With a sharp clap of his hands, Common summoned a servant who promptly presented a parchment. He handed the scroll to Helier. "This is the detailed plan. I provide the technology and labor. You supply the land and initial capital."
As Helier perused the parchment, a hint of concern crept into his voice. "Is it wise to offend Ivika so directly? He is the most powerful governor within Liss."
"Why, then, do you choose to stand by my side?" Common asked intently.
Helier looked into Common's eyes, his remark earnest. "I believe Ivika is no match for you. You are more youthful, more cunning, and far more resourceful."
"I shall take that as a compliment," Common replied with a reassuring smile. "Do not fret. I have been analyzing the situation for the past three years. We have allies."
"Allies?" Helier inquired, surprise evident. "Anders? I would not recommend allying with that fellow. He is even more difficult to deal with than Ivika."
"Then who?"
"Rogare."
Helier furrowed his brow, evidently taken aback. "The Rogare family? They are not in a favorable position. Sanorio recently succumbed to illness, leaving behind a son younger than you. The family relies heavily on Sanorio's sister to hold them together. However, I recently heard… Wait a moment." His eyes widened in astonishment. "It cannot be you, can it?"
With a casual shrug, Common grinned. "Your conjecture is correct. I am to wed the 'Ice Maiden.'"
The Rogare family, a wealthy banking lineage, could trace their bloodline back to Valyria. Yet, the family had shown signs of decline in recent years. Sanorio's sister, Serala, was known for her cold disposition and showed little concern for the family's welfare. Allegedly still a maiden at twenty-four, many men, drawn by her beauty yet unable to win her affection, derisively called her the Ice Maiden. Three months prior, Common had personally visited the ailing Sanorio and secured a betrothal to Serala.
As a traveler, he was acutely aware of the formidable power the Rogare family would wield in the next thirty years. Their banking empire would surpass Braavos's Iron Bank. Furthermore, their Valyrian blood was still relatively potent, making them an ideal ally.
"You wish to support the Rogare family?" Helier's expression was peculiar. "I happen to have a daughter of an age similar to yours. Our family's heritage is somewhat shallow, but our wealth is considerable."
Observing Helier's attempt to promote his daughter, Common promptly declined. "As for your daughter, let us not. She would surely bore me to death in bed."
Helier's countenance turned awkward. "Your words are excessive."
Common chuckled. "Am I? When you have a granddaughter, I could arrange for my son, Grace, to marry her. As for your daughter, you should seek a son-in-law elsewhere."
Helier was momentarily speechless. Nevertheless, he readily acquiesced, for marriage alliances had always been the most reliable pacts. If Common successfully established a new lineage of dragonlords, the Helier family would no longer be considered lacking in heritage.
"Wait," Helier suddenly exclaimed. "Grace… the son of you and Johanna Swann? Is he not a bastard?"
"Grace will inherit the surname 'Common,'" Common stated firmly. "He will carry forth my bloodline."
Helier's expression shifted instantaneously, revealing a smile, but soon returned to confusion. "Are you planning to hand Liss over to Grace? What of your child with Serala?"
A smile tugged at Common's lips. "The disputed lands were once a prosperous realm under Valyria."
"You wish to seize the entire disputed territory?" Helier raised an eyebrow. "Tyrosh and Myr are not easily dealt with. If news of you becoming a dragon knight spreads, they may even unite, demanding you surrender your dragon."
"Huh? That will depend on whether they possess the capability to do so," Common scoffed with disdain.