If the main figure of the event had not been Tywin, Aegor might have thought he was hearing the tale of another transmigrator. Without the interference of the foolish daughter and the bastard sister, these two Lannister men had actually joined forces to achieve such a world-shaking and far-reaching feat.
This kind of bold and advanced move, one could not tell if it had originally been the old Lannister lord's plan, or if it was Tyrion the Little Devil who, after being influenced by Aegor, conceived the idea and indirectly passed it on to his father.
Yet despite Tywin's great contempt for him, Tyrion had managed to firmly grasp the crucial department of the bank, likely playing a key role in this transformation, gaining his status and influence through his own practical actions.
Whether it was King Stannis and Aegor locked in fierce battle, or Euron Greyjoy gleefully stirring up chaos, none of them could have imagined that the foundation of the positions they sat on, or sought to seize, and the entire social structure of Westeros itself, had already begun to crack, quietly moving toward collapse.
...
Of course, the beginnings of this shift in the social order had little direct connection to Aegor. What he cared about now was whether Tyrion had enough authority in the Lannister Bank, and if he did, would this old acquaintance be willing to lend him the great sum he needed?
"We have a good chance of getting this loan from the Lannister Bank. However, it is several weeks' journey round trip from Crowntown to Lannisport. Any day now could be the day the White Walkers attack, and it is not suitable for me, the Commander, to travel far at this critical juncture." Aegor glanced at Nina, realizing how fortunate he was. The girl before him had a master-disciple relationship with Tyrion. Her going in his place would be no less effective than if he went himself. "Since you have already arranged matters in King's Landing, do not rush back yet. When the time comes, make the trip to Lannisport for me... Borrow as much as you can."
"Borrow money?" Nina's face instantly darkened. "I am only good at collecting money. I am not skilled at this... And I have not seen my Master in two years. If I go and the first thing I do is ask for money, what will Lord Tyrion think of me?"
It was indeed a reasonable concern, but Aegor truly could not find another suitable person. "I am troubling you. I will write a letter in advance to prepare him mentally. The Night's Watch is carrying out the great task of saving the world. To raise funds to fight the White Walkers and gather like-minded allies, we must use every means necessary. After you arrive at Lannisport, find out and confirm whether the head of the Lannister Bank is Tywin or Tyrion. If it is Tyrion, everything will be easy. If it is Tywin... He likely already knows I have become Commander. You need only tell him that I have promoted Jaime to First Ranger of Crowntown and am implementing a series of reforms within the Night's Watch. As for the future, tell him 'anything is possible.' He will understand what I mean."
"Alright, I understand." Seeing that Aegor had made up his mind, Nina did not continue to refuse. "Then when should I set off?"
"Set off? There is no hurry. It will be some time before we actually need to spend money. This is only a private discussion between us. Before you leave, I will give you the task list and specific requirements. Besides the gold from the Northern lords and the Lannister Bank, do not overlook the wealthy of King's Landing. The bonds that have gradually been abandoned should be picked up again."
After the industries had stabilized and begun producing steady profits, Aegor had already ordered a halt to this stopgap measure of robbing Peter to pay Paul, for the sake of long-term development. But at this critical juncture, as long as there was enough money to pay interest, who had time to worry about how the principal would be repaid in the future?
"Alright, I have noted it down."
"Besides funding, I have many other matters I need your help with, Nina. Your family used to be weavers, so are you familiar with tailoring and clothing design?"
"Designing clothes?" Nina shook her head, puzzled. "I only know how to make the few simple garments my mother taught me. Designing clothes, that is something only professionals who tailor for nobles can do, right? I... I am afraid I cannot. What kind of clothes does My Lord want?"
"The Night's Watch has always worn whatever garments the nobles donated, dyed black and used as uniforms. There has never been a unified standard. I want to change this, beginning with the next group of recruits. This matter is not urgent. You can take my requirements and ideas back to King's Landing, consult professionals, and then finalize the plan."
To allow the Night's Watch to reach their maximum combat effectiveness, to hold back the White Walkers from the Seven Kingdoms, required comprehensive preparation. Besides sufficient supplies, equipment, and training, awakening and strengthening the soldiers' sense of honor was also crucial. In this regard, in addition to ensuring they were well-fed, clothed, and respected, a uniform distinct from common folk, slightly comfortable and even handsome, could both remind its wearer of his duty and attract more young recruits. Perhaps not decisive, but sometimes the difference between success and failure was as small as a single nail on a horseshoe.
---
There were many instructions, and Aegor thought of two more at once:
First, to find or establish a stable, high-quality source of saltpeter. Given that the Night's Watch industry in King's Landing was already encouraging invention and had gathered many clever minds, this problem could eventually be solved.
Second, he was currently using the pretext of "researching ways to counter the White Walkers" to have the Pyromancers conduct chemical experiments on Lake Isle in Crowntown. But with "Iron Bank observers" stationed in the Gift and on the Wall, the Night's Watch needed a secret and secure place to test and improve firearms, moving them from theory to practice under confidential conditions, lest this great weapon fall into the hands of hostile forces or greedy consortiums first.
All of this could have been written in a letter, but speaking face-to-face was better. However, Aegor soon felt something amiss and stopped his stream of instructions.
"Oh, what am I doing! My precious Nina has come all this way, and I make you work as soon as we meet? Let us put these matters aside for now... Come, that is the lodging over there. You must be tired from the journey, get some proper rest. When you have your strength back, I will take you to the Wall to experience the scenery of the North."
Nina could not resist the charm of this cheesy endearment, and immediately shook her head with a face full of joy and shyness. "I was sitting in the carriage the whole way. How could I be that tired? If there is anywhere you need help here, I can assist right now."
Places where help was needed? Of course there were. The idea of bringing firearms onto the stage of history had already begun, but leaving aside gunpowder for now, the process of casting cannon barrels was only at the stage of "smelting metal." They were still 99 percent away from establishing a complete industrial system and bringing firearms into the world.
Aegor needed experts from every trade, full of knowledge and passion, no less than a battalion in size. Either recruit them or train them. If a genie were to appear before him now and grant one wish, Aegor would certainly roar, "Give me a '500 Wastes' package!"
In this matter, although Nina was clever and loyal, she could not help.
"There is nowhere that needs help." Aegor told a white lie and shook his head. "You truly do not need to rest?"
"I truly do not need to rest." The girl put on a serious look, as if ready to go wherever needed.
"That is good." Aegor smirked with mischief. "We have finished discussing official matters. Come now, let us talk about 'private matters.'"
"Ah? But it is not even dark yet."
"Daytime is more fun."
(To be continued.)