54. Renly - Baratheon

Renly Baratheon, with his noble status, youthful charm, and wealth, was not only loved by his older brother King Robert but admired by nearly everyone in King's Landing. His good looks and sociable nature made him popular both among the nobility and the common folk. As the Master of Laws, Renly regularly hosted extravagant banquets in the capital, inviting the most influential officials, nobles, and dignitaries from the realm. His generous spirit, ability to win people over, and skill in maintaining connections made him one of the most admired figures in the city.

Anthony, a merchant from King's Landing, had once been fortunate enough to attend one of Renly's grand banquets, though as a man of lower status, he hadn't been able to interact with Renly personally. Still, the merchant had managed to befriend one of Renly's guards, hoping that this connection would one day allow him an audience with the influential noble.

One day, Anthony visited Renly's residence, bringing with him some new and unique items he thought might pique the lord's interest. Upon arrival, Anthony spoke to the guard he had befriended, explaining that he had brought gifts from the North that he hoped to present to Renly. The guard hesitated at first but, knowing Renly's love for novelty, decided to pass along the gifts: a gel pen and some white paper.

At that moment, Renly was enjoying himself in the garden with a few of his guards and his close companion, Ser Loras Tyrell. Loras, famously known as the "Knight of Flowers," hailed from the powerful Tyrell family of Highgarden and was Renly's favored bodyguard and lover. When the guard approached Renly, the noble was initially annoyed by the interruption, especially since he was spending a pleasant afternoon with Loras.

"My lord," the guard began, "there's a merchant from King's Landing, Anthony, who wishes to see you. He says he has brought some interesting goods from the North and wanted to present them to you." The guard handed Renly the gel pen and white paper, looking unsure.

Renly, about to dismiss the interruption, stopped short when he saw the unfamiliar items. His curiosity got the better of him. "What are these?" he asked, picking up the pen and paper with interest.

Loras, sipping his wine, leaned over to take a look. "What's this for?" he asked, examining the white paper. "This looks like parchment... but it's smoother. And this?" he added, pointing at the gel pen.

The guard, still uncertain, did his best to explain what the merchant had told him about the pen and paper. "My lord, the merchant says this pen works like a quill, but without the need for dipping into ink. The white paper is like parchment but finer and easier to write on."

Renly, intrigued, waved for the merchant to be brought in, while he and Loras tested the pen on the paper. As they scribbled, the smoothness of the writing delighted both men.

Moments later, Anthony entered the garden, trying to mask his excitement as he knelt before Renly. "It is an honor to be summoned by you, my lord. May the Seven bless you always!" he said humbly.

Renly, now more interested in the merchant's offerings, gestured for him to rise. "This pen and paper are quite convenient," Renly remarked. "How much do you have in stock? I'd like to buy everything."

Anthony, sensing his opportunity, responded eagerly, "My lord, I have 100 gel pens, 500 refills, and 1,000 sheets of this white paper. The pens are 5 silver stags each, the refills 2 silver stags, and each sheet of white paper is 50 bronze stars."

Renly, impatient with details, waved his hand dismissively. "Never mind the prices. I'll take everything you have. The steward will pay you later," he said, his interest in the products clear, though he wasn't concerned with the money.

For Anthony, the sale was not about profit, but about securing a connection with the influential Duke. Renly's favor could open doors that mere wealth could never unlock. A deal with him meant access to the court and power within King's Landing.

But Anthony wasn't done yet. He had one more item he hoped would further impress the Duke. "My lord," he said, producing another item from his bag, "in addition to the pens and paper, I've brought something rare from the Eastern Empire—a luxurious soap, used only by the highest nobility."

Renly furrowed his brow, intrigued. "Soap?" he repeated, unfamiliar with the term. The merchant unwrapped the white bar and handed it to the guard, who passed it to Renly and Loras. A fragrant scent filled the air as the soap exchanged hands.

Loras, always drawn to fine things, took the bar first and sniffed it. "It smells like the white orchids in Highgarden!" he exclaimed, surprised. "My favorite flower."

Renly took the soap from Loras and held it to his nose. A smile crossed his face as he caught the rich aroma. "No, it's roses," he said with certainty. "Just like the ones in my garden."

Anthony, sensing their approval, seized the moment to explain the soap's qualities. "This soap, my lord, comes from the distant East and is sought after by the wealthiest of nobles. It's not only better than the regular soap used here in Westeros, but it leaves the skin cleaner and smoother, with a scent that lasts long after washing. It's a luxury fit for someone of your stature."

Renly, clearly impressed by both the scent and the luxurious idea behind the product, glanced at Anthony with approval. The merchant had successfully captured his interest, and Anthony knew that with this, his fortunes in King's Landing were about to change for the better.

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