(Third-person perspective)
Aermir discovered another source of income: two priceless mines, one rich in copper and the other in iron. As his elemental talent improved, his abilities grew stronger. With the knowledge of Summon Medium Elemental, he discovered a unique method to sense elements buried deep underground. By Summon Earth Elemental, he could extend his senses to a depth of 100 meters.
Using this newly discovered skill, he tirelessly searched his land and eventually found copper and iron mines hidden underground. Realizing that selling raw materials would only yield meager profits, Aermir chose another approach. He decided to establish a vast forging district around the Citadel, staffed with a network of the Smith and skilled metalworkers. Among these craftsmen, those who would be crafted into weapons and armor, he ensured their loyalty by having them swear oaths of allegiance.
Aermir's Magic Heart grew heavy, a consequence of the countless oaths he had sworn. Through these oaths, he had forged connections with approximately 1,000 people, including servants in the Citadel, officers in the army, and artisans he had hired to expand his enterprise. He realized his limitations—his capacity to make new oaths was far from limitless; he could only make a maximum of 200 more.
Inspired by this revelation, Aermir resolved to exercise restraint in binding others with oaths, only doing so when truly necessary. Meanwhile, he continued to utilize the copper found on his territory, primarily for constructing irrigation pipes, as he lacked alternatives to polyvinyl chloride. One of his most recent ambitious projects was the establishment of two agricultural villages, a project he termed the "Ecological Agricultural Pond Irrigation System."
Using his Druid abilities and knowledge of sustainable agricultural techniques, Aermir created a complex system that harmonized with the natural landscape and utilized water flow. This ingenious setup not only provided fertile soil for agriculture but also brought the added benefit of fish and duck farming—allowing a single farm to produce a wealth of agricultural products.
However, this innovative system was not without challenges. During the harsh winter, most of the ponds would freeze completely, endangering the plants and aquatic life within. To mitigate this threat, Aermir volunteered to teach his tribe the art of food preservation.
His father learned how to produce charcoal for personal use and sale on Earth, and through reflection, he recognized the economic wisdom of minimizing farm expenses. Using the knowledge he had learned from his father, Aermir established a designated charcoal production area near Flint Forest.
To protect this valuable resource, he enclosed it with a sturdy wooden wall and assigned 20 skilled workers to oversee charcoal production under his oath. He also drew about 50 soldiers from the Moat Cailin Guard to ensure security.
The charcoal production process is intricate, requiring the careful arrangement of wood blocks in a pile approximately 3 to 4 meters high. Sufficient spacing must be maintained between the wood blocks to ensure crucial air circulation. A layer of straw is also laid down to facilitate ignition. This mound, after careful assembly, is then covered with soil.
Then, make a small opening at the bottom of the mound and begin controlled ignition. As the flames gradually rise, open a small hole at the top to allow the flames to burn to their peak. At this crucial moment, seal the opening to create a low-oxygen environment. By repeating this method two or three times, ensuring the seal remains intact, you have successfully obtained valuable charcoal.
This sustainable approach not only reduced the Citadel's dependence on limited resources but also positioned it as a sought-after export, attracting merchants from distant lands. However, the primary task remained accumulating sufficient supplies to prepare for the coming harsh winter.
The dimly lit chamber in the heart of Casterly Rock provided a solemn backdrop for the gathering. Tywin Lannister, impeccably dressed, sat at a high vantage point at a heavy oak table. Around him gathered his most trusted confidants: spies, advisors, and his brother Tygett. A palpable anxiety hung in the air, reflecting the disappointment with the lack of information about the mystical Druid. The Old Lion of Lannister, his anger boiling, roared in fury as he slammed his hand on the table.
"More than two years have passed since Greyjoy Rebellion, and we still know far too little about this Druid. His rule and influence seem to grow daily, yet we remain completely unaware of his true identity and intentions."
The Lannister chief of spies, his face grim, replied intently, "My lord, we have sent our most skilled spies into the North. However, their reports attest to the Druid' elusive nature and formidable protective capabilities. Their eyes and ears seem to be everywhere in the kingdom. We can infiltrate other houses, but there are three places we cannot: the Temple, Moat Cailin, and Moonflow Harbor Manor."
