Myr has already descended into madness.
The first group of people who bought Wright's high-interest bonds are now living wealthy lives, with children being paid a silver coin for running errands like buying sausages.
As they watched others get rich from buying bonds, a crazier trend followed. At banquets, everyone talked about how many bonds they had bought. Even restaurant owners bought bonds and joined the conversation, while poorer servants and attendants pooled their money to make purchases. This craze has now spread to the army.
The officers are wondering: If they sell the warships now, use the excuse of military training to take the navy to a small garrison island, and in a few months receive the interest and principal, they could buy the ships back. One ship could become two, and one of those could end up in their own pockets.
Selling warships is a serious crime and would require navigating high-level relationships, but the temptation of high interest made the process go smoothly.
There are also dissenting voices in the city. Some smart people point out that such high interest rates cannot last and that a collapse is inevitable. However, these voices are drowned out by the people already enjoying the lavish lifestyle funded by the interest.
Buying warships is not something anyone can do. The warships are designed for sturdiness and speed, making them inefficient for fishing, and they cannot carry much cargo. Wealthy fishermen and merchants naturally look down on them, as for the same price, they could buy three heavy cargo ships. Therefore, the buyers must be other regions' navies.
Although Myr and Tyrosh have not declared war, they will not sell goods to each other. Smuggling a few items is fine, but large items like warships cannot be hidden. With the money from Myr, buying their warships is the only option for Wright.
Lys occupies a very unique position in the three cities alliance.
It was first attacked by four forces by chance, then militarily conquered by Volantis. The male elites were killed, and wealth was plundered. Only a group of noble women remained to manage the city. Under Wright's peace initiative, they were spared from being annexed by Volantis.
Its strength is significantly diminished, with the navy reduced to an empty title, and only a few repaired warships barely capable of sailing. The economy is a complete mess.
However, after the war, the women of Lys became more proactive than the men ever were. They chose not to rely on Volantis but fully attached themselves to Tyrosh. This was a high-risk gamble, but they gambled correctly.
The biggest winner, Wright, did not make things difficult for the Lys people. Instead, he developed a fair alliance with them, allowing the Lys to sit alongside the Volantene representatives in Wright's presence for diplomatic work.
The reality is clear to all: as soon as Wright gives the order, the three cities could immediately merge into one force. The diplomats from Lys and Volantis have hinted at this several times, but all their suggestions have been rejected.
Now is not the right time to merge. Volantis is undergoing a "peaceful" transformation, with the faction aligned with the Dragon Cult purging the Tiger Party's internal forces. Merging now would bring the situation to the surface, and the resistance from the Tiger Party would escalate, potentially spiraling out of control.
Moreover, the merger would be a mere formality. Both regions are already effectively controlled by Wright, and the title would only add unnecessary trouble.
The diplomat from Lys stationed in Tyrosh is still the elderly woman, while Volantis has sent a young man, a devout follower of the Dragon Faith.
"You two cities, in your own names, send people to Myr to buy warships. I'll cover half the cost, and the purchased warships will be split evenly with me," Wright gave his orders.
The young diplomat asked, "How many warships should we buy?"
"Buy as many as they sell. If there's not enough money, come to me!" Wright said confidently. These were the Myr people's own funds, so he had no qualms about spending. Moreover, before long, the money would return to him in the form of bonds.
The elderly woman asked, "As for the number of warships, should we still adhere to the previous agreement, where the total tonnage of Lys's warships cannot exceed one-third of Volantis'?"
The three sides had been on the brink of war for a long time, with military standoffs, but after Wright mediated, the three parties signed an agreement. Volantis, as the victorious party, took the spoils of war, but Lys had to forfeit its warships. In return, Volantis had to recognize Lys' independent status and withdraw all their administrative personnel. To prevent another war, the number of warships Lys could maintain was limited to one-third of Volantis' fleet.
Afterward, under the management of a group of women, Lys underwent extensive reforms, adopting the management system of Tyrosh. Wright gave them what they wanted in return: a large number of trade orders and a piece of land near a fresh water lake in the disputed Lands.
Wright said, "Until we sign a new agreement, everything remains as it is. Business must be done with integrity, especially with the Three Cities Agreement."
