Game of Thrones: The Legend of Jon Arctic - ASOIAF/GOT [Book - 1]

Chapter 150 - Artican Trade in Essos 05 (Braavos 05).

[Chapter Size: 3100 Words.]

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Thrid Person POV

Essos, 296 AC.

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Jon returned to his room and donned more formal attire, leaving his armor on a mannequin in the room, and proceeded back to the Iron Bank, accompanied by his royal guards, the Sealord, and the men of Braavos. They left the palace and headed to the Iron Bank once again, returning to the room from the previous day to resume and continue the negotiations. As they settled at the table, the keyholders initiated a discussion.

"We discussed extensively the possibility of you becoming a shareholder in this institution since we concluded our conversation yesterday..." they began. Jon listened in silence as they continued, flanked by his two ministers.

"We have come to know of your interest in establishing your own bank in Artica, which is quite surprising, yet it still leaves us doubtful about your intention to add another one to our bank as well..." one of the keyholders said, looking at Jon. Jon merely smiled.

"I must know how to manage my money, and anyone who truly understands that, diversifies it," Jon said, after all, he did not want to keep his money in just one place when he could have other alternatives for safety, which any investor would do, even trusting his life for Artica. The men acknowledged this thought, so Jon continued.

"And yes. I plan to create a bank for my people. I have no interest in meddling in the external economy of the kingdom at the moment. After all, my people are a priority, and I want them to get accustomed to a functional economy in Artica with the next generation already born knowing how to handle money. This is a plan where I began by educating my people enough so that now they can embark on their own businesses," Jon said. Jon spoke with a slight smile. Artica would not just be functional with him, his people would evolve on their own.

"That is quite surprising, a kingdom planning to become freely commercial," a keyholder complimented, showing interest in Jon's vision.

"Yes," Jon continued, "Artica is powerful, but it doesn't have all the resources this world can offer. Therefore, we will seek progress through trade. That was the intention behind creating this trading company and my travels around the known world," Jon said.

"Interesting," another Keyholder commented, looking towards the Sealord, who nodded and turned his attention back to Jon. The Sealord then began to give his response on behalf of the Iron Bank.

"We discussed extensively about your integration into the Iron Bank. However, if you deposit this amount of gold, you will become a shareholder above us. And that is bad when a foreigner has too much power..." he said. Jon knew that the amount he offered would make him a prominent shareholder among all those in Braavos, which probably did not please everyone, so he nodded, though he was satisfied with the direction of this conversation, after all, everything indicated that they would accept him as one in the end, which was his initial goal.

"Nevertheless, are you interested in my proposal?" he said with a smile to everyone at that table.

"Yes, we accept half of your offer. You may deposit 5 million gold dragons into the Iron Bank," one of the keyholders replied.

"That's good," Jon nodded. Now, he could start his commercial influence on another continent.

"By the way, King of Artica..." another Keyholder joined the conversation. "We would like to request your weapons in exchange for this," he said with a greedy tone. Jon knew they would not miss the opportunity, despite being rational, after all, he was giving them gold to use as they wished and profit from it, asking for his weapons was too much.