AN: Consider joining P@treon among the many others that have.
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Corlys couldn’t argue with that; it was exactly the conclusion he himself had reached.
Aethon continued saying “I’ll oversee the construction and finance much of it.
I’ll provide engineers and architects, and experienced craftsmen.
In return…I want forty percent of every tax collected within the Stepstones.”
Corlys considered the proposal carefully.
It was…
unusual and he mostly expected an ask for land.
Aethon wanted revenue, long-term revenue that was reliable because of the naval fortress he wanted to build here.
The more Corlys thought about it, the more familiar the proposal sounded.
Then he remembered that years ago, this entire strategy had originated with Aethon.
It had been his recommendation to transform the Stepstones from a military outpost into an economic fortress capable of denying the Triarchy any meaningful opportunity to return.
Corlys could simply refuse, he possessed more than enough wealth to construct everything himself.
Doing so would leave every coin flowing directly into House Velaryon’s treasury.
It was the practical choice.
Yet he looked at his son and the boy who had already watched his birthright slip away despite years of loyal service.
Besides, they were already rich as it is because of the insurance monopoly with the world, another idea that belonged to Aethon.
Corlys smiled, saying, “You have a deal.
In fact keep 100% of it, you may collect said revenue to further your ambitions son.”
Aethon’s expression genuinely brightened as he said “I thought you might negotiate first, isn’t this-”
Corlys laughed quietly, interrupting him by saying, “Don’t make a fuss about it.
The idea was yours.
You deserve your share.”
Aethon extended his hand and Corlys clasped it firmly, with this he said, “Then I’ll begin drawing plans the moment I return to Lys Father.” No sooner had the agreement been reached than Aethon looked toward Smaug saying “I should leave before sunset.”
“So eager?”
“I have far too much waiting for me.”
Corlys rested a hand upon his son’s shoulder saying “Stay.
Just for a while.
There are still pirates hiding throughout these islands.
And if the Triarchy attempts another landing…I wouldn’t mind having my son and his dragon beside me.”
Aethon hesitated and he truly wanted to return after all his businesses demanded constant attention.
Every week spent away from Lys delayed things.
Still he looked toward Corlys, then toward the fleet anchored offshore.
Finally, he nodded saying “One week and no more.
Corlys accepted immediately saying “That’s more than enough.”
He turned toward the waiting captains as he said “Spread the word!
Tonight we celebrate!
A feast!
The first victory of many!”
A roar answered him from the assembled sailors.
As the preparations began, Aethon quietly watched the activity from the edge of the beach on a small rocky hill.
Keeping 100% of the profits made in the Stepstones would definitely anger his allies and friends in Lys, let alone the other free cities.
Such greediness would either make them confront him for a deal, or they might outright banish him from Lys, which is where he is conducting business, after all, he chose this place because it would generate a fortune with his product.
But the risk was worth it, the Stepstones were an economic gold mine, there are more than 2000 ships passing each day because of trade alone, it also controlled one of the busiest maritime choke points in the known world.
Every merchant vessel passing through those waters represented future tariffs, docking fees, warehouse rentals and countless other sources of income, so the money he will make might deem the risk irrelevant.
Still it was good that he was given full control, any would consider that a generous concession from Corlys.
Aethon considered it something else entirely; it felt more like a sorry for not making him heir, but he would be lying if he said he did not appreciate it.
His thoughts drifted back to Lys as the construction of his merchant empire continued steadily.
The improved soap recipe he had introduced was already being refined for large-scale production, transforming what had once been a simple bath into a premium delicacy sought by wealthy households.
His vintners had also begun experimenting with techniques borrowed he showed them, producing wines unlike anything currently available in Essos or Westeros.
Soon enough, both products would enter the market and thanks to House Velaryon’s unmatched trading network…Distribution would never be the problem, and even demand, Aethon suspected with a small smile that would be plentiful.
There was also the next step, which was to prepare a land army; he had the perfect solution for that too, but once everything was ready, many options would be available to him, ripe for the taking.
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