Chapter 690: The New Coin

Midday had passed.

The morning hours flew by, but when Old Linman emerged from a lavish storefront directly opposite the Alchemist Guild, he was visibly perplexed.

Ever since he met Lord Vylas Tyrell's sincere gaze a few hours ago and nodded his head in agreement, everything had changed.

He was taken here by the Empire's chief tax collector and signed a series of contracts, ultimately securing a significant operational loan.

It seemed to be some sort of funding for economic development or some trade-related relief.

In the end, Old Linman was able to borrow a considerable sum at a very low interest rate. However, before the gold dragons could even reach his hands, they were taken by Lord Vylas, the chief tax collector, as a prepayment of next year's taxes. The remaining gold dragons were reportedly deposited...

Old Linman lowered his gaze to the thin black metal card in his hand. Engraved on it was an image of a roaring dragon with outstretched wings. On the right side was Old Linman's name and a numeric code at the bottom right corner.

"0173."

Holding the card, Old Linman couldn't help but read aloud. According to the lady who attended to him, he was the 173rd customer to hold the Empire Bank's savings card, which would hold significant commemorative value in the future.

However, a sudden chill snapped him back to reality. He had heard of this form of banking and lending, especially the operations of the Iron Bank of Braavos across the Narrow Sea, but this was his first personal encounter.

The aging merchant had always operated between White Harbor and King's Landing. It was only in recent years that he had dealings with the trading city-states, yet he never traveled overseas. Instead, he bought goods that arrived in King's Landing, then hired workers to process them into finished products for sale.

"Has the Empire created its own version of the Iron Bank?"

Only when he stepped outside and felt the cool breeze did Old Linman truly comprehend the concept of this banking system.

Yet, there was no joy in his realization. Recalling the contracts he'd just signed, he felt a shiver down his spine.

Having lived in King's Landing for many years, he knew the rulers of the Iron Throne all too well. Their erratic decisions often led to chaos throughout the realm. He suspected that this Empire Bank might be another half-baked idea, destined to collapse, leaving him without his money, yet still owing the loan and interest.

He remembered paying taxes for thirty years during King Robert's reign as a clear example.

"No!"

"I want my money back!"

Old Linman, after shivering from his chilling thoughts, hurriedly dashed back into the opulent facade of the Empire Bank. The building was situated at the heart of King's Landing, nestled among landmarks like the Great Sept of Baelor, the Empire Theological Seminary, the Empire Medical College, and the Alchemist Guild.

Future city plans positioned this area as the cultural and economic heart of King's Landing, while Aegon's Hill remained the political center, where several ministerial residences were being constructed.

Although the Empire Bank's exterior was grand, its main hall was as tall as three stories, supported by dozens of pillars. Unsullied soldiers from the royal guard stood outside, yet the building bore no sign or emblem. Ordinary citizens had been curious since its construction began but received no answers.

Now, as the building stood completed, it was still off-limits to the general populace. However, those seen entering and exiting were always notable figures of King's Landing.

This stirred the curiosity of many. Some speculated it was a pleasure house for the nobles, while others thought it might be a new palace.

However, just now, Old Linman, without heed to the perplexed glances of surrounding nobles and officials, hastily reentered.

Fortunately, the Empire Bank had only recently started its trial operations, one of the priorities of the Finance Minister Illyrio. Thus, few in King's Landing were even aware of it, and many service windows remained unoccupied.

Old Linman quickly returned to the same window where he had just made his deposit. The well-dressed redhead inside, who had been snacking, promptly put away her food and sat up straight.

"Sir, what can I..."

"I want to withdraw!"

"I want to withdraw money!" Old Linman blurted out, almost out of breath, fearing any delay would mean his money would disappear.

The redhead blinked, seemingly understanding his concerns. Although the Empire Bank was in its trial phase, those who came here were prominent figures of King's Landing. They might have their doubts, but a small sum wouldn't concern them.

However, this old man was brought in by Lord Vylas Tyrell personally, and technically, he shouldn't have had access.

Though the girl understood his worries, she maintained a courteous smile, a result of her secret training.

"How much would you like to withdraw?"

The question caught Old Linman off guard.

He had initially been worried about his loan disappearing, but now he realized that withdrawing it immediately might signify distrust towards Lord Vylas Tyrell, a noble with significant influence. If Lord Vylas took it as a slight, Old Linman could face repercussions.

After a moment of inner conflict, Old Linman made up his mind.

"Ten gold dragons."

While ten gold dragons was a considerable sum for an average family in King's Landing, it was an amount the seasoned merchant like Old Linman could afford, especially considering the hefty loan he had just secured.

"Alright."

Without hesitation, the redhead took the metal card from Old Linman, checked the code, and located the corresponding ledger. She then deducted ten gold dragons from Old Linman's account.

Soon, ten gleaming new gold dragons lay before him.

"Please keep them safe!"

"Good day!" The girl nodded courteously.