Cooperation

Upon entering the banquet hall, Samwell spotted Lady Margaery Tyrell at once.

Tonight, the "Rose of Highgarden" wore a pink halter-neck satin gown. Its backless, cinched-waist design perfectly outlined her graceful figure. Her clear, deep brown eyes resembled exquisite gemstones, while her crystalline red lips held an elegant, captivating smile. Her noble bearing and breathtaking beauty made this duke's daughter the unquestioned center of attention wherever she went.

Of course, Samwell would not rashly walk straight over to her.

This was the Hightower. He first had to greet and thank its master.

Lord Leyton was easy enough to find.

The gentlemen on the right side of the hall loosely gathered around a central group, where four people stood—

One was Ser Baelor Hightower, who had welcomed Samwell into the castle that afternoon. Another was Loras Tyrell, the flamboyantly dressed "Knight of Flowers." The third was a tall, handsome young man with the sigil of a "Crowned Stag" embroidered upon his chest—

This had to be the king's youngest brother, the Duke of Storm's End, Renly Baratheon.

The white-haired old man warmly conversing with Duke Renly was presumably Lord Leyton, master of the Hightower.

Ser Baelor noticed Samwell approaching and quietly said something into his father's ear.

Lord Leyton then turned his gaze toward him.

Before Samwell could speak, the old count said with a genial smile:

"Ser Caesar, I have received your gift. I like it very much!"

"It is my honor, my lord." Samwell stepped forward and bowed.

At that moment, Duke Renly asked curiously from the side:

"Forgive my presumption, but is Caesar a family of the Reach? How have I never heard of it?"

Loras explained:

"My lord Renly, he is a pioneering knight of House Tyrell, Samwell, eldest son of Lord Randyll Tarly. He has recently established a new domain in the Red Mountains, and Caesar is his new house name."

A trace of confusion flashed through Duke Renly's eyes. He found it strange that House Tarly's eldest son would abandon Horn Hill to pioneer in a barren place like the Red Mountains.

Naturally, out of courtesy, he would not ask such a question. Instead, he smiled and said:

"So you are a knight from a hunter's family. No wonder you managed to carve out a domain in the Red Mountains. A true young hero!"

"You flatter me, my lord. My castle has not yet been completed, so I do not dare claim that I have already opened up a domain."

"I believe you will certainly build your castle." Duke Renly offered a word of encouragement. Then, seeing that Samwell had business to discuss with Lord Leyton, he thoughtfully said, "I shall get some food. You two may talk."

"I'll go too." Loras naturally followed right after him.

Alone before Lord Leyton and his son, Samwell did not beat around the bush. He said directly:

"My lord, I came to Oldtown this time mainly to ask for your help with three matters."

"Go on." Lord Leyton wore the same smiling expression throughout.

"The first matter is that a silver mine has been discovered in my domain. I have already sent someone to King's Landing to petition His Majesty for authorization. However, I also need a maester proficient in mining, refining, and minting. Could you possibly introduce one to me?"

"By Citadel rules, every lord is assigned a maester as an advisor. However, before your castle is completed and you are recognized as an official lord by the Warden of the Reach, the Citadel will likely not dispatch a maester to you."

"That is why I wished to ask for your assistance. Could you ask whether the Citadel might make an exception and send a maester in advance? If not, then at least teach me the techniques for mining silver."

"The Citadel's rules cannot be bent, and I cannot interfere with them."

Hearing this, Samwell rolled his eyes inwardly—House Hightower, as the founder and patron of the Citadel, claiming it could not handle even such a trivial matter? Who would believe that?

Before Samwell could say anything else, Lord Leyton added, "However, I can have Moroya teach you the techniques of silver mining and refining."

Moroya Hightower? That "madwoman"?

Samwell withdrew his earlier criticism of Lord Leyton and promptly thanked him. "Thank you for your help! May I ask which lady is Moroya? I would like to personally thank her later."

"She is not here." Baelor shook his head with a wry smile. "My sister has never liked attending social functions among the nobility. I will take you to see her tomorrow morning."

The rumors of her being a research fanatic were indeed true.

"Very well. Thank you for the trouble." After offering his thanks, Samwell continued, "The second matter concerns supplies of food and other goods. As you surely know, nothing can be grown in a barren place like the Red Mountains. I need to purchase food from outside, along with other daily necessities. Would House Hightower be willing to serve as my supplier?"

Although he already had House Cuy as a supplier, Samwell would never be willing to place his domain's lifeline in the hands of a single house. Finding multiple suppliers and spreading the risk was the proper course.

Moreover, House Cuy could supply at most thirty thousand people. Samwell certainly did not believe that would be the upper limit of his domain's population, and seeking additional supply channels was something he would have to do sooner or later.

"That will not be a problem." Lord Leyton agreed readily this time. Making money was precisely what House Hightower liked best. "You may discuss the details directly with Baelor."

Baelor gave a slight bow and smiled. "Yes, Ser Caesar. I currently handle the family's trade affairs."

"Very well." Samwell nodded to Baelor, then continued, "As for the third matter, my domain has brewed a new kind of wine. I would like to discuss cooperating with you on its sale."

"A new wine?" Lord Leyton instinctively sniffed. "May I have a taste?"

So he was an old drunkard.

Samwell secretly chuckled at the man's bright red drinker's nose. He took an oak cask from Todd beside him and said:

"This is a new wine brewed from wild grapes in the Red Mountains. It tastes rather good. Please have a try."

As he spoke, Samwell waved over a servant, took a cup from the tray, filled it with brandy, and handed it to Lord Leyton.

Samwell had just been about to warn him that the wine was strong, but before he could speak, Lord Leyton tipped back his head and drained it in one gulp.

"Fine wine!" The old count exhaled a breath of alcohol. Fine beads of sweat had appeared on his forehead, and his drinker's nose instantly became even redder.

Baelor's eyes lit up at the sight.

"May I have a cup as well?"

"Of course." Samwell nodded gladly.

Just then, Renly and Loras returned with their food. Seeing this, they too asked Samwell for some wine.

For the sake of health and socializing, the nobles of Westeros could be said to be drunkards almost to a man.

Thus, brandy's first formal public appearance proved even more perfect than Samwell had imagined.

"The sweetness of grapes and the fragrance of oak have blended perfectly, creating such a rich, crisp flavor. Ser Caesar, you are truly a genius at winemaking!" Lord Leyton swayed his head as he praised him in a pleasantly tipsy tone. "Does this wine have a name?"

"Brandy," Samwell said with a smile, then showed a hint of regret. "Unfortunately, it has not been stored long enough, and the oak fragrance has yet to fully seep into the wine. Otherwise, it would taste even better. My lord, could House Hightower help sell this wine?"

"Of course!"