The elderly woman, known for her astuteness, often tested Wright's limits without offending him. This time, she got the answer she wanted. If Lys wanted to develop, they would have to wait for the new agreement—or even the possibility of directly merging with Tyrosh, nullifying the old contract.
Wright then addressed his intelligence officer, his cousin Andrew Estermont: "Andrew, arrange for your subordinates to join in this warship purchase, under the name of various merchant fleets."
Playing with a blue ribbon turtle decoration, Andrew came to his senses. "Merchants buying warships? Won't that raise suspicion? We can't let them refuse to sell."
Wright replied, "Your job isn't to buy ships. It's to prevent people from other places from getting their hands on them! Don't forget, the North still has Pantos, Braavos, and Lorath!"
Andrew nodded. "Got it!"
Wright continued, "Don't be dismissive. What you need to do is first find out who is coming to buy the ships, and try to stop them from meeting with the Myr soldiers. If you can't stop them, then raise the prices when they try to buy!"
"Ha-ha, this is my specialty! Leave it to me!" Andrew said confidently.
Andrew was originally a pampered young noble, second in line at home with no need to worry about inheriting the family business. After his uncle made a fortune doing business with Wright and Renly, he spent his days idly and was sent to Stannis to learn a trade.
Under Wright's influence, Stannis had also spent years studying to become self-taught. His skills were not easy to master, but after some time, Andrew had not only failed to learn a trade but had significantly improved his social skills dealing with people from all walks of life.
When Wright appointed Andrew as head of intelligence, loyalty and character were prioritized, with skill being secondary. Wright wasn't foolish enough to trust an outsider over his own family. Since Andrew had started working, he hadn't made any major mistakes, though he did tend to cause smaller issues that left Wright fuming. However, Wright gave him time to continue learning and growing.
After the diplomat left, Wright asked Andrew to stay behind.
Wright asked, "The magister of Pentos, Illyrio, is dead. Has there been any news from Varys in King's Landing? He was his best friend when they were young."
Andrew replied, "I heard he has gathered a large sum of money to hire the Faceless Men to assassinate Ramsay and Baelish, but it probably won't work. The price for hiring the Faceless Men has skyrocketed, and Varys can't afford it."
Wright mused, "For this goal, he might try to find a way to make money. Has his network of spies reached the Stepstones yet?"
Andrew said, "Don't worry, it's not completely gone, but it's being kept within a small range. In Tyrosh, everyone has work to do, and key positions are filled with adults. What kind of intelligence can a group of children gather? His methods are outdated!"
Wright warned, "Be careful. Children do grow up."
Andrew smirked, "The trusted ones I've trained are growing too!"
Wright then handed him a sealed wooden box. "The contents of this letter concern a few people from the Westerlands. Robert should be touring the Reach now. Take the letter and deliver it to him in person."
Andrew asked, "People from the Westerlands? What's going on?"
Wright replied, "This is Robert's private matter. Fewer than twenty people know the truth. If you want to know the details, go ask Robert yourself." Wright couldn't spread this kind of embarrassing information, but if Robert slipped up, it would be his own fault.
Andrew grinned, "Ha, after a few drinks, I don't believe I can't get Robert to spill the beans!"
Wright then said, "Go get Kana for me."
Soon after, a young woman with silver-gold hair and purple eyes entered Wright's reception room.
Kana Rogare, a very beautiful woman, wore a tight dress that accentuated her excellent figure. She was a fallen noble from Lys with Valyrian blood.
The Rogare family was very ancient, with even the Targaryen royal family having their bloodline. For a time, the Rogares were one of the wealthiest families in Westeros, but after being betrayed by power-hungry magisters, their wealth was drained by a wastrel.
Kana was a side member of the Rogare family who had survived, running a small tavern with her father in the city. When the city fell, her father was killed, and their wealth was looted. Lys was full of beauties, but Kana, after training from a young age, could not find work as a dancer and had to resort to washing clothes for nobles to eat.
Wright needed someone who understood banking to manage the bond issuance in Myr, and he found her while reviewing the Lyst of Lys's nobility. After a period of testing, he discovered that although she had fallen from grace, she had a thorough understanding of her family's financial knowledge. Wright didn't need her to think for herself, just to be the figurehead and execute his well-laid plans. Since he couldn't use his own subordinates, she was a perfect substitute, and if things went wrong, she would take the fall.
