Just as Jon embarked on his journey, the Imp also began his journey again.
Perhaps agreeing with Jon's dream, or out of other considerations, when Tyrion chose to turn west and pass through the Riverlands to Casterly Rock, Lady Catelyn, who also began her return journey, also turned into the Vale.
As for the purpose of the Lady of Winterfell, besides wanting to visit her sister, the eldest daughter of House Tully just wanted to talk to Lysa face to face.
After all, the truth about Jon Arryn's murder could not be explained clearly by letter.
...
However, back to Jon, the transmigrator's situation was not very rosy.
As a temporarily free baron, Jon knew better than anyone that every effort he made now would be closely related to his future.
In other words, every bit of capital and influence he accumulated here would increase his odds of winning in the future game of thrones.
It was precisely after thinking of this that the first thing Jon wanted to do was to engage in real estate and tourism projects here in a big way!
That's right, although he had lived two lives, the desire in the transmigrator's bones made him keenly discover a business opportunity.
That was, compared to King's Landing where land was worth gold, the land and real estate here were simply painfully cheap.
An entire mansion covering a vast area, including the walled garden in the front yard and the warehouse in the back yard, only required three or four hundred Gold Dragons to make the original owner leave at light speed, without even taking a piece of furniture.
Taking the same amount of money to King's Landing, let alone buying a cramped two-bedroom apartment, one would probably have to queue up for a chance to rent a cellar.
Although these courtyards looked a bit dusty and were arranged randomly.
But comparatively speaking, as long as they were all demolished and uniformly planned and rebuilt, brand new and exquisitely styled mansions could extract Gold Dragons from the nobles.
At the same time, this fiefdom he designated happened to be located on the coast southeast of Rosby. The main reason why it couldn't be developed was its shallow beach.
But similarly, such a sandy beach located in the humid and hot south was also a dream vacation paradise in another world.
So Jon, a newcomer, did not intend to act rashly to snatch the seemingly profitable smuggling business, but wanted to gain a foothold first before making plans.
Anyway, the nobles living here had all placed their properties halfway up the mountain.
Therefore, most of the places near the coast were residences of commoners and fishermen, making it easy for Jon to integrate them without any hesitation.
As for the nobles living here, the vast majority were destitute guys. As long as he paid more attention, he could eventually subdue these local snakes.
After all, if they really had strength or background, they would have moved into King's Landing to attend banquets all day long, instead of hiding in the suburbs feeling sorry for themselves.
Combining these, Jon felt that the twelve thousand Gold Dragons on hand were not enough for him to squander, and he needed more starting capital.
As for the origin of this money, it was naturally not a benevolent return from Duke Ned.
After all, at the same time as he got the territory and surname, the Double Crown reward was also written off.
But it just so happened that because he won the championship, Jon got such an unexpected surprise.
Yes, after learning about the enthusiasm of the people of King's Landing for the tourney, Jon naturally knew about another industry—gambling.
These industries active underground were strictly defined as illegal in the kingdom's laws, but unfortunately, there was a huge market.
From the private clubs of nobles to the casinos in the slums, betting pools would often be opened around big and small popular events.
So after learning that the odds of "Ser Dontos" winning the championship were as high as 1:60, Jon naturally wouldn't give up such an opportunity. He immediately "borrowed" money from several scribes and bet it all on the archery contest.
Although he won a complete victory in the end and obtained high returns based on this, Jon couldn't be happy at all.
Just because human desire is endless. Jon also didn't expect that he would win the jousting championship, and regretted missing out on more Gold Dragons in vain.
Therefore, the current Jon felt that the whole world owed him money, wishing he could make up for it in one go.
With this mentality, the master and servant pushed the door open and walked into the only tavern and inn here.
As a Silver Stag was tossed out, the room was quickly prepared. Jon chose to occupy the side facing the sea so that he could see the beautiful scenery when opening the window.
Although the inn was very cheap, it was extraordinarily lively, so much so that Jon couldn't sleep well lying on the bed.
Fortunately, Jon was not anxious. He didn't come here to enjoy himself, and he couldn't stay for long.
When the undercurrents surged again in King's Landing, it would be his opportunity to vacate the place and return to the vortex.
But before that, he must manage the territory well as soon as possible, at least to make it basically operational.
As for luggage and the like, neither he nor the Bull seemed to have prepared much.
Previously, because of status, they didn't have any valuable personal items. At best, it was weapons, warhorses, and armor, which could completely be called traveling light.
Of course, as a lord, he could enjoy himself, but as a squire, he needed to prepare more.
Just like now, Gendry didn't choose to rest. Instead, he ordered a cup of craft ale, guarded the edge of the bar counter, and listened to a group of drinkers bragging and chatting.
As a native of King's Landing, even though the Bull didn't have much personal freedom before, he knew far more about worldly wisdom and gathering information than many countryside nobles.
And this ability was entirely due to the influence of the big dyeing vat of King's Landing.
Therefore, after drinking the third cup of sweet red wine, Gendry beckoned the boss over, and after slamming down a Silver Stag, he showed a satisfied smile.
After that, he left the wine table and knocked on Jon's door.
"My Lord, I heard some interesting rumors."
As soon as he entered the room, Gendry went straight to the topic.
"Tell me about it. After all, I know nothing about this place, only heard that it's not very peaceful."
When Jon said this, he was wiping that Valyrian steel longsword. Even the lion carving on the crossguard faintly reflected a cold light under the candlelight.
Of course, the transmigrator didn't tell the truth. After all, in Varys's description, this place was simply a lawless land.
"How should I put it? It's a bit troublesome."
The Bull nodded with a straight face: "Presumably you have seen it. Many destitute nobles live here, gathered on the hillside. If we want to gain a foothold here, I'm afraid we can't bypass them..."
Just as Gendry said, although these nobles had no power or influence, they seemed very exclusive to outsiders.
Previously, although this place belonged directly to King Robert, the Usurper was not a strict monarch, nor did he send those tax farmers who sucked marrow from bones.
So for many poor nobles, this place was simply like heaven.
But now, the situation was somewhat different.
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