A.C 277
Lucerys – POV:
My first plans are to win my father's favor… then Tywin's. This will grant me privileges no seven-year-old should have, Lucerys thought with a sly smile.
He knocked on the door.
"Come in, my son," his father's calm voice called.
Lucerys entered to find Kevan seated, weary from work.
"Father… I missed you, I just wanted to see you," Lucerys said, feigning innocence.
Kevan raised an eyebrow, watching his son carefully.
"You missed me? Or is there something else you want, Lucerys?"
The boy smiled mischievously, testing his father's patience.
"Father… I want your opinion on something I've been working on lately. I think it could… be useful for us in the future."
Kevan paused his writing and looked at him seriously.
"So this is the real reason you came?"
"Yes… I wanted to show you my little project, Father. It's something better than the coarse parchment you always write on," Lucerys said, pulling a neatly folded white sheet of paper from his pocket.
Kevan raised his eyebrow and leaned in, examining the paper carefully, noting its smoothness and quality.
"Let me touch it."
He felt it and said, "Mmm… soft and light. How much did it cost you to make this?"
"Half a Silver Stag," Lucerys replied proudly.
Kevan's eyebrow shot up in astonishment.
"What? That can't be right. And how did you make it?"
Lucerys explained in a calm, confident voice, knowing he had captured his father's interest:
"It is made in several stages, Father. Old linen, worn-out clothes, even torn sails. They are torn, ground, washed into a pulp, then formed into sheets and left to dry. Simple… yet profitable."
Kevan smiled slightly, both impressed and amazed:
"As expected from my little genius… I'm glad you work so hard. Tell me, what do you want? Money?"
"Yes, Father… I want an initial sum. Consider it an investment. I plan to produce a limited number of sheets, then sell them to trustworthy merchants. It will be revolutionary… surpassing parchment, and we will be the only source," Lucerys said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Kevan exhaled, eyes gleaming with admiration and seriousness:
"Excellent… wonderful. But I cannot make such a decision alone. I will send a letter to your uncle in King's Landing to get his approval."
"Of course, but what if I used the new paper itself to write the letter?" Lucerys suggested.
Kevan smiled faintly, closing his eyes for a moment:
"A good idea… now go. Rest. I still have work to do."
As Lucerys left, Kevan thought to himself:
Lucerys is a genius… I knew it for years, yet he still surprises me. I just hope he does not tread a path that conflicts with your brother…
Two days later, in the Hand's Tower:
"Sir, a letter from Casterly Rock," said a servant.
Tywin took the letter, his expression shifting quickly to surprise.
"What is this?" he muttered.
He broke the seal and began reading:
To my esteemed brother, Tywin Lannister,
I write to inform you of the latest developments in Casterly Rock…
At the end of the letter, something caught Tywin's attention:
My son, Lucerys, made this paper on which I wrote this letter. I was personally impressed and wanted to know your opinion of it.
Tywin studied the sheet carefully in his hands, then began drafting his response:
Provide him with financial support and ensure everything goes smoothly. Do everything in complete secrecy.
Years as Hand of the King had sharpened Tywin's mind; he saw opportunity and seized it without hesitation.
He placed the letter in his pocket, muttering to himself:
Lucerys… it seems I must pay him more attention.