Lockhart of The Kaleidoscope

The air in Westeros was always thick with intrigue, and the early days of Robert Baratheon's reign were no different. The realm had been plunged into chaos after the rebellion, with tensions simmering between the great houses, waiting for a spark to ignite the flames once again. Gilderoy Lockhart, standing on a hill overlooking the capital of King's Landing, felt the energy of a land trying to rebuild itself. For most, the new king brought a sense of hope and uncertainty. For Gilderoy, however, this chaotic time presented the perfect opportunity.

This wasn't Gilderoy's first time in the world of Game of Thrones. He had visited Westeros several times before, each time learning more about the political landscape, the economic structure, and the instability that plagued the region. In a world still deeply entrenched in medieval traditions, Gilderoy saw potential—the potential to transform it. He didn't care about the Iron Throne or the political power that so many seemed to crave. His ambitions were more strategic. He wanted to turn this realm into something far more useful—a place that could fund his operations across the multiverse.

During his previous visits, Gilderoy had already laid the groundwork. He had moved cautiously, understanding that Westeros was a place where caution and patience were necessary. The families of the great houses—Lannisters, Starks, Baratheons, and Targaryens—all had their roles to play. The nobility of this world thought in terms of swords, alliances, and castles, but Gilderoy saw beyond that. He saw an untapped resource—a kingdom with no understanding of modern trade, no knowledge of the wealth that lay just beyond their grasp in other dimensions.

His plan was simple: sell modern commodities from other worlds in Westeros at exorbitant prices. The lords and ladies of this realm, unfamiliar with things like soap, spices, or simple medical supplies, would pay handsomely for these seemingly magical goods. Gilderoy wouldn't just make a profit—he would create a monopoly, a business empire that stretched across continents and realms.

As he stood gazing at King's Landing, the city bustling below, he knew this visit would mark a significant turning point in his plans. He had acquired the spell to control the Sentinels from Rias Gremory, giving him new leverage and security in the worlds he traveled. But before returning to Hogwarts to confront the mysteries of the Chamber of Secrets, he needed to secure his foothold in Westeros.

Gilderoy made his way into King's Landing, blending into the crowds as he passed through the bustling streets of the capital. He had been here many times before, and while the common folk were distracted by the ongoing transition of power, Gilderoy's sharp eyes took note of the disorganization and uncertainty that gripped the city. The nobles were distracted by political games, and the Gold Cloaks, the city's guards, were barely keeping control.

He knew his time was now.

His first task was to establish a base of operations—a foothold from which he could begin his business. It needed to be discreet but positioned in such a way that he could attract the attention of the wealthiest lords and ladies. After all, it was their money that he would need to start his empire.

After some searching, Gilderoy found a small but well-positioned estate near the Blackwater Bay, away from the prying eyes of the royal court but close enough to the markets and trade routes that he could move goods quickly. The estate had once belonged to a minor noble family that had fallen out of favor after the rebellion, leaving it abandoned. With a few forged documents and some subtle manipulation, Gilderoy secured the property as his own.

As he stood in the empty estate, gazing out over the bustling harbor, Gilderoy smiled to himself. This would be the starting point for something far greater than the Iron Throne.

At the same time, he was looking at the ugly view of King's landing, he reminisced about things he had been doing in this world during his previous visits.

[flashback]

The streets of Braavos bustled with life, a city of wealth and commerce, far removed from the rigid feudal systems of Westeros. As Gilderoy strolled along the canals, he marveled at the diversity of the Free Cities. This was a heaven for merchants, where power was bought and sold through gold, trade, and influence—not bloodlines.

Braavos, in particular, was a perfect starting point for his ambitions. Unlike the nobility of Westeros, who clung to traditions and distrusted outsiders, the Braavosi were open to innovation and eager to make profits. It was here that Gilderoy intended to establish the foundation of his empire, a solid background that would allow him to maneuver freely between the worlds of nobility and commerce.

His first task was simple: introduce modern goods that were familiar but superior to what the people of this world were used to. He wasn't going to sell medicines or complex technology—that would raise too many questions. Instead, he would start with things that people already understood: fine alcohol, exquisite utensils, luxurious furniture, and other items that could enhance the lives of the wealthy.

