"Master Eric, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard that you're willing to work at my shipyard. But tell me, what could possibly bring a renowned shipbuilding master from the East Continent to a shipyard that hasn't even been built yet?"
Gaimon's gaze lingered on the man in front of him. He appeared to be in his forties, with sun-tanned skin and short, Mediterranean-style red hair. His clothes, though not luxurious, were neatly kept, reflecting a man devoted to his work rather than appearances. It was easy to tell at a glance that he was someone who approached his craft with precision and dedication.
"Your Highness," Eric began, his voice calm but tinged with a faint anxiety, "I once worked in a shipyard in Mill, which belonged to the family of a councilor. My shipbuilding skills allowed me to make a decent living there. But everything changed when I visited the shipyard to look for my wife. The councilor's son took a liking to her during his inspection and sent people to claim her. To protect her, I fled to Westeros with the help of a kind captain and arrived in King's Landing. I thought we were safe, but the son of that councilor didn't give up. He sent agents here to find us, attempting to take my wife and me back to Myr. Thankfully, the people at my current shipyard intervened, sparing us for the moment.
"However, they have continued to pursue us over the past few days. It was then that I learned Your Highness was seeking a skilled shipbuilder. I realized that if I could join your shipyard, your protection would keep my family safe. That is why I came forward and offered my services."
Gaimon listened intently, his expression unreadable. The story was tragically familiar—a wealthy, powerful heir using influence and money to oppress the innocent. Such incidents were, unfortunately, all too common in the world he now lived in. Yet Eric was not entirely defenseless. He had some connections and skill, enough to maintain a fragile safety net for himself and his family.
"In that case, you can work at my shipyard without fear," Gaimon said, his voice calm but firm. "I will ensure that any external troubles are taken care of."
Eric's eyes widened, a mixture of relief and disbelief crossing his face. For weeks, a shadow of fear and uncertainty had hung over him and his family. With Gaimon's words, that darkness lifted almost instantly.
"Thank you, Your Highness! You are my benefactor. I promise that I will devote myself entirely to helping you build the largest and most powerful warship the world has ever seen," Eric exclaimed, his voice quivering with emotion.
Gaimon simply nodded, understanding the joy and gratitude that overwhelmed Eric. Without his intervention, Eric would have been powerless against the councilor's son, and the consequences for his family could have been devastating.
"Don't get too carried away," Gaimon replied lightly. "I expect your promise to be delivered in action. Return home and prepare. Your working conditions will be challenging for some time, but I hope you can endure them and fulfill the warship project you mentioned."
"Yes, Your Highness!" Eric said earnestly. The guards escorted him out, leaving Gaimon alone in the quiet room.
As the door closed, Gaimon fell into thought. With Eric in charge, the shipyard should operate smoothly in the short term. Site selection, construction, staffing—these tasks could all be delegated to Eric. But the larger challenge remained: building a city, or at least a well-organized territory.
Gaimon's mind brimmed with urban planning ideas far ahead of his time, yet he knew that knowing what to do and actually doing it were two entirely different matters. At the construction level, he was a layman. His knowledge of mechanics, materials, and workforce logistics was superficial at best. Unlike some predecessors who had traveled through time, he lacked a "golden finger" to instantly construct castles, bridges, roads, or entire cities. All he could offer was guidance: a rough understanding of cement and construction materials, the importance of pre-planning a city, and basic knowledge about water management and sanitation—concepts that would be revolutionary in the era.
To realize his vision, he needed an experienced engineer, someone technically adept who could translate ideas into structures. And when Gaimon considered who could fill that role, one name immediately came to mind: Brother Bath, the current Hand of the King.
Brother Bath had proven his capability on a massive scale. Shortly after King Jaehaerys came to power, Bath had overseen the construction of the Kingsroad—a monumental project connecting the North and South of Westeros. The project had been ongoing for decades and remained unfinished, a testament to its scale and difficulty. Beyond roads, Bath had orchestrated the transformation of King's Landing itself.
When King's Landing was first constructed, it existed only as a symbol of Targaryen authority—the Red Keep. Over time, however, the population swelled beyond the city's original design. Without proper planning, homes clustered haphazardly around the keep, leaving little space for roads. The city, apart from the main thoroughfare leading to the Red Keep, became a chaotic maze of narrow alleys and tightly packed houses.
Initially, the royal family paid little attention to these urban issues—until disaster struck. A massive fire swept through King's Landing, claiming hundreds of lives and destroying countless homes. Shortly afterward, a great plague decimated two-thirds of the population, including the eldest princess, Daenerys Targaryen. These tragedies exposed the critical need for urban planning and large-scale reconstruction.
King Jaehaerys launched a comprehensive transformation plan in response, with Brother Bath as the chief executor. Bath's work reshaped roads, reorganized housing, and improved infrastructure, turning the city into a model of order and efficiency. If Gaimon wanted to implement his ambitious plans for his own territory, Bath was the only person capable of transforming visionary ideas into tangible results.
Gaimon's mind raced as he envisioned the future. The shipyard, now under Eric's capable hands, would become a hub of naval power. The city, if properly designed and executed, could rival the grandeur of any capital. But to achieve this, he needed the right people in place, combining technical skill with strategic vision.
For a moment, he allowed himself a rare smile. With Eric handling the shipyard and Brother Bath potentially overseeing urban planning, the foundation of his plans was solid. The challenge now lay in coordination and execution.
As he pondered the scale of what lay ahead, Gaimon felt a surge of determination. Every city needed a blueprint, every ship a master builder, and every plan a person willing to see it through. With capable people by his side, there was no limit to what could be achieved.
He rose from his chair, pacing the room thoughtfully. Soon, the next steps would be set into motion: securing Eric's position, seeking out Brother Bath, and beginning the monumental task of constructing a city and a fleet that would cement his legacy. It would be no small endeavor, but Gaimon felt ready.
With a final glance around the quiet chamber, he whispered to himself, "Everything starts with preparation. And from preparation, greatness is born."
Gaimon's resolve solidified. The future lay ahead, full of potential, danger, and opportunity. And he was determined to master every part of it.
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