That was a pretty high-level mastery. And honestly, it made him a bit speechless. Rice was something that could feed the masses, but it couldn't grow in the North. The best regions to grow it was the southern Riverlands during the summer, and the Westerlands, Crownlands, the Reach, and some parts of the Stormlands and Dorne.
But with potatoes, even the North could grow something. And during long winters when all of Westeros turns cold, everyone could grow it. Potatoes could singlehandedly erase food insecurity across the Seven Kingdoms.
"And this?" Wylis showed a colored sketch of a tomato.
"Oh! I remember this one. Juicy, like a fruit, but sour. Lovely thing. Ate it in Great Moraq. They grew it in one little village only."
"..."
Wylis wondered why those things hadn't reached Westeros. But then he remembered dragons and pride. In the grand scheme of things, Westeros was insignificant to the rest of the world, which was far, far bigger. And Westeros was poor in itself while being self-centered. The traders came to Westeros from Essos, instead of Westerosi traders going East.
Westerosi nobles never had a reason to try new things. It wasn't as if science was a thing either. The world was stuck at the same technological level as it was eight thousand years ago. Perhaps even worse, because ancient folks built the Wall. What did modern Westerosi do? Bang siblings and exterminate dragons?
That made Wylis wonder if almost everything that he was familiar with existed out there. Coffee? Cacao? Bell Peppers? Fruits he knew? Nuts? Beans?
Ting!
[New Side Quest - It's A Fruit!
Description - Why be bland? Add a bit of flavor to life.
Goal - Bring tomatoes to Westeros and harvest them at least once.
Reward - Food Storage Mastery]
Aye, a fine reward.
He saw the pattern. All rewards were pushing him towards being completely self-sufficient. Not only in growing, but also in storing.
Corn already existed in Westeros somehow. Tomatoes and potatoes were already found. He asked about vanilla, but Marwyn had no idea about it. Not even a clue. Rubber tree, however, gave Wylis another quest, meaning it was real.
Supposedly, it was rare and harvested from the forests of Ulthos. But the land was dangerous, and most didn't venture too deep as the animals were too strange.
[New Side Quest - Put A Rubber On It!
Description - Transportation, Industries, Military, rubber stretches a long way.
Goal - Bring rubber to Westeros and make something from it.
Reward - Rubber Use Mastery]
Wylis gulped, just thinking about it. Rubber could be used in making hoses, belts for machines, insulation, tires, and so much more. It was a very useful thing.
Wylis asked about cocoa and coffee. But sadly, there was no success. Marwyn didn't know anything about them. Wylis didn't lose hope, however. He was almost certain that they existed out there somewhere.
But when he asked about tobacco, things changed. It was a major thing in Asshai and many other regions of eastern Essos. It was used in ceremonies sometimes.
Ting!
[New Side Quest - Smoke it!
Description - Cigarettes are cool. Cigars are badass, at times.
Goal - Make the first true cigarette.
Reward - Anti-Addiction Therapy Mastery]
"..."
This was the first time he received a reward that went against the effects of the quest. But he liked it; it was best to have the antidote while holding onto the poison.
He asked about a few other things after that, but most of them resulted in nothing. Even some positive signs didn't get confirmed by the Tyrant's Squire. Still, what he'd received was enough to make up his mind.
A full expedition to Essos. A few ships, maybe five or more. The goal would be to bring any and every crop they find there, any interesting trinket, discovery, or book as well.
"Can you see these things sent to me, especially the rice, tomato, potato, rubber, and tobacco I named? I'm not asking you to ride the roads yourself, only to send word to the right hands. I'll pay well for it," he asked, and added more to sweeten the deal, "And in a year's time, I mean to send a trade expedition east. Many ships. I hope to have you guide them."
Archmaester Marwyn's old eyes widened with curious interest. "How many ships, my lord?"
"As the goal is to gather as many unique things, food or not, I suggest at least ten ships. A few of them can bring goods to me mid-way, goods that may rot too fast."
Marwyn nodded and eyed Qyburn for a moment. "Might I inquire, my lord? Why this sudden fascination? I see you're interested in the food of the East, yet wagering on such fare feels... hmm... a perilous gamble, is it not? It could drain your coffers empty."
It wasn't hard for Marwyn to understand what Wylis was doing.
"And to not make that bet means my lands and people will suffer in the cold, yearning for food, basic survival. In time, you'll look back to this moment and reminisce about it fondly, Archmaester."
Wylis rose to his feet after that, his time too important to waste on further chattering.
"You will, Archmaester." Qyburn chimed in. "Lord Kaiser has never once claimed something he cannot accomplish. I showed his recent feat to you myself."
