Everyone knew that Bear Island was a harsh and frigid place, vastly different from the great noble houses with their expansive lands. No one would mock its people for being frugal—such was the reality of life there.
However, when word spread that Lady Maege Mormont, the formidable ruler of Bear Island, had purchased not just one but two carriages—a large and a small one—many were surprised.
"Lady Maege has really spent a fortune this time!" someone murmured.
The last to place his order was Roose Bolton, the Lord of the Dreadfort. As always, he remained calm and composed, his expression betraying nothing. He waited patiently for the other lords to finish before speaking in his usual soft voice. "The Bolton family will take two large carriages and two small ones. As for payment, I will send someone to deliver it once I return to the Dreadfort. I trust, Lord Jason, that the person I send will be able to retrieve the carriages as promised?"
Jason Liu smiled at the cold and calculating lord. "Of course, my lord. I give you my word."
The Dreadfort was one of the most powerful strongholds in the North, and Roose Bolton's composed demeanor made it clear that spending 3,400 gold dragons was insignificant to him. He placed his order without so much as a flicker of hesitation. His confidence and wealth were rivaled only by the Manderlys of White Harbor.
Even Lady Maege Mormont, despite the hardships of Bear Island, had spent a significant sum without wavering. The northern lords, it seemed, were not lacking in generosity. Jason couldn't help but wonder—if these northern nobles could spend so freely, how much more extravagant would the wealthier lords of the South be?
With the major lords having placed their orders, it was now the turn of the smaller noble families, those sworn to the great houses. Among them were the Cassel family, represented by Ser Jory Cassel, Captain of Eddard Stark's guard, and Ser Rodrik Cassel, the Master-at-Arms of Winterfell.
The Cassel family had only been noble for a little over two hundred years—not long by Westerosi standards. Despite their limited wealth, they gritted their teeth and ordered a single small carriage. After all, every northern noble present had made a purchase. If their family abstained, it would be like publicly admitting they were too poor. That would be an embarrassment when attending feasts or councils.
Other minor houses followed suit. The Cerwyns, the Tallharts, the Flints, the Mormonts, and more than a dozen other families each placed orders for either a large or small carriage. Even those who hesitated could not resist the social pressure.
Jason noticed that the Reed family of Greywater Watch was absent, though he quickly realized why. The Reeds ruled over the Neck, a vast swamp. Carriages were useless in such terrain. It made sense that they had not come.
In total, Jason Liu sold 21 large carriages and 26 small ones. The final sum amounted to 39,200 gold dragons—more than double what he had earned over the past few months selling pens, paper, soap, and other small goods. It was no wonder that merchants dealing in luxury goods became so wealthy. The profit was simply too good.
The nobles agreed that their carriages would be completed in seven days and stored at the Easter Store until they sent their representatives with payment to collect them.
Having secured such a massive deal, Jason was in a great mood. He invited the northern lords, who had been standing for a long time, to enter the store, rest, and drink some water. He wanted them to relax and recover from their impulse spending—before presenting them with yet another opportunity to part with their gold.
As the lords sipped water and cooled their heads, the reality of their purchases began to sink in. Spending 1,000 gold dragons on a single carriage was no small expense, even for the nobility. While the wealthiest houses, like the Manderlys of White Harbor and the Boltons of the Dreadfort, could afford such luxuries without much concern, many lesser houses felt the sting.
The truth was, though these noble families had histories stretching back centuries—some even millennia—their actual liquid wealth was limited. Noble life was expensive. Maintaining castles, paying taxes, waging wars, and funding retainers all drained their coffers.
For example, Roose Bolton, whose family had ruled the Dreadfort for generations, had around 200,000 gold dragons in his treasury—a significant sum, but not unlimited. Meanwhile, Bear Island, one of the poorest territories, would be fortunate to have 20,000 gold dragons in reserve. That was why Jorah Mormont had resorted to selling poachers as slaves, an act that forced him into exile.
Maege Mormont had spent the last decade carefully managing her resources, saving bit by bit. Now, after parting with 1,700 gold dragons for her carriages, she felt a twinge of regret. But the women of Bear Island, like their men, were proud and would never take back their word.
Among those least affected by their purchases were the wealthiest northern houses—House Manderly of White Harbor, House Bolton of the Dreadfort, and House Dustin of Barrowton. To them, a few thousand gold dragons were a minor expense.
As the nobles settled down, Jason saw his opportunity. He gave a subtle signal to Barron, one of his assistants, before standing up and walking toward the counter.
"Lords and ladies," he called, gaining their attention. "Now that we've discussed carriages, let us turn to another marvel—solar lighting."
At his cue, Barron and a few workers entered, carrying large cardboard boxes. Inside were the last three sets of solar lighting equipment in stock. The nobles leaned in with curiosity.
"Last night, in Winterfell, you all witnessed the brilliance of these energy-saving lamps," Jason continued with a smile. "You saw for yourselves how they outshine candles, torches, and oil lamps. Imagine having such lighting in your own castles!"
He patted one of the boxes. "With these installed, your halls will be as bright as day, even at night! And all it takes is a simple solar panel to absorb sunlight during the day. Once installed, these lamps will provide light for nearly ten years. That's a full decade without worrying about costly candles or smoky torches!"
The nobles exchanged glances. The thought of having such bright, reliable light in their castles—without constantly refilling lamps or buying candles—was tempting.
Jason grinned inwardly. He could already see the gears turning in their heads.
The northern lords had just spent a fortune on carriages. Now, it was time to make them spend even more.
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