15 Family Meeting (5)

"We need to continue to innovate new products unique to the island of Tarth. Focusing on luxury products that are desired by most powerful nobles or rich merchants will fit best to our current situation.

But we won't be able to expand endlessly. The resources of Tarth are limited. We will slowly untap the hidden potential of the island, with new project like the luxury meat industry we are creating right now. But ultimately, we can't develop infinitely.

Our next growth phase is highly dependent on searching for new markets for our products. We are currently present in Essos, thanks to cooperations with merchants from the Free States, in the Stormlands, and in King's Landing.

For us to continue to grow and reap more benefits for Tarth it is undeniable that we need to introduce our products and gain a foothold into the Reach and the Westerlands. But currently we have no relationship with either House Tyrell or House Lannister, the Lord Paramount.

House Baratheon is currently married to House Lannister and might be able to introduce as, to some extent. But there is no direct contact between us and the Reach. This is my next strategic goal for House Tarth. Gaining reliable allies in the Reach and connecting Tarth to the Reach through land way across the Stormlands.

This ally needs to be respected in the Reach and built a secure relationship with House Tarth. Nothing would be more convenient than a bond forged by marriage between both families. Therefore, my most important goal for travelling to the tournament in King's Landing is connecting with a powerful family of the Reach and proposing marriage.

A choice for the perfect partner was already presented to me by my think tank. They chose House Redwyne of the Arbor. They not only have extensive connections with House Tyrell but will further open trade routes towards the Reach and the Westerlands for us.

The combination of Red Wine from the Arbor and Sapphire Honey Wine from Tarth will certainly be successful."

The noise inside the conference room was increasing by the second, as many people were discussing those important revelations with their neighbors and allies. Selwyn was certainly aware of that. When Galladon stopped his speech for everybody to calm down, he stood up, silencing the room again. Looking very serious he started questioning his young son.

"I do agree with your analysis up to this point. I am very happy with everything you explained so far. Indeed, building a relationship with House Redwyne will certainly improve the trade of Tarth and improve our relationships in the Reach."

House Redwyne of the Arbor is one of the main noble houses sworn to Highgarden. Their seat is the Arbor, an island located off the southwestern-most part of Westeros, known for making the best wines in Westeros. The Redwynes control the Redwyne fleet, the largest fleet in Westeros, containing two hundred warships and five times as many merchant carracks, wine cogs, trading galleys, and whalers.

"But I can only agree to a marriage if there is a good partner available. I will never agree to any marriage with House Redwyne that would put as at a disadvantage, whether status wise or appearance wise, just to gain a relationship with the Reach. House Tarth will never do such a disgraceful thing as long as I live!"

Many retainers of Selwyn agree with this statement. They would love to see a connection with the old and powerful House Redwyne, but only if House Tarth is not at a disadvantage. Some elders of the family supported Selwyn wholeheartedly for the first time in their lives. Everything they cared about for the rest of their life was family honor. Dying with a proud look on their face was everything they still longed for in this life.

Galladon took this first question as an opportunity to give up his place on the stage to his subordinates. He started the event successfully. How far this success can reach now depended on his think tank, led by Armin.

"I know everybody present has many questions. Whether about the projects in Sapphire Hall, the new meat industry, my marriage, the animal tribes any many more. Most of those topics are mainly led by my think tank. Many of the members are children of your comrades, people that are accompanying my father since childhood. I would like to take this meeting as as opportunity to introduce them to you and give you a chance to voice any questions you have. I will leave Tarth soon for a longer period. They will replace me in carrying out many projects and answering any questions in my absence. Armin, please enter the podium with your colleagues."

Armin, Derron, Tedd and Miltar entered the stage, all having hands full of cold sweat. Experiencing such a situation for the first time caused heavy pressure to the four 18-year-olds. Armin took the opportunity as the current leader of the think tank to step forward and shoulder responsibility.

"Lord Tarth, your question regarding the marriage partner is very accurate. Our group of counselors didn't choose a marriage partner for the young lord lightly.

Our goal for the marriage proposel is Desmera Redwyne, a noblewoman of House Redwyne and the daughter and youngest child of Lord Paxter Redwyne and Mina Tyrell.

She was born in 283 AC and is currently 11 years of age.

We have reliable information that Ser Stafford Lannister is currently trying to reach an engagement between Desmera Redwyne and his son, Daven Lannister. According to our source, House Redwyne is not particularly interested in a connection with House Lannister, because they don't want to create any cause of concern for House Tyrell. A connection between House Redwyne and House Lannister would cause a rift between the nobles of the Reach.

Unfortunately, no noble family is proposing to Desmera Redwyne nowadays, in fear of provoking the current Queen, or worse, Tywin Lannister.

This is a chance for us to reach a swift and smooth proposal when arriving in King's Landing. The sole male heir of House Tarth is a good fit for the youngest lady of House Redwyne. Both Tarth and the Arbor are islands and therefore can learn from each other and engage in deeper alliance, regarding the Narrow Sea, the Summer Sea and the Redwyne Straits.

Ultimately, many factors are showing us clear signs that this marriage is not only very desirable but has a high chance of being accepted by House Redwyne and more importantly, House Tyrell."