Supply Agreement

Samwell had just finished bathing when he heard footsteps outside the door.

Guessing that they were servants sent by Viscount Brandon to escort him to the banquet, he quickly got dressed. Right on cue, there came a knock at the door.

"Ser Caesar, the viscount has sent me to take you to dinner."

Samwell opened the door and smiled at the maid outside as he fastened the last few buttons.

"Lead the way, please."

He followed the maid through a dim corridor until they arrived before an oak door trimmed in silver.

"Ser, the banquet will not begin for a while. You may rest in the reception room first."

"Very well."

Samwell pushed open the wooden door and entered the room.

But in the next instant, he froze.

Before him were pink curtains, a snow-white cashmere carpet, a luxurious ivory bed, and an exquisite dressing table.

How was this a reception room?

It was clearly some young lady's or noblewoman's bedroom!

Samwell's heart tightened. He immediately turned to leave, only to find that the door had already been locked from outside.

Just then, a crisp voice rang out within the room.

"Oh, Ser Caesar, how improper of you. Why have you come running into my bedroom?"

Only then did Samwell notice a young woman emerging from the inner room, gazing at him with a half-smiling expression.

Alice Cuy!

The youngest daughter of Viscount Brandon was wearing a rather daring formal gown. But her figure was far too plump, stretching the dress out of shape. There was not the slightest elegance to it; instead, she looked comical. Heavy makeup covered her round, fat face, but it still failed to hide all her freckles and acne.

Samwell quickly lowered his head and stopped looking.

For an ugly person, a close look was a kind of cruelty.

"My apologies, Lady Alice. A maid told me this was the reception room. Perhaps she made a mistake. I'll leave at once."

"Don't be in such a hurry! Ser Caesar, Father said you're a brave knight who subdued over ten thousand Wildlings! Tell me about your stories."

Watching Alice rush toward him, Samwell could hardly fail to realize that this was a carefully laid trap!

Damn Brandon Cuy!

Even if your daughter can't find a husband, you can't force her on someone!

In his panic, Samwell threw all his strength into yanking at the wooden door behind him—

Crack!

Fortunately, his Strength had increased greatly during this time and had reached 2.73, allowing him to tear the bolt apart by brute force.

After forcing the door open, Samwell hurried out of the room, evading the girl's pouncing attack. Just as he breathed a sigh of relief, he saw Viscount Brandon standing at the corner with a stunned expression!

For that instant, the air seemed to freeze.

Samwell reacted first, speaking before Viscount Brandon could.

"My lord, I accidentally damaged the door just now. My sincerest apologies."

Viscount Brandon, who had intended to come "catch them in the act," looked at Samwell's perfectly orderly clothes and found himself helpless. In the end, he could only glare at his daughter Alice, as though saying—

How did you let him get away so easily?

Alice gave an aggrieved snort and turned back into the room.

"Ahem, it's nothing. Don't worry about the door, Ser Caesar. The banquet is about to begin. Let us go."

"Very well."

The two walked side by side, tacitly pretending that nothing had happened. Before long, they were chatting and laughing again.

"Ser Caesar, what brings you to Arbor this time?"

"My lord, I'm sure you know that the Red Mountains are too barren. If my territory is to grow and prosper, I must purchase grain and other necessities from outside. My trip to Arbor is intended to secure a supply agreement with House Redwyne."

Viscount Brandon glanced at Samwell, seemingly mocking his naivety.

"Young man, I must remind you that if you plan to supply your territory by transporting grain and goods from elsewhere, it will cost you a great deal of money."

Samwell replied casually.

"I know. Fortunately, a silver mine was recently discovered in my territory, so..."

"A silver mine?" The mockery on Viscount Brandon's face instantly turned to envy. "You truly are a lucky fellow!"

"It is all a blessing from the Seven!" Samwell devoutly traced a Seven-Pointed Star across his chest.

Then he fell silent.

Sure enough, it was not long before Viscount Brandon could no longer hold back.

"You actually have no need to go to Arbor. Sunhouse can supply grain and goods as well, and we are closer than Arbor! You could save a great deal on transport costs."

Samwell laughed inwardly, though he put on a hesitant expression.

"But my territory has more than ten thousand people, and that number may continue to grow in the future. Can you supply that many?"

"No problem!" Viscount Brandon waved a hand, brimming with confidence. "There are countless fertile lands around Sunhouse. If you don't believe me, you can see for yourself. Wheat, vegetables, fruit trees—they are everywhere! Let alone ten thousand people, I can supply even thirty thousand!"

So thirty thousand is your limit.

Samwell rubbed his chin and considered his words.

"In that case, the price..."

"Absolutely fair!" Viscount Brandon now resembled an eager merchant. "I can have someone prepare a price list for you. If you are dissatisfied, you may negotiate with me directly!"

"Then very well. So long as you can truly guarantee fair prices, I will purchase my grain and supplies from Sunhouse."

"Haha, you have made a wise decision!"

"However, there is one condition I need to make clear in advance." Samwell stopped Viscount Brandon before he could get too carried away.

"What condition?"

"You should also know that mining silver requires the king's authorization. Although I have already sent someone to King's Landing to seek approval, it will take time. Organizing the mining, refining, minting, and so on will also take time." Samwell spread his hands. "I may not be able to pay for these supplies immediately. If you accept deferred payment, then we can discuss it."

"Deferred payment?" Viscount Brandon frowned. "For how long?"

"Half a year."

"Half a year?!" Viscount Brandon nearly jumped. "Impossible!"

But in the next instant, his eyes shifted, and he added, "However, if you are willing to marry my daughter, then there would be no problem."

Samwell's mouth twitched. With a daughter like yours, I wouldn't take her even if you gave me six months of supplies for free.

"I understand your concerns." Samwell acted as though he did not care whether the other man agreed or not. "That is why I did not mention this to you before and intended to go straight to Arbor. House Redwyne is wealthy; deferring payment for half a year would not be a problem for them at all."

Viscount Brandon ground his teeth at those words. After hesitating for a long while, he spoke again.

"At most, I can give you three months! By then, your silver mine should have produced something no matter what."

"Three months..." Samwell pretended to ponder for a while before sighing. "Very well, three months it is. But I hope the first batch of grain and supplies can be delivered to Eagle's Beak within three days."

"No problem!" Viscount Brandon immediately agreed. "After the banquet, we shall draw up a list of supplies."

"Fine!" Samwell finally smiled and extended his right hand. "A pleasure doing business with you!"

"A pleasure doing business with you!" Viscount Brandon grasped Samwell's hand and shook it vigorously, as though only now realizing something. "You are an excellent negotiator!"

"So are you." Samwell's smile was exceptionally guileless.

Viscount Brandon leaned closer, still unwilling to give up.

"If you are willing to marry my daughter, I'll give you three months' worth of supplies for free!"

"My apologies, my lord." Samwell put on a righteous expression. "I once swore an oath that unless I carved out a territory of my own, I would never start a family!"

Viscount Brandon sighed and could only let the matter drop.