Skyrim System In Westeros

Wright knew Renly was under a lot of pressure, though he was growing quickly. Patting him on the shoulder, he said:

"You'll have to take my place at the Small Council meetings, and the school is in your hands. Guide them well. During my time on the ship, I came up with several new ways to use magic, particularly suited for those with limited reserves of power. Thoros has already moved the books onto your ship."

Wright continued:

"This time, I'm going to Braavos to secure a loan from the Iron Bank. If all goes smoothly, I'll have Varys send you a message. Be prepared to receive it. It's a significant amount of money, so be cautious."

One of Wright's primary goals for this journey was to borrow money from the Iron Bank, which would be used to build merchant ships, warships for protection, expand workshops, purchase raw materials, and hire workers and soldiers. Without proper protection, transporting goods would be far too risky.

The Iron Bank was the largest financial institution across the two continents. People in this world rarely dared to borrow money from it unless absolutely necessary, fearing the high interest rates.

However, as a modern-minded traveler, Wright was well-acquainted with the concept of taking loans to expand production. Moreover, the Iron Bank's interest rates weren't particularly high — it's just that this world's economy progressed at a much slower pace.

Renly reassured him:

"I'll take care of it. The stormlands' vassals now share more direct interests with us. I can muster a loyal force to guard the funds."

Renly then added:

"To ensure you have enough, I've prepared several extra chests of gold dragons for you. Bring back some unique goods from Essos."

Wright tugged at Renly's clothes with a smile:

"Think back to the old days, when all we had barely bought you a decent outfit and fake jewelry to keep up appearances. Look at you now, with your gold-embroidered clothing and gemstone buttons! Still, set aside some funds for emergencies."

Turning serious, Wright addressed both Stannis and Renly:

"And remember, make sure to persuade our brother to eat less meat and drink less wine. He needs more vegetables. Look at his stomach!"

"What's wrong with my stomach? This is a king's majesty!" Robert retorted, feigning anger.

Laughing, Wright said:

"Take care. Write often!"

\---

As King Robert returned from Dragonstone to King's Landing, news of Wright Baratheon, the realm's Archmage, leaving Westeros to explore the eastern continent of Essos quickly spread through various channels.

His position as Archmage of the Small Council, mastery of mysterious magic, support from the Citadel, and exceptional financial acumen made him seem apolitical. However, the economic system centered in Storm's End, which tied together the noble families of Dorne and the Riverlands, had solidified Robert's control over the southern regions of Westeros.

These pressures combined, like a mountain, stifled many from taking action. Yet, with Wright leaving Westeros, it was as if a crack split open the heavens, letting sunlight flood through and emboldening various factions to stir.

\---

Storm's End – Renly's Chambers

Previously, all business at Storm's End had been managed by Wright, with Renly assisting in implementation. Now, Renly had taken over the entire operation.

Additionally, the matters of the magic school in King's Landing also fell to Renly. Fortunately, King's Landing was relatively close to Storm's End, allowing him to travel back and forth more efficiently than between other locations.

However, Renly had never truly understood how Wright managed such an expansive business network. In the past, he had merely observed from the sidelines. When issues arose, he would pass letters to Wright, who would provide solutions almost immediately.

Wright had tried to teach him, but Renly hadn't approached it with the same dedication he gave to studying magic. Instead, he preferred negotiating deals with people in the field. Yet, the recent surge in workload had rapidly honed his administrative and business acumen.

Now, Renly stared at the pile of correspondence before him: the Harvest Hall weapons forge would run out of ore next month and needed new purchases arranged. Negotiations with the Reach were required to settle the next season's prices and quantities for cocoa and sugar.

"Buying based on last month's amount won't work. Next season's crops haven't even been planted yet. How am I supposed to know how much we'll need?" Renly grumbled in frustration.

"Renly, check the old ledgers. See how much Wright increased the orders by in previous years. Follow his proportions, or ask your uncle. He's in charge of agricultural supplies," suggested Loras Tyrell, who was seated nearby with a book in hand.

"Of course! Wright even reminded me about this before he left. There's been so much going on that I completely forgot." Renly sighed, leaning back in his chair, clearly worn out.

Loras stepped behind him, massaging his neck.

"What book are you reading?" Renly asked.

"The second volume of Wright's The Demon's Gateway series," Loras replied.

Renly chuckled, recalling, "Wright wrote that after returning from the Citadel. I initially thought it was about infernal demons, but it turned out to be an economics treatise. I read it once and left it in the library."

Loras laughed. "The second volume is fascinating. There's a story about someone picking up a stone by the river and selling it to a friend for 50 gold dragons. That friend then sold it to another for 100 gold dragons, and so on, until the stone eventually sold to a merchant for 60,000 gold dragons. When the merchant tried to resell it, everyone involved had vanished! Hilarious."

Renly pondered for a moment. "Wright explained the theories in detail to me. If people truly understand the ideas in The Demon's Gateway series, each volume alone could destabilize all of Westeros. So, once you're done reading it, put it back where it belongs."

In truth, Renly had long wanted to burn the set of books. Yet, knowing they were the product of Wright's hard work, he couldn't bring himself to do it. Now he thought it best to hide them in a more secure location.

Loras Tyrell leaned against Renly. "And what are you reading?"

Renly replied, "Wright's notes on management. They're scattered and uncompiled, but he insisted I study them immediately. The Master of Coin and Master of Laws are both advanced in years, and their positions will soon become vacant. Robert intends for me to succeed the Master of Laws. Your father is a strong candidate to replace the Master of Coin."

"My father has been in King's Landing recently," Loras said. "But he mentioned there are other competitors."

Renly shrugged. "That's irrelevant. At best, they'll receive nominations. What truly matters is the vote at the Small Council."

Since Wright's departure, Renly had become the focal point for numerous matters. Gradually, people realized Renly handled things differently than Wright. He was softer and more prone to compromise if they pushed hard enough. Sensing this, many began leveraging their status or offering gifts to curry favor with him.

Their efforts escalated over time. Some sought commercial advantages, higher positions within the kingdom, or apprenticeships for their children at the magic academy. Others took bolder steps, attempting to send their daughters into Renly's bed.

Wherever Renly went, streams of visitors flocked to see him, creating immense pressure. In response, he expanded his personal guard to shield himself from such advances.

Without Wright to confide in, Renly shared his frustrations with those closest to him. Especially loras, causing their relationship to deepened.

Anyway, the silver lining was that Renly's skills in managing business and state affairs were improving at an astonishing pace.