Kana Rogare had no choice but to agree to Wright's request. She was now dressed in fine clothes, adorned with expensive jewelry, and led a large bank under the false name of Roshan. She appeared glamorous, but she knew that soon Wright would give the order to abscond with the money, and she would face the wrath of the people of Myr.
"Sit down, Kana, would you like something to drink?" Wright walked over to the liquor cabinet.
Kana sat down, her white, slender thigh exposed from the slit of her skirt. "Thank you, a glass of red wine."
After handing her the glass, Wright sat across from her, ignoring the sight of her exposed thigh. "Myr has started selling warships. Their remaining funds are running low. Once they turn this money into bonds, we'll pull out."
"Is it already time? I wonder if I'll even live to see the sun next year." Kana used a seductive tone to mask the fear and sadness in her heart.
Wright saw through her thoughts. "Don't think the worst. I never abandon my subordinates, and I keep my word on that."
There was a glimmer of hope in Kana's heart, realizing that perhaps she wasn't a pawn ready to be discarded. She stood up, lifted her skirt, and sat directly on Wright's lap, her red lips brushing against his ear. "So, what should I do?"
Wright wasn't swayed by such advances. He gently pushed her back into the chair, saying, "Sleeping with my wife Nymeria and Tyene wasn't enough? Now you're after me too?"
Kana ran her fingers through her platinum-colored hair. "Heh, doesn't Lord Wright know how he constantly attracts women?"
Wright walked to a nearby table, retrieving a sheathed longsword and placing it in front of her. "Draw it out and take a look."
Kana wasn't worried about her safety. Wright always killed using magic or his large sword. But it seemed like he was offering her the sword. What use would she have for a longsword? With some curiosity, she slowly drew the blade.
It wasn't as heavy as she had imagined. The sword was light, and the hilt was incredibly ornate. The light reflected off the red and green jewels, showing it was genuine. As the blade emerged, she saw that it was jet black with intricate, elegant inscriptions.
"Valyrian steel? For me?" Kana was confused. A weapon that warriors dreamed of possessing—why would Wright give it to her?
Wright didn't answer immediately. "Do you recognize the inscriptions on the blade?"
Kana shook her head. As a fallen noble, she was lucky to have some family financial records, but she had never had the chance to learn advanced Valyrian script.
Wright continued, "The inscription reads Truth, which is the name of this sword. I found it among the spoils from Volantis."
"Truth!" Kana ran her fingers along the blade. This sword had been mentioned several times in her family's history. It was an heirloom, lost long ago.
The last owner of the Valyrian steel sword "Truth" was Moredo Rogare, but that was over 130 years ago. Afterward, the family declined, and the main line was almost wiped out. The sword's whereabouts were unknown.
"This sword was hidden in the home of the merchant Prince Tregar Ormollen. His family was wiped out when their estate in Lys was attacked, and all their property was looted by people from Volantis. I was fortunate, with a strong perception of magical items, and I found it among their spoils at a very low price." Wright explained casually.
Kana looked at him with pleading eyes. "So, is this sword really for me?"
"Of course," Wright said. "You've done so much for me, nearly draining Myr. This sword is your reward! With it, you'll be the direct heir of your family once again."
Kana felt tears welling up. Wright hadn't given up on her. The significance of this sword meant she had regained her family's honor. She was now the new leader of the Rogare family.
"Thank you, Lord Wright!" Kana placed the sword down and stood up, embracing Wright's head and kissing him deeply on the cheek.
"Thank you is enough. No more kisses," Wright gently pushed her away, afraid he might lose control.
At that moment, Tyene passed by the door, peeking her head through the doorframe. "Wright, you've been kissed again?"
"I couldn't help it," Wright replied, with several large lipstick marks still on his cheek.
"Perfect timing, Kana, come see the little clothes I made!" Tyene waved a small piece of child's clothing in her hand.
"I'm coming!" Kana didn't take the sword with her, planning to collect it after the money from Myr had been secured. But as she walked out, she reached out and gave Wright's chest a firm squeeze.
"Haha, I told you Wright's muscles are solid. How does it feel?" Tyene teased, holding Kana's hand.
"Not bad, but a little tan," Kana replied as they walked off, chatting.
Wright finished the remaining wine in Kana's glass. "Such expensive wine can't go to waste!"