153 A talk about the future of the kingdom

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-Pov of Wilhelm seventh moon 286 AC

'The increase in financial activity has led to a greater presence of Ironborn in my waters. The navy is requesting more resources to expand operational capacity. Additionally, the fleet of galleys equipped with siphons and Greek fire continues to expand due to its effectiveness in close combat. How much did Johann request? Well, it's been approved.'

'The governor of Tumbleton confirms that he will deliver five thousand men at the beginning of the fiscal year and three new wargs... Where were the requests for wargs? Here they are. I have requests from all the commanders of the fortress lines. We will prioritize the northern fortresses that do not have wargs so we can connect them to our messaging network with eagles.'

'The Teutonic Order requests permission and resources to recruit ten thousand extra men to serve under the command of the knights in the defense of the northern fortresses.'

"My personal commercial fleet has returned to port after selling grain and other products from Essos, bringing in record profits, especially since Lothar now buys grain from us to feed both his soldiers and his military industry."

'The cities near Highgarden have experienced an explosive population increase due to the number of people trying to participate in the events. Local police chiefs are requesting more members to contain the Westerosis and their bad habits. I may have to move policemen from other regions.'

'The construction of stadiums and hippodromes in the vicinity of Highgarden is complete, as well as the properties where the lesser nobility will be housed. The Teutonic Order will guard the area with its new recruits and veteran knights.'

'The canal connecting the Mander with the Honeywine is finally completed, and the city of Oldtown has once again become the huge commercial center it was. This allows traders to save between three and five days of travel, as they no longer have to sail along the coast to reach Wilhelmshaven, while avoiding becoming victims of the increased presence of Ironborn in my territories in recent months.'

'The public mail service that I established for the converted serfs from the Riverlands to integrate into the society of The Reach, while keeping them separated, is beginning to have a much more extensive use than I had thought. It may start generating income by the end of this fiscal year, if everyone starts sending letters, and it will not only be for the use of governors and mayors, who will stop using their guards as messengers.'

One of my guards arrived at my chambers, putting my knights on alert, who placed one of their hands on their weapons.

''My king, King Robert's entourage is here... The Hochmeister allowed passage to the entourage, which had no invitation to his fortress,' said the guard after opening the door.

''Alright... If there's any septon in that entourage, they'd probably turn this into a political scandal for some reason they'd invent,' I said without stopping reviewing the messages and documents on the worktable.

Only a few minutes passed, and I had made significant progress in my daily tasks, reviewing supplies, troop movements, and gold for the prizes of my tournaments, when King Robert and two members of his small council arrived, accompanied by several guards, and I watched them, waiting for them to speak.

The three members of the entourage were looking around my room in astonishment... Although Varys and Lord Arryn seemed to have kept up appearances with their expressions, Robert was looking around with his mouth open.

''What the hell, Wilhelm?... I don't know why I imagined you'd have some similar tastes to the Lannisters, with everything adorned in gold, considering you're the richest person in the Seven Kingdoms, but this leaves a lot to be desired,'' said Robert, quite surprised, as he looked around the entire room.

I saw Jon Arryn's eyes widen suddenly upon hearing Robert's words.

''Ha, ha, ha... You must consider, Robert, that this fortress was built with a function: to be an administrative center for all my domain. That is to say, work. Therefore, displays of opulence and luxury are unnecessary, as no one should see them... But obviously, you are the exception. Besides, it's important to consider that austerity is one of the Prussian virtues. As someone chosen to govern by the hand of the divine, I must understand how my subjects live, and it does no good to dress in silk and velvet while your people suffer,' I said with a friendly smile.

''I must admit, Lord Hohenzollern, this leaves me surprised. I expected a bit more... I don't know, more sculptures. It seems you quite like marble sculptures, but this seems very plain,' said Lord Arryn, pulling Robert's sleeve.

''Unnecessary expenses... I didn't get rich by squandering gold, only spend on things that make sense. Statues serve a purpose, for people to know my face or to send the message that they can't pass... But well, I hope you haven't made this long journey just to talk about my personal wealth. I hope your trip was enjoyable,' I said with a smile.

''Of course it was, the journey was very peaceful. Your governors welcomed us with open arms,' said Lord Arryn, searching for words to explain something.

''But we were struck by the fact that within the Prussian hospitality there were eyes full of contempt and annoyance, and even many insults that were exchanged when your nobles called several of ours "barbarians," said Varys with a calm tone, showing a smile.

'It was to be expected... I didn't order anything to my men, so they treated them as they naturally would to send a strong and clear message. My men don't respect Robert or the Westerosis, so I'm the only one they can negotiate with. If they want to have The Reach pacified, it must be through me, and if they try anything against me, they'll face incredible resistance in the kingdom's granary.'

"Yes, there are accommodations for all the guests. The honored guests will be accommodated at Highgarden, where they will be treated according to their social status. Several residences have been built around the castle to host the lesser nobles. I must point out that their accommodations will not be like those here. I tend to emulate the austerity of my grandfather in my personal spaces," I said with a smile.

"And how was that grandfather of yours? Because if he lived like that... what's the point of being the king?" said Robert with interest.

