The problem was quickly solved.
Gulltown's two wealthiest merchant families, the Gravesons and the Arryns, had invested in the Iron Bank, hoping to capitalize on their wealth.
The Iron Bank deliberately undervalued the money.
Not only would profits plummet, but the principal was also at risk of being lost.
Aemond, upon hearing this, frowned, yearning for the prospect of setting Braavos on fire.
Bastards! Is that Graveson and Arryn's money?
It's his money! His, his, all his.
"Your Majesty, there's a letter from Myr," Ser Hadrian of the Runeguard reported, handing over an envelope.
Aemond, slightly surprised, opened it with skepticism.
Then, a sudden sense of enlightenment dawned on him.
Johanna had written him a letter to help him solve the Iron Bank problem.
The Triarchy, henceforth also referred to as the three city-states.
Tyrosh is located on an island at the edge of the Stepstones. The city-state doesn't have many distinctive features, with various industries operating in a conventional manner.
Its only specialty is its abundance of mercenaries.
Lys is known as the "Little Whorehouse of the World," churning out highly skilled female slaves and slaves in various service industries.
The Perfume Gardens, in particular, boast the world's largest gold-selling vault.
Therefore, despite its modest development in other industries, it is surprisingly the richest of the Triarchy.
In contrast, Myr excels in craftsmanship and creativity.
Compared to the other two rigid city-states, it is brimming with thriving vitality.
The city-state has at least one bank.
Consider that the entire continent of Westeros lacks a single bank.
Johanna assumed the position of Steward of Myr, taking over one bank and annexing another.
After the merger, they established the "Myr Bank."
According to Johanna's letter, the predecessor of the Myr Bank had accumulated a debt owed to the Iron Bank.
Gulltown was facing difficulties, so they simply asked the Iron Bank to return the principal.
If they refused, the Myr Bank's debt would remain unpaid.
"Wow!"
Aemond was confused, but deeply shocked.
Could this be defeating magic with magic?
Johanna finally reminded him that the principal in Gulltown could be transferred to Myr for deposit after it was returned.
The interest rate was slightly lower than the Iron Bank's, but it offered the advantage of being free from constraints.
Most importantly, she wanted to open a bank to attract capital from both sides of the Narrow Sea.
This coincided with the Sea Serpent's ambitions.
"Support! We must support!"
Aemond excitedly practically slammed the table.
The arrogant old Sea Serpent said he couldn't govern the people.
Look! His Royal Highness's command was overflowing with talent.
"What's in the letter? Why are you so excited?"
Rhaenyra approached curiously, her beautiful eyes widening as she scanned the scene.
Aemond held her fair cheek and nibbled on it, then smiled. "The Sea Serpent's plan is about to fail."
Of the three cities, Myr suffered the least.
With its existing banking infrastructure, it was the fastest and most stable for entrepreneurship.
Tyrosh suffered the most, and rebuilding its city-state infrastructure would take a year and a half.
And it's still miles ahead!
"Ah~~" Rhaenyra's pretty face flushed from the kiss, and she lowered her head and hummed reluctantly.
Her already beautiful face was even more alluring.
"I have a difficult task for you, Rhaenyra," Aemond said earnestly, meeting her gaze.
"Hmm?" Rhaenyra's hesitation faded, a look of doubt on her face.
Ever since childhood, whenever Aemond had a malicious intent, he'd always act as if he were delegating a heavy responsibility.
"Don't worry, it's not a bad thing," Aemond assured her, patting his chest. "The Iron Bank owes us money, and I can't leave. You'll go collect it for me."
"Collect it?" Rhaenyra pointed at herself, incredulous. "Me! A princess collecting a debt?"
Is that right? It would be embarrassing to tell anyone.
"The money we collect is all ours," Aemond said, tempting her.
"Gulp~~" Rhaenyra's pupils dilated, and she gulped quietly.
Is that so?
Finally, Rhaenyra, the "Light of the Kingdom," had been successfully brainwashed.
Go to Braavos and collect the Iron Bank's debt.
If they don't pay, then let them witness the roar of Syrax's hungry dragon.
"Master Barkin will lead the team, and he will cooperate with you to deal with the small fry."
Aemond succeeded in fooling her, and earnestly warned: "Don't be afraid of conflicts, and don't be bullied when you go out."
"Yeah." Rhaenyra smiled and nodded.
How could she not know that Aemond was fooling her? She was just going with the flow.
Going out alone to carry out a mission.
An opportunity to prove her ability was very tempting to her.
The next day.
The fleet of the Graveson family sailed out of the port and headed towards Braavos on the other side of the strait.
"Hiss!"
A young topaz-colored female dragon soared into the sky, carrying the rider to escort the fleet.
"Bank! My family also has a bank."
Aemond stopped and looked, and couldn't help laughing.
A bank does not mean endless money.
But there will be a steady stream of money flowing into the bank, using other people's money to do your own business.
Great!
Tap tap tap...
Footsteps echoed behind him. Ser William of the Runeguard arrived. "Your Majesty, Ser Houghton and his men have returned."
