News of Gaimon's initiative quickly spread through King's Landing, and it was no accident that he made sure of it. Since the construction of his territory had gained momentum, Gaimon had been thinking carefully about how to accelerate its development even further. After observing the situation for a while, he noticed an interesting pattern: many merchants in King's Landing had, over decades of peace and stability, accumulated significant wealth. Yet, despite their fortunes, most of these merchants were still confined to small, cramped city homes. The limited space made it impossible for them to expand their living quarters, and the high cost of property in the capital made buying larger plots virtually unattainable.
King's Landing, after all, was the largest city in all of Westeros. Most of the land was either controlled by the royal family or dominated by the great nobles and wealthy businessmen. Small and medium-sized merchants had very few opportunities to secure land of their own. Even if they wanted to move elsewhere, the dangers outside the city—bandits, roving knights, and lawless mercenaries—posed constant threats. On top of that, the often arbitrary taxes and tolls levied by nobles on their lands made living outside the city nearly unbearable for the middle class.
Yet, despite these hardships, King's Landing's lower and middle classes had some breathing room. The Targaryen family, historically, had refrained from exploiting these citizens too heavily. They focused more on their public image and less on squeezing every last coin from ordinary people. This relative leniency allowed merchants and artisans to save money and gradually amass wealth, even if they could not expand their properties within the city.
Gaimon, after analyzing this situation, realized an opportunity. If he could offer these merchants the chance to build homes and businesses in his new territory, he could attract both capital and population, jumpstarting economic development. Acting on this insight, he issued a bold decree: any merchant willing to build a house in his territory would be granted land for free.
The specifics were enticing: within the city, each merchant could claim up to one acre of land. Outside the city, each merchant could receive up to one hundred acres for development. The difference in area reflected the relative security and convenience of urban life versus rural development. This announcement caused a stir in King's Landing. The decree was taken seriously because Gaimon, a member of the royal family, carried undeniable credibility. Unlike some nobles who often changed their edicts on a whim, Gaimon's word was considered binding and trustworthy.
For merchants long frustrated by the crowded capital, this was a golden opportunity. A new city under royal oversight meant not only a chance to secure land but also the promise of a growing market, infrastructure, and, above all, security. It didn't take long for word to spread, and soon the merchants of King's Landing began preparing their finances, eager to invest in Gaimon's territory.
The Wende River, the main waterway connecting the territory to King's Landing, gradually grew busier. Merchant ships, laden with goods and hopeful investors, traveled the route almost continuously. Looking down from the sky, one could see the increasing traffic: though not constant, the passage of ships was frequent enough to demonstrate the growing economic activity.
One afternoon, Gaimon sat in the newly built city hall, examining reports when Jon, his trusted aide, entered.
"Jon," Gaimon asked, "how many merchants have arrived to invest recently?"
Jon's face lit up with a hint of pride. "Your Highness, hundreds of merchants—both large and small—have come to inquire about investment opportunities. Many are still cautious, but dozens have already begun building houses and businesses. This month alone, we've had inquiries from merchants across King's Landing, and the response has been overwhelming."
Gaimon leaned back in his chair, satisfied. "And where are they choosing to settle?"
Jon reported with precision: "Your Highness, all the merchants who have committed to investing have opted for land within the city. We've divided the plots according to the industries they plan to establish, following your instructions. Some have already begun constructing factories, warehouses, and homes."
Gaimon nodded approvingly but quickly added a practical concern. "Good. But make sure the buildings aren't too close together. Most houses are made of brick and wood. If a fire breaks out, closely packed buildings could turn a small blaze into a disaster. We need to plan the layout carefully, leaving ample space between structures to minimize future risks."
Jon acknowledged the instruction with a serious nod. "Understood, Your Highness. We'll ensure proper spacing."
Once satisfied that Jon grasped his point, Gaimon asked about the types of industries the merchants were bringing in.
"Currently, Your Highness, most merchants are investing in taverns and brothels—industries that yield quick returns. With the territory's population steadily growing, these businesses are likely to thrive even more."
Gaimon considered this carefully. "Then we need regulations in place. Taverns must be patrolled regularly to maintain public order and prevent violence. Brothels require stricter oversight: registration of personnel, issuance of operating permits, and routine inspections. While brothels are profitable and will contribute substantially to future taxes, they can also harbor exploitation and crime. Any cases of trafficking or robbery must be handled immediately. If someone has been forced into service, attempt to negotiate their release."
Jon, accustomed to Gaimon's thoroughness, nodded in agreement. "Yes, Your Highness. Taverns and brothels alike will be monitored closely. Control and order will be maintained."
Satisfied, Gaimon leaned back and turned to long-term strategy. "We need to increase publicity. Send emissaries to Oldtown, White Harbor, and other major cities to promote the territory. The more merchants invest, the faster the city will develop."
Jon suggested a practical improvement. "Your Highness, rather than sending our own people alone, we could encourage the merchants who have already invested to spread the word. Additionally, we could hire bards to compose songs praising the city, which would travel far and wide. Word-of-mouth combined with artful promotion could attract more investors efficiently."
Gaimon's eyes brightened. "Excellent idea. Let's implement that immediately."
Jon acknowledged, "Yes, Your Highness."
The discussion continued late into the afternoon, covering every aspect of city management, investment policies, and urban planning. By the time night fell, Gaimon concluded the meeting and stood, looking out at the setting sun.
"Jon," he said thoughtfully, "I will be spending more time in King's Landing for the foreseeable future. I'll leave you in charge of all affairs in the territory. If anything urgent arises, send a raven immediately, and I will return at once."
Jon simply nodded. Most of the time, he managed the territory independently, and Gaimon's presence was required only for major decisions and oversight.
As Gaimon departed, the territory continued to thrive. Merchant houses were being constructed with care, factories began producing goods, and the streets gradually took shape. Taverns and brothels buzzed with activity, managed under Jon's strict supervision. News of the city spread further as bards sang its praises, and merchants shared their positive experiences with friends and associates.
By leveraging both the promise of land and strategic oversight, Gaimon had effectively created a self-sustaining cycle: investment attracted settlers, settlers increased economic activity, and economic activity drew even more investment. The territory, once an ambitious vision, was rapidly transforming into a bustling center of commerce and development.
Every decision, from the allocation of plots to the management of industries, was guided by Gaimon's long-term vision. He understood that prosperity was not just about wealth—it was about order, security, and sustainable growth. With Jon handling the daily affairs, Gaimon could focus on diplomacy, attracting further royal support, and ensuring that the territory's rise would be both rapid and stable.
The waters of the Wende River became a symbol of this growth, carrying goods, merchants, and news back and forth between King's Landing and the new city. Ships sailed regularly, signaling the beginning of a new era: a city that promised opportunity, prosperity, and the careful stewardship of its rulers.
And so, under Gaimon's guidance and Jon's administration, the territory was no longer just a distant project; it was a vibrant, living city poised to become one of Westeros's most important hubs of trade and culture.
By the time the moon rose high above the city, Gaimon's vision had already begun to bear fruit, and the foundations of a thriving metropolis were firmly in place.
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