Chapter 28

First of all, don't worry, this chapter is just a normal chapter, but I wanted to mention a few things at the beginning. As I said in the last chapter, feel free to give me ideas. I've read them, and I'll take everything into consideration.

There were only seven suggestions so far, but my fanfic doesn't have the biggest popularity, which, to be honest, I'm thankful for. That way, I'm not bothered by hundreds of people with their incredibly intelligent opinions.

A small but fine group, I'd say.

I will keep looking into the the comments if there are any more suggestions tho.

Anyway, I thought I might occasionally ask if certain people I see in the comments and find sympathetic would like to suggest a character or something I could integrate. They can just give me a name, a rough idea of the character's traits, or something similar.

Of course, I won't accept every suggestion, as I need to agree with certain things. But, for example, if you want him to find a strong slave and take him as a bodyguard or something, or a lover, like in the Empire of Yi Ti where I will be going somewhere along the way.

I can't immediately integrate them into the story, as they need to fit, but here:

Kavindu_Ruwanara: You can comment here, and then we can discuss.

TheImmortal25: You too.

It could also be house names or anything so you can somewhat immortalize yourself in the story. But you don't have to :D

Anyway, let's get started...

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Kaelarys once again found himself in Volantis. He stood on the balcony of his private chambers, a glass filled with wine in hand, swirling it to let the sweet aroma rise to his nose.

Even though the world wasn't necessarily the best in terms of food- and drinking quality, they could still make a very good wine. Dry, just the way he liked it.

It was early in the morning, and he hadn't even eaten yet, but after the long journey back over the past few days, he needed this. And the wild night, he thought as he looked back into his chamber to once again see his two favorite redheads sleeping soundly together.

Some interesting things had happened that required his presence in the capital or at least nearby.

First, his personal 'project' in Lys. It didn't go exactly as he had envisioned. He had heard about the temperament of Magister Parquello Vhassyl, and his entire plan had relied on it. However, he could not have foreseen his obsession with his daughter.

The entire history of House Vhassyl was thrown into the mud for the sake of one daughter, which was more than stupid when looking at the big picture.

House Vhassyl was still a noble house of Valyrian descent, and since it still had descendants, it wouldn't be wiped out. But the reparations they had to pay, the death of Magister Parquello, and the loss of a seat in the Conclave of Magisters, along with their destroyed reputation, would take decades, if not centuries, to recover.

Then there was First Magister Azzak. He had expected him to be killed and thus trigger a new election, but the fact that a slave had the courage and will to betray his master was an anomaly no one could have predicted.

On a vast continent like Essos, which was controlled by the Valyrians, infamous for their slavery, betrayal or escape by a slave was a death sentence—something that many slaves considered a relief. But the chance for possible recognition and a rise in the world? Ridiculous.

Despite all these unknown variables and moves, his plan had found a reasonably good end. First Magister Azzak had been stripped of his title and imprisoned until the investigations were completed. The same was the case for his second son. His younger brother, who held a seat in the Conclave, had died during the attack, meaning that House Sathmantes had lost both a seat in the Conclave and the First Magister, completely shattering their previously unchallenged power.

With the two most powerful houses out of the way, House Nahor had a free pass to rise. Alas, it should not be. They did not win the title of First Magister in the election, but that was not necessary for now. They gained another seat and became the second most influential house in Lys after House Ormollen.

One step at a time, and slowly but steadily he was getting closer to his goal.

"So early in the morning and already with wine?" a voice said behind him. He turned around and looked into the eyes of Lyara, his beautiful warrior whom he had to visit after all this time.

"Well, what can I say? Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time, eh?" he answered with a smirk as he raised his glass and took a sip.

Lyara chuckled slightly before breaking into full-blown laughter.

"Words of wisdom indeed."

"I always try to share my wisdom with the world, but it often seems like no one wants to listen. Their loss, I'd say," he joked.

There was a brief silence between them as she put on her green robe and joined him on the terrace.

"What's with the necklace around your neck?" she asked.

Kaelarys took the necklace she was referring to in his hand and looked at it. It was the necklace he had enchanted himself, and its counterparts were worn by important people in his life, like his sister or Lysandra.

He was just about to open his mouth to answer when he realized something. He had almost walked into the biggest trap of his life. What should he have told her? That she was the only one who didn't have such a necklace, implying that she didn't matter to him?

"It's a necklace I had made. Do you want one too?" he asked.

"Is that so?" she raised her eyebrows, her womanly instincts telling her there was more to it than meets the eye.