Aemond understood.
The Vale's coalition had landed.
This coalition force consisted primarily of vassals from Runestone, supported by House Redfort of the Redfort, through marriage.
This was his direct line of influence in the Vale.
Jeyne had consolidated the conservative and radical factions, commanding the nobles of half the Vale.
In the Battle of Myr, House Corbray had also been sent as a representative, supporting victory.
Overall, the Vale remained relatively united.
Under his influence, the rule of the former "House Arryn of the Eyrie" was being weakened, and a new "House Targaryen of the Vale" was emerging.
Everything was moving in a positive direction.
"Full of energy," Aemond said, stretching his waist as he went downstairs to greet the heroes.
A banquet would be held, and rewards distributed.
Winning over the Vale people would bring great promise to the future.
Time flew by, and seven days later.
The weather was clear, and the sky was azure.
Runestone.
Aemond rode Vermithor home to see his young, solitary mother.
Daemon had returned to the royal household, spreading the news of his dissolution of the marriage.
After so long, word had probably reached his mother.
As the eldest son, he owed her a visit.
Meanwhile, in Runestone City, in the second-floor attic, the former cram school.
A solid wooden table sat by the window, a pile of books in one corner.
Jensif tilted her head, one hand resting on her chin as she flipped through the pages with the other.
Her light red curls fell across her chest, and her slender index finger curled them, twirling them.
Her deer-like brown eyes stared at the unfamiliar handwriting in the book, revealing a hint of melancholy and confusion.
Her rosy lips parted slightly, "Old Valyria... Forty Fire Peaks... House of the Dragon..."
She stumbled over them, as if learning to speak.
"Knock, knock, knock—"
There was a knock on the door, and Lady Rhea pushed it open.
"Madam," Jensif turned her head, seeing her adoptive mother, now out of her hunting attire, and hurriedly stood to greet her.
"Sit down, you're welcome."
Lady Rhea glanced around the attic, her face impassive, as she approached her adopted daughter.
Jensif paused for a second, then closed her book and poured her adoptive mother a glass of wine.
"No, I'm not used to sweet wine," Lady Rhea said flatly, ignoring her adopted daughter's attempt to cover her ears.
She glanced at the book, which read "Valyrian Quick Guide" on the cover.
"Hmph!"
Lady Rhea chuckled, scanning the other books.
It was either "Valyrian, Vocabulary Notes" or "Valyrian from Beginner to Mastery"...
"Madam!" Jensif said pitifully, taking her arm and rocking it gently.
"Stop!"
Lady Rhea pulled her hand away, saying calmly, "It's perfectly natural to want to have something in common with your future husband and learn the same language. There's nothing to be ashamed of."
Her son was almost an adult.
It was normal for the adopted daughter to feel anxious after having been promised.
But her recent dedication to studying showed her language talent was average.
"I can't learn it. The words are like hieroglyphics." Jensif slumped over the table, dejected. "I was hoping to give His Royal Highness a surprise."
"Pleasing men is a lifelong failure," Lady Rhea sneered.
Jensif: ...
I've already failed before I even started trying to please.
A complete failure.
"Go eat. Going hungry won't solve the problem."
Seeing her once-energetic adopted daughter's dejected expression, Lady Rhea's eyes flickered with resignation.
"Yes, ma'am."
Jensif cleared the table and stood up obediently.
She relied on her adoptive mother for everything, including food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.
She was also His Royal Highness's mother.
She was her boss in both work and life, making her incredibly well-behaved.
"You'll never learn it this way," Lady Rhea said, her heart clenched. "There's a book in my bedroom bookcase. Take it home after dinner."
"What book?"
Jensif's hands were busy.
Lady Rhea held up the copy of "A Quick Guide to Valyrian," sighed, and clutched her forehead. "Targaryens speak High Valyrian, and yours is a ragtag book published in Tyrosh."
"Huh?"
Jensif's brain froze.
"To learn Valyrian, you need to read books published in the Citadel or Lys."
Lady Rhea explained to her uninformed adopted daughter, then suddenly sneered, "If you learn Valyrian from ragtag books, your husband will laugh his ass off if you speak it on your wedding night."
"..."
A blush crossed Jensif's pretty face. She thanked her and fled.
Suffering the consequences of her lack of education.
How embarrassing!
Bang!
The door slammed shut.
Lady Rhea, with nothing to do, was lost in thought for a moment, then wandered around the attic.
The decor was decent, with bearskins and swords hanging on the walls, giving it a subtle yet sturdy feel.
Her eldest son had once taken classes here.
Lady Rhea looked away, feeling an inexplicable irritation.
If her adopted daughter wants to learn a foreign language, then redecorate the attic.
When she visited Redfort, the castle's style was more maple-red and softer, quite different from the decor of Runestone City.
For a young woman, it's important to be in a comfortable environment.
"Knock, knock, knock—"
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
Lady Rhea frowned slightly, thinking it was the old maester reporting something, and called out, "Come in!"
