With the support of the Iron Bank of Braavos, Gilderoy had secured the financial backing needed to expand his operations into Westeros. However, Westeros was not Braavos. The nobles of the Seven Kingdoms were deeply entrenched in tradition and suspicious of outsiders, especially merchants who offered them strange and unfamiliar goods.
Still, Gilderoy knew how to play the game. His first step was to leverage his success in Braavos as a badge of legitimacy. He would present himself as a prosperous merchant from the Free Cities, someone whose wares had already garnered the interest of Braavosi elites and the powerful Iron Bank. With that foundation, he could begin targeting the wealthiest and most influential houses of Westeros—starting with the Tyrells of the Reach.
The Reach was the most fertile and wealthy region of the Seven Kingdoms, ruled by Mace Tyrell. Gilderoy saw in Mace a perfect opportunity: a powerful lord eager to impress his peers, but not clever enough to see the true depth of Gilderoy's ambitions.
Gilderoy made his way to Highgarden, the Tyrells' seat of power, with a small entourage and a carefully curated selection of his finest goods. He had brought modern alcohol, luxurious furniture, and intricately crafted utensils—items that would be familiar to the nobles of Westeros, but far superior in quality and craftsmanship.
When he arrived at Highgarden, Gilderoy was greeted with all the grandeur befitting a guest of the Tyrells. Mace Tyrell, a large man with a round face and a jovial demeanor, welcomed him into his hall with open arms, eager to hear what this mysterious merchant had to offer.
"Welcome to Highgarden, Master Lockhart," Mace said, clapping Gilderoy on the shoulder with a hearty laugh. "I've heard quite a bit about your success in Braavos. Tell me, what wonders do you bring from the Free Cities?"
Gilderoy smiled, bowing respectfully. "My lord, I bring goods that will enhance the prestige of House Tyrell and elevate your standing among the nobility of the realm."
He gestured to his attendants, who began to present the goods. The first was a collection of fine wines and spirits, brewed with techniques from modern worlds that were far more refined than anything produced in Westeros. Mace's eyes lit up as he sampled the beverages, savoring the richness and complexity of the flavors.
"This is... remarkable," Mace said, his voice filled with wonder. "I've never tasted anything like it."
"I'm pleased that it meets your approval, my lord," Gilderoy replied smoothly. "But there's more. Allow me to show you something that will truly set Highgarden apart."
Next, Gilderoy's attendants unveiled a set of luxurious furniture—chairs and tables made from rich woods, intricately carved and polished to perfection. The craftsmanship was far beyond anything available in Westeros, and Mace's delight was evident.
"Such beauty!" Mace exclaimed, running his hands over the smooth surface of a table. "Where did you find such artisans?"
Gilderoy chuckled softly. "My lord, these are crafted using techniques from far beyond. And with your support, I can bring more of these wonders to the Reach."
Mace's eyes gleamed with ambition. "We must discuss this further. The lords of the realm will envy House Tyrell when they see what we have."
Mace Tyrell's enthusiasm for Gilderoy's goods quickly turned into a lucrative partnership. The lord of Highgarden, ever eager to enhance his status among the nobility, saw the value in Gilderoy's luxurious goods. It wasn't just about the quality of the alcohol, furniture, and utensils—it was about the prestige they conferred.
Highgarden had always been known for its wealth, but now Mace saw an opportunity to make House Tyrell the envy of the Seven Kingdoms. The fine wines and spirits would dazzle his guests, and the exquisite furniture would set his halls apart from any other noble seat. Mace's vanity, combined with Gilderoy's persuasive charm, made it easy for the merchant to secure his patronage.
"I want to purchase as much of your stock as possible," Mace declared during one of their meetings. "These goods are unlike anything in Westeros, and they will show the realm that House Tyrell is truly unmatched."
Gilderoy's smile widened. "Of course, my lord. With your backing, I can ensure that Highgarden is supplied with the finest goods from across the known world. And soon, every noble house will look to you as the trendsetter of the realm."
It wasn't long before Gilderoy's goods became a symbol of status in the Reach. Mace Tyrell proudly displayed the new furniture in his halls, boasting about the exotic origins of the goods to any guest who would listen. The fine wines and spirits were served at feasts, impressing lords and ladies alike. The noble families of the Reach, always eager to outdo one another, began vying for Gilderoy's attention, hoping to secure their own shipments of these luxurious items.