"Ah, my grandfather was known as the Soldier King. That says a lot about his personality. He was a man of few words, stern, and disciplined. He spent all he had on training his personal regiments. He was always dressed in uniform, even when going to church, and he loved sleeping on a military cot... a fondness I also acquired during my military campaigns. But it was said that as a father, he was a monster... he beat my father and uncles relentlessly to instill in them what a Prussian heir should be: a manly man, a devout follower of the faith, and a military commander. Luckily, my upbringing was very different from my father's."

"His reign was long, and much of the military culture among the nobles and officers was imposed by him. That's why it's highly regarded among my nobles that I continue my grandfather's military tradition, as many of them lived and fought alongside him and expect similar behavior from me," I said to Robert, recounting the story of my grandfather.

"Wow..." said Robert.

Arryn shook his head upon hearing about the treatment my father or uncles endured.

"But well, I suppose you must be tired. Unfortunately, here I don't have decent beds, unless you want to sleep on a military cot. You should go to Highgarden, where an army of servants awaits to fulfill any desire and a warehouse full of food and liquor," I said with a smile to my guests.

"We appreciate your concern, Lord Hohenzollern. We hope your festivities go smoothly," said Lord Arryn.

"We hope so too. By the way, I took the liberty of creating many more tournaments and competitions, so this time there will be many events instead of the usual week of festivities. I thought it should last almost three weeks. Of course, I'll understand if you need to leave earlier," I said to Lord Arryn.

Robert's face lit up, and he looked at Arryn with expectant eyes.

"I must leave earlier, but I suppose the king could stay longer to get to know all his lords," said Arryn with a smile.

"Very well... Lord Arryn, would you allow me to have a personal conversation with the king to discuss governance matters?" I said, looking seriously at Lord Arryn.

Arryn looked at Varys, and they both had doubts.

"We're only going to talk about your duties as king. Nothing bad will happen to him. If he wanted to do something against the realm, don't miss the opportunity to capture the entire small council. Ha, ha, ha," I said, calming Lord Arryn.

Arryn nodded, and all the king's entourage left, and I indicated the seat to Robert to sit down.

"Don't tell me you're going to give me the lecture on how to be a good king too," said Robert with some disappointment.

"I have to, Robert. I'm concerned about the realm. Arryn does everything he can, but he's hamstrung while you spend everything that comes into the coffers, preventing your Hand from doing the necessary work in the realm. Do you plan to do this your whole life?" I said to Robert with a calm tone.

Robert sighed deeply, showing great sadness on his face.

"I've thought about going to Essos. I've heard there's one of the bloodiest wars going on there right now. It would be epic to go there and show my skill. But I think: what will happen to the throne? And it terrifies me to think that now the throne would be in the hands of Cersei, that trecherous viper," said Robert angrily.

"You're the king, you can choose an heir. What about your brothers?" I said, looking at Robert.

"Bah... Stannis is more unpleasant than a kick in the balls. No one would like it if he were king. And Renly... Well, I don't know Renly well, I don't like him, but he's also very young. I doubt he could handle the duties of the crown," said Robert.

"And what about... selling it... selling the crown... to a noble you trust? That way you could finance a good mercenary company to have all the battles you want in Essos," I said, looking straight at Robert.

"That would be unheard of... madness, Wilhelm," said Robert, looking up.

"You would only be copying what one of the Targaryens did. You have bastard daughters you could legitimize. You could offer marriage to one of your legitimized daughters to whoever is worthy to rule and have her husband rule on her behalf," I said with a smile.

"Mya," said Robert after remembering.

"Or Bella, the daughter you had at the Battle of the Bells when you were bedding that prostitute," I said to Robert, recalling his known bastards.

"I have another daughter... Gods... and who do you recommend?" said Robert after passing his hands over his face.

"The decision is yours, Robert. Whoever you consider can make the realm prosper. But if you ask me what characteristics they should have... obviously, having funds to pay you and fill the royal coffers. Having a strong enough army until the people recognize him as king, having a strong sense of duty so he doesn't become a tyrant, and obviously, single," I said with a smile.

"I only know sycophants... All the decent men I know are either too old or already married or getting married," said Robert.

"Ah... Well, are you considering me?" I said falsely surprised.

"You're the the most righteous person I know after arryn.and that I like, but you already have Janna. I won't ask you to leave someone you love," said Robert.

"Ha, ha, ha... Love? Me to her... ha, ha, ha. It's just politics, Robert," I said after laughing a bit.

"Don't you love her? But you looked happy together," said Robert surprised.

"Robert, I will live to see Janna wither and die while I'm still young. I will live three hundred years or more. I can't love someone so ephemeral. I can't afford to have a love depression. Something you're already experiencing with the death of your beloved. But if you consider me worthy, in the future, I could divorce Janna and marry your daughter to further the plan of going to Essos," I said to Robert.

"True, I forgot that you will live so long... And if for some reason I try to fill the void of my beloved's death with alcohol, women, and food... Ah... It would be a scandal... But a good way to punish Cersei... But... I have to talk to John," said Robert.

"Of course, just consider it as an option. If you finally decide to do it, we'll start placing Prussian advisors around you and prepare for the transition. Go and enjoy my hospitality, as I still have work to do," I said with a smile.

Robert left my room after saying goodbye.

'Damn incompetent piece of shit. The only time you had to act before thinking, and you decide to show brain just now...'

I thought about hitting the table, but then I remembered how difficult it would be to sort through all this paperwork, so I calmed down and continued working.