Expanding into Kingslanding

With Alexander being summoned, it gave Maximus a lot of Freedom to start travelling the Free Cities and to Westeros. He was currently in Myr and had purchased a ship to head to Kingslanding where he would start setting up his new tavern and spy network.

Coming with him was Faraday and a handful of the Shadow operatives, to oversee this crucial expansion, as well as a man named Maerrario Essaenor who was sent by Arin to become the new manager for the tavern.

4 days later they had arrived at King's Landing under the guise of wealthy merchants looking to establish new trade routes. As soon as he was about to venture into the city, Faraday had walked up to him, "My lord, Lord Varys appears to be waiting for you up ahead" informed Faraday.

Looking in front of them, Maximus saw Varys standing next to a nearby building within its shadow.

"I'm sure his little birds have told him about our arrival, I'll go speak with him just watch the area for any problems" ordered Maximus as he walked towards Varys leaving his guards behind.

Varys, the bald eunuch, was dressed in a robe of lavish cloth. He had a distinct placidity about him, his eyes calm yet unreadable.

"My lord Maximus, I've heard much of your exploits within Free Cities," Varys greeted him with an enigmatic smile. "I trust your voyage across the Narrow Sea brought no inconvenience?"

"No more than usual, Lord Varys," Maximus responded evenly.

Varys nodded and gestured towards a private corner away from prying eyes. "I am not here to impose my lord; I am just curious as to why such as yourself have ventured across the narrow sea to Kingslanding."

"I simply seek opportunities, Lord Varys," Maximus responded, his eyes meeting those of Lord Varys. "I'm sure you know of my many establishments within the Free cities, I seek to establish one in Kingslanding to provide both the common folk and lords access to some interesting foods, drinks, and entertainment." revealed Maximus. He knew Varys already knew about his business as he didn't try to keep it a secret. As long as one searched deep enough or asked some nobles, they would find out that Maximus is the owner of those new taverns in each of the Free cities.

And someone like Varys who had access to a large spy network could find out easily.

"Indeed," Varys replied, having no surprise at the revelation. "A noble endeavor, my lord. Providing services and delights to the people of this city is always met with approval, although I must remind you that Westeros is not the Free Cities," he paused. "The rules are different, and the power dynamics shift more rapidly than the seas during a storm."

Maximus chuckled lightly. "I am no stranger to challenges, Lord Varys. They make life much more interesting."

Varys smiled at the response, a knowing glimmer in his eyes. "Indeed, they do," he replied. "Very well, welcome to Kingslanding, Lord Maximus. But I would advise you to tread carefully."

"I will Lord Varys, and before you go, I must tell you that I have something interesting that you can give the King" informed Maximus.

"And what do you think is something that the King will be interested in?" inquired Lord Varys.

"Well," Maximus began, lowering his voice to a whisper. A wry smirk appeared on his lips as he took a step closer to Lord Varys. "I have in my possession a rare vintage of wine from Essos. It's called Illyrio's Fire. Aged for over five decades and known for its rich, fiery flavor. I only have a few bottles, and I thought the King might appreciate such a rarity."

Varys' eyebrows shot up at the mention of Illyrio's Fire. Even he, with all his access and connections, had only heard rumors of such a vintage. To actually possess it was quite an achievement.

"Indeed." His voice betrayed a hint of intrigue. "The King does have an appreciation for fine wines. And this... this is certainly no ordinary wine."

Maximus nodded, "Consider it a gift from me to the crown. A token of goodwill and inform the King that I have a way to ensure that his wife never has a stillborn child again and his son's life will never be in danger" Maximus offered with a respectful bow of his head.

Varys bowed slightly, a thin smile curving his lips. "A generous offer, my lord. The King will be most pleased." He hesitated for a moment and then added, "Is there anything else you require from me before I take my leave?"

Maximus shook his head. "Not at the moment, Lord Varys. But I am sure our paths will cross again soon."

"I am certain of it," replied Varys, offering a final nod before turning to disappear back into the shadowy maze of King's Landing.

Once Varys was out of sight, Maximus heaved a sigh. The meeting had gone as well as he could have hoped, for now. It was only the first step in his grand plan. King's Landing was ripe with opportunities and dangers alike. Only time would tell if he had played his cards right. He planned to gain the Mad Kings favor and trust in order to be able to meet the queen, once that happens then he would be able to save her alongside her children when the Rebellion happens.

As he began to direct his men towards their new establishment which Faraday had already procured before they arrived, Maerrario Essaenor approached him. He was a tall man, with ebony hair and a slender build that hid his strength.

"My lord," he began, "I've managed to secure some hires for the tavern while you were speaking with Varys. We should be able to start operations by tomorrow night."

Maximus gave him an approving nod, "Good work, Maerrario. Once everything is set up, we can start renovating the place and eventually open it."

Maerrario straightened with a satisfied grin. "I won't disappoint you, My Lord. Our tavern shall be the talk of King's Landing."

And with that, they parted ways, Maerrario to oversee the last-minute preparations for the tavern and Maximus set off to visit the property and see what needs to be done.

As Maximus stepped into the building that was soon to become the most popular tavern in King's Landing, his eyes evaluated the space. It was well located, and while it needed some work to align with his vision, it had potential. High ceilings, ample room for tables and chairs, a large bar area, and a generous space for a stage where musicians or performers could entertain guests.

The renovations would take some time, but he was not in a rush. He knew that a well-designed and comfortable tavern could lure in both high-born lords looking for refined entertainment as well as commoners who sought a place to unwind after a hard day.

As he walked around the place inspecting every corner, Maximus formulated plans. He wanted to create an atmosphere unlike any other in King's Landing. The furnishings would be luxurious but welcoming. Fine art from Essos would adorn the walls. And of course, there would be a private room reserved only for special guests, highborns or wealthy merchants with a taste for exclusivity and privacy.

His designs for his bar were mostly based off his modern knowledge which in this world would make it look unique compared to other taverns and places of interest. The Stonemasons and Carpenters took his words and created a plan to renovate the area.

Once he was done planning the renovations of the tavern, Maximus took two guards and explored the rest of Kingslanding.