Creak!
The door swung open, and a figure walked in.
"Ding, clang, clang!"
Aemond shouted playfully, "Mother, I'm back!"
Lady Rhea was stunned.
The hall.
Aemond was buried in his food, across the table from his mother, Lady Rhea.
"Prince, eat slowly," Jensif smiled, standing aside, picking up some food for him.
"Thank you," Aemond said reverently, enjoying the same rich, greasy food he'd grown up with.
Lady Rhea rolled her eyes and said he didn't eat properly.
"Mother, have you heard about Daemon?" Aemond suddenly asked after swallowing his food.
"Hmm," Lady Rhea nodded, indicating understanding.
The serpent had regained the King's trust and returned to King's Landing to wield its power.
"Oh," Aemond nibbled his bread and asked no more questions.
His mother's wisdom surpassed his, a transcendence of physique and experience far beyond the reach of a mere "ordinary Targaryen."
Without dragons, he would have to collect rent on horseback in the Runestone countryside.
The bread tasted a bit dry.
Aemond had a flash of inspiration and said, "There's a field of high-quality wheat in Riverrun, and it should be ready for harvest soon."
Golden dog, produced by the Bronze Sacred Tree.
Containing a subtle magical aura, regular consumption effectively improves physical fitness.
It wouldn't be of much use to him, but it would be a treasure for others.
"It's August now, and the second batch of wheat has been planted," Lady Rhea said disdainfully.
"Uh..." Aemond was speechless, chuckling, "Mom, you know me. I hate farming the most."
"Prince, eat some meat," Jensif said, kindly helping out.
The people of the Vale preferred to call Aemond "Your Majesty."
But using that title in front of Lady Rhea would expose His Royal Highness to ridicule.
"Thank you," Aemond wiped his mouth and abruptly said, "Let's get engaged first, Jensif."
"Yes, all right." Jensif picked up the flagon, still unresponsive.
Lady Rhea, however, looked at her son in surprise.
"Hmm?"
Jensif suddenly looked up and exclaimed, "Engagement!"
"Yes."
Aemond took her hand, set down the silver flagon, and smiled, "Thank you for taking care of Mom during this time. You're a good sister."
Jensif was stunned, a mixture of joy and surprise in her heart, but she looked at her adoptive mother with a look of hope.
Lady Rhea nodded gently.
Her son's reign in the Vale was too short, and Jeyne of the Eyrie was still alive.
If her son married Jensif, the Redfort family of the Red Fort would be loyal to him, and the people of the Vale would feel a sense of belonging.
And when he married Jeyne as well, the Vale would be united for decades to come.
"Yes, I do."
After getting her adoptive mother's approval, Jensif nodded vigorously and bent down to give Aemond a big hug.
Aemond's vision darkened as the soft peak of her breast rubbed against his nose.
"So enthusiastic, Jensif," he patted her elastic, perky breast until he was almost breathless.
Jensif then let go, blushing.
"Where's the engagement venue?" Lady Rhea asked irritably, completely disoriented.
"You choose."
"How about Runestone City?"
"Absolutely," Aemond agreed with a smile.
His original intention was to go to Riverrun or Runestone City, either would be fine.
Riverrun offered better conditions, and he had intended to get engaged to Laena.
Unfortunately, Laena had chosen Driftmark.
But his mother would definitely choose Runestone City.
It was the root of the Royce family.
Jensif was her chosen daughter-in-law, and getting engaged in Runestone City held special meaning for them.
"I-I'll go back to my room first."
Jensif, unable to join in, went upstairs, her skirt in hand.
Aemond watched her go.
As she left, the atmosphere at the table quieted.
Mother and son stared at each other, speechless.
Aemond was helpless.
He could handle himself with his uncle and Alicent.
But he couldn't be active with his mother.
"Eat well, go to bed early."
Lady Rhea stood up and strode upstairs.
She wanted to go back for a beauty sleep.
Aemond waved his hand to show his understanding.
His mother was 35 years old, still in her prime.
She needed to take care of herself.
When they were alone, Aemond leaned back in his chair and swayed. He was almost an adult, so he had to hurry up and do what he needed to do.
He tricked Rhaenyra away just to get engaged in Runestone City.
Apart from her scheming and acting skills, Jensif was a good girl.
She was devoted to him, and her feelings were sincere.
He was not blind, nor was he just in love.
There was no need to pretend to be noble.
With Jensif, he could also spend time with his mother.
But he had to be wary of Jeyne. That bad woman definitely had some tendencies.
Jensif had secretly told him that Jeyne especially liked to bathe and sleep with her.
It's really exciting... No, it's really disgusting.
---------------
You can read +100 advance chapters on my Patreon
Patreon(.)com/izan24
•TIER 1 you'll get +15 ADVANCE CHAPTERS
•TIER 2 you'll get +40 ADVANCE CHAPTERS
•TIER 3 you'll get +60 ADVANCE CHAPTERS
•TIER 4 you'll get +100 ADVANCE CHAPTERS