Game of Thrones: The Legend of Jon Arctic - ASOIAF/GOT

Chapter 147 - Artican Trade in Essos 02 (Braavos 02).

[Chapter Size: 3000 Words.]

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Thrid Person POV

Essos, 296 AC.

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The Articans were quickly greeted by a group of 12 men at the entrance, surrounded by guards, all very well-dressed, who awaited them with a certain elegance of Essos, but not as much as those slave leaders who were so fond of jewels and earrings with pincers.

As Jon approached, the man at the front of the 12 stepped forward. He bowed his head and looked at Jon carefully.

"Welcome to the Iron Bank, King of Artica," the man said, as soon as Jon was close enough, before continuing. "It is an honor to meet you and see you at our prestigious bank, Jon Artica. My name is Tycho Nestoris. I am a representative of the Iron Bank and I am here to welcome you. These are our 12 magnificent men, known as the Keyholders. They take care of the entire Iron Bank and make the biggest decisions. And they are here to greet you with all due respect," he spoke.

It was obvious that they were afraid of Jon, especially considering he had 500 ships anchored outside in the sea. They preferred to treat him with respect rather than make him an enemy.

Jon was not surprised by the information about the 12 Keyholders; it was something he already knew very well through green sight studying how the economy of the known world worked. They were the most influential and powerful men in Braavos; they controlled several local trade companies and were those who made the biggest decisions in the bank, such as whom to charge higher or lower interest rates, or whether to lend or not.

Jon cracked a respectful smile at them. "Well, I'm impressed with the reception. Nice to meet you too, who along with the Sealord, are the most powerful lords of Braavos," Jon said calmly, while everyone nodded.

"Let me introduce all the Keyholders, King of Artica," Tycho said, playing the role of connector between the two groups and began introducing each of the 12. They responded with a nod to Jon, and some even with a slight wave.

"Now that introductions are over, I'm sure a private room would be more suitable for such an important meeting," Tycho Nestoris continued speaking after they had greeted each other. "Bring bread and salt for King Artica, so we can make him comfortable in our humble bank," he said in a calm tone, while another Braavosi man brought the bread and salt.

After the guest ritual was completed, they began to enter the bank. "There are some courtesans present. I'm sure your wife and sister will be quite comfortable accompanying them," the Sealord said.

"Please, I want them to stay only with our guards," Jon spoke, after all, he didn't want his family mingling with the city's luxury prostitutes.

"That's fine, King of Artica, it won't be a problem..." The Lord of Braavos nodded, respecting Jon's decision.

"They will be led to a pleasant place where they can wait while we finish the meeting," one of the Keyholders spoke as Jon nodded.

The group began to separate, while guards along with Ygritte and Arya and 10 royal guards moved to one side, and Jon along with his ministers and another 15 royal guards moved along with the Sealord and his guard with the 12 Keyholders, Tycho, and the bank guards.

Jon wouldn't put Arya in this moment to negotiate with these men, as this was the most important negotiation he would have on his journey since he started moving from Artica to Westeros, and doubted another would surpass it, so he didn't want to offend these men.

"So these men help you organize the powerful and mysterious Artica?" the Sealord looked at the two men behind Jon.

"After all, they will represent Artica through me. It's good that you already know them, for I am sure we can bear good fruit from this negotiation," Jon spoke.