But Gilderoy was careful not to overextend himself. He understood that part of his success lay in the exclusivity of his products. He allowed only a select few noble houses to purchase his goods, ensuring that demand remained high and that those who could afford his wares would continue to pay exorbitant prices.
As his influence grew in the Reach, Gilderoy began to expand his operations. With Mace Tyrell's patronage as a foundation, he started making discreet inroads into other regions of Westeros. He knew that to truly dominate the market, he would need to reach the Lannisters in the West and the Martells in Dorne. But for now, his focus remained on the Reach, where Mace Tyrell's support gave him the protection and resources he needed to build his empire.
While Mace Tyrell basked in the admiration of his peers, Gilderoy was already thinking several steps ahead. His operation was growing, and with the support of House Tyrell, he had the resources to start spreading his influence across Westeros and beyond. But Gilderoy wasn't content to simply sell luxury goods. His true goal was far more ambitious.
Westeros was a land ruled by nobles, but its economy was still rooted in feudal traditions. Trade was sporadic, local economies were isolated, and the lack of reliable infrastructure meant that commerce was often at the mercy of political power struggles. Gilderoy saw an opportunity to centralize and control trade in a way that no one had ever attempted before.
Using his connections with the Iron Bank of Braavos, Gilderoy began to build a network of agents who would operate in key cities and regions across Westeros. These agents were not merchants themselves, but rather overseers who ensured that Gilderoy's goods were distributed efficiently and discreetly. He was careful to avoid attracting too much attention—while Mace Tyrell openly flaunted his new wealth, Gilderoy operated from the shadows, letting others take the credit for his success.
The Golden Company, a powerful mercenary organization based in Essos, also became part of Gilderoy's growing web. He had made contact with them during his earlier travels, and now he used them as enforcers to protect his trade routes and ensure that his goods moved safely across the dangerous roads of Westeros.
But Gilderoy's true power lay in his Kaleidoscope magic. He used it sparingly, carefully transporting rare and valuable goods from other worlds to supply his growing empire. He knew that if he pushed too hard, he could attract the attention of those who would try to uncover his secrets. So, for now, he limited his use of Kaleidoscope to bring in small quantities of goods that could be explained as exotic imports from the Free Cities.
As the months passed, Gilderoy's influence over the Reach deepened. Mace Tyrell, who had initially seen the partnership as a way to increase his own prestige, now found himself increasingly dependent on Gilderoy's goods to maintain his status. The Reach had always been wealthy, but Gilderoy's products had become a symbol of power and influence among the nobility.
Lords from across the region clamored to purchase his wines, spirits, and luxury furnishings, and Gilderoy ensured that only those who could pay the highest prices received the best goods. The exclusivity of his products created a monopoly, with House Tyrell acting as the primary distributor.
But Gilderoy wasn't content with simply controlling the Reach. He had his sights set on expanding his influence even further—into King's Landing and the Westerlands. However, the political situation in Westeros was delicate, and Gilderoy knew he had to tread carefully.
For now, he would continue to build his empire from the shadows, using the wealth and influence of House Tyrell to further his own goals. The Seven Kingdoms were a dangerous place, but Gilderoy had learned to navigate dangerous waters. His success in Westeros was just the beginning.
With his foothold firmly established in the Reach, Gilderoy began making plans for his next move. He knew that the political landscape of Westeros was always shifting, and he had to be prepared for whatever came next. His alliances with the Tyrells and the Iron Bank had given him a strong foundation, but Gilderoy was not a man who rested on his laurels.
Using his vast network of agents and his connections in Braavos, he began expanding his trade routes, quietly moving goods into King's Landing and other key cities. His ultimate goal was to create a multiversal trade empire, one that could fund his operations across the many worlds he traveled. Westeros was only the first step in a much larger plan.
But as he looked out over the golden fields of the Reach, Gilderoy knew that his time in Westeros was far from over. There were still many more pieces to move on the board, and he would play the game with the same cunning and ruthlessness that had brought him success in Braavos.
With a smile, he turned away from the window. The game was just beginning.