Overthrowing the powerful, changing the world by my own hand-how could my heart not surge?

Suleiman looked at Taicho Nestoris's eager smile and set his wineglass back on the table.

Rather than answer his suggestion about depositing money, he posed a question.

"Master Taicho, what do you think of the Riverlands?"

Taicho Nestoris paused, then resumed his gentle smile.

"An eastern Braavos and a western Braavos, my lord. I believe my comparison was quite apt."

He thought Suleiman was continuing their earlier discussion.

Suleiman shook his head, an amused smile curling his lips.

"No."

"Why couldn't it be the East Riverlands and the West Riverlands?"

The smile froze on Taicho Nestoris's face.

East Riverlands, West Riverlands.

What are you getting at, boy?

Or was that simply a retort to my remarks?

But the banker's professional composure allowed him to recover quickly.

He smiled gently, as though his momentary shock had never occurred.

"The reason I made that comparison..."

"Was because your reforms are fascinating, my lord."

"I believe that if they can be realized, this place will become another Braavos."

Taicho Nestoris began speaking, measured and methodical, his tone full of praise and guidance.

"Two paths to advancement, giving every citizen an equal opportunity."

"Through the church and warfare, every male citizen..."

"Even beggars and bastards, would have a chance to rise in the world."

"That undoubtedly accords with the values of Braavos."

"Everyone should enjoy equal opportunities."

"Even Braavos finds it difficult to achieve that fully."

"Yet you intend to implement it here in Westeros, a feudal land where blood ties dictate everything."

He straightened slightly, a hint of pride in his voice.

"The nobles' rule is rigid, rotten, and rife with oppression. It should have ended long ago."

"In Braavos, however, we rely on contracts and laws, on the intelligence and hard work of every citizen."

Taicho Nestoris looked at Suleiman, a peculiar