—Kingslanding—
Within the small council chamber, King Robert was sitting among the small council to speak about matters that concerned the crown and other important matters.
"First on the agenda, is this letter that we received a few days ago about the foundation of the Imperial Union on the Continent of Essos with its capital city being the infamous Heaven's Reach." started Jon Arryn, the current hand of the King.
Robert Baratheon leaned forward; his brow furrowed. "Imperial Union? Heaven's Reach? What in the seven hells are you talking about, Jon?"
"It seems, Your Grace," Jon Arryn continued, unfurling a scroll, "that a new power has risen in Essos. They call themselves the Imperial Union, ruled by an emperor named Maximus. Their Capital, Heaven's Reach, is said to be a city of wonders unlike anything seen before."
"This Maximus, he's the one who sells those potions I've heard so much about right?" questioned Robert as he was not sure.
"Yes, your grace, he is the one responsible for selling them, and he did have what I would call a close relation with the Mad King so it's safe to say that when the former Queen Rhaella fled Dragonstone, she probably sought protection with Maximus." explained Jon Arryn.
Varys cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the council. "If I may, Your Grace, my little birds have been singing quite interesting songs about this Emperor Maximus and his Imperial Union. They have such a vast army that any direct confrontation with them would cause us to lose our lives."
Robert's face reddened with anger. "Are you telling me this upstart emperor is harboring Targaryen fugitives? And now he's built an empire that could threaten us?"
"It would appear so, Your Grace," Varys replied smoothly. "But there's more. My sources report that this Maximus possesses... abilities beyond those of ordinary men. He's said to command magic, to heal with a touch, and to build cities overnight." obviously this was just an exaggeration.
Pycelle scoffed. "Surely these are exaggerations, embellishments spread by merchants and sailors."
"I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss them, Grand Maester," Jon interjected, leaning forward. "The potions this emperor sells have proven quite real and effective. If even half the stories about him are true, we'd be fools to underestimate him."
Robert slammed his fist on the table, causing goblets to rattle. "Damn it all! First, we have Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen gallivanting across Essos, and now this Maximus fellow building an empire and harboring more dragon spawn? We can't let this stand!"
"Caution would be wise, Your Grace," Lord Cedric Hightower spoke up. "This Imperial Union could prove a valuable trading partner. Their wealth is said to rival that of the Iron Bank. Perhaps we should seek to establish diplomatic relations before considering any... rash actions."
Stannis, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "Brother, as much as it pains me to agree with Lord Hightower, he may have a point. We cannot afford a war with Essos, not with the crown's finances in their current state."
Robert's face twisted in frustration. He knew they were right, but the thought of Targaryens finding safe harbor anywhere in the world galled him. "Fine," he spat. "We'll send an envoy. But I want eyes and ears in this Imperial Union. Varys, I want to know everything about this Maximus and his empire. Every weakness, every secret."
Varys bowed his head. "Of course, Your Grace. I shall redouble my efforts."
"And what of the envoy?" Jon Arryn asked. "Who should we send to represent the Seven Kingdoms?"
The room fell silent as the council members contemplated this crucial decision. After a moment, Lord Hightower spoke up.
"If I may suggest, Your Grace, perhaps Lord Renly would be an excellent choice. He has the charm and wit to make a favorable impression, and as your brother, his presence would demonstrate the importance we place on these diplomatic relations."
Robert stroked his beard, considering. "Renly, eh? He does have a way with people. What do you think, Stannis?"
Stannis clenched his jaw, clearly displeased with the suggestion. "Renly is young and untested in such matters. This is a delicate situation that requires experience and a firm hand."
"Oh, come now, brother," Robert laughed, slapping Stannis on the back. "Renly's charm might be just what we need. Besides, it'll do the boy good to get out of the capital for a while."
Jon Arryn nodded slowly. "Lord Renly could indeed be a good choice. His youth and charisma might appeal to this Emperor Maximus, who is said to be a young man himself. However, I suggest we send an experienced diplomat with him to guide the negotiations."
"A wise precaution," Varys agreed. "Perhaps the newly knighted Ser Davos Seaworth? He has experience in Essos and a level head on his shoulders."
Stannis's eyes narrowed at the mention of Ser Davos as he was, he had indeed proved to be very helpful over the past few months. "Ser Davos would serve well in such a role."
Robert clapped his hands together. "Then it's settled. Renly and Ser Davos will be our envoys to this Imperial Union. They'll take measure of this Maximus and his empire and see what can be gained by working with them."
"And what message shall they carry, Your Grace?" Jon Arryn asked. "What are our terms for working alongside this empire?"
Robert leaned back in his chair; his face thoughtful. "We'll offer trade agreements, of course. Their potions and other goods could be valuable to the realm. In return, we can offer them... what? What do we have that this apparently wealthy empire might want?"
"Access to our ports and markets could be enticing," Lord Hightower suggested.
Jon Arryn nodded approvingly. "A wise suggestion, Lord Hightower. We could also offer them favorable tariffs on goods entering the Seven Kingdoms." For the rest of the meeting the council debated the matter of dealing with the Targaryens that are left. A few weeks from now Ser Davos and Lord Renly will depart for Essos to start establishing a relationship between the Seven Kingdoms and the Imperial Union.
———
Back in Essos, Maximus had returned to Heaven's Reach leaving the construction of New Rhoyne to the professionals. He had completed his mission, but he wanted to wait until he got back to his palace before he accepted the rewards.
[Quest Completed: The old ruins of the Sorrows are home to the Shrouded Lord, destroy the Shrouded Lord and establish control over the Sorrows]
Rewards:
-x1 Legendary Character summon
-50k system points
-????—[Blessing from Mother Rhoyne]
For the Legendary character summon, this time he received a female Admiral named Lyra Thorne:
Tactical Navigator: Lyra possesses an unparalleled ability to read the winds and currents, allowing her to outmaneuver enemies and navigate treacherous waters with ease.
Commanding Presence: Her charisma and leadership inspire loyalty in her crew, boosting their morale and combat effectiveness during naval battles.
Master of Naval Warfare: Lyra is a brilliant strategist, able to devise complex battle plans and adapt them on the fly, turning the tide of battle in her favor.
Stormcaller: With a deep connection to the sea, she can influence weather patterns, summoning storms to shield her fleet or hinder her enemies' ships.
Dual-Wielding Expert: In addition to her naval prowess, she is skilled in hand-to-hand combat, wielding two swords with deadly precision, making her formidable in boarding actions.
The legendary character summon had yielded an impressive naval commander in Admiral Lyra Thorne, whose skills would undoubtedly prove invaluable in the expansion and protection of the Imperial Union's growing naval power.
For ships, Maximus had given the dwarven craftsmen a sketch of how 1700s ships looked, ranging from, Ships of the Line, Frigates, Sloops, Brigs, and Galleons (for trade).
These ships would change how naval warfare is conducted and ensure total dominance of the sea by the Imperial Union. The funds for this project would be from an investment from the Imperial Union's front company, the Silver Serpent Trading Company. Since the establishment of the Imperial Union, the Silver Serpent Trading Company has continued to operate officially as a Company owned by the Imperial Union.
This has caused some Free Cities to start being cautious around the company. In Myr, Tyrosh, and Lys, the branches of the Silver Serpent company that was present were forced to be closed down by the Magisters who saw the company as a projection of the Imperial Union power which is something that they didn't want.
Maximus didn't pay much mind to this and just focused on expanding the Imperial Union, within the current lands that they have a claim over.