One of Tywin's advisors joined the discussion. "Indeed, my lord. He has carefully woven a mysterious shroud for himself; those who dare to lift it either fail or vanish."
Tywin's jaw tightened, reflecting the weight of his contemplation. He realized the Druid posed a potential threat to his rule and ambitions. Underestimating this enigmatic figure was a burden he could not bear.
"We must find a way to establish contact with him," Tywin asserted, his tone firm and resolute. " The Temple of the Old Gods built by House Stark may hold the key. If he is taking refuge there, we must send a charismatic and cunning envoy to win his trust."
The advisor, his voice trembling, voiced his concern. "My lord, isn't Lord Gerion the most suitable candidate? He is renowned for his ability to build friendly relationships."
At Tywin's command, Gerion was summoned to the secret chamber, his demeanor exuding confidence and curiosity. Gerion, with a constant smile, asked, "You summoned me, brother?"
Tywin replied gravely, "Yes, Gerion. There is something extremely important that requires your diplomatic skills. We have been working hard to gather intelligence on the elusive Druid residing in the North. While we know he has built a temple, our understanding is limited to temples he doesn't frequent."
Gerion asked intently, "So what exactly do you want me to do, brother?"
Tywin met Gerion's gaze directly and answered firmly, "Do what you do best, Gerion: befriend him. I want you to embark on a journey to the North, visit the temple, establish diplomatic relations with this Druid, gain his trust, and strive to uncover his true intentions. Your talent for building relationships is unparalleled, Gerion. I have full confidence in your ability to accomplish this challenging task."
Gerion hesitated for a moment, recalling his own wish, and then reluctantly brought up the topic. "But, brother, you promised I could continue my adventures."
Tywin's voice carried the weight of authority as he reiterated his position. "This mission takes precedence, Gerion. Must I repeat myself?" Tywin's cold, calculating gaze made Gerion hesitate for a moment.
Gerion realized his momentary lapse in addressing his brother and lowered his head, replying, "No, brother. I will take responsibility."
Tywin leaned forward, his tone slightly softening. "If you complete this mission to my satisfaction, Gerion, I will grant your request to the best of my ability. I will allocate additional resources and personnel to support your expedition."
Hearing this, Gerion's smile spread from his ears to his face. "I will do my utmost, brother. I've been captivated by the new mysteries of the North. This mission will be a resounding success."
Tywin leaned forward, his gaze fixed on Gerion. "While you're carrying out your mission, also establish contact with Aermir Drasil."
Tygett sneered, his voice laced with contempt. "A rising star?"
Tywin, enraged, slammed his fist on the table, glaring at his brother. "Brother, only a fool underestimates his opponent. The man you dismissed as a rising star has become a hero of the North, transforming a once desolate wasteland into a prosperous region. Furthermore, he quelled banditry throughout the North and commands an army of 3,000. He accomplished all this before his 20th Name Day."
Tygett persisted in his argument. "Brother, you can't be serious. We have the capacity to gather forty to sixty thousand men. Compared to that, what threat can his three thousand pose? He's not in our league." Some advisors saw this as an opportunity to flatter the House Lannister ' greatness, and they agreed with Tygett's point of view with sweet words.
A slight, disdainful smile flickered across Tywin's face, catching Tygett's attention. Tywin was astonished by his brother's lack of foresight and the incompetence of his advisor. The tension between the two stemmed from Tygett's constant feeling that he was overshadowed by his brother's achievements, and that smile only deepened his bitterness. Tywin shook his head in contempt and disappointment.
"Why do I am surrounded by incompetent and mediocre men, while that mediocre Stark gathers all the talented retainers? Which of you can achieve even half of what Ser Drasil has accomplished in less than three years? Can any of you bring the Lannister even a fraction of the honor he has brought to the North? Am I the only one who can foresee the power and authority this young lord will have in the North in the next two to five years? If you wait until then, reaching out your hand will be in vain."
The Old Lion, seething with rage, hurled his wine glass at his advisors, his frustrated roar echoing through the meeting room. "Get out of my sight, you incompetent fools! All of you, get out!"