Since Wright developed the pocket watch, the blacksmith workshops in Wind's Rest began manufacturing the watch parts, which were then sold to Renly's workshop for assembly. Wind's Reach was also the place with the most newly titled knights, as many skilled artisans were made knights by Renly and pledged their loyalty to him.
Now, throughout Westeros, nobles would pull out pocket watches to check the time wherever they went. The gold cases were engraved with their family crests, and unconsciously, they would raise their hands in front of others, subtly showing the words "Wind's Rest" on the dial.
There were also Wright's limited-edition watches, which were impossible to buy and were only given as gifts to a few Lord and princes. It was said they were made of Valyrian steel, and there were rumors in the black market of the Eastern Continent that people were willing to pay high prices to acquire them. This led to a period where thieves in several territories became more daring, even stealing from Lord. When they couldn't get those, they would steal the gold watches from passing noble families, resulting in some deaths. There were more Night's Watch patrols, but some skilled and daring thieves still hadn't been caught.
The pocket watches made in Wind's Reach were known for their high quality, precise timekeeping, luxurious appearance, and powerful functions. They could even be customized with a family crest, making them a valuable heirloom. However, they were expensive, so only the wealthy nobles could afford one, while other nobles could manage to buy them after saving up.
Some land-owning knights or small merchants couldn't afford such expensive watches and had to buy the ones made in the Citadel. The most expensive version from the Citadel was made with a silver case, and while the internal quality wasn't great, it could still be used to check the time once a day. Knights preferred the white steel-cased watches, which were durable and reasonably priced. They could buy a new one if they broke it.
The cheap pocket watches from the Citadel were officially produced in collaboration with House Hightower, but secretly, Wind's Rest, House Tyrell, House Hightower, and the Citadel had a four-way partnership, with Wind's Rest covering both the high and low-end markets in secret.
---
At the Red Keep, Prince Oberyn stood before the mirror, eyes closed, body exposed, as Daemon Sand and Ellaria Sand helped him dress. He had returned from the East the day before after attending his son-in-law's 16th birthday ceremony, where he had been drunk by Robert, still reeling from the effects of the alcohol, and now, early this morning, he had to attend his daughter's wedding.
Daemon Sand was the son of Lord Ryon allyrion of the wealthy city of Godsgrace in Dorne. He had served as Oberyn's squire, and the two were also lovers. Ellaria Sand was also Oberyn's lover and had borne him four daughters. The three of them had spent the night in a drunken passion, and now none of them felt quite right.
Oberyn hung his pitch-black pocket watch on his clothing, glanced at the time, and saw it was almost time. The three of them sluggishly made their way to join Oberyn's Dornish guards, and the group walked toward the Red Keep's hall. Since Wright's parents had passed away when he was young, his elder brother would take his place, and Wright, who didn't follow the Seven, had allowed Robert to choose the location for the wedding. It was held in the Red Keep's hall.
As the father of the bride, Oberyn was escorted into the hall by the ceremonial officials, who ushered him to his position. His guards were allowed to enter the Red Keep only due to the formalities of the marriage ceremony. In a conversation with his two daughters earlier, he had learned that Wright had a very good relationship with them and that he no longer worried about the political nature of the union. He leaned against a column, his eyes half-closed as he drifted off to sleep.
Stannis had finally married the year before and had a daughter, Shireen Baratheon.
Shireen was also present at the wedding. Wright, who had crossed over from another world, knew how to treat greyscale. When he received word of her affliction, he immediately rushed to Dragonstone. Using magic, he froze the infected area, removed the diseased flesh, and then used potent healing spells to restore her. It was a perfect cure.
Since she was still a young child at the time, she had no memory of the event, and now she was a joyful little girl, always carried around by her mother.
The wedding itself was not a grand affair. Wright's status was not at the top, and it followed the traditional scale for the children of a High Lord. Apart from Renly, the others High Lords did not attend but still sent their congratulatory gifts.
After his coming-of-age ceremony, Wright moved out of the Red Keep and took residence in the Royal Magic School. A group of young noblemen tried to disrupt the wedding night, but they were tricked by an illusionary trap and couldn't even enter the school gates. Later, it was rumored that only the bride's sister, who was also her Knight, had entered the bedroom.
Oberyn Martell officially knighted Tyene Sand a few days ago.
In the following days, it became common to see the three of them together in King's Landing. In Westeros, where monogamy was practiced (except for the East and the Iron Islands), Tyene Sand became Wright's openly acknowledged lover.
Wright was preparing to head east to Essos for an expedition. With underdeveloped sailing technology and the vastness of the continent, this journey could last for many years, and he had to make some preparations.
In the Red Keep's meeting room, Jaime and Barristan stood guard at the door while inside, only Wright and Robert were present. The room was silent, sealed off by Wright's magic.
"Two things I need you to handle," Robert said to Wright. "First, you're going to the Wall, right? Please send my regards to Ned, and also visit Lyanna's tomb while you're there."
"No problem, it's on the way."
"Second, remember those two kids from House Targaryen? They're growing up now. When you're in Essos, see how they're doing."
Robert paused for a moment.
"If they show any signs of rebellion, just send them to meet their parents," Robert said, fully aware that Wright was not a merciful person. Once Wright considered someone an enemy, he would act decisively and without hesitation, faster than anyone else.
"Got it! Is there anything else you need to tell me?" Wright asked.
Robert thought for a moment, then shook his head. "I think that's it."
After a brief silence, Wright turned to Robert with a serious expression.
"Robert, the next thing I'm going to tell you is very important. If you get angry, I will use calming magic to calm you down. Are you ready?"
Robert took a sip of his drink to steady himself, his expression a mixture of anticipation and concern. "I've been through worse in my life. Just say it."
Wright nodded, then said:
"Joffrey is not your son. He is the product of an incestuous relationship between Jaime and Cersei."
Robert's face slowly turned crimson with rage as he stood up suddenly and hurled his wine glass against the wall.
Before the criminals were executed, Wright had used a powerful memory restoration spell on them. Their testimonies all confirmed that Queen Cersei Lannister was the mastermind behind the conspiracy. Somehow, she had turned against him.
When a few fraudulent mages first appeared, Cersei had reached out to them, using the guise of magic and even Wright's name to run scams. She didn't care for his life, just wanted to ruin his reputation while amassing wealth. Wright hadn't harmed a hair on Joffrey's head, but this madwoman was doing whatever she wanted, and now he was furious.
Wright cast a calming spell on Robert, who sat back down but glared at Wright and shouted:
"Do you know what you're saying? If you don't have evidence and just speak nonsense, it's treason! Even if you're my brother, I'll have you punished according to the law!"