The cool breeze from the newly installed air conditioners filled the grand meeting chamber of the Iron Bank, their quiet hum a reminder of the growing influence of Eden's technology across Essos. For Braavos, the only Free City that maintained good relations with Eden, these magical amenities had become symbols of status and wealth. The elites of the city, merchants, and keyholders of the Iron Bank now took pride in displaying their air conditioners, imported at great cost from the distant city of Eden.
One such air conditioner whirred softly overhead, cooling the keyholders as they gathered around the massive stone table. Braavos, though independent and powerful, had embraced the luxuries offered by Eden with enthusiasm. The expansion of the city had been immense in recent years, driven by the influx of population and the miraculous life-saving medicines produced by Eden's laboratories. These medical advancements had brought a surge of wealth and growth to the city, and the Iron Bank was always at the heart of that prosperity.
Keyholder Nestoris leaned back in his chair, enjoying the cool air as he addressed the others. "We've come a long way, haven't we? I remember when these meetings were stifling in the summer heat. Now, we sit in comfort, thanks to the wonders of Eden."
A murmur of agreement swept through the room. The influence of Eden wasn't just felt in the technology Braavos imported. It was in the very culture of the city. Wealthy merchants now kept their mansions lit well into the night, paying hefty sums to Edenite companies for the privilege of light that defied the natural rhythm of the sun. These luxuries were becoming essential for the elite, further entwining Braavos with the faraway city of perfection.
Nestoris straightened and cleared his throat, glancing at the other keyholders. "Now, to the matter at hand. Eden has made a formal proposal to the Iron Bank, requesting the establishment of a new branch in Londonium, the city they are building in the ruins of Slaver's Bay."
The keyholders leaned forward, their attention sharpening at the mention of the new city. Londonium, or "Freedom Bay" as it was starting to be called, was already a topic of intense speculation across Essos. The destruction of Slaver's Bay had shocked the world, but Eden's plan to rebuild it into a shining new city was the talk of every merchant port and banking hall.
Nestoris continued, "As you all know, we've tried in the past to open a branch in the city of Eden itself, but the Eden Central Bank has always rebuffed our efforts. They are determined to keep their own financial system separate from ours. However, Londonium will be different. It will be a city that trades extensively with the outside world, and the Supreme Leader has personally approved the proposal for a branch of the Iron Bank there."
There was a brief silence, followed by nods of approval. Keyholder Kilaro, a stout man with a sharp mind for numbers, spoke up. "It's a wise move. New Qarth already operates under a joint financial system between the Iron Bank and the Eden Central Bank. Londonium will follow the same model. And with the expected trade flowing through Freedom Bay, our presence there will be crucial."
"The question," added Keyholder Terys, a tall woman with a calculating gaze, "is who will oversee the new branch. Londonium will be a vital hub, especially given its proximity to the Free Cities and the projected influx of trade from all over Essos. We need someone who can handle not just the numbers, but the politics of the region."
Nestoris nodded, folding his hands on the table. "That is precisely what we are here to discuss. The head of the Londonium branch must be someone with extensive experience, but also someone who understands the delicate balance of power between Eden and the Free Cities."
Kilaro leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "We could appoint Tormes. He's been managing the branch in Volantis with great success. His experience in volatile regions could serve him well in Londonium."
Terys shook her head. "Tormes is competent, yes, but he's too rigid. Londonium will require someone who can navigate a rapidly changing environment. We need flexibility, someone with a deep understanding of Eden's culture as well as the political complexities of Essos."
Nestoris stroked his chin thoughtfully. "What about Voreno? He has dealt with the Edenites before, during the negotiations in New Qarth. He knows their ways better than most."
A murmur of consideration rippled through the room. Voreno was an experienced banker, known for his diplomatic skills and his ability to adapt to unfamiliar environments. He had successfully managed several difficult negotiations between Braavos and Eden, earning a reputation for being able to balance both worlds.
"I agree," said Terys, nodding slightly. "Voreno has the right temperament for this. He understands the Edenites, and he's proven himself in complex negotiations. If anyone can handle the intricacies of managing a branch in Londonium, it's him."
Kilaro glanced around the table, weighing the opinions of his fellow keyholders. "It seems we have consensus. Voreno will be appointed head of the Londonium branch. I'll notify him immediately."
Nestoris tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his expression thoughtful. "Good. The Iron Bank will have a strong presence in Freedom Bay, just as we intended. But remember—this is only the beginning. The eyes of Essos will be on us, and we must ensure that this venture succeeds. Londonium could be the gateway to a new era of prosperity for the Free Cities."
The keyholders nodded in agreement, the gravity of the moment settling over them. Braavos had long been a city that thrived on its independence, its neutrality in the affairs of kingdoms and empires. But in recent years, the alliance with Eden had grown stronger, and now, with the establishment of a branch in Londonium, the Iron Bank was positioning itself at the heart of Eden's expansion into Slaver's Bay.
As the meeting adjourned and the keyholders dispersed, Nestoris lingered for a moment, his thoughts turning to the future. Braavos had always been a city of power and influence, but now it was entering a new chapter—one where Eden's magical technology and vast resources would shape the fate of Essos. The Iron Bank had placed its bets on Londonium, and Nestoris was determined to see them pay off.
Outside, the streets of Braavos buzzed with activity, the air cool and refreshing thanks to the magical air conditioners imported from Eden. The merchants, nobles, and commoners alike went about their business, oblivious to the decisions being made in the halls of the Iron Bank.
And as the sun dipped below the horizon, the lights of Braavos flickered to life, illuminating the city in a soft glow—a glow made possible by the wonders of Eden, a city of perfection and power, whose influence now reached farther than ever before.