Chapter 40.1- The Seadragon's Roar

MID 110 AC

“Now how many panes did you say you wanted?” I asked the Bravosi representative as we looked down at the massive storage building I’d made for the glass we were producing. The alliance with Yronwood and The Tor had seen us receiving even better sand and thanks to the optimizations we’d already implemented for using less than perfect inputs, we were able to scale production to the point where we were making so much glass that storage had become an issue. A brief issue thanks to our latest addition to our industrial base, but one nonetheless.

“Enough to remodel the Sealord’s entire palace.” The man said, still looking somewhat shocked— probably both at the amount of the glass and the clearness of each pane.

“Indeed. I can have one of my builders sent to estimate how many you would need for the process.” I offered.

“There is no need. Braavos has the best architects in the world. I have a few of them in my entourage. The measurements for the panes you have will be enough” he said.

“We can also produce curved panes at an increased price” I said, adding something to sweeten the pot.

“Indeed. My architects will let you know what is needed” He said. I nodded.

—

“How are our finances looking?” I started the meeting off with.

“Without persistent spending on building and food stockpiling, Bloodstone would be profitable at this point” Bernard said, not bothering to hide how much he wanted me to dial things back.

“And with our present rate of spending continuing as is?” I asked.

“We can expect for incomes from glass sales to continue to cover expenditure for the next few moons. Of course, this is predicated on another bulk order like the Sealord’s not coming in. If such an order comes in, then we can expect to move into profitability” He said.

“Good then” I noted.

“At least we are no longer bleeding gold on a daily basis” Laena said.

“Indeed. And the projects on the outer isles? What is Vaemond’s latest report?” I asked.

“He said the construction of the watchtowers is progressing at pace. This latest invention, concrete, while expensive to produce at present is accelerating the rate of progress meaningfully. All towers should be fully completed by this time next year at present rates.” Bernard reported. I nodded. That was good enough. Concrete had been a bitch and a half to figure out but it was so worth it.

“And the shipyard”

“Complete and ready. The incomplete ships arriving from Driftmark should be finished in a matter of weeks rather than the moons as initially estimated.”

“Good” Another win. One would almost have thought that all I did was win. And they wouldn’t have been wrong…but for one thing.

“And Volantis?”

“Our ships are still turned back at their port. Their refusal to allow us sell goods at their markets or to sell to us in turn continues unabated.” Lovely. Just lovely.