Game of Thrones: Reincarnated

With the matter of the additional recruitment settled, Robert shifted the topic.

"Now that we are already here," he began, leaning back in his chair, "it would be best if you could give us an update on the work you have been doing."

"I know, you have just started and there might not be a lot of things to tell but I want to know about the general direction and how you would be proceeding about it."

As he spoke, Robert cast a knowing smile toward his council. He knew full well they had been restless for the past days. For the past two weeks, their only sources of information about Lucas's activities had been their spies and whatever he chose to do in public.

They had no authority to question him directly, nor was he a man they could intimidate with titles or position, so their curiosity had been kept under a tight rein. Now, with Robert asking the question outright, they all leaned forward ever so slightly, eager for answers. Lucas gave a brief nod. He did not really mind the council members learning about the progress. He had just not wanted them to boss him over because of their position and therefore had asked to be only directly answerable to the crown.

"The work has begun on most of the fronts," he said, "or will begin in a couple of days. On four fronts simultaneously to be exact."

"First," he continued, "A road linking the port of King's Landing and the city itself to the new city. It will ease our access to the new city and carrying the materials would also become easier."

He continued without pause. "Secondly, near the sea, construction of the new city's commercial zone and marketplace will commence. Shops, warehouses and many other amenities. Once we are done with certain parts, the allotment of traders to these shops will also commence."

"Third, in another part of the new city, the building of houses for the poor and homeless is also scheduled to begin in a couple of days."

"In the meantime," Lucas went on, "we are marking the most congested and unsanitary areas of King's Landing. The populations in these areas will be the first to be moved to the new city, after which their old districts will be demolished and cleared."

"Once we have cleared enough space, redevelopment of the old city will begin as well. The most important thing being the construction of the sewage systems throughout the whole city."

"Lastly," he said, "comes the sewage and water supply for the Red Keep and the King's Landing as a whole. In a day or two, we will begin laying pipes for both systems inside the Keep, connecting them to the main sewage network."

There were a few moments of silence after Lucas finished. The council members sat back, weighing his words and calculating the implications and trying to understand his words.

"Good," Robert was the first to speak, his tone genuinely pleased. For the first time in years, he felt he was doing something that would truly benefit the people. A duty he should have been doing as a king.

"I will visit the new city in a week or two," he added. He was really curious to see a new city rising before his eyes.

He cast one last glance at the small council, gauging if anyone had more to say. When none spoke, Robert rose from his seat and strode out of the chamber.

"I will also take my leave, then," Lucas said, standing. He did not wait for any response as he moved. He was nearly at the doors when a voice called out behind him.

"Ser Lucas."

Lucas turned to see Petyr Baelish approaching, that familiar fox's smile in place.

"Lord Baelish," Lucas returned the greeting with a polite nod. The two stepped out of the council room together.

"You seem to have something on your mind," Lucas observed as they walked side by side.

"Indeed," Petyr replied with his signature grin. "I have two favours to ask from you, if I may."

"Oh?" Lucas arched a brow. "Tell me."

"First," Baelish began, "I was wondering if you might provide the Crown with a discount on your Sky Pearl Wine. The price is steep, and given how much the King and others in the Keep consume, it is straining the treasury."

The words sounded reasonable enough, but Lucas knew better. Since Lucas had taken direct control of the taxes and City Watch salaries, Baelish's private revenue streams had dried up.

A discount on Pearl Wine would give him a small loophole. He could sell it elsewhere and skim a profit. It would not be the fortune he was used to, but it would be something. And it was his greedy mind that could not remain without deceit and corruption.

Lucas only hummed thoughtfully, offering no commitment. He had made it clear before. There would be no discounts. Not even for the kings.

"And the second favour?" he prompted.

"A personal one," Petyr said, lowering his voice and leaning slightly closer. "You know I own a brothel or two here in King's Landing. They bring me some extra coin and makes my life a bit easier."

He paused, watching Lucas's expression.

"I was hoping that when the allotment of shops and establishments begins in the new city, you might keep me in mind."

There was a glint in Baelish's eyes, part anticipation, part calculation. He wanted a premium location for his brothels. Although, he would not reveal all his brothels publicly, those he which owned publicly, he would want them to upgrade into premium.

"That is not such a big request," Lucas said evenly.

"Nothing is big in front of you," Petyr chuckled.

"And though, I am not very influential, I may sure return the favour in future," Petyr added. "Making my brothel free permanently for you might be a good start."

Lucas laughed in amusement while Petyr remained smiling.

"I will think about it Lord Baelish," Lucas replied. "We should have a discussion in few days. In the meantime, you could look in the new city and see what you want for yourself."

The smile on Petyr's smile widened instantly. This was a very good positive response from Petyr.

Petyr was about to say something more, maybe thank Lucas profoundly when a maid seemed to be approaching them.

"Ser Lucas," she bowed before them. "Lord Baelish."

She then stood facing Lucas directly.

"Her grace wants to see you," she said.

Lucas raised his eyebrows. Cersei. It looked like she had finally lost her patience.

"Lead the way," he said and he followed behind the maid to meet Cersei.

*

*

*

[Add the book to your collection. Send some power stones and leave your opinion.]

[Access to Advanced chapters on P@treon. One extra chapter released per week on P@treon. Replace @ with a.]

[email protected]/shadowauthor