In King's Landing, Renly sneezed. Who is thinking of me? He didn't dwell on it and returned to his conversation with the master blacksmith, Tobho Mott.
"Master Mott, how can we further enhance the quality and speed of production?"
The blacksmith chuckled heartily. "Your Highness, with my current abilities, crafting such armor is no issue. However, we are short-staffed, and our efficiency suffers. The cost of skilled apprentices is… a challenge."
Renly understood; the issue of profit and loss had persisted throughout history. "Very well. I shall find and fund a group of young apprentices. You need only ensure they acquire genuine skills, for they will eventually supply the Wall."
"Your Highness, you are quite humorous. The Others are a matter from the Age of Heroes, are they not?" The blacksmith rubbed his hands together, appearing somewhat anxious.
At that moment, a young apprentice approached, prompting the blacksmith to snap, "What do you want? Get back to work!"
The boy, however, remained steadfast, staring intently at Renly.
"Your Highness, I sincerely apologize," Tobho Mott said, forcing a smile, sweat beading on his brow despite the cool air.
"It's fine. He hasn't done anything wrong." Renly regarded the boy with a peculiar gaze. Sunlight from the door fell between them, casting them into two distinctly separate realms. "You are Gendry."
The boy, Gendry, scrutinized him with furrowed brows. "Now I understand. You are the king's brother. I am the king's… son."
"Yes," Renly said softly. "In a certain sense, we are brothers."
After uttering this, Renly found himself at a loss for words. Gendry, ever practical, broke the silence. "If we are brothers, could you lend me ten golden dragons?" His tone was casual, yet his voice trembled.
Sharing the same father, yet worlds apart, Renly thought. To him, ten golden dragons was a trifle; to Gendry, a small fortune.
After a moment's contemplation, Renly pulled Gendry aside. "I have a better offer. If you assist in crafting this armor, I will ensure you receive fair pay. If you are willing to venture to the Wall in the north, you need not take the black; simply work as a blacksmith there—I will provide you with a bonus. However," he added pragmatically, "it would be best to avoid appearing before the Queen."
Gendry nodded in understanding. "I am not foolish." Then he added softly, "In light of your… princely status, I shall impart some intelligence. The master will overcharge you. You need only pay him half his asking price."
"Do you think I am deaf?" the blacksmith retorted, his face flushing. "It is merely for a bit more money to buy wine! Is that too much to ask? Yet you buy ten bottles and share only one with me!"
Renly burst into laughter, realizing both master and apprentice were staring at him. He waved a dismissive hand. "No worries, master. The price remains unchanged. Just ensure the quality is a notch better."
In truth, Renly had just recalled his brother, Robert. In his own childhood, Robert had once sent him to buy wine. Renly, in his naivete, had ventured forth with a handful of golden dragons. The merchant had nearly fainted at the sight, leading to a lifetime of deference whenever Renly made a purchase.
Ding! Your path to becoming a revered sovereign has been confirmed.
After a prolonged silence, the mechanical voice finally spoke.
Wonderful! Is it time for you to assign me a task? Renly felt an unusual surge of excitement.
I can assign you a task, but it comes without rewards.
Then forget it, Renly replied, ever pragmatic.
There is a reward… as long as you do not perish along the way. Having spoken, the system fell silent.
Renly lingered for a moment, observing the blacksmiths at work. "Sandor," he asked, "do you know how steel is forged?"
Sandor, his face marred by burns, replied with an impassive demeanor, "Aye. I have."
Renly cleared his throat and, after offering more words of encouragement, returned to the Red Keep.
He found Ser Barristan Selmy. "Have you found suitable candidates among the youth?"
Although Ser Barristan was advanced in years, the radiance upon his face made him appear rejuvenated. "Your Highness, I have discovered numerous talented individuals. If I had others to help me train them, you would reap a valuable cavalry unit."
"That is truly splendid," Renly praised earnestly. "But have you informed them of their forthcoming task? How many are willing to venture to the Wall?"
This was the crux of his inquiry. Barristan, grasping his intent, smiled with satisfaction. "Your Highness, you possess remarkable foresight. Most of them lead impoverished lives. Upon learning they could serve you, they harbor no grievances about the journey. Of course, some would prefer to safeguard your safety here at home."
Renly felt somewhat humbled by such regard, especially from Ser Barristan. "Please, take me to meet them." He felt it was imperative to inform them of the potential dangers honestly. To send them North under pretenses would be a betrayal.
Ser Barristan nodded appreciatively. "Of course, Your Highness. You are the most principled prince I have served, reminiscent of Prince Rhaegar."
The old knight spoke the latter part without thinking, then chuckled awkwardly, realizing he stood before Robert Baratheon's brother. But Barristan was unperturbed; Renly's temper was famously amiable.
"It is quite all right," Renly said. "Prince Rhaegar was indeed a formidable warrior. Let us go."
They descended into the training grounds where a group of young individuals practiced diligently, the future of Renly's hopes taking shape before him.