Lucas let the loud cheers from the crowd die down. Even before doing anything tangible, he had already earned immense respect from the smallfolk. No one had, after all, even made false promises to them. Promises to make their life better.
It was a good start. The nobles of this world failed to realize the true power of the common people and it was not entirely their fault. The smallfolk had never played a significant role in any major event in Westerosi history. But Lucas understood their potential.
"I am also aware of the hardships, difficulties, and problems you all face," Lucas continued once silence had returned to the streets. "There is not enough food, not enough space to sleep, and no access to clean water. The conditions here are hopeless. Just earning enough to eat twice a day is a struggle in itself."
"I understand that many of you have been forced into crime because you had no other choice. With no jobs, no means to earn, you were left with no option but to snatch bread from someone who had it. That created a vicious cycle where crime continued to grow, and hardship became demonized."
"I am not justifying or glorifying crime," he said firmly. "But I am willing to offer a second chance to those who were forced into crime by their circumstances."
The crowd listened with rapt attention. None of them had expected this. Many among them depended on illegal work for survival. Smuggling grain while bypassing customs was one such trade. It allowed them not only to earn for themselves, but also to provide cheaper grain to others in need.
"The real question is, are you willing to take that second chance? Are you ready to change your life and escape the swamp of crime?" Lucas boomed.
"If you are willing, then each one of you will have the chance to earn enough to feed yourselves twice a day. If you work harder, you can earn more. And if you are smart and hardworking, you can even become rich."
His words were met with a pin-drop silence. The weight of his offer was sinking in and for the first time in their lives, many began to hope. For the first time they felt that if they were willing and hard working, they could improve their lives.
"A lot of employment will be generated through the upcoming project," Lucas said. "You will learn the full details over time. But for now, there is something that I would like to announce."
"First," he began, "every male between the ages of 16 and 26 will have the opportunity to enlist in the City Watch."
A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd. Becoming a soldier in the City Watch was a highly coveted position. It was the dream of many among the common folk. It was a job of prestige and social power and more importantly was safer compared to being a mercenary or a bandit or a sell sword.
"The exact procedure and requirements for recruitment will be announced in a couple of days," Lucas added. "But I suggest you begin preparing."
Those above the age of 26 appeared visibly crestfallen, especially those just over the cutoff, 27 or 28 years. If only they had been a little younger. But Lucas was not finished.
"That said, even if you are 30, 40, or 50, you can still qualify for the City Watch, provided you are skilled," he continued.
"If you are good with a sword and your ability is on par with an average City Watch soldier, you are welcome to apply."
"I am willing to invest in training, but only for those men who will serve for at least a few decades. That is the return I expect."
"Second," Lucas said, moving on, "we will need labourers, masons, and farmers. If you are a carpenter, blacksmith, or possess any crafting skill, you will have opportunities for employment as well."
"In a few days, you will hear everything in detail. Until then, be prepared to welcome the changes coming to King's Landing."
Lucas stepped down from the stone slab amid a loud wave of cheers. A wide smile stretched across his face. He had just made his first significant move in King's Landing. And that move was to make many of the players restless.
"That was quite a speech, Ser Lucas," Margaery said with a smile. "You have sparked a current of hope and excitement among the smallfolk."
Lucas chuckled casually. "Just doing what I promised."
"You certainly had not promised to improve the lives of the smallfolk," she remarked, raising an eyebrow.
"No," Lucas admitted. "But how can you develop a city, keep it clean and beautiful, if its residents are unhygienic and struggling just to get a loaf of bread?"
Margaery nodded thoughtfully.
"And you are expanding the City Watch," she commented.
"Yes," Lucas smiled. "The current number, 2000 soldiers, is too low to manage a city this big."
Margaery wanted to know by how much was Lucas was planning to expand the City Watch, but he did not reveal it or did not understand her indication. Even so, she did not question about it directly. Everything will come to light in its due time.
"Shall we return?" she asked.
Lucas shook his head. "I suggest you return to the Red Keep. I am going to scout for suitable locations to build the new city."
"It will be tiresome work," he added before she could ask him to join her, "and I doubt even a full day will be enough."
Margaery nodded with a smile, "Then I will see myself back to the Red Keep."
She could always visit the site later, once it was chosen. For now, she needed to inform her grandmother of everything that had transpired today, especially that Lucas Lannister was expanding the City Watch.
Spies from various noble houses and court officials would already be spreading the word.
With a final nod toward Lucas, Margaery climbed into her carriage.
"Send ten men with her," Lucas instructed Gary. And so, accompanied by her dozen Tyrell guards and ten City Watch soldiers, Margaery departed from Flea Bottom while Lucas and his entourage rode toward the outer limits of King's Landing.
.
.
.
While Lucas was out scouting potential sites for his new city, word of his speech and actions in Flea Bottom had already reached the ears of those within the Red Keep and, unsurprisingly, not many were pleased.
In the Tower of the Hand, Jon Arryn let out a long sigh as he listened to the report delivered by his trusted aide.
"Ser Jowel," he said gravely as he began to scribble on a parchment, "I want 500 additional men from the Vale to be brought to King's Landing."
To permanently station 500 more knights from the Vale in the capital would greatly increase House Arryn's expenses but Jon Arryn felt he had no choice. He needed leverage within the city.
He already had 1,000 loyal Vale knights stationed in King's Landing. Another 500 would provide a significant buffer.
Moreover, many officials within the court also hailed from the Vale, granting him a wide sphere of influence.
Ser Jowel's eyes flickered briefly with surprise, but he understood the situation all too well. He gave a nod as he took the sealed parchment from Jon Arryn's hands and departed to send it to Vale.
*
*
*
[Add the book to your collection. Send some power stones and leave your opinion.]
[Access to Advanced chapters on P@treon. Replace @ with a.]
p@treon.com/shadowauthor