As time passed, the development of the entire Wende Territory entered a period of rapid growth. What had once been a remote, sparsely populated region gradually transformed into a land of opportunity, attracting settlers, merchants, and ambitious adventurers alike. Every month, a fleet of ships would depart from King's Landing, loaded with immigrants, tools, building materials, and other essentials for establishing a new life in Wendell. Crossing the vast expanse of Blackwater Bay, these ships would arrive at the port of Wendell, unloading their cargo and passengers. Once emptied, the ships would return to King's Landing, this time carrying a diverse array of Wendell's local specialties: minerals, agricultural products, fine timber, salt, and even some delicacies unique to the region.
The regularity of this cycle created a strong economic connection between King's Landing and Oros, one of the main cities of Wendell. News of this growing trade and the prince's policies promoting settlement had begun to spread through the city like wildfire. As a result, merchants in King's Landing started paying close attention to Wende Territory, sensing opportunities for investment and profit.
"Have you heard about it?" asked one merchant in a dimly lit tavern, leaning closer across the table to ensure no eavesdroppers were listening.
"What? Heard what?" replied his companion, feigning ignorance.
"You're still hiding things from me. I don't believe you haven't heard about Wende Territory."
The other man laughed nervously, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Hehe! I just found out about this. You asked me so suddenly that I haven't had time to react. I was just about to tell you, honest!"
"You're quick-witted, no wonder they call you 'Flower Mouth' Gene," the first man teased.
Gene's face reddened slightly, half in embarrassment, half in amusement. "No… no! Where did you hear those rumors? I'm an honest businessman. Those dishonest things are only done by lowly slave traders or the madams of brothels. I've never had anything to do with them!"
"You know what you've done, kid. I'm not here to cause you trouble. What are you so worried about?"
Gene's eyes narrowed slightly, defensive yet playful. "You're blaming me already! I'm not going to argue, because if my reputation is ruined, I won't be able to work. That much is true."
The two men were sitting in a small tavern tucked away on one of King's Landing's narrow streets. The place was dimly lit by a few flickering candle flames, casting long shadows across the wooden tables and the smoky interior. The smell of roasted meat and spilled ale mingled in the air, while the murmur of other patrons added a subtle background to their conversation.
The older of the two men was Bill, a beer merchant from the Reach. Middle-aged, with a round, ruddy face and a slightly portly build, he exuded the warmth of someone used to negotiation and camaraderie. In his hand, he held a wooden cup brimming with frothy beer. Bill's attire was practical: a thick, durable dark-brown woolen robe with edges worn smooth from use, layered with a simple, sleeveless leather tunic that was tightly bound around his midsection by a wide leather belt. His cowhide boots were scuffed and stained from the streets, evidence of a man who did not shy away from hard work.
Opposite him sat Gene, younger by a decade or more. His clothing was simpler and more modest: a brown linen tunic, faded slightly from washing, fastened with an ordinary leather belt, and paired with tight woolen trousers and worn leather shoes. Gene's face was lean, with thin cheeks, tanned skin, and casually trimmed brown hair. A small patch of stubble adorned his chin, giving him a slightly roguish air. He mirrored Bill's gesture, raising his cup in response to the older man's toast, and their laughter and banter mingled easily in the warm glow of candlelight.
Bill's interest in Gene went beyond simple friendship. "Flower Mouth" Gene had access to information few others could obtain. By working in a brothel on Silk Street, he became a conduit for gossip, rumors, and news from all social strata. Nobles, merchants, sailors, and adventurers alike frequented such places, exchanging tales and tidbits of information. Over time, Gene had amassed a network of knowledge that was as valuable as any ledger or trade agreement.
Tonight, Bill had called Gene specifically to verify a matter of particular interest: the rumored policies of Prince Gaimon regarding Wende Territory. Bill had heard rumors of generous incentives being offered to merchants willing to invest in the newly developing lands, and he wanted to confirm the details from someone who had a finger on the pulse of the city.
"Okay, enough chatter. I want to ask you straight," Bill said, lowering his voice. "Is this story about Wende Territory true?"
Gene leaned back, spinning his cup in his hands. "Ah, the Wende Territory 'incident,' as everyone's calling it. There's been a lot of news there lately. Many big merchants are keeping an eye on it, hoping to make a killing."
Bill nodded. "What can I ask? I mean, I know it has something to do with His Royal Highness's investment policies. I heard the prince has announced that every merchant who opens a shop in his territory will receive a piece of land for free. Once the land is built on, it cannot be taken back. Merchants only need to pay their business taxes, and they can keep their houses indefinitely."
Gene's eyes sparkled with excitement. "You're correct. Last month, many merchants from King's Landing went to Oros City to invest and open shops. Some even purchased large tracts of land in His Royal Highness's territory to build new manors. In the past, only nobles could own land of this scale. Merchants had little opportunity to acquire property beyond small townhouses, and certainly no chance at estates. Now, the prince is essentially granting them privileges once reserved for the nobility."
Bill's brow furrowed slightly. "Really? Owning a manor… wouldn't that put us on the same level as nobles? Aren't they going to interfere?"
Gene shook his head. "Not exactly. There are still limits. Each merchant can only acquire up to a hundred acres, and the manor must be for personal family use. There are no additional feudal rights, and the prince has imposed several other restrictions. It's far from being equivalent to a knight's estate."
Bill nodded thoughtfully. "Still, this is a huge change. Before, no matter how wealthy you were, your options were limited. Cities and towns had small plots, and most land belonged to lords. Merchants couldn't build larger homes or hire more servants for fear of being evicted. Even if you purchased land, a local lord could claim it at any time, invoking laws like the notorious 'landing tax,' which granted him anything that fell to the ground."
Gene leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Exactly. That's why merchants avoided settling outside the city. Nobles had all the power, including taxes, laws, and military enforcement. But now, with the royal family's reputation intact and policies favorable, merchants can finally invest freely without fear of losing their property."
Bill's eyes lit up. "This is incredible. For someone like me, a small beer merchant, this is the opportunity I've been waiting for. My brewery is modest, a small family workshop. Expanding in King's Landing is impossible: land is scarce, buildings are tightly controlled, and the risk of confiscation is high. But if this policy holds, I can establish a new brewery there, invest in land, and grow my business without fear."
Gene smiled. "From what I've gathered, many big merchants have already started investing in the prince's territory. The royal family's credibility is strong. If anything, this is one of the safest investments you can make in recent memory."
Bill laughed, lifting his cup again. "I'm relieved to hear that. If this works, when I return, I'll treat you to a trip to Reese's Garden—all expenses covered."
Gene grinned. "Then I'll congratulate Master Bill in advance. When you come back, make sure to show off a little!"
The two men clinked their cups, sealing an unspoken pact. Bill's mind raced with plans: a new brewery, estates, and the chance to finally live beyond the confines of crowded streets. Gene, ever the keen observer of human nature, took pleasure in watching the excitement light up his friend's face.
In the bustling tavern, other patrons carried on with their own conversations, unaware of the quiet but significant pact being formed at the corner table. Outside, King's Landing continued its endless rhythm of trade, politics, and gossip, yet tonight, the future of Wendell—and of small merchants like Bill—was being quietly rewritten.
Opportunities like these did not come often. Those who acted swiftly and wisely would find themselves elevated beyond the boundaries that had constrained their families for generations. In the dim candlelight, two merchants plotted, dreamed, and laughed, as a new chapter of prosperity quietly began to unfold across the bay in the fertile lands of Wende Territory.
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