excitement was unmistakable. They hesitated for a moment, their hands hovering over the blades, before carefully selecting their weapons. Each sword commanded respect with its polished steel and expertly crafted hilt.

The soldiers returned to the lineup, their faces glowing with pride and awe. Many couldn't resist running their fingers along the smooth blades or giving them a few experimental swings.

One by one, the rest of the soldiers followed. Before long, all 110 men held their new swords. A few remained on the table, and Jason turned to Jon Snow, gesturing toward the leftovers.

"These are all standard steel swords," Jason said casually, downplaying their quality.

But Jon didn't see anything ordinary about them. He approached the table, his gaze sweeping over the weapons with admiration. After a moment's deliberation, he selected one. Lifting it, he tested its balance and weight, his movements deliberate and thoughtful.

"This sword is remarkable," Jon murmured, almost to himself. Compared to the blade forged by Winterfell's blacksmith, this one was in a league of its own. It was flawlessly crafted and exuded strength and reliability.

Jason grinned, noticing Jon's reaction. "Why not put it to the test? Compare it with your current sword."

Jon didn't need to be asked twice. Handing the steel sword to dicken, one of the men nearby, Jon drew his own blade.

The two squared off, raising their weapons in a controlled training strike.

The result was immediate. Jon's sword, though well-maintained, came away with a deep notch in the blade. The steel sword in dicken's hands, however, remained flawless—completely unscathed.

Jon stared at his damaged weapon in disbelief, then turned his attention to the unblemished blade. The difference was undeniable.

"This sword… it's incredible," Jon said, awe coloring his voice. "It must have been forged by one of the greatest smiths in the realm. Perhaps only the best in King's Landing could match this craftsmanship."

Jason smirked but said nothing, letting Jon marvel at the discovery. A warrior's sword was more than a weapon—it was a trusted companion, a lifeline in battle. Jon's excitement was evident as he continued testing the blade.

He made his decision on the spot. His old sword would be retired, kept in his room as a memento. This new weapon would now be his companion.

Jason felt a swell of pride at Jon's reaction. If he's this impressed by steel, he thought, just wait until I bring out the titanium alloy blades.

Before he could dwell on the thought, Lena approached, her smile bright and eager.

"Lord Jason!" she called. "Merchants from Oldtown are at the store. One of them is a Maester from the Citadel, and they're asking to see you!"

Jason's interest was immediately piqued. The Citadel, located in Oldtown, was the intellectual heart of Westeros, training Maesters who served as advisors, healers, and scribes for lords across the realm. Even kings treated emissaries from the Citadel with respect.

He nodded to Jon. "Keep training the men," he instructed before turning to Lena. "Let's go meet them."

When Jason arrived at the store, the merchants greeted him warmly. After exchanging pleasantries, his focus shifted to the Maester.

The man wore the traditional gray robes of his order, with a chain of six metal links around his neck—each representing a field of knowledge mastered: medicine, ravenry, astronomy, and more. A Maester with such a diverse chain was a rare find.

"Welcome to the North," Jason said with a friendly smile. "I am Jason East, from the Cena Empire in the far east. It's an honor to meet a representative of the esteemed Citadel."

The Maester, who introduced himself as Angelo, returned the greeting. His dark complexion and Dornish features hinted at the Citadel's far-reaching influence.

After polite formalities, Angelo got straight to the point. "Lord East," he began, "your gel pens and white paper are revolutionary. They could transform the way knowledge is shared and taught in Westeros. Widespread use could make literacy accessible to the common people."

Jason smiled politely but kept his thoughts to himself. Make them widely available? Not yet. Let the nobles pay a premium first. Once they've been satisfied, then I'll consider the masses. Double the market, double the profit.

The Maester continued, clearly passionate about spreading knowledge. Jason nodded along, maintaining an air of interest while revealing little.

Finally, Angelo paused, looking expectantly at Jason. "So, Lord East, what do you think about making gel pens and paper affordable for everyone?"

Jason leaned forward, his tone warm yet measured. "That's a noble goal, Maester Angelo, and one I fully support. However—"

----------------------------

For Advance chapters visit : patreon.com/Mythic_Muse