167. Hidden Worries

"This kind of protective equipment is so much lighter than full-body armor, and it doesn't restrict movement at all!" Kent exclaimed, his face glowing with excitement and admiration. He waved his arms enthusiastically, praising the new gear as if it were a gift from the gods.

"My lord, when can you bring more of this back? My soldiers and I would love to have full protective equipment like this. It would be a relief not to constantly worry about injuries in battle!"

Marb looked at dicken and the others with a warm yet envious gaze. The advanced gear they wore was so appealing that he nearly wanted to strip it off them and put it on himself.

Jon, Bud, and McCann shared the same feelings of shock and envy. This protective equipment was nothing short of incredible.

Wearing such a suit meant greatly reducing the chances of being harmed by an enemy's sword. With it, as long as you wielded a weapon and attacked, you didn't have to fear the constant threat of being slashed. It was truly a lifesaving invention!

"Don't worry," Jason Liu said, addressing his men with a calm yet reassuring tone. "You'll all have this equipment in the future."

He paused to make sure they understood, then added a warning, "But remember, this gear only reduces the chances of being injured. It doesn't make you invincible. You must still be cautious in battle. Protective equipment isn't a substitute for skill or vigilance."

"Yes, my lord!" came the unified response from everyone.

They knew Jason was right. While the equipment offered protection from sharp weapons, it wouldn't stop blunt force trauma. A skilled swordsman could exploit the gaps in the armor, and even the best gear couldn't protect against being overwhelmed by sheer numbers.

Wearing such armor didn't make a warrior invincible—it simply gave them an edge.

Jason instructed Jon, Bud, McCann, and Marb to continue training their soldiers while he headed to the warehouse with his four guards. He had to prepare gifts for the Stark family, as the banquet at Winterfell was fast approaching.

In just two days, he would officially present himself as the Earl of Starfire City before the gathered nobles of the North.

Jason's business had grown significantly. His reputation had spread across the Seven Kingdoms, thanks to merchants who carried his modern goods to every corner of Westeros.

Even the nobility had likely heard of the unique products he sold or used them without realizing their origin. However, Jason didn't dwell on how many of them knew his name.

To him, it didn't matter. Jason preferred to operate quietly, focusing on making money and conducting business with merchants rather than seeking fame among the lords and ladies of Westeros.

But staying low-key was becoming increasingly difficult. The products he introduced were so popular, and the wealth he amassed so immense, that it was impossible not to attract attention.

The upcoming banquet would only amplify his visibility as he unveiled gifts like solar-powered lamps and well-crafted wagons—luxuries that would amaze even the most powerful nobles.

Jason knew the risks. Wealth often brought greed and danger. He had read before that with a 20% profit, business becomes active; with 50%, it takes risks; with 100%, it ignores all laws; and with 300%, it becomes willing to commit any crime, even murder.

In Westeros, where feudal power ruled and greed had no bounds, Jason couldn't afford to be naive. He was well aware that the wealth he had accumulated could make him a target, even for those he considered allies.

Could the Stark family themselves, who had always been honorable, one day see him as a threat or an opportunity?

Jason wasn't sure, and he wouldn't know the answer until the situation arose. For now, all he could do was strengthen his position and ensure that no one had the opportunity to exploit or harm him.

Unfortunately, Jason faced a dilemma. His small castle and storefront were too close to Winterfell. The Stark family wouldn't tolerate him amassing soldiers or building significant military strength under their watchful eyes.

Gaining too much military power near Winterfell would be seen as a threat, and Jason had no intention of giving the Starks a reason to turn against him.

If he wanted to continue growing, he would need his own territory—a place far enough from Winterfell where he could expand freely.

The thought struck Jason suddenly, leaving him stunned for a moment. Then he chuckled bitterly.

"What am I even thinking? I'm just a businessman trying to make some money. And now I'm daydreaming about claiming land and building my own power base?"

He shook his head with a wry smile. "Am I really getting this ambitious just because I've made some money?"

Yet deep down, Jason knew this wasn't simply ambition. It was necessity. As he climbed higher in status and wealth, new challenges and dangers arose.

Much like how a small business grows into a large corporation, Jason's success meant he had to think bigger. Protecting his wealth and interests now required more than just clever trade—it required power and strength.

Unless he was willing to abandon the profits from his goods, Jason couldn't avoid these challenges. In a lawless and brutal society like Westeros, riches without strength would only invite disaster.

If he wanted to keep his enemies at bay, Jason would need to build military power—not to conquer, but to protect. Only strength could ensure his survival and prevent others from preying on him.

Leaning back in his chair, Jason rubbed his forehead and sighed.

"Damn it," he muttered. "I just wanted to do some business and make money. Why does it have to be so complicated?"

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