"So, you want one! Good, it will be done. Now, to more important matters, what are you planning to do today? We didn't really have time to talk yesterday. I wanted to visit Aerarro Qoheros to check on the business, and Myranda wanted to see her friends at the brothel and check how everything is going," he said.

"Nothing interesting. I actually thought we could spend the day together," she answered.

He considered for a moment. "If you want, you can accompany me, but not as Captain, just as Lyara."

"Yes, why not," she agreed with a smile.

It didn't take long before Myranda woke up. They had something to eat, and everyone set off on their way. Although Kaelarys hadn't done much the previous day, he had found time to send Aerarro a message, informing him of today's visit, so he wouldn't be caught off guard and would have all the important information ready that he wanted to know.

He also sent two guards with Myranda for protection, as she still bore the tattoo marking her as a former slave. Others didn't know she was no longer a slave, but any association with his house would deter anyone with foolish ideas. He had offered to remove the tattoo, but she refused as she wanted to remember her past and how lucky she was to be free once again.

With the carriage ready, Kaelarys and Lyara set off for the port where Aerarro was located at the moment.

It didn't take long, and they arrived at the designated harbor building. It was a warehouse that stored whisky under Aerarro's name. Consequently, dozens of guards were present to protect the goods. The value of the whisky would attract many thieves and desperate individuals, despite his family's involvement, tempting them to break in and steal.

As they approached, the guards at the entrance opened the gates for them, allowing Kaelarys and Lyara to step inside the warehouse. Slaves were moving barrels of whisky, and guards were watching them carefully in case they tried anything funny.

Lord Aerarro stood at the end of the warehouse where it opened to the docks to facilitate loading. He had a book in his hand and was writing in it with a quill. He happened to look up just as they walked near him. "Ah, Lord Kaelarys. Welcome, welcome. I trust your journey was uneventful?" he said, bowing slightly and closing his book.

Kaelarys nodded in response. "Indeed, it was, Lord Aerarro. Have you prepared everything I asked for?"

"Of course, please follow me."

Kaelarys and Lyara followed him as he ascended the stairs. When they reached the only room in the warehouse, Kaelarys turned to Lyara and said, "You have to wait outside. This is business, and it wouldn't be proper to have outsiders hear this."

Lyara nodded at his words. Although she would have loved to hear the details of her lover's dealings, she knew it wasn't her place. This was confidential business.

Kaelarys and Lord Aerarro entered the room, which was filled with ledgers, maps, and various documents. Aerarro gestured to a large wooden table where several books and scrolls were neatly arranged.

"Please, have a seat, Lord Kaelarys," Aerarro said, indicating a chair across from him. "I've gathered all the records you requested."

Kaelarys took his seat and picked up one of the ledgers, flipping through the pages to review the transactions and inventory lists. While he examined the data and compared it with the payments he had received, Aerarro sat quietly, waiting for him.

"Everything appears to be in order," Kaelarys said, satisfied. "Now, let's discuss any issues you may be facing with the shipping."

Aerarro leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face. "We have had a few setbacks with the shipping routes. Pirates have become more aggressive, and a few shipments have been delayed. Additionally, there have been some issues with certain ports, especially in Westeros. As you know, we have just been able to ship the whisky to the eastern parts of Westeros, excluding Dorne. However, there were problems with the locals and their views on our traditions concerning slaves. But nothing we can't handle ourselves."

The pirates had been on his radar for quite some time now. Even though they are currently kept relatively in check by Valyria, there are some pirate-infested nests in more remote regions like the Stepstones that simply cannot be eradicated without investing a lot of resources.

"Hmm, I see. Keep me updated on the pirate situation. When I sell the aged and more expensive whisky in the future, the attacks will only become more intense if information about your routes is leaked."

"I will do that. May I ask when you plan to offer these for sale?" Aerarro asked, leaning forward and adjusting some documents on the table.

"I don't quite know yet. However, I'll ensure you have plenty of notice to prepare when the time comes," Kaelarys responded. "Is there anything else of note? If not, I will prepare for the journey home."

Aerarro shook his head. "No, that will be all, Lord Kaelarys."

They stood up and moved to leave when Kaelarys suddenly stopped, remembering something. "Oh, one more thing. Will you be coming to watch the tournament in the Capital?"

Aerarro eyes lit up as he remembered. "I almost forgot about that with all the workload. I'll do my best to attend."

Kaelarys nodded. "Good. It promises to be quite the event. I hope to see you there."

With that, they made their way out of the warehouse. Kaelarys and Lyara climbed into the carriage and set for his villa.

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So, here we are again.

I wanted to say something, but forgot it, so fuck it.