Through the Kaleidoscope, Gilderoy returned to a world where high-quality goods could be purchased at low costs. He gathered a selection of modern alcohol, which he knew would appeal to the merchants and wealthy elite. These were beverages brewed with advanced techniques that would far surpass anything the people of Braavos had tasted before.

With his goods ready, Gilderoy sought out contacts within the city—merchants who could help him distribute his products. He found a suitable partner in Friedrich Nestoris, a Braavosi merchant with ties to Tycho Nestoris and many of the city's influential families. Kovarro was intrigued by the unique nature of Gilderoy's goods and quickly agreed to become his distributor in exchange for a generous cut of the profits.

"This is just the beginning," Gilderoy said with a confident smile as he finalized the deal with Kovarro. "Once the nobles of Braavos see the quality of these goods, they'll come begging for more."

It didn't take long for Gilderoy's goods to make an impact in Braavos. The first shipment of modern alcohol was sold to some of the wealthiest families, and word quickly spread about its exceptional taste and quality. Gilderoy had expected as much. The Braavosi had a refined palate, but their wines and spirits lacked the depth and complexity of the modern alcohol he had brought from other worlds.

With each successful sale, Gilderoy's reputation grew. But he was careful not to draw too much attention to himself just yet. He operated himself, posing as a humble merchant with access to rare and valuable goods from distant lands. The key was to build trust slowly, to let the wealthy families of Braavos come to him.

His strategy worked. Soon, the merchant class of Braavos began requesting more of his goods—not just alcohol, but also luxury utensils, furniture, and other items that showcased modern craftsmanship. Intricate cutlery and exquisite dining sets became status symbols in Braavosi high society. Gilderoy made sure the designs were familiar enough not to arouse suspicion, but with a level of detail and precision that far surpassed what the local artisans could produce.

To further cement his place in Braavos, Gilderoy decided to expand his product line. He introduced luxury furnishings—elegantly crafted chairs, tables, and cabinets that blended aesthetics with practicality. The wealthy Braavosi loved the idea of impressing their guests with beautiful pieces of furniture, and Gilderoy's modern designs became highly sought after.

But Gilderoy wasn't content with just selling goods. He wanted to control the market. He began making deals with local artisans and workshops, quietly buying them out or offering them lucrative contracts to produce his goods under his direction. With each deal, Gilderoy tightened his grip on the luxury market in Braavos, slowly turning it into a monopoly.

With his business flourishing in Braavos, Gilderoy knew it was time to expand his influence. But the Free Cities were filled with powerful individuals—merchants, bankers, and politicians—who could easily ruin him if he made a wrong move. He needed more than just goods; he needed allies.

Gilderoy turned his attention to the Iron Bank of Braavos, the most powerful financial institution in the world. The bank had ties to almost every kingdom and noble house across Essos and Westeros, and gaining their favor would open doors that were otherwise closed to him.

Through Kovarro Nestoris, Gilderoy secured a meeting with Tycho Nestoris, one of the senior representatives of the Iron Bank. Tycho was a shrewd man, and he was immediately intrigued by Gilderoy's growing empire. The Iron Bank valued one thing above all: profit. And Gilderoy's business promised substantial returns.

The meeting took place in one of Braavos's grand halls, with Tycho seated at the head of a long table. Gilderoy, ever the charmer, presented himself as a modest merchant with grand ambitions.

"I believe we can make each other very wealthy," Gilderoy began, watching Tycho carefully for a reaction. "I have access to goods that will revolutionize the luxury market—not just in Braavos, but across the world. All I need is the backing of the Iron Bank to expand my operations."

Tycho studied him for a moment before replying, " And Even now we still know nothing of the source of your supplies. Why should the Iron Bank take a risk on you?"

Gilderoy smiled. "Because I can guarantee that no one else has what I'm offering. With your support, I can expand into Westeros and beyond. Together, we can control the luxury trade across the known world."

Tycho remained silent for a moment before nodding slowly. "The Iron Bank values ambition. We will give you the funds you need to expand—on one condition. Should you fail, you will be held accountable for every coin we've invested."

Gilderoy didn't hesitate. "Agreed."