Wylis noticed how Qyburn looked at him, eyes full of fascination. He knew what was going on in the Maester's head. To him, Wylis's invention was groundbreaking. A discovery that changed the understanding of medicine. A discovery whose miracle most people wouldn't even understand.
But to Wylis, it wasn't a discovery but simple borrowing. He didn't discover penicillin; he just borrowed the recipe. Sure, to the world he invented it, but he knew the truth, and that hindered the joy. Instead, Wylis found more pride and joy in winning battles, building his city, and in general, doing what he always dreamt of—ruling his lands.
Archmaester Marwyn nodded earnestly. "I saw it. It will save countless lives."
"As it should," Wylis said, turning for the door. "You are welcome to stay at Ramsgate. If you have need of anything, seek Qyburn."
"And I will see about fetching those things from the East for you. It may take a while."
"I can stomach the wait, provided it bears fruit." Wylis opened the door and glanced back. "The King will arrive shortly. You are invited to the welcome feast."
"And proudly I shall present this ghastly, ugly mug of mine to our King."
With a chuckle, Wylis left the two old men to discuss matters.
####
The most important thing Wylis had to do was create a secret place in the castle where Rhaella, Elia, and Lyanna could stay with the children. Rhaenys was older now, but still a child. Keeping her confined to one place wasn't going to be easy. Same for Viserys.
So, Wylis chose to create a large complex under the castle, completely separated. He dug it personally at night, all alone. He made a room for everyone so they all had personal space. He added a large hall with a few support pillars. It was big enough for Rhaenys to run around and get tired. He added a training room for Viserys so he could keep himself occupied.
He added a small spring, drawing water directly from the hot spring outside. This one was small, but it'd allow the women some comfort. There was also an entire section for cooking. Finally, he filled the whole space with carpets, cupboards, beds, toys, and every imaginable thing they may need.
Of course, he would visit them often. But he still wanted to keep them comfortable. It was a costly affair, however. He had to buy so many things to fill the secret housing complex.
Wylis personally hammered the final nails, fixing a decorative piece on the wall of Rhaella's bedchamber underground. The woman stood right beside him in a beige, cream-colored gown with soft gold and silver embroidery, a fur-covered, grey coat above, her hair styled in a single braid as she always did. In her arms was sleeping Daenerys.
"Forgive me for causing you such inconvenience, my lord," Rhaella softly whispered, it being just them underground.
Wylis stood up, putting away the hammer. He turned to the woman he cherished more than he reasonably should. After Lyanna, he felt he was closest to Rhaella. The woman was ignored, discarded, and despised all her life for no reason. She should've died, yet she was alive now. Just as he was.
"Come on, now." He closed the distance between them, his height making her seem small as ever, yet he loomed gentle as a summer breeze. He gazed down, her face near his chest. His fingers brushed her cheek, pushing that stray curl behind her ear. "I thank the Gods for such a beautiful inconvenience."
Rhaella let out a gentle chuckle, nuzzling her face against his big, rough hand, soaking in its warmth. Her eyes, misty and violet, looked up at him with such longing, so full of love and invitation. "I suppose all that hurt in my life was just a test, to see if I'm worthy of... this moment with you."
He shook his head and bent until his eyes were level with hers. "No, Rhaella. Nothing in this world could ever excuse the cruelty you endured. What I give you now is only what any man with blood in his veins would owe the woman he burns for."
Rhaella gulped, a gorgeous blush rising on her porcelain cheeks. His words were a declaration, a confession of his desire for her. It made her heart throb each time she heard it. "I…"
So close, they felt each other's breath. Each other's scent. Rhaella felt her eyes slowly shut, lost in the moment. But then she felt movement and realised Wylis was taking Daenerys from her arms.
"Let's see if Daenerys likes the swinging cradle I made for her," Wylis said, taking the babe from her. He really had made that cradle personally. "Tied a string to it so you can rest on the bed and swing it."
Daenerys was sleeping to begin with, so it didn't change anything. Wylis tucked her in nicely, the layers of soft blankets that didn't weigh too much. He'd taught the women how to wrap a babe like a burrito already, so they don't hurt themselves. The nannies already did that, but Wylis' technique was better.
Finally, with nothing left, both of them looked at each other awkwardly. Wylis didn't let that awkwardness linger, however, and lit the hearth he'd newly built. Making a chimney wasn't hard for him with Earthbending. Keeping it hidden, however, was a small challenge.
Soon, the noise of crackling firewood filled the room, followed by the warmth.
"Rhaella." He turned to her, voice rough with want. She stood so close he could feel the heat of her. "Do you remember when I asked if you would… bear my children?
Wylis gulped, seeing her eyes widen. He took a step closer to her, but didn't touch her.
"I realised that the King will keep me occupied in the coming week and—"
